To Love a Stranger

Wyoming #4

by Colleen Coble

Traveling to a rugged country to meet her new husband for the first time, Bessie wonders, Can love truly conquer fear?

Bessie Randall is shocked to discover that, thanks to her sister’s meddling, she is married by proxy to Jasper Mendenhall, a man she’s never met. Believing she has no choice but to honor the marriage, Bessie travels from Boston to Jasper’s military quarters in Fort Bridger, Utah Territory.

Jasper Mendenhall is equally shocked when he meets his wife at the stagecoach and realizes she is not the beauty from the picture he holds. But Jasper has orders to move to Arizona Territory, and he has no choice but to take Bessie with him.

Bessie and Jasper’s mutual distrust is hard enough, but snakebites, Apache raids, and food shortages present even more challenges as they head to the Southwest. A story of quiet commitment despite the odds, To Love a Stranger explores how love can grow in the most difficult land.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical Fiction, Historical, Westerns, Christian Romance

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Arizona. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 6 million books in print.

Reviews

[jaymee ☁️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

while i highly recommend and have loved most all of Colleen’s suspense/mystery novels, that is not the case with this one. i only read it for a autumn reading challenge and in the future i won’t be going back to her earlier works again. i just didn’t enjoy it and many aspects of the plot annoyed me. i unfortunately do not recommend it but i can see why some would like it.

[Aimie · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Love a Stranger is generally a nice book to read. The characters were likeable, the plot was interesting, and the writing was drawing...however the novel was a times unbelievable. For example, Bessie's younger sister Lenore decided to correspond as a mail order bride under her sister's name. By doing this, Lenore ended up marrying Jackson under Bessie's name. However, what was borderline unbelievable was the fact that Bessie went along with all of it and, without an argument or a fight, she became a mail order bride...

Seriously?! Bessie didn't want anything to do with this (she didn't want or wish to become one) but due to her sister's selfish behaviour, she is forced to. Jackson was an alright character. Even though he took Bessie in after knowing that she wasn't the girl he corresponded, he [to me] seemed desperate. I mean he was supposedly into Bessie's sister, Lenore, but takes what he can get when she doesn't show up - Bessie herself.

If you are looking for a straight forward, slow paced, pleasant read then I recommend you pick this novel up.


eARC was kindly provided by publisher, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for an honest review.

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Love a Stranger by Colleen Coble was such a lovely, little book! Though I hadn't read by the author in a long time, as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover, I knew I had to request it to read&review! And I'm quite happy I did! ^_^

To Love a Stranger is a mail-ordered bride story; and originally came out in 2000 as the fourth book of Colleen Coble's WYOMING series. Now it's been republished in 2016 with it's absolutely stunning new cover! Jasper Mendenhall and Bessie Randall's unlikely romance is a sweet one. Journey to Arizona Territory with these two for a heartfelt adventure.

I just loved it. It's an endearing western/prairie, Christian romance, reminding me something of Janette Oke's stories. Marriage of convenience. Frontier. Native Americans. Babies. Working through the rough spots of life ... basking in the joys. This book was simple and sweet. Short and exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I recommend To Love a Stranger to fans of Christian Historical Romance ... and also fans of western/frontier romance. It's heart-tugging and ultimately very satisfying. Great book from Colleen Coble!

I received a copy of To Love a Stranger from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I've read a couple of Colleen Coble's books and, while I am not generally a fan of inspirational fiction, I find that I enjoy her stories. She's a great storyteller and I feel she inserts faith into the novel at appropriate times. Her book reminded me of a Hallmark movie (I love those movies).

She weaves the plot to define her characters in a way that I like. I'm not sure how she accomplishes it, but the plot and the characters grow seemingly at the same time. In this case, her story was believable and, from what I remember of my history, fairly accurate.

I will definitely look for more of her books to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Trixi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I love inspirational historical fiction! Second of all, I've only read Colleen's suspense novels, going back in time, so to speak, with this book was a real treat. I think she's one of those authors who could write in any genre. Thirdly, I really enjoy a good marriage-of-convenience or mail-order bride story & To Love a Stranger is a marriage-by-proxy story; one I've never heard of. I can see where it may have been more common in this time period, especially when women far out-numbered men.

Ah yes, sisters! Growing up with one can be one of the greatest joys & sometimes even the greatest sibling rivalry around. Lenore is the younger sister of Bessie Randall, our herione in this book. She hatches a plan to correspond with Jasper Mendenhall, a military man, in Bessie's name. As if that weren't bad enough, she signed a marriage certificate and agreed to join him out west....all without Bessie's knowledge! But of course she finds out and feels obligated to go through with it, if only to straighten the mistake out. Finally upon meeting Jasper, decides maybe this was what God had planned all along for her. Can these two form a real marriage, or will Lenore's deceit be too much for them to overcome?

I really like the adventure Coble took me on; from that first meet to final chapter, she kept me turning pages because I had to find out what happened next. Being a hopeless romantic, I loved watching Bessie & Jasper fall in love and face each obstacle that came their way head-on. The faith theme was refreshing, God was very much in the center to help guide them. I also loved that Coble referenced 1 Corinthians 13—the love chapter—because that is the scripture God gave my husband & I when we were first married. It's the perfect model for how marriage should be between two people! It was a real pleasure watching these two want to reflect that scripture in their own relationship.

This was a very enjoyable story that I would recommend to inspirational historical readers who are hopeless romantics like myself!

*I received a complimentary digital copy via Netgalley and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *

[Janka H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bessie is married by to a man she has never seen before. And without her knowing she is even married - as this setup is the doing of her irresponsible younger sister! Yet, she is willing to give this marriage a chance, as she longs for her own family.

This is going to be very frank and blunt review.

This is one of the earliest works of the author and it shows. To be embarrassingly honest here - the premise is highly immature and it highlight some very troubling settings and behaviour. Like young girl having a huge inferiority complex (because she is constantly compared to her more beautiful sister), so she believes that being "spinster" is her fate and that her only chance for a family is to proceed with a false marriage - instead of confronting her younger sister with her immature lies in leading the unsuspecting man just for a foolish fun (said younger sister never has to face any consequences and is never ashamed of putting her own sister down because of being older than her and less beautiful). What about building Bessie's character to let her see that she is loved by God the way she is, single or married? What about confronting Bessie's cold family in showing them the same? And what about Jasper willing to stay in a marriage just for the sake of not offending Bessie in sending her packing? This simply de-values any honesty and sanctity of the marriage. What if this marriage simply would not work??? Sure, Jasper is written a a blandly, one-dimensional ideal Christian man without any faults, but the life simply does not work like that ands promoting this naivete, Christian or not, is wrong. I suppose that the authoress based this work on the Biblical story of Leah/Rachel - but the Bible shows the wrongs in this setup, also!

But I am happy to say that the authoress nowadays writes much more complex and interesting novels, where she addresses the issues maturely and wisely. I like her current works. I guess everyone has to start somewhere and move upward from that point.

[Romancebooksandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bessie Randall finds herself in a pickle it seems her sister Lenore has stolen her identity and married a solider by proxie. But Lenore wants nothing to do with it now and what of Bessie she’s now married to a stranger.

Jasper Mendenhall was expecting one woman and got someone completely different but he isn’t sure what to do especially since he is being called to move to a fort in Arizona the next day. Can these two make the unconventional marriage work?

Well the story was shorter then I would have preferred. (Less then 200 Pages) it was so good I sat down and read it in less then 24 hours. You want to know if Bessie and Jasper will make it through all the perils that are put in their path. You root for their HEA. This is actually the fourth book in an older series and I have the third book but decided to read this one first. Good book for anyone looking for historical Christian Romance and a fast read.

[Rachel Winger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's nostolgic for me, but I have read 'Wyoming' by Colleen Coble a handful of times over the last 15 years. It never gets old! It's a PG romance collection of 4 stories, including 'To Love a Stranger'. In this book, she guides us through a connection between an "old maid" (for the time, 1800's) and a frontier soldier who've been married by proxy. She writes from a Christian perspective of marriage and growth as husband and wife with God leading them.

[Lianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story. Somewhat predictable.

[Dana Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet historical that I listened to from the library.

[Holly Claymon · Rating 5 out of 5]

hard to put down

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Love a Stranger is the 4th book in the 'Wyoming' series by Colleen Coble. It is easily read as a stand alone novel.

This story is about Bessie Randall. Unknown to her, her younger sister Lenore has been corresponding with an army man, felt smitten with him, and when he asked her to marry him by proxy (mail) she agreed. Unfortunately, all that was done with Lenore using her sister's name. Bessie only finds out by accident about the romance and that as all the legal documents were in her name that her sister forged, she is married to a man she has never even spoken to. Lenore is selfish, and has actually fallen for another man, this one in person, and she pretty much expects Bessie to take her place with Jasper Mendenhall. Bessie knows her sister has really wronged both herself and Jasper, and she is in two minds about what she should do. She has always been known as the plain sister, with not so much as one marriage proposal in her 26 years, so this situation could at least see her married and maybe in time with children. But on the other hand, she is not the sister this man fell in love with. She decides to read the letters that he had sent Lenore and before she even got half way through she realised that she had to go to him and explain the situation while at the same time offering to stay as his wife.

Jasper isn't at all pleased when he finds out what has happened, and he certainly isn't at all keen on the plain woman that Bessie is, when he was expecting the stunning black haired beauty that is her sister. He isn't even sure if he believes that Bessie wasn't involved in the duping, trying to trap herself a husband. It's not the greatest way to start a relationship, but they both decide that during a trip to his new posting they could think further about if they wanted to try to make their marriage work, or just get it annulled.

This was a beautiful, sweet love story that was a pleasure to read. It was only about 2 hours long, so although the content was deep and emotional in some places, it really was a nice light read. There were plenty of light hearted moments in the book too which had me laughing out loud. I started out angry at Lenore for her deception, but as things get better and better between Bessie and Jasper, I was actually happy that her selfishness paid off for the couple. As for Bessie, she's a beautiful character, and watching her confidence grow throughout the book was a real delight. As for Jasper, his biggest problem was trust, and his pride. Every time he seemed to let his guard down, he would remember being duped, and the doubts would start up again about Bessie's part in it, and the walls would come up again.

During the long journey many trials and tribulations are faced including an attack by Indians. Bessie holds her own and shows all the men of the army, including Jasper that she isn't just a little woman who won't be able to cope with the strains of living out west. During the trip the relationship seems to take one step forward and two steps back, with neither of them really being honest about their feelings. Will they decide to stay married? Will a relationship between them ever work when it started out based on lies? It doesn't help that Bessie believes that Jasper is still longing for her sister. Will she be able to settle in a marriage where she knows there is no chance of a total commitment from the heart from her husband? You will have to read the book to find out?

I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To Love a Stranger” by author Colleen Coble goes along with “The Heart Answers” and the “Journey of the Heart” series. The characters have moved out of Wyoming and Utah and in the newest book, they are heading to Arizona.

I think this book is my favorite out of them all. When Bessie Randall tries to do the honorable thing and honor the marriage by proxy vows her sister took in her name, she has no idea what life is going to be like. This is her opportunity to get out of her beautiful, spoiled sister’s shadow and she’s going to be brave and take it.

When Bessie Randall steps off the stagecoach, Jasper Mendenhall’s wife is not the same person he holds a photo of in his hand. He was expecting a refined beauty, not a tiny, plain woman. How much of what he’s been told is the truth? He doesn’t know this woman at all.

Bessie’s determination to be the wife Jasper needs despite his discontent over the dishonesty is inspiring. Her kind heart toward the soldiers and those less fortunate is beautiful and it doesn’t take Jasper long to realize what a precious treasure this woman is. But they are in the middle of harsh terrain with threats of not only Apache Indians but also snakes, spiders, scorpions, and the relentless sun.

As Bessie and Jasper struggle to find their footing in a marriage neither of them is sure what to do with, will they find that love is more than skin deep?

***Thomas Nelson provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Love a Stranger is a newly published edition of a previous work of Colleen Coble. Having read some of this author’s earlier stories, I grabbed this book when I had the chance. It did not disappoint. Since it is an earlier work, the story line is not as deep as current novels by this author, however, I still find that her writing flows for me as I read it. Before I know it, I’ve devoured the story! That was the case with To Love a Stranger.

It is a sweet story of two people who find themselves married and don’t know each other at all. They are both honorable and even though there are trust issues and hurt feelings at times, their hearts are in the right place trying to see if the marriage has a chance. I enjoyed the trip back in time and the details that made me feel as if I was right there traveling across the desert and into the fort in Arizona. The author also did a good job at making me feel the heart of these two individuals.

To Love a Stranger was a quick read, yet a very enjoyable story. I had not read the book that comes immediately before this one, but did not have any trouble following along. It stands alone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this twist on the classic mail-order bride scenario.

I thought Coble struck a good balance of humorous moments and serious events, and the unfolding romance between Jasper and Bessie was crafted well; subtle and sweet.

Bessie was an excellent example of how outward appearance and initial impression belies the great depth of strength and character beneath. I really liked her determination and courage! Jasper was also a great hero, I loved his approach in seeking to understand how to love by using the Bible as his guide. There were plenty of interesting secondary characters too.

The descriptions were well done, I really got a feel for the historical Arizona setting.
It was a fast read, I would have liked the book to be longer, 50 more pages could have really allowed for some deeper development on the subjects of love/loss etc.

Overall, a lovely and enjoyable clean read with good characters, interesting plot twists and clear faith message.

* I received a free e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked: Bessie is a spit fire! She takes a bad situation and makes it the best she can. Her sister is deceptive, but Bessie must really love her because she not only forgives her but goes through with the charade. I liked that Bessie put her all into making herself the best wife she could and how everyone seemed to love her.

What didn't work for me: How fast she was willing to walk away from Ruth.

All in all this was a great, clean romance book. There were a few things that didn't work for me, but in any situation you find those things you would do differently.

Thank you to NetGalley for an copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberlyisreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know some find Bessie's actions of following through with the mess her sister Lenore created, but I find it plausible. She believes herself to not be fair in looks, no real prize, so she takes a chance to see what God has in store for her and travels to Ft Bridger, WY to meet her husband, Jasper. And immediately the adventure begins when he is called to a post in Arizona.
It's a novel with a sweet romance with enough twists that you keep turning the pages to find out if the two will survive all of the dangers of the Southwest.
This is an updated version of this novel with a gorgeous new cover. If you enjoyed it, it's #4 of the
Inspirational Historical Fiction/Romance.
3.8

thank you to netgalley for the chance to read this for an honest review

[Sugarrr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just ok for me, I didn't love it but liked it enough to want to finish it. I would not read it again though. I found the beginning a bit unbelievable , why her sister would agree to marry in Bessie's name.... It was a cute love story but felt a bit rushed, especially when I felt the 'attack' of the spider and bat happened within 2 sentences, it felt repetitive and rushed also to me.
Otherwise a nice quick read. This book felt like it should have been 100 pages or more longer. Not great but ok.

[Rachel Woodruff · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy one day book to read. However, I had major problems with the Ruth character. Allegedly, they found Ruth in the desert, only a few hours old. But as the story progresses, she behaves like a much older child, leading me to believe the author isn’t familiar with the development of young babies.
Aside from this the plot is so so, and the character development is mediocre. I think I will read more of her writing to see if it improves.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book on the shelves, I picked it up because it was a short read. However…I kind of wish it was a much longer read! I feel like the development of the characters and their relationship moved too quickly for me to really soak it all in and truly believe it. Other than that, I do think the story was a good one. I’d read another book from the series, but keep my expectations a little lower.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Colleen Coble. After seeing her recommended many times, I finally jumped on the bandwagon and was not disappointed.
To Love A Stranger captured me from the prologue, and I was finished reading it in a day. There are so many surprises and twists, great characters, and Colleen's writing is smooth and enjoyable. I've got two more of her books on hand, and I'm excited to begin those soon.

[Carly Leigh Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. This is the last book in The Wyoming Series which I have thoroughly enjoyed! I loved this book because it shows how love can develop and grow between Bessie and Jasper even though at first there seemed no hope. I also loved Ruthie as that showed Bessie's mothering instinct but it was awful when Ruthie was given back to her birth father - that was very upsetting

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars The book started strong, a creative premise. The writing was good and the characters seemed realistic enough. But maybe drama/romance just isn't my genre, because about half way through the book it seemed to start dragging. I got tired of the protagonist second guessing the relationship. Why can't people just talk to each other!? The ending was sweet and for a romance, I liked it better than most.

I'll try more Coble books, see if they're even better than this one.

[Kathy Filardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great novella and showed the perils and Perseverance you need to survive in Arizona as a soldier's wife. I liked both Bessie and Jasper and felt sorry when they had to give up baby Ruth but was glad when they finally came to love one another. I'm wondering if there will be more in this series?

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times this does get a bit preachy, but I like the emphasis on loving in the way God wants a couple to. Sometimes it felt like Bessie had to put up with more than was fair, but she was already in love so it's more a testament to her loving strongly than anything. Kinda wanted Jasper to go chase after her in Boston though, wish he'd had a chance before she came back.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up for a quick read. And it was.
This was a nice story, slow at times but fun. There was a few things that were repeated a lot that Bessie was thinking to herself. It got a little monotonous at times.
All in all it’s a cute story and it did keep me wanting to read and see what happened.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wyoming Series

The whole Wyoming Series was over the top! I could continue to read books like these, on and on. I enjoyed each one, enemensily. Great work, Colleen! I just love your writings. 😁 God has richly blessed you and I love that your books reflect you love for Him, in your stories. Thank you for that.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is finally reunited with her long-lost brother Jasper. He has been writing to a girl from Boston and they are now married by proxy. The only problem is when she arrives it is really the sister of the picture he is married to. Also, they must leave the comfort of Fort Bridger to Arizona and try to figure if they can make a marriage, or she must go home.

[Linda Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn’t put down. Look forward to picking up.

It was very thought-provoking and convicting. Along with that came healing and a new appreciation for my God-given husband! Thank you, Colleen.

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how the author writes historical romance. Not dry at all. I especially liked the fact that the couple who had a mail order type marriage did not consummate their marriage until they actually loved each other. Not all of it’s type does.