Widows, Brides, and Secret Babies Series by Jo Grafford, Zina Abbott, Caroline Clemmons, Ginny Sterling

Clara Winslow was about to be bartered off in a loveless marriage to her despicable neighbor. When she sees an ad for a mail-order bride that promises wide open skies, travel, and adventure-Clara jumps at the chance, omitting her promise to take care of her baby brother. James ‘Mule’ Clanton was desperate for help. He knew he was stubborn, hard-headed, and old-fashioned, but a woman was just what he needed to help cook, clean, and mend while he worked... moreClara Winslow was about to be bartered off in a loveless marriage to her despicable neighbor. When she sees an ad for a mail-order bride that promises wide open skies, travel, and adventure-Clara jumps at the chance, omitting her promise to take care of her baby brother. James ‘Mule’ Clanton was desperate for help. He knew he was stubborn, hard-headed, and old-fashioned, but a woman was just what he needed to help cook, clean, and mend while he worked. The outlaws have repeatedly threatened his ranch, but when he takes one look at his feisty new bride, it’s enough to make him turn tail and run!Can love bloom under false pretenses? Will her prickly husband be more than she can handle in the Wild West? less

She has to protect her baby . . .He is desperate for help . . .Trouble preys on their livelihood . . .Widow Victoria Bailey is desperate to prevent her in-laws from gaining custody of her eighteen-month-old daughter. If becoming a mail-order bride is her only option, she’ll take the risk. At least on a Texas ranch she’ll have quiet and peace. She doesn’t have time to let the groom know she’s bringing her daughter. Surely no man can object to one perfect little girl... moreShe has to protect her baby . . .He is desperate for help . . .Trouble preys on their livelihood . . .Widow Victoria Bailey is desperate to prevent her in-laws from gaining custody of her eighteen-month-old daughter. If becoming a mail-order bride is her only option, she’ll take the risk. At least on a Texas ranch she’ll have quiet and peace. She doesn’t have time to let the groom know she’s bringing her daughter. Surely no man can object to one perfect little girl.Widower Greg Hardy is desperate to get help with his home and his children. He needs to be pursuing whoever is rustling his cattle. A mail-order bride seems to be exactly what he needs but should he keep his children a secret? To insure he doesn’t scare off a prospective wife, he omits the fact that he has five children aged from eight months to twelve years old.Their marriage starts with misunderstanding. They decide to work together to fight against a common foe. Will the fight take a toll on their fragile happiness? less

Roslyn Welsh is sent by stagecoach to Junction City to marry a man chosen, without Roslyn’s knowledge, by her auntserving as her guardian. His requirements for a wife were that she must be at least twenty-one years of age with a family Bible for proof, and she must have no children. Only, Roslyn is not quite twenty-one, she has a baby, and her aunt has no intention of sending the family Bible with her.The marriage prospect turns into a disaster... moreRoslyn Welsh is sent by stagecoach to Junction City to marry a man chosen, without Roslyn’s knowledge, by her auntserving as her guardian. His requirements for a wife were that she must be at least twenty-one years of age with a family Bible for proof, and she must have no children. Only, Roslyn is not quite twenty-one, she has a baby, and her aunt has no intention of sending the family Bible with her.The marriage prospect turns into a disaster. She is stuck in a strange town with no money and she is told there is no work for a decent woman with a baby. While she figures what to do, Roslyn accepts an offer to ride the stagecoach to the Ellsworth B.O.D. Stagecoach station to help the stationmaster’s wife.Elam Stewart survived the American Civil War, but his left leg from just above the knee down did not. With no home to return to and realizing there are very few people willing to hire a man with only one good leg, he’s convinced he has no future. While working as a day laborer in the local livery, he becomes intrigued by a visitor named Ross who is anxious to spend time with the horses. Elam discovers Ross’s secret. Then he learns where Ross intends to seek work. Even though he does not have a future, he does have a Spencer repeating rifle. He can have a purpose.Roslyn and Elam ride the same stagecoach to the Ellsworth Station on the Kansas frontier. Between resentments among the stock tenders, difficulties with animals that pass through the station, and the threat of attacks by the Cheyenne, is there a future for Roslyn and Elam at the station? Or will their future take them on another stagecoach ride away from Ellsworth?Please look for my other two books in the Widows, Brides & Secret Babies series, Mail Order Lorena and Mail Order Penelope, that will be published this summer. Although each story is written as a stand-alone book, the three stories are related and part or all of them involve the stagecoaches and stations on the Kansas frontier in the 1860s after the Civil War. less

Abducted and forced to marry at gunpoint, Pearl Hopkins is held captive until her outlaw husband is killed in a gunfight.With nowhere else to turn, she decides to become a mail order bride, unaware she is pregnant with her dead husband’s baby.Sheriff Alex Farley is lonely, but more importantly, he wants a wife to cook and clean house. He would not be averse to a little brood of Farley’s. With no prospects locally, he advertises for a mail order bride... moreAbducted and forced to marry at gunpoint, Pearl Hopkins is held captive until her outlaw husband is killed in a gunfight.With nowhere else to turn, she decides to become a mail order bride, unaware she is pregnant with her dead husband’s baby.Sheriff Alex Farley is lonely, but more importantly, he wants a wife to cook and clean house. He would not be averse to a little brood of Farley’s. With no prospects locally, he advertises for a mail order bride.After returning from a long and arduous assignment, he finds his bride has already arrived and settled into his home.Will Alex accept Pearl and her baby, or will he turn them away? If the marriage does go ahead, will he ever be able to trust her?Author's Promise: This is a heartwarming historical novella with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhangers. It is a clean and wholesome story with nothing more than hugs, kisses, and holding hands. less

Mallory Price elopes with her childhood sweetheart in post-war Savannah, against her well-to-do family’s wishes, with nothing but a travel bag of dreams and visions of happily-ever-afters in her head. However, tragedy strikes a mere two months later, leaving her a widow with a baby on the way. Crawling back to a family that has disinherited her is not an option, so she leaps at the opportunity to become a mail-order bride... moreMallory Price elopes with her childhood sweetheart in post-war Savannah, against her well-to-do family’s wishes, with nothing but a travel bag of dreams and visions of happily-ever-afters in her head. However, tragedy strikes a mere two months later, leaving her a widow with a baby on the way. Crawling back to a family that has disinherited her is not an option, so she leaps at the opportunity to become a mail-order bride. She prays her would-be groom in Dallas is a good man and won’t object to becoming a father in record time.Former bounty hunter Duke Stratton can think of only one thing he’s missing in his quest to transform himself into a respectable businessman, and that’s the acquisition of a proper wife. There’s one undeniable problem — no high society lady is going to ally herself in holy matrimony to a fellow with his dubious reputation. Thank heavens he discovers a shortcut to the courting process and fills out an application for a mail-order bride.When Mallory steps off the train, his old bounty hunting instincts go on full alert. Why in tarnation would a woman of her beauty, education, and obvious good breeding agree to such an outlandish marriage proposal? That is, unless she has something to hide... Duke is very good at ferreting out secrets, so he knows it’s only a matter of time before he uncovers Mallory’s. He just hopes it is something he can live with, because he’s never been good at admitting defeat or giving up what’s his. less

Who to believe? Olivia thought Robert was dead. A year-and-a-half later and newly widowed, she comes across Robert’s ad for a mail-order bride. Seeking protection for herself and her daughter, she goes after the truth and gets far more than she bargained for.Robert believed Olivia never wanted to see him again, and is finally ready to move on from the heartbreak. When his mail-order bride turns out to be Olivia, the sight of her brings back all the pain of losing her the first time... moreWho to believe? Olivia thought Robert was dead. A year-and-a-half later and newly widowed, she comes across Robert’s ad for a mail-order bride. Seeking protection for herself and her daughter, she goes after the truth and gets far more than she bargained for.Robert believed Olivia never wanted to see him again, and is finally ready to move on from the heartbreak. When his mail-order bride turns out to be Olivia, the sight of her brings back all the pain of losing her the first time. Seeing her with another man’s child adds salt to the wound. Can this couple move past the pain and betrayal to find a new happiness? less

Trusting the acceptable wrong man led to the ruin of her life and self-respect.Can trusting the unacceptable right man return to her what was lost?The man who promised to provide and protect left Lorena Mayfield to do the providing and protecting. She went from being the daughter of a respected Little Rock, Arkansas clergyman and widow of a fallen Confederate officer to living a “fate worse than death... moreTrusting the acceptable wrong man led to the ruin of her life and self-respect.Can trusting the unacceptable right man return to her what was lost?The man who promised to provide and protect left Lorena Mayfield to do the providing and protecting. She went from being the daughter of a respected Little Rock, Arkansas clergyman and widow of a fallen Confederate officer to living a “fate worse than death.” Is there a way to escape the life in which she finds herself trapped and still protect the only person left to her she dearly loves?Eustace Cantrell lost his Georgia home, his livelihood, and his family during the American Civil War. To make matters worse, he fought for the losing side. First hired as a low-paid stock tender for the Butterfield Overland Despatch stagecoach company, he now has a chance at managing his own station. His dilemma is, Ellsworth Station in Kansas is a home station. It is to be run by a family, not by a single, hardened combat veteran who feels nothing for anyone, least of all himself. Lorena needs protection from her late husband’s family so she can reclaim her own. Eustace needs restoration of his soul. Can each of them escape their pasts and together find their future?Please look for my other two books in the Widows, Brides & Secret Babies series, Mail Order Roslyn (available now) and Mail Order Penelope (available August 14, 2020). Although each story is written as a stand-alone book, the three stories are related. Part or all of them involve the stagecoaches and stations on the Kansas frontier in 1865 through 1867. less

Matilda (Tilly) Freeman is in a dire position. With little money, her reputation in tatters because of a man’s lies, she answers an advertisement for a mail order bride.Brodie Miller desperately needs a housekeeper to help him run his stagecoach business. He is not looking for romance. Only women without children need apply.After corresponding, Brodie and Tilly decide they are suited for each other... moreMatilda (Tilly) Freeman is in a dire position. With little money, her reputation in tatters because of a man’s lies, she answers an advertisement for a mail order bride.Brodie Miller desperately needs a housekeeper to help him run his stagecoach business. He is not looking for romance. Only women without children need apply.After corresponding, Brodie and Tilly decide they are suited for each other.On the way to wed Brodie, Tilly’s coach is held up and she finds herself landed with eight-month old Daisy. How can she let such a sweet child be sent to an orphanage?Brodie is shocked when his mail order bride turns up with a baby. Tilly has lied to him. The one thing he didn’t want was a child to complicate his life.Why is Brodie so dead set against having a baby in his life? Will Tilly be able to persuade him to let her and the baby stay? Or will it be little Daisy who will thaw his frozen heart, so they can all have their happily ever after ending? less

Adelaine Campbell is now the sole guardian over her two-year-old sister since their mother died of Tuberculosis. Although Adelaine is old enough to be the little girl’s mother, she must pretend to have a daughter to become Dallas Remington’s mail-order bride. But starting a marriage with lies is not the best way to start a new beginning. However, even her very handsome and charming husband is keeping secrets. Will she ever get the marriage she’s always dreamed of having?

After she loses the love of her life, can she find love in the man she finds?Penelope Newton Humphry lost her husband to the war as surely as if he died in combat. Her sweetheart since her early teens, she waited until the war ended to marry Jeremy, only to realize he never fully returned. Dying from pneumonia, he leaves Penelope with nothing but his unborn child.Penelope knows she must remarry—and soon... moreAfter she loses the love of her life, can she find love in the man she finds?Penelope Newton Humphry lost her husband to the war as surely as if he died in combat. Her sweetheart since her early teens, she waited until the war ended to marry Jeremy, only to realize he never fully returned. Dying from pneumonia, he leaves Penelope with nothing but his unborn child.Penelope knows she must remarry—and soon. With her father and brother killed during Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence, Kansas, her mother’s mind half-gone, and the farm sold to a neighbor to be fully relinquished once her mother, suffering from cancer dies, she accepts the offer of marriage from a man living near Fort Wallace she met through correspondence. Only, during the stagecoach ride to western Kansas, she discovers matters are not as she was led to believe.As a regimental field surgeon, widower Dr. Marcus Garrett saw enough mangled bodies during his four years in the American Civil War to give him a lifetime of nightmares. With the war over, the turmoil within still rages. Only his responsibility for his thirteen-year-old son, Theo, being raised by his older sister, keeps him going. In a moment of weakness, he reenlists to serve as a post surgeon. Currently stationed in Fort Larned in Kansas, he knows to be assigned officers' quarters so he can be reunited with Theo, he needs a wife—someone willing love a boy whose father is a stranger to him.Traveling in tandem with the stagecoach for protection along the Smoky Hill Trail to Fort Monument to care for soldiers wounded in a confrontation with Cheyenne warriors, the last thing he expected to encounter was a young widow with a fourteen-month-old child headed the same direction. He tries to convince to return to eastern Kansas--to safety. She is determined her future lies to the west.In exchange for a family for her and baby Jeremy, can Penelope learn to love a man who must first find peace within before he rebuilds a relationship with his son?Please look for my other two books in the Widows, Brides & Secret Babies series, Mail Order Roslyn and Mail Order Lorena. Although each story is written as a stand-alone book, the three stories are related. Part or all of them involve the stagecoaches and stations on the Kansas frontier in 1866 and 1867. less

Not the bride he was expecting!Rachel has looked after herself from a very young age. When she witnesses a murder, she needs to get out of town fast, before she's next. Desperate, she takes her friend's place as a mail-order bride out west.Daniel longs for a wife and family. Not only is his mail-order bride not what he expected, she shows up with a baby that she claims isn't hers. When a bounty hunter arrives asking questions, Daniel's protective instincts kick in, along with his suspicions... moreNot the bride he was expecting!Rachel has looked after herself from a very young age. When she witnesses a murder, she needs to get out of town fast, before she's next. Desperate, she takes her friend's place as a mail-order bride out west.Daniel longs for a wife and family. Not only is his mail-order bride not what he expected, she shows up with a baby that she claims isn't hers. When a bounty hunter arrives asking questions, Daniel's protective instincts kick in, along with his suspicions. What is his new wife hiding? less

Emma York has two strikes against her in the marriage department. She’s unusually tall and she has a foot deformity. Even after she admits these handicaps in her correspondence, Joseph Walker sends money for her to come to Texas as his mail-order bride. As Emma packs for her journey, a young girl knocks on the door, hands Emma a baby and letter, and leaves... moreEmma York has two strikes against her in the marriage department. She’s unusually tall and she has a foot deformity. Even after she admits these handicaps in her correspondence, Joseph Walker sends money for her to come to Texas as his mail-order bride. As Emma packs for her journey, a young girl knocks on the door, hands Emma a baby and letter, and leaves.Joseph Walker is eager to be a husband, to have a helpmate and companion to assist him in making his cotton farm a home filled with love and laughter, but he has reservations about being a father.Forging a marriage in the Texas pioneer days presents challenges. But when a bride appears with a loud-voiced infant, is a happy conclusion possible? less

A runaway Russian princess, a copper mine owner, and a secret baby that could ruin their chance at a happy marriage.Miriam Novikoff leads a sheltered life as a princess until her husband is killed and she is blamed for his death. In order to keep from losing her head, she flees to America, with only a handful of jewels to pay her way to freedom. On her trip out West, she realizes she’s pregnant, a complication she never planned on... moreA runaway Russian princess, a copper mine owner, and a secret baby that could ruin their chance at a happy marriage.Miriam Novikoff leads a sheltered life as a princess until her husband is killed and she is blamed for his death. In order to keep from losing her head, she flees to America, with only a handful of jewels to pay her way to freedom. On her trip out West, she realizes she’s pregnant, a complication she never planned on.Mark Bennett owns half of the largest copper mine in all of Arizona. He enjoys running the family mine and spending time with friends when he isn’t working. However, that isn’t enough for his matching-making aunt, who insists he needs to settle down and find a wife. He doesn’t want any of the women she’s been throwing at him lately, so he decides to take matters into his own hands and places a mail order bride advert.Can Miriam find a way to trust Mark with her big secret? What will Mark do when he finds out Miriam is pregnant? And what happens when Miriam’s past catches up with her? less

A deathbed promise, an accidental family, and a mail-order marriage…Isabella Hill signs a mail-order bride contract only hours before promising to raise a dying friend’s babe as her own. With her wedding date looming, there’s no time to contact her would-be groom by letter, so she decides to deliver the news of her change in circumstances in person — praying he won’t object to the idea of a ready-made family... moreA deathbed promise, an accidental family, and a mail-order marriage…Isabella Hill signs a mail-order bride contract only hours before promising to raise a dying friend’s babe as her own. With her wedding date looming, there’s no time to contact her would-be groom by letter, so she decides to deliver the news of her change in circumstances in person — praying he won’t object to the idea of a ready-made family. Otherwise, she and her precious bundle might soon find themselves living in the streets.Tex Sullivan’s rebel younger brother forges Tex’s name on a mail-order bride contract, only days before Tex is supposed to marry the catch of the season. While he scrambles to set the scandal straight, he finds himself face-to-face with a lovely, impoverished debutante from Atlanta — with an infant in her arms, no less! Tex never asked for a woman like Isabella to come into his life, but is it possible she’s exactly the kind of wife he needs?One more Widows, Brides & Secret Babies book by Jo:Mail Order Mallory★ More Amazon bestselling romance stories by Jo! ★MAIL ORDER BRIDES RESCUE SERIESHot-Tempered HannahCold-Feet CallieFiery FelicityMisunderstood MegDare-Devil DaisyOutrageous OliviaJinglebell JaneAbsentminded AmeliaBookish BelindaTenacious TrudyMeddlesome MadgeANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDESElizabethGrace less