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The Marshal's Promise
Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams—but they're shattered when she discovers her intended husband has been killed. If it weren't for U.S. marshal Seth Billings's housekeeping job offer, she'd have nowhere to go. Rebecca loves tending to Seth's home, but the strong and silent lawman is harder to figure out. What secret is he hiding?
Caring for Jesse Cole's would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren't for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca—and to keep her safe from Jesse's enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well….
Caring for Jesse Cole's would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren't for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca—and to keep her safe from Jesse's enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well….
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
9 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Gibson
86 books80 followersRhonda Gibson lives in New Mexico with her husband James. She has two children and three beautiful grandchildren. Reading is something she has enjoyed her whole life and writing stemmed from that love. When she isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, beading and playing with her dog, Sheba. She speaks at conferences and local writing groups. You can visit her at www.rhondagibson.net where she enjoys chatting with readers and friends online. Rhonda hopes her writing will entertain, encourage and bring others closer to God.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 25, 2012
Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in Cottonwood Springs, New Mexico only to find that her groom, Jesse Cole, has been killed. US Marshal, Seth Billings, made a promise to Jesse to look after Rebecca. Rebecca has no money and no reason to return to her home in Maryland, so the offer of a job as housekeeper and cook for the marshal is just what she needs. As Rebecca begins to fall for the gentle marshal she senses that he is holding a secret from her. Will Seth open his heart up enough to share the secret his holding? And what will Rebecca do when she learns the truth behind Jesse's death?
I loved reading this book. I got home late Friday evening and was already over halfway with the book and before I knew it, it was 1 am and not only was the book finished, but I had to be up early to get ready to head to my Mary Kay Career Conference. The characters are very relaxing. I loved how both Seth and Rebecca depended on their faith. When Seth's secret is shared, Rebecca doesn't react the way that Seth thought. But she still needed time to process her thoughts.
I look forward to reading more set in the little town of Cottonwood Springs. At least I hope that there are more.
This book is due out in May 2012.
I loved reading this book. I got home late Friday evening and was already over halfway with the book and before I knew it, it was 1 am and not only was the book finished, but I had to be up early to get ready to head to my Mary Kay Career Conference. The characters are very relaxing. I loved how both Seth and Rebecca depended on their faith. When Seth's secret is shared, Rebecca doesn't react the way that Seth thought. But she still needed time to process her thoughts.
I look forward to reading more set in the little town of Cottonwood Springs. At least I hope that there are more.
This book is due out in May 2012.
October 9, 2012
My choice of a good historical read is a cowboy story. Hero to the core is Marshal Seth Billings. His secret interferes with giving his heart to Rebecca Ramsey, who came to town as a mail-order bride (but not his bride). Lots of story elements kept me reading to the end of this fine romance.
July 22, 2012
Very good! Need a story for Hannah and Eliza now :)
December 3, 2012
Nice simple read. Just what I needed in between my books. I liked the story line however the only thing that I did not really like was that the characters emotions would go haywire so fast.
May 6, 2013
was great
Read
June 21, 2012I just finished reading this historical fiction. Good for summer vacation!
November 16, 2021
My Rating: 4 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Review:
Another great read from Rhonda Gibson! Her inspirational romances are so heartwarming and absolutely perfect when I’m looking for a light book to read. I actually read the third book in this series first, (not realizing it was a part of a series,) and I just can’t get enough of these wonderful characters. It was nice to start at the beginning, seeing how Eliza, Rebecca and Hannah’s special friendship formed. I loved that Seth was not only protective of Rebecca but of Hannah and Eliza as well. Rebecca was such a strong and resilient woman. Little Janie was so sweet and I was really happy with how everything ended. I loved revisiting the small town of Cottonwood Springs, even with the gossips, it’s such an enduring place.
My only complaint about the book would be that the characters seemed a little too in their heads at times. There was quite a bit of miscommunication between Seth and Rebecca. Both characters had the tendency to bottle up and hide their worries and insecurities from one another, giving the other person the impression of not wanting to be around them.
I can’t wait to read Hannah’s story next!
My Review:
Another great read from Rhonda Gibson! Her inspirational romances are so heartwarming and absolutely perfect when I’m looking for a light book to read. I actually read the third book in this series first, (not realizing it was a part of a series,) and I just can’t get enough of these wonderful characters. It was nice to start at the beginning, seeing how Eliza, Rebecca and Hannah’s special friendship formed. I loved that Seth was not only protective of Rebecca but of Hannah and Eliza as well. Rebecca was such a strong and resilient woman. Little Janie was so sweet and I was really happy with how everything ended. I loved revisiting the small town of Cottonwood Springs, even with the gossips, it’s such an enduring place.
My only complaint about the book would be that the characters seemed a little too in their heads at times. There was quite a bit of miscommunication between Seth and Rebecca. Both characters had the tendency to bottle up and hide their worries and insecurities from one another, giving the other person the impression of not wanting to be around them.
I can’t wait to read Hannah’s story next!
February 2, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. It follows the story of Rebecca and Seth. Rebecca has answered an ad for a mail-order bride and arrives in town to find her would be groom has died. Seth is the guilt ridden marshal that delivers the news and offers Rebecca a job. Soon Rebecca becomes the target of vicious criminals and the marshal has to protect her. Along the way, a poor orphaned child is found in need of care and Rebecca falls in love with the baby immediately.
I wasn't drawn right into the story. In fact I put this book down and moved on to a different book before I decided to try again. I liked the added danger element but wasn't quite sold on the romance. I liked the additional characters enough to seek out their books. I wish that it was easier to see which books belong in this series. I found at least four other books; "Groom By Arrangement", "Taming the Texas Rancher", "A Convenient Christmas Bride" and I believe "His Chosen Bride" is also in this series.
I wasn't drawn right into the story. In fact I put this book down and moved on to a different book before I decided to try again. I liked the added danger element but wasn't quite sold on the romance. I liked the additional characters enough to seek out their books. I wish that it was easier to see which books belong in this series. I found at least four other books; "Groom By Arrangement", "Taming the Texas Rancher", "A Convenient Christmas Bride" and I believe "His Chosen Bride" is also in this series.
October 25, 2019
DNF.
MY REVIEW WASN'T IN ANYWAY AGAINST THE WRITING, IT'S MORE LIKE I GOT USED TO MORE PASSIONATE ROMANCES THAT THIS ONE WAS ABSOLUTELY DULL. IT'S LIKE OPENING A CAN OF COKE THAT HAS ALREADY FIZZLED, AND YOU'RE JUST ANNOYED YOU CAN'T ENJOY IT AT ITS BEST.
CHRISTIAN, CLEAN ROMANCE.
Usually I have nothing against a clean romance but this one was just dragging on and on without much excitement. Maybe if it was a lifetime movie I might overlook the lack of passion. The hero was sweet and the kind of man every woman ought to marry if she wants the picket fence life. Heroine was kind and gentle, loving but a bit too boring for my taste. Typical western romance that lacked heat and intensity.
MY REVIEW WASN'T IN ANYWAY AGAINST THE WRITING, IT'S MORE LIKE I GOT USED TO MORE PASSIONATE ROMANCES THAT THIS ONE WAS ABSOLUTELY DULL. IT'S LIKE OPENING A CAN OF COKE THAT HAS ALREADY FIZZLED, AND YOU'RE JUST ANNOYED YOU CAN'T ENJOY IT AT ITS BEST.
CHRISTIAN, CLEAN ROMANCE.
Usually I have nothing against a clean romance but this one was just dragging on and on without much excitement. Maybe if it was a lifetime movie I might overlook the lack of passion. The hero was sweet and the kind of man every woman ought to marry if she wants the picket fence life. Heroine was kind and gentle, loving but a bit too boring for my taste. Typical western romance that lacked heat and intensity.
May 1, 2019
Rebecca Ramsey arrives in New Mexico Territory to find her mail-order fiance' dead. She cannot return home because her stepmother had urged Rebecca to accept the mail-order bride offer and leave home. Since going home was not an option, Rebecca looked around for a job.
Jesse Cole, the mail-order fiance', asked US Marshal Seth Billings to keep an eye out for his bride because his gang would probably come after her. Seth hires Rebecca to keep house for him, as a way to watch out for Rebecca.
There's nothing great about this often used plot. However, it moves quickly and keeps the reader's attention.
Jesse Cole, the mail-order fiance', asked US Marshal Seth Billings to keep an eye out for his bride because his gang would probably come after her. Seth hires Rebecca to keep house for him, as a way to watch out for Rebecca.
There's nothing great about this often used plot. However, it moves quickly and keeps the reader's attention.
August 1, 2017
Very disappointing. The premise was good, but the story felt rushed. We didn't get to see them falling in love. Rather, it was a lot of pushing each other away and then suddenly they're in love. The characters were vague and undeveloped.
August 20, 2017
Great book.
November 13, 2017
Beautiful love story about Marshall, and a mail order bride. I read this book on book share.
July 10, 2012
LIH by Rhonda Gibson "The Marshal's Promise"
This is a story of a mail-order Bride..
Rebecca Ramsey has a stepmother that has no use for her and she feels she has no place in her own home anymore, therefore she writes letters to Jesse Cole and decides to become his bride.
She travels to Cottonwood Springs, New Mexico to start a new life.
when she arrives she finds out from the Marshall that her intended has died in a bank robbery gone awry.
Nowhere to go and not wanting to return home she decides to stay and looks for a job to support herself.
Now The Marshall has a ton of guilt from being the one that shot Jesse but he does not tell her all the circumstances at first. He also lost a love before they could marry and feels because he has a dangerous job he should stay single...
Reading this story of Rebecca and The Marshal, Seth Billings, you will see them both have feeling for one another yet hide them thinking that it cannot be.
The town takes a dislike to Rebecca just because she came to be the bride of Jesse whom was a member of the Evans gang at one time and stole lots of money. Some think he told her about the monies-some think she may have it and some are not sure what to think of this young woman.
Mystery-mayhem and romance in this book, you will want to read and find out what is the Marshal's Promise....
This is a story of a mail-order Bride..
Rebecca Ramsey has a stepmother that has no use for her and she feels she has no place in her own home anymore, therefore she writes letters to Jesse Cole and decides to become his bride.
She travels to Cottonwood Springs, New Mexico to start a new life.
when she arrives she finds out from the Marshall that her intended has died in a bank robbery gone awry.
Nowhere to go and not wanting to return home she decides to stay and looks for a job to support herself.
Now The Marshall has a ton of guilt from being the one that shot Jesse but he does not tell her all the circumstances at first. He also lost a love before they could marry and feels because he has a dangerous job he should stay single...
Reading this story of Rebecca and The Marshal, Seth Billings, you will see them both have feeling for one another yet hide them thinking that it cannot be.
The town takes a dislike to Rebecca just because she came to be the bride of Jesse whom was a member of the Evans gang at one time and stole lots of money. Some think he told her about the monies-some think she may have it and some are not sure what to think of this young woman.
Mystery-mayhem and romance in this book, you will want to read and find out what is the Marshal's Promise....
August 7, 2014
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams--but they're shattered when she discovers her intended husband ha been killed. If it weren't for U.S. marshal Seth Billings's housekeeping job offer, she'd have nowhere to go. Rebecca loves tending to Seth's home, but the strong and silent lawman is harder to figure out. What secret is he hiding?
Caring for Jesse Cole's would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren't for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca--and to keep her safe from Jesse's enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well....
MY REVIEW
You have to feel sorry for a woman when her stepmother accepts her little sister but forces you to accept the offer to be a mail-order bride and sends you cross country on your own. I was impressed with the way Rebecca handled the hand that was dealt to her even after her arrival in Cottonwood Springs. This was a touch and go story that held my interest throughout. I'm looking forward to reading "Groom by Arrangement" next.
Mail-order bride Rebecca Ramsey arrives in the New Mexico territory full of dreams--but they're shattered when she discovers her intended husband ha been killed. If it weren't for U.S. marshal Seth Billings's housekeeping job offer, she'd have nowhere to go. Rebecca loves tending to Seth's home, but the strong and silent lawman is harder to figure out. What secret is he hiding?
Caring for Jesse Cole's would-be bride is the least Seth can do. If it weren't for him, the young man would still be alive. Seth had promised to look after Rebecca--and to keep her safe from Jesse's enemies. Now if only he can keep his heart safe, as well....
MY REVIEW
You have to feel sorry for a woman when her stepmother accepts her little sister but forces you to accept the offer to be a mail-order bride and sends you cross country on your own. I was impressed with the way Rebecca handled the hand that was dealt to her even after her arrival in Cottonwood Springs. This was a touch and go story that held my interest throughout. I'm looking forward to reading "Groom by Arrangement" next.
October 27, 2012
I really wanted to like this book because the premise is good, the conflict is good, it should have been a good story. Instead the writing is flat, the characters are flat, the dialog was modern, and the facts are... not well researched. Does Love Inspired have an editor anymore?
For instance, the struggling town seamstress has 2 sewing machines in New Mexico Territory in 1885. Household sewing machines were not marketed in the U.S. 1889. They certainly weren't available in the territories before then. Even one would not have been in the budget of a struggling town seamstress. I only made it about 40 pages in. One of the few books I won't finish.
It has been pointed out - nicely - to me that some home sewing machines may have been out west during this time frame. My sources were admittedly old, so I did a very quick Internet search. If they were out there, they would have been very expensive so a struggling seamstress owning a pair is still exceedingly unlikely - but technically possible.
For instance, the struggling town seamstress has 2 sewing machines in New Mexico Territory in 1885. Household sewing machines were not marketed in the U.S. 1889. They certainly weren't available in the territories before then. Even one would not have been in the budget of a struggling town seamstress. I only made it about 40 pages in. One of the few books I won't finish.
It has been pointed out - nicely - to me that some home sewing machines may have been out west during this time frame. My sources were admittedly old, so I did a very quick Internet search. If they were out there, they would have been very expensive so a struggling seamstress owning a pair is still exceedingly unlikely - but technically possible.
July 24, 2012
Started off slow for a few pages. I had to put it down for a day. I didn't want to put it down after that. Typical old west Christian story vibe. I think I remember maybe one bible quote, but it was more that they prayed to God. This book didn't beat faith over your head. I think this is Gibson's first book in this genre. I hope she creates a series continuing the story lines of the two female friends. Wouldn't mind more bible quotes in them either. Hint, Hint if there is somebody who knows the author and can pass that along.
July 30, 2016
This was a really good book! I love historical romance, throw in some suspense and I am a happy girl! In this book you can't help but love Seth and Rebecca. Rebecca makes some great friends along the way, and I can't wait to hear more of their stories. The Marshall's Promise seems more real-life because everything is not perfect. She shows you that even when stuff happens, God can work it out for the good of those who love Him. I am dying to read the next book in this series!
February 22, 2014
Before his mail-order bride arrives, former outlaw Jesse Cole is killed in a bank robbery. His dying wish is for Marshal Seth Billings to take care of Rebecca and protect her from the outlaw band that will be going after her. Having nowhere else to go, Rebecca decides to stay in Cottonwood Springs and Seth hires her to keep house for him so he can keep her protected.
September 23, 2012
Really enjoyed the characters and the story. I wonder how her other friends fare in their single-ness later on lol
January 31, 2013
Mail-order bride story. What can I say? I'm a total sucker!! :)
August 9, 2013
It was a good book, I read them out of order but still found that I enjoyed this book. I found myself cheering for Seth and Rebecca.
January 20, 2015
Really 3 and a half
December 7, 2016
I didn't finish this book. There was no falling in love but already in love.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews