Mail-Order Bride Substitute by Linda Ford is a Historical Western Romance. Imagine sending for a bride, but someone else arrives in her place. Riley Shannon finds himself in exactly that position. Olivia comes from a wealthy family back east, but when malicious rumors cause her to head west.

Losing a woman he loved because she did not love ranching life, Riley Shannon seeks out to find a mail-order bride who is the opposite. He wants a marriage of convenience. So when Olivia arrives, complete with a male servant and a piano, Riley is anything but amused.

I loved how the author developed both the characters and the storyline. The relationships between Riley and Olivia, as well as Riley and his family, plus Olivia and family, keep the story interesting. The author developed the storyline at a pace that kept me interested. With twists and turns, this book will keep you reading.

So if you enjoy HIstorical Western Romances, check out Mail-Order Bride Substitute by Linda Ford for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I love reading books from this author because I am able to picture the time period easily with her vivid details. She brings the story to life with words that flow across the pages and helps readers relate to the characters with ease. I have read several marriage of convenience stories lately but this one really spoke to me. I loved how it was emotional and was not the typical couple gets married and suddenly they are in love story.

This story has depth and is realistic because it shows two people who struggle with their feelings and don’t rush into marriage right away. As you read the story you will find that Olivia was not who Riley had invited to become his bride. What Olivia does is decide to prove that she was meant to be at the ranch all along. Her determination and faith see her through difficult moments. Trying to convince Riley that she will not leave is a big task but I loved how her word was something you can count on. Her grace and quiet spirit is refreshing and I liked that she didn’t try to push the issue of marriage.

Riley is not happy when he discovers that the woman he thought was coming to marry him, sends a substitute instead. I think perhaps he was a little upset and wasn’t sure Olivia would last a day at the ranch. Riley is a hard worker and is very respectful of Olivia. There are some funny moments in the story when Olivia tries to cook eggs. Obviously she is not a cook which puts doubt in Riley’s mind that he can marry her. He learns a valuable lesson about judging someone by where they come from.

With a beautiful backdrop of the old west, we are transported back to the days where hard work happened from sunup to sundown. The women cooked, cleaned and made sure their family was cared for. Riley and Olivia both need to trust each other and allow God to show them that they were not brought together by accident. I enjoyed how their relationship was not rushed but allowed to slowly blossom as they began to share their past. It is a sweet story that illustrates how love can happen if you open your heart and allow the past to not define you.

I want to congratulate the author on her 100th published book. It is an honor to read books by an author who shares faith through stories that bring us closer to God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )