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Montana Brides #1
Violet's Mail Order Husband
A historical western cowboy romance about a mail order bride.
This first episode of The Montana Brides introduces Violet, Iris and Rose Kilburn, Heiresses to the Kilburn family cattle fortune. Rocking Horse Ranch runs five thousand head of cattle but all the ranch hands are getting old. The sisters need someone to run the ranch, so the eldest sister Violet hatches the idea of getting mail order husbands for the three of them. There’s only one problem. Cornell Pollard, the sisters’ guardian and the executor of their estate, doesn’t approve. Violet must challenge Pollard and her own role as his ally to find love and gain control over her own life.
The sisters pick up their prospective grooms from the train station and bring them back to the Ranch. The men stay in a neighboring house until the minister comes at the end of the week to marry them all. Things quickly start to go wrong. Everybody starts butting heads, and Violet finds herself embroiled in a family drama the likes of which Rocking Horse Ranch has never seen before. Will Violet’s plan to get married end in disaster, or can she and her sisters find love with a group of strange men? Are these men what they appear to be, or is something more sinister at work?
This first episode of The Montana Brides introduces Violet, Iris and Rose Kilburn, Heiresses to the Kilburn family cattle fortune. Rocking Horse Ranch runs five thousand head of cattle but all the ranch hands are getting old. The sisters need someone to run the ranch, so the eldest sister Violet hatches the idea of getting mail order husbands for the three of them. There’s only one problem. Cornell Pollard, the sisters’ guardian and the executor of their estate, doesn’t approve. Violet must challenge Pollard and her own role as his ally to find love and gain control over her own life.
The sisters pick up their prospective grooms from the train station and bring them back to the Ranch. The men stay in a neighboring house until the minister comes at the end of the week to marry them all. Things quickly start to go wrong. Everybody starts butting heads, and Violet finds herself embroiled in a family drama the likes of which Rocking Horse Ranch has never seen before. Will Violet’s plan to get married end in disaster, or can she and her sisters find love with a group of strange men? Are these men what they appear to be, or is something more sinister at work?
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2014
514 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 1, 2014
Okay. I admit it. I like "mail-order" bride books. And I've read some about mail-order grooms as well. This is one of those. And had a chance to be an enjoyable read. But...
Book gets 2.5 stars. Plot has a nice twist and could have been 4 stars. But I just couldn't deal with Violet one minute being a tough gal standing up to their guardian and the next practically fainting because someone put on on his gun belt. Geez! This is set in the West. Yes, Violet & her sisters were closeted but really....she's going to get all worked up because her sister's intended straps on a gun belt!
Then there's her comment to herself about her youngest sister "eavesdropping" on Violet and other sister's conversation. They are in a buggy on the way to town to pick up their husbands. Buggy. Horse. Can't go too fast or they will arrive all dusty. All of them are in the same buggy. Youngest sister in back "seat". Eavesdropping! Yet before this chapter Violet was thinking how wonderful the SAME sister was in dealing with their guardian.
I almost quit reading it because of Violet's wishy-washy attitude but decided to start speed reading it. And the book did get better as it progressed. However, I don't think I will read the books about the other sisters. I just do not enjoy how Ms. Whitsby runs her characters literally into one wall and then bounces them off the other one.
Book gets 2.5 stars. Plot has a nice twist and could have been 4 stars. But I just couldn't deal with Violet one minute being a tough gal standing up to their guardian and the next practically fainting because someone put on on his gun belt. Geez! This is set in the West. Yes, Violet & her sisters were closeted but really....she's going to get all worked up because her sister's intended straps on a gun belt!
Then there's her comment to herself about her youngest sister "eavesdropping" on Violet and other sister's conversation. They are in a buggy on the way to town to pick up their husbands. Buggy. Horse. Can't go too fast or they will arrive all dusty. All of them are in the same buggy. Youngest sister in back "seat". Eavesdropping! Yet before this chapter Violet was thinking how wonderful the SAME sister was in dealing with their guardian.
I almost quit reading it because of Violet's wishy-washy attitude but decided to start speed reading it. And the book did get better as it progressed. However, I don't think I will read the books about the other sisters. I just do not enjoy how Ms. Whitsby runs her characters literally into one wall and then bounces them off the other one.
July 26, 2018
Wanted to like this
Sadly I couldn't get into the story at all. Violet and Iris were women of gumption. Fighting to save their ranch from ruin. Rose, the youngest sister, is given more negative traits and not particularly sketched out. Violet seemed far too...trained in regards to their guardian. Too easy to avoid confrontation. The whole premise was too thin on plot and high on insta-love. Too bad because I could see the sisters in the Bad Girls movie timeline but without the hook or drive.
Sadly I couldn't get into the story at all. Violet and Iris were women of gumption. Fighting to save their ranch from ruin. Rose, the youngest sister, is given more negative traits and not particularly sketched out. Violet seemed far too...trained in regards to their guardian. Too easy to avoid confrontation. The whole premise was too thin on plot and high on insta-love. Too bad because I could see the sisters in the Bad Girls movie timeline but without the hook or drive.
March 20, 2023
This was fine. It intrigued me that it was a mail order husband instead of a wife, for a change. 3 ⭐.
September 18, 2023
Readers are introduced to the Kilburn sisters: Violet, Iris, and Rose. As heiresses to the Kilburn family cattle fortune, they face a challenge on their vast Rocking Horse Ranch. The ranch is home to thousands of cattle, but the workforce is aging, and the sisters need someone to take charge. Violet, the eldest sister, comes up with a daring plan—to find mail-order husbands for herself and her sisters.
However, there's a significant obstacle in their path: Cornell Pollard, the sisters' guardian and the executor of their estate, strongly disapproves of their plan. Violet must summon her courage to challenge Pollard's authority and assert her right to choose her own destiny.
The sisters embark on their mission to find husbands and bring their prospective grooms back to Rocking Horse Ranch. The men are initially housed in a neighboring building until the minister arrives to officiate the marriages. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as personalities clash, tensions rise, and the sisters find themselves entangled in a family drama unlike anything the ranch has ever witnessed.
As the story unfolds, readers are left wondering whether Violet's plan to secure marriage for herself and her sisters will lead to happiness or disaster. The men they've chosen as husbands may not be what they appear, and a sense of foreboding hangs in the air. The narrative raises questions about the true identities and intentions of these strangers, setting the stage for intrigue and suspense in the episodes that follow.
This series seems to offer a somewhat improved start compared to the previous one by Whitsby, but there are still some lingering issues, particularly with character development. It's clear that the historical context plays a significant role in shaping the characters, with men being portrayed as overbearing and women having limited rights. However, despite the historical accuracy, it appears that these portrayals may have hindered the overall enjoyment of the story, especially in the context of a romance novel.
The characters in the story are bland, lacking the depth and complexity needed to engage readers fully. The narrative seems to struggle with making the characters relatable or inspiring strong emotional connections with them. This lack of connection could potentially make it challenging for readers to become deeply invested in the characters' journeys.
However, there's a significant obstacle in their path: Cornell Pollard, the sisters' guardian and the executor of their estate, strongly disapproves of their plan. Violet must summon her courage to challenge Pollard's authority and assert her right to choose her own destiny.
The sisters embark on their mission to find husbands and bring their prospective grooms back to Rocking Horse Ranch. The men are initially housed in a neighboring building until the minister arrives to officiate the marriages. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse as personalities clash, tensions rise, and the sisters find themselves entangled in a family drama unlike anything the ranch has ever witnessed.
As the story unfolds, readers are left wondering whether Violet's plan to secure marriage for herself and her sisters will lead to happiness or disaster. The men they've chosen as husbands may not be what they appear, and a sense of foreboding hangs in the air. The narrative raises questions about the true identities and intentions of these strangers, setting the stage for intrigue and suspense in the episodes that follow.
This series seems to offer a somewhat improved start compared to the previous one by Whitsby, but there are still some lingering issues, particularly with character development. It's clear that the historical context plays a significant role in shaping the characters, with men being portrayed as overbearing and women having limited rights. However, despite the historical accuracy, it appears that these portrayals may have hindered the overall enjoyment of the story, especially in the context of a romance novel.
The characters in the story are bland, lacking the depth and complexity needed to engage readers fully. The narrative seems to struggle with making the characters relatable or inspiring strong emotional connections with them. This lack of connection could potentially make it challenging for readers to become deeply invested in the characters' journeys.
October 1, 2015
This is the first book that I have read from Kate Whitsby. I have read a few mail order bride books, but this is my first mail order husband book.I give it a 3.5 star rating. Was surprised to get to the end and it is a cliffhanger, so I will be reading the next book in the series!
April 6, 2025
I'm pretty sure one of the sisters is either an actual cow or Puss in Boots. The beginning of the book makes it very clear she's got the biggest eyes ever seen in a human, and she doesn't appear to have two serious braincells to rub together. She's just a sweet marshmallow fairy. With her giant eyes.
I gave up when the male main characters were mirror personalities to the females. The fairy cow gets matched with a tiny dandy man. The sister who doesn't follow social conventions (she wears pants!) gets matched to the guy who meets them after beating the snotnout of a pick pocket. And the third is matched with someone with the same priorities. BORING and stupid. These are supposed to be people, not matching like with like. No one dates themselves.
I got 32% of the way through. The characters didn't even get back to the house from the train station. I'm not going to bother finishing this book or start another from this author. Give me real characters.
I gave up when the male main characters were mirror personalities to the females. The fairy cow gets matched with a tiny dandy man. The sister who doesn't follow social conventions (she wears pants!) gets matched to the guy who meets them after beating the snotnout of a pick pocket. And the third is matched with someone with the same priorities. BORING and stupid. These are supposed to be people, not matching like with like. No one dates themselves.
I got 32% of the way through. The characters didn't even get back to the house from the train station. I'm not going to bother finishing this book or start another from this author. Give me real characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2019
Mail Order Husbands For Three Sisters
Three Sisters live on a ranch with their guardian (who wants to choose husbands for the girls), two cowboys to work the herd of cattle, and a maid (who does housekeeping and meal preparation for all). The girls, Violet, Ivy, and Rose have communicated with cowboys to come to their ranch, marry the sisters, and work on the ranch with the cattle. The men are arriving at the beginning of the book and Cornell Pollard is angry, threatening to ruin them financially if they go through with the weddings.
The girls go to meet their finances and bring them back to the ranch. Just after the sisters have settled the men in a guest house on the property, three loud blasts are heard from the house and the girls and their finances rush to the house. What has happened? You will have to read the book to find out!
Three Sisters live on a ranch with their guardian (who wants to choose husbands for the girls), two cowboys to work the herd of cattle, and a maid (who does housekeeping and meal preparation for all). The girls, Violet, Ivy, and Rose have communicated with cowboys to come to their ranch, marry the sisters, and work on the ranch with the cattle. The men are arriving at the beginning of the book and Cornell Pollard is angry, threatening to ruin them financially if they go through with the weddings.
The girls go to meet their finances and bring them back to the ranch. Just after the sisters have settled the men in a guest house on the property, three loud blasts are heard from the house and the girls and their finances rush to the house. What has happened? You will have to read the book to find out!
June 15, 2021
Good plot
This was an enjoyable plot. It also had a twist. Instead of men writing for mail-order brides, this story starts with three sisters writing letters to mail-order men. The question is, are these men who they claim to be or are they outlaws. When the girls’ guardian is murdered, there is even more confusion. Who is real and who is playing a part? Well right at this point the book literally ended. I don’t mind series books when they finish the first story and then start the second part of the story, but I really hate books that just stop, almost mid-sentence and require you to buy the next book. Thus the three stars. I doubt I will read the rest of the books in this series, although they are probably good, because I don’t like being forced to buy a book for the ending.
This was an enjoyable plot. It also had a twist. Instead of men writing for mail-order brides, this story starts with three sisters writing letters to mail-order men. The question is, are these men who they claim to be or are they outlaws. When the girls’ guardian is murdered, there is even more confusion. Who is real and who is playing a part? Well right at this point the book literally ended. I don’t mind series books when they finish the first story and then start the second part of the story, but I really hate books that just stop, almost mid-sentence and require you to buy the next book. Thus the three stars. I doubt I will read the rest of the books in this series, although they are probably good, because I don’t like being forced to buy a book for the ending.
January 2, 2021
I don't think this one was for me...
The story seemed to be going well for a while but then it lagged... Rather heavily. The chapters are weirdly split like in the middle of a conversation with no special lead I to the next one - almost like the author just split a scene into two different chapters just because. So, considering all this, I skipped ahead and read the last few pages. It didn't feel like I'd missed anything particularly major in the middle either. It felt flat the whole time, almost as if a few chapters have been purposely stretched out over dozens of chapters. Because it did hook me at some point, I'll give it a second star but honestly, this could have been better.
The story seemed to be going well for a while but then it lagged... Rather heavily. The chapters are weirdly split like in the middle of a conversation with no special lead I to the next one - almost like the author just split a scene into two different chapters just because. So, considering all this, I skipped ahead and read the last few pages. It didn't feel like I'd missed anything particularly major in the middle either. It felt flat the whole time, almost as if a few chapters have been purposely stretched out over dozens of chapters. Because it did hook me at some point, I'll give it a second star but honestly, this could have been better.
May 7, 2017
I've read some mail order bride books before and I wondered where the mail order groom books were, so I was glad when I found this one. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters, especially Violet. Some things were a bit annoying, such as people repeating each other at times and Violet contradicting herself sometimes. I liked that Violet was an active character and not a passive one like some of the women in other mail order bride books I've read. The story does end on a huge cliff hanger. Each chapter ended on a cliff hanger and in the middle of something, which kept me reading until I finished the book. I really want to read the next book.
August 18, 2017
An incomplete story
This was not one of my favorites. Violet, Iris and Rose have sent for three cowboys to be their mail order husbands. Violet had a bad impression of her two sisters future husbands. Cornell had been the girls guardian since their parents died. Something happens at the end of the book that leaves you hanging and makes it necessary to read the next book in the series. I don't like books without an ending. There server's some parts of the book that were confusing.
This was not one of my favorites. Violet, Iris and Rose have sent for three cowboys to be their mail order husbands. Violet had a bad impression of her two sisters future husbands. Cornell had been the girls guardian since their parents died. Something happens at the end of the book that leaves you hanging and makes it necessary to read the next book in the series. I don't like books without an ending. There server's some parts of the book that were confusing.
August 26, 2018
There wasn’t really any story. In fact, . Thing happened, but I’m still sitting here like ‘but DID anything happen?! There’s nothing resolved and without those things that are never resolved there’s a ‘love story’ that’s them being in love after meeting each other hours before.
I hated all the characters because everything was conflicting. One minute a character did something the next they acted completely different. Won’t be continuing because the characters annoyed the piss out of me.
I hated all the characters because everything was conflicting. One minute a character did something the next they acted completely different. Won’t be continuing because the characters annoyed the piss out of me.
May 26, 2020
Weddings
This was a very well written book by Kate Whitsby and I really enjoyed reading it. There young woman, three mail order husbands, an uncooperative uncle/guardia, a large ranch, trying to save their ranch, arguing, upsetting, meeting the men, talking about arrangements, threatening being disinherited, making plans, being abusing, fighting back, admitting to love and a murder and a whole lot more. Will there be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. But the book and see what happen.
This was a very well written book by Kate Whitsby and I really enjoyed reading it. There young woman, three mail order husbands, an uncooperative uncle/guardia, a large ranch, trying to save their ranch, arguing, upsetting, meeting the men, talking about arrangements, threatening being disinherited, making plans, being abusing, fighting back, admitting to love and a murder and a whole lot more. Will there be a happy ever after? I would recommend this book to everyone. But the book and see what happen.
February 8, 2021
Great world-building, character-building and story!
A fabulously intense day, vividly told from Violet's perspective. Loved how she faces her guardian's stubborn opposition to the cowboys she and her sisters have chosen through ads and letter-writing as their mail order husbands. Loved how her relationship with her sisters begins to expand. Loved how the three sisters begin their in-person relationships with their fiances, and watching Violet and Hutch getting to know each other. A lot happens over 24 hours. I was left ready to jump into the sequel.
A fabulously intense day, vividly told from Violet's perspective. Loved how she faces her guardian's stubborn opposition to the cowboys she and her sisters have chosen through ads and letter-writing as their mail order husbands. Loved how her relationship with her sisters begins to expand. Loved how the three sisters begin their in-person relationships with their fiances, and watching Violet and Hutch getting to know each other. A lot happens over 24 hours. I was left ready to jump into the sequel.
January 12, 2018
Violet's Mail Order Husband
This is a well written short novel about three sisters who decide to get mail order husbands. Their estate is controlled by their uncle who has let things deteriorate rapidly the last few years getting married is the only way they can think of to save the business. This story is basically about Violet, the oldest sister.
This is a well written short novel about three sisters who decide to get mail order husbands. Their estate is controlled by their uncle who has let things deteriorate rapidly the last few years getting married is the only way they can think of to save the business. This story is basically about Violet, the oldest sister.
April 13, 2018
This story follows the lives of the Kilburn sisters on the Rocking Horse Ranch in Montana. Violet Kilburn and her sisters Iris and Rose have sent away for mail order husbands to help run their ranch. That brings Chuck, Mick and Jake into town on the train. Things don't always go as planned. This is a nice short read that leaves you wanting to know more!
November 18, 2018
Only one word for this.... Cliffhanger!!!
What started out as a decent book and it turns out to be a cliffhanger. I wish authors are up front about it. If you're waiting for me to buy the rest of the books to find out who killed Cornell, you'll be waiting a long time. I doubt I'll even buy any more of your books.
What started out as a decent book and it turns out to be a cliffhanger. I wish authors are up front about it. If you're waiting for me to buy the rest of the books to find out who killed Cornell, you'll be waiting a long time. I doubt I'll even buy any more of your books.
February 21, 2021
Sending for mail order husbands is unheard of.
The three sisters are ready to move on with their lives and with the three men’s arrival they have a lot of getting to know you time until their triple wedding on Friday. A good story with a tragedy at the end and you must read the next book to find Violets answer to her story.
The three sisters are ready to move on with their lives and with the three men’s arrival they have a lot of getting to know you time until their triple wedding on Friday. A good story with a tragedy at the end and you must read the next book to find Violets answer to her story.
December 3, 2021
Don't Bother
The writing is ok but you have to purchase the next book to find out the end of the story. Any writer worth their salt can finish a story so well that you want to read all of their work. Ending a story with a cliff hanger is sophomoric and looks contrived and greedy. A waste of time.
The writing is ok but you have to purchase the next book to find out the end of the story. Any writer worth their salt can finish a story so well that you want to read all of their work. Ending a story with a cliff hanger is sophomoric and looks contrived and greedy. A waste of time.
June 3, 2017
Sorry, you did not finish This story. No ending, not what I was expecting.
Sorry, you did not finish This story. No ending, not what I was expecting. I was really disappointed, just want me to keep buying books.
Sorry, you did not finish This story. No ending, not what I was expecting. I was really disappointed, just want me to keep buying books.
November 14, 2017
Violet's Mail Order Husband- A Clean Historical Mail Order
As far as books go it was very good book to read, its all book three sisters wanting to back control of their family ranch from their uncle.
As far as books go it was very good book to read, its all book three sisters wanting to back control of their family ranch from their uncle.
April 13, 2018
It was an exciting story. Only fault not kindle unlimited.
Lots of action and romance. 3 sisters ordering husbands. Rose is so different from Violet and Iris. The guys are as different as night and day to each other but they seem perfect for the girls.
Lots of action and romance. 3 sisters ordering husbands. Rose is so different from Violet and Iris. The guys are as different as night and day to each other but they seem perfect for the girls.
October 28, 2018
I can't say this was my kind of romance. I didn't feel the romance between the main character and her man, nor her sisters. There was just something missing from the build up, the meeting and the accepting each other.
April 28, 2019
Mail order Brides gone wrong!
What a way to start a life as a mail order male bride.then someone being killed! This was a very good story and I look forward to reading more of your books!
What a way to start a life as a mail order male bride.then someone being killed! This was a very good story and I look forward to reading more of your books!
March 17, 2020
The story line of too big of a ranch to only have 2 ranch hands that were getting up in age and needed help With three sisters, and their uncle, who didn’t like idea of asking for mail order husbands..
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
March 31, 2020
This was recommended to me and I have to be honest. This just wasn’t good. I didn’t like the characters at all. I have two sisters and I couldn’t believe how they would treat each other. I was excited for this but didn’t like it at all.
August 14, 2020
Love at First sight is times three.
I absolutely love reading these books of Women who strike out to form their own destiny,, Violet, Iris, and Rose take matters into their own hands to save their Ranch..
I absolutely love reading these books of Women who strike out to form their own destiny,, Violet, Iris, and Rose take matters into their own hands to save their Ranch..
February 12, 2021
Poor reading
Everyone shouting not really a story or detail a rush through to get to next book,in order to get you to buy book 2 That's what it felt like to me .Sorry l won't buy book 2 as did Not keep my interest was easy to skip through parts
Everyone shouting not really a story or detail a rush through to get to next book,in order to get you to buy book 2 That's what it felt like to me .Sorry l won't buy book 2 as did Not keep my interest was easy to skip through parts
March 1, 2021
Mail order Husbands
Now that is a thought! Pretty good! There was strife , confusion,conflict with all of that was going on . The writer did a good job with the personalities. I was disappointed without a conclusion, but oh well, on to the second book!
Now that is a thought! Pretty good! There was strife , confusion,conflict with all of that was going on . The writer did a good job with the personalities. I was disappointed without a conclusion, but oh well, on to the second book!
August 25, 2021
Never been edited
To me there’s nothing worse than a book that hasn’t been edited. There were a lot of nice moments between the pages, but there were also many repeated words, cliches, slow dialogue—all these things would have been caught by an editor. Too bad…
To me there’s nothing worse than a book that hasn’t been edited. There were a lot of nice moments between the pages, but there were also many repeated words, cliches, slow dialogue—all these things would have been caught by an editor. Too bad…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews