The Blizzard Brides

Series · 20

books · 2020-2021

By Christine Sterling, Heather Blanton, Lynn Donovan, and more

Books in series

The Blizzard Brides

2020

Welcome to Last Chance, Nebraska! When the freak blizzard of 1878 kills most of the men in a small Nebraska town, what does it mean for the surviving women and children? Realizing they need to find men of honor to help rebuild, the women place an advertisement in the Matrimonial Times. Choosing a husband is more difficult than they thought, when there is an overwhelming response to the ad. Will these Blizzard Brides find the second chance at love in a town called Last Chance? This story is loosely based on the Blizzard of 1873 and the Schoolhouse Blizzard of 1888, where many men, women and children died in the unexpected storm.

A Groom for Claire

2020

Claire just lost her husband to a blizzard, and she’ll need a man before spring. With two children to raise, she wants out of the farming community and picks a man who she hopes will take her and her family to civilization. Ethan has lived in the city all his life and works as a librarian, but his dream is to be a pioneer farmer. His chance comes when he answers an ad looking for men to come to Nebraska. Though he’d wanted to marry for love, he figures he’ll settle for a mail-order wife if it gets him out of the city. What happens when circumstances throw two people together who want to go opposite ways?

A Groom for Celia

2020

Celia Thornton would give anything to start over after the blizzard ends her loveless marriage. Jack Wendler needs to leave New York immediately after one too many business deals left his investors penniless. Figuring marriage in remote western Nebraska must be better than the reckoning he's facing in New York, Jack pens a response to a marriage advertisement. When he arrives with a bag of letters—including his own—answering the widows of Last Chance's advertisement for husbands, he's quickly taken with Celia's shy beauty and agrees to marry her on the spot. Even though she comes with a farm he doesn't have the slightest clue how to run. Even though he fears breaking Celia's fragile heart. And even though the business partner he crossed in New York could be on his way to Last Chance at any moment.

A Groom for Linda

2020

A woman recovering from a terrible loss, a man on the trail of an outlaw and the mishap that brings them together. Linda Applebee’s life is perfect until she loses her husband in a freak blizzard. Now instead of spending her time writing an adventure novel, she has to find a husband or be required to move back to Wisconsin where she knows nobody. With one ad for husbands and a selection made, maybe life in Last Chance can return to normal. Then he rides into town! Michael Darcy longs for the freedom offered by tales of going west. He gives up his comfortable law practice and embraces the life of a bounty hunter. Following a lead, he ends up in Last Chance, hot on the trail of a criminal. His heart is captured by Linda, but he has a job to do, and she already has an intended. Does he follow his heart to Linda or his lead to his bounty? Can Linda change her mind and the man she promised to marry? Is this Michael and Linda’s last chance at happiness in a border town called Last Chance, Nebraska?

A Groom for Carrie

2020

Carrie Porter doesn’t know what she’s lost until it’s gone. With her husband dead, and a young child to feed, she must rely on herself to improve her situation… or find a wealthy husband to care for her desolate family. When she chooses a man looking for a mail-order bride, she prays he will be her salvation.

A Groom for Millie

2020

When the freak blizzard of 1878 kills most of the men in a small Nebraska town, what does it mean for the surviving women and children? Millie Reed is trying to do it all. She is a mother, the local school teacher and trying to keep her husband's horse ranch going. She realizes her husband is never coming home, after he died in the blizzard that killed so many men. She needs help, so why is she so hesitant about the letter she mailed to a stranger? What she doesn't expect is to find a man hiding in her barn, or his outrageous story of innocence. But beggers can't be choosers and Mille needs help. If he wasn't so handsome and making Millie feel things she thought had died with her husband. Robert "Deuce" Taylor is no horse thief. He made his living as a gambler. How was he supposed to know that by spending time with a stranger in town would seal his fate as part of the Myron Gang. He needs to find a place to hide. When he hears about a small town in Nebraska where most of the men died, it sounds like a perfect place to disappear. When he meets the local school teacher and her enchanting daughter, perhaps this is the chance he is looking for. When Millie's groom arrives, will Robert be able to let her go? When Robert's past catches up with him is Millie in danger of losing more than just her horses? Can love be found in a town called Last Chance?

A Groom for Altar

2021

Altar Pennington isn't like most of the widows in Last Chance, Nebraska. After a blizzard takes her husband's life, she's neither mournful nor joyful at his death. Her biggest concern isn't how she's going to live now that she's a widow; but how is she going to raise a child on her own? When the preacher demands that all the widows remarry or leave town, she is forced to seek a husband to provide a father for her child. When former steel driver Wolfe Laingsburg receives Altar Pennington's letter, he accepts her proposal to meet in Last Chance and from there decide if they can form a life together. Arriving in town, he unwittingly sets a chain of events that lead to Altar and himself being found in a compromising position. With the preacher breathing down their necks to wed for the sake of propriety, Wolfe must make the decision if he can marry a woman he doesn't know much about. Altar and Wolfe are forced to trust each other...but is trust the only element needed to build a marriage upon, especially when a danger from her dead husband's past rears its head, threatening her life and the life of her child. Will trust be enough for Altar to depend on Wolfe to protect her family? Would it be enough for Wolfe to risk his life to save a woman he barely knows?

A Groom for Ruby

2021

What happens when an abused woman, a broken little boy and an ex-convict come together? Ruby Fulton has had a tough life, and it isn’t getting any easier after her husband dies. Suffering under his abuse for years, all Ruby wants is independence, peace and a new chance at life. She is barely scraping by herself, and now she’s responsible for one of Last Chance’s orphaned children. The last thing she wants to do is sign herself up for another husband who will make her life miserable. But when the preacher insists that she marry again, what is a woman to do? Cullen Parker is determined to leave his past behind him and live an honest life. When he hears about Last Chance, Nebraska, he’s sure it is the perfect place to find work. He agrees to work on Ruby’s farm in exchange for room and board, but he definitely isn’t looking for a wife. It seems like the perfect arrangement, but the town pastor sees a scandal. He insists they get married if Cullen is going to stay. What happens when Cullen offers a marriage of convenience? When Cullen’s criminal past comes calling, the precarious balance of trust and convenience is threatened. Will they—or their marriage—survive? Could Last Chance hold the answers for both of them? A Groom for Ruby is a sweet and clean romance. It's part of the multi-author Blizzard Brides series, which can be read in order or as standalone books.

A Groom for Rachel

2021

Nineteen-year-old Rachel Kayden’s worst nightmares never included being widowed a month after she married John. She decides her marriage vows also meant caring for their horse ranch regardless of the hardships. Rachel’s mother never wanted her to marry and leave home. John’s death gives her the perfect reason to try and force Rachel to return home. Samuel Ashworthy, the son of a prominent Philadelphia furniture manufacturer, refuses to marry any of the women his father chooses. He seeks adventure, and the West appeals to him, but his father has threatened to disown him if he leaves. When he inherits his grandfather’s racehorse estate, Samuel no longer needs to remain in Philadelphia. A newspaper advertisement seeking a husband might be the answer, but Rachel’s mother has other ideas. Will a young couple brought together by unthinkable circumstances find love or live a life of convenience forced on them?

#10

A Groom for Hollie

2021

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. ~Walter Scott Hollie Dawson didn’t set out to deceive anyone. She only meant to do what the pastor insisted she do: find a new husband and marry soon. But Hollie isn’t the typical wife. She hates housework and prefers to run her diner. As a successful businesswoman, it will take a special man to marry her. Little did she know the one she invites to court her is not the right one! Her sister’s intended, on the other hand, is just perfect. Haden Jarrod needs a fresh start. An advertisement about widows looking for husbands in Last Chance, Nebraska, seems like just what he needs to get away from his tribulations. A whole new life with a good wife and children, perfect! But when Haden arrives all he finds is deceit and a web of lies. Can Haden and Hollie find a way to overcome the deception that brings them together? Will Haden forgive Hollie’s tangled web of lies? Can Hollie accept his dark past and trust him to be the provider she needs? Can love conquer their misgivings?

#11

A Groom for Gracie

2021

She's a Card Sharp, a Pickpocket, and an Actress... Well, Nobody's Perfect. If Gracie Erstwhile wants to keep her new homestead, she must do what every other widow in Last Chance, NE has done: choose a mail-order groom. At least having a man around to handle the farm will free her up to pursue her dream of opening a theater. Noble McCain has lost his wife and his farm. And while he doesn't "need" a wife, his son needs a mother. He agrees to run Gracie’s farm and believes he and the little actress have come to an acceptable arrangement—acceptable until Noble realizes Gracie has some pretty shady ways. When she agrees to put on a theatrical presentation for Last Chance, she gets a glimpse at a new kind of life. She makes friends, guides a son, and chases a dream—why, she might even be falling in love. It’s all going along so well…until Gracie’s past catches up with her.

#12

A Groom for Callie

2021

Jilted at the altar, with no groom in sight, Callie Stratton is left with few options. Friends and family view her with contempt, as if somehow the abandoned bride is to blame. Unable to bear the shame, Callie takes the only path open to her. Run! Callie leaves Georgia for Last Chance Nebraska, as a mail-order bride to a marry a reputable successful businessman, James Frankford. After the speedy wedding in town, the bride is brought to a run-down farm only to discover her new husband is not the man he claims to be. When the blizzard hits, and James does not return from the hunt, Callie is more relieved than heartbroken. Will she agree to wed yet another stranger—as Pastor Collins demands for decency sake—and join with the widows of Last Chance in their search for a mail-order groom? Her only other choice is Gilbert Manning, the man who abandoned her at the altar in Georgia, who arrives in town hoping to win her back but is unwilling to share the secret that separates them. Grab your copy of this historical, sweet, mail-order groom romance, filled with adventure and intrigue, and hopes for a happily-ever-after ending.

#13

A Groom for Heather

2021

When the freak blizzard of 1878 kills most of the men in a small Nebraska town, what does it mean for the surviving women and children? When Heather Barnes loses her beloved husband to the terrible blizzard that claimed so many lives, she must decide where her future lies. It was her husband who led all the men to their fate, and now she feels responsible that the women must remarry so quickly. The last thing she wants is another husband, but taking care of the farm, hunting, the butcher shop, and being a mother to two orphan children, is too much for the woman that is also the town's midwife. What she doesn't count on is a traveling gunslinger making her question her choice to love again. Dalton James left everything behind to chase after his brother’s killer. Five years on the frontier have roughened him into a man that legends are made from. Now, instead of chasing outlaws, he envisions a life where revenge and traveling are no longer necessary. He didn’t count on finding his future so quickly in the form of a blue-eyed lady doctor. When the object of his affection has decided she isn’t going to marry any man, can Dalton convince her to stay and take a chance on a new future with him? What happens when a secret Dalton has been hiding comes to light, putting his love and the women of Last Chance in danger? Will Last Chance become a second chance at love for Dalton and Heather?

#14

A Groom for Jenna

2021

Jenna is tied to the earth, to nurture her farm, and see things grow. Alex has a wandering skip in his step and longs to see what is over the next hill. Is love strong enough to uproot Jenna? Or will it tie Alex to Jenna and her farm? And then Pastor Collins decides to answer a groom letter on Jenna's behalf, and Ben Harper shows up on her doorstep.

#15

A Groom for Becca

2021

When Becca’s husband dies in the freak blizzard that September, she brings her remaining livestock and two girls to town to live. Her hand is forced by Pastor Collins to reply to a potential intended, Haden Jarrod, but before he arrives, she falls for her sister’s intended, Charlie T. Cairn. Charlie arrives in Last Chance, Nebraska, prepared to marry Linda Applebee, but finds her sister, Becca Collingsworth, much more enjoyable to be around. When the woman who left him at an altar in Pennsylvania shows up begging for him to reconsider, things get really complicated. Can these two work things out? Will Becca trust Charlie even though his previous fiancée is in town? How can Charlie convince her that she is truly his destiny when it looks like she’s his third choice? Will Pastor Collins send Becca back to Wisconsin? Or will Becca give everything up and marry her friend, the livery owner?

#16

A Groom for Bailey

2021

It was just a harmless, little lie... Widow Bailey Bryson writes scholarly articles under the masculine-sounding name of Dr. Perseus Stone. When handsome reporter Collin Winchester comes to Last Chance, Nebraska seeking an interview with the good doctor, a whirlwind of lies and confusion tears through the town. No one knows what to believe, especially since the truth is mingling so well with the fiction. And Bailey is caught in the middle. She knows the truth will set her free, but then she learns Collin has come to Last Chance to smear Dr. Stone’s reputation. A man who does not exist, yet one the town is now bent on protecting. How can she and Collin get at the truth—especially when their hearts are hiding secrets, too?

#17

A Groom for Faith

2021

Can love heal a broken heart? Faith Thornton runs Last Chance's post and telegraph office now that the husband she loved so much is gone. Faith vows she'll never marry again because no man could ever take Aaron's place. But her grief gave way to loneliness, especially after her sister Celia married and returned to her farm, and she found herself striking up a friendship in letters with a gentleman in New Orleans. What will she do when he shows up unexpected at her door, thinking they'll be married? Beau Landry enjoyed the letters he shared with Faith, and when he has to leave New Orleans quickly, he heads straight to Last Chance, thinking the lady is simply waiting for him to ask for her hand. Faith is more beautiful and more smart than he ever could have imagined—and yet she has no interest at all in marrying him. But a veiled threat from the town's preacher grants Beau his wish. The only question that remains is whether Faith will allow him to love her. Well, that and whether the misdeeds he ran from in Louisiana will catch up with him in Last Chance. A Groom for Faith is a sweet and clean historical western romance that is part of the multi-author Blizzard Brides series. It can be enjoyed as part of the series or as a standalone book. If you enjoy this book, you will love Cat's earlier book in the series, A Bride for Celia. You might also enjoy Cat's other series, Crest Stone Mail-Order Brides, The Gilbert Girls, and Brides of Fremont County.

#18

A Groom for Vivian

2021

Vivian Strickland is set to marry the future mayor of Louisville, Kentucky in the fall, and is not pleased with her father’s choice. She seeks independence to open a dress shop, and Casey, one the downstairs servants, has the urge to settle the frontier. When Vivian persuades her father to allow her a visit her cousin, Gilbert Manning, and Casey sees the ad for widows needing grooms, coincide, both set their hearts on Last Chance, Nebraska. Will Vivian and Casey have their dreams fulfilled in the new land, or will they return to Kentucky defeated to pick up their lives where they left off? Join the new couple to see if dreams become reality, or if two adventurers from different worlds can overcome their upbringing and find love with one another.

#22

A Groom for Trish

2021

Summer Joy comes in the morning, but what about during the mourning? Trish Calloway lost more than her husband in the blizzard. She lost her joy in living. When looking in the mirror, she doesn’t even recognize herself. Gone is her smile, bright eyes, and sweet personality has turned bitter. So much so that Pastor Collins is afraid of her. Ben Harper has his own loss to deal with. He’d come west to marry a woman and turn his life around, but the woman had chosen another. He bought the Henson farm. It was small but would give him something to live for. But Ben soon finds himself buried in work and losing his joy.

#31

A Groom for Charity

2021

The men of Last Chance Nebraska go on a hunt to replenish the towns food supply before winter when an unexpected blizzard causes them to perish on the hunt. Charity Green is surprised to find out her husband is still alive although the trauma and scars he has brought back with him keeps him from being the man who once loved her so deeply. Nate Green finds himself thrust back into a world where his scars and trauma haunt him day and night. He no longer feels worthy of Charity’s love and no longer cares to live. When a stranger that carried a burden of his own befriends Nate can he bring healing in an unexpected way? Will Nate overcome his demons enough to save his family and fall in love with his wife again?

Authors

Christine Sterling

Author · 41 books

Christine Sterling independently published her first book in 2017. She writes sweet and wholesome historical westerns and sweet contemporary small-town romance novels. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, a spoiled Shih Tzu, two German Shepherds, and an energetic Border Collie, that keeps her on her toes. She spends her time writing, thinking about writing, and dreaming about writing. Her favorite things are a good cup of tea, puppy snuggles, a movie that will make you cry, and hearing from her readers.

Heather Blanton

Author · 20 books

“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.” MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel. A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand. I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle. I can be reached several different ways: http://ladiesindefiancé.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe... https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla... I am a proud member of Western Writers of America. My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.

Lynn Donovan

Author · 14 books

Lynn Donovan spends her days chasing after her muses, trying to get them to settle down and behave long enough to write down their words and actions. The results are numerous novels, anthologies, and short stories. Lynn enjoys reading and writing all kinds of fiction, paranormal, speculative, contemporary romance, and time travel. But you never know what her muses will come up with for a story, so you could see a novel under any given genre. All that can be said is keep your eyes open, cause these muses are not sitting still for long! Oops, there they go again… You can learn more about Lynn on her blog https://authorlynndonovan.wordpress.com, follow her on Twitter @MLynnDonovan, her Face Book Author page at Author Lynn Donovan www.facebook.com/lynndonovanfgg, and her website: http://lynndonovanauthor.com And on Amazon www.amazon.com/author/ldonovan

Laura Ashwood

Author · 7 books

Laura Ashwood writes sweet romance happily ever after's and compelling women's fiction. She lives in northern Minnesota with her amazing husband and two very spoiled Chihuahuas. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with their four adult children and their families, cooking, fishing, watching Food Network, and reading. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association.

I am an author, speaker, and radio show host with a fanatical obsession with the Lord, Star Trek, K-dramas, anime, romance books, old movies, speculative fiction, and knitting. I’ve finally kicked the off and on addiction to Mountain Dew and marshmallows. Find out any and everything about me at my website, ParkerJCole.com

Patricia PacJac Carroll

Author · 28 books

Marlene Bierworth

Author · 9 books

Marlene Bierworth lives in Ontario, Canada and her goal is to inspire her readers to "Dream Big Dreams and Live Big Lives. She seasons her stories to include action, adventure, romance and emotional conflicts, with the meat of the tale touching on current issues that concern families. When the story is told, the book ends, whether it is a short story or a full length novel. Included on her list are books for 'Teens' and the 'young at heart', intended to inspire readers to put feet to their dreams. Marlene has written adventures, romance, suspense, historical western and mysteries for both teens and adults. You can find a complete list of titles at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J9RM116 Life's experiences feed Marlene's imagination and from them evolve characters and adventures that will keep the reader turning the pages. Fiction is her favorite genre but non-fiction continually tugs at her heart strings when there is a truth to be told or encouragement to give. She has published Book 1 in an ongoing series on the "ABC'S of MARRIAGE" complete with tips and worksheets for study and reflective purposes, for private study between couples or for groups. Successful marriages are her passion and she loves to interact with others to promote healthy marriages. "Life is an adventure waiting to be told" and it is Marlene's goal to "help book lovers experience it to the fullest." Join her fan base and stay informed. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11180... BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marle... She is also on Facebook Marlene Bierworth and Twitter (@MBierworth, Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Marie Higgins

Author · 57 books

Marie Higgins is an award-winning, best-selling author of clean romance novels.