The Cowboy’s Mail Order Bride by Carolyn Brown

In this era when letter writing has almost become a lost art, author Carolyn Brown reminds us how intriguing and romantic it can be.

In Brown’s latest installment in her Cowboys and Brides series, she uses letter writing to link the past and the present, as well as bring two families together. THE COWBOY’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE is a charming look at how lives can be changed by just one letter.

Emily Cooper made two promises to her dying grandfather. She would hand deliver a box of letters to his former sweetheart, along with a special letter that had been lost by the postal service some 60 years ago. Then she’s to take a month-long vacation away from the ranch she just inherited before deciding how to spend the rest of her life.

Once at Lightning Ridge Ranch, Emily is drawn to a photo of the grandson of her grandfather’s sweetheart, Clarice. Before she knows it, Emily has agreed to work as Clarice’s assistant for a month instead of spending a month on the beach.

Business-minded Greg Adams loves the ranch, almost as much as he does his Nana (Clarice). If she wants to hire a stranger for a month, that’s fine by him. He’s just not ready for the fiery attraction he feels for the stranger.
As the two work side-by-side on the ranch their passion ignites. They soon come to understand why their grandparents wrote to each other and that desire became theirs.

Brown once again creates a cast of characters that are realistic and lovable. The kind of folks you’d like to live down the road from. They are well-developed with the right blend of humor, love and understanding.

The story moves at a steady pace with surprises, plenty of laughs, a couple of tug-on-your heart moments, and steamy romance. An eye for detail, Brown’s rich descriptions places the reader at the ranch with all its sights and smells. Brown has the flair for portraying the small-town feel and country love of cowboys and cowgirls.

THE COWBOY’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE blends modern life problems with the romance and mystery of simpler days. Don’t be surprised to find yourself searching for paper and pen once you come to the end of the book.

This is the third installment in the series, but can be read on its own. A cast of zany characters is waiting to take you on a wild, seductive ride of romance, fun and excitement. Who knew a handwritten letter could be so powerful?

The Cowboy’s Mail Order Bride by Carolyn Brown, Cowboys and Brides Series Book #3, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2014, ISBN: 978-1402280528, Paperback, 384 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

THE COWBOY’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE can be pre-ordered now and will be out on bookstore shelves Feb. 4. Be sure to mark your calendars and stop back by Thoughts in Progress on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) when author Carolyn Brown visits. She will be answering questions about her new book and Valentine’s Day activities. In addition, she’ll also be giving away an awesome giveaway.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you still write letters by hand? Do you have love letters packed away for safe keeping?