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Brides of Little Creede #3
The Innocent Wife
JOSHUA . . . As the Sheriff of Little Creede, Joshua Lang has had his hands full more than once. Protecting his town from a criminal bent on destructive revenge. Keeping the peace when Little Creede grows too fast for its own good during the height of the silver mining boom. Trying to remember a certain beautiful, shy, and sheltered young woman is off-limits because she’s the baby sister of his two best friends. VIVIAN . . . For Vivian Carter, it’s not easy being the younger sister of the Carter brothers, two of the strongest, most honorable men she has ever known. But she’s a grown woman now, ready for a life—and love—of her own. In trying to assert her independence and claim her womanhood, she finds herself stymied by not only her brothers’ overbearing opinions, but the maddening habit Joshua Lang has, of pushing her away just as things between them start to get “interesting.” THE SHERIFF AND THE VIRGIN . . . Everyone seems to be finding love in Little Creede, marrying and building their families. As Colorado grows larger and richer, will Vivian and Joshua find their way to each other?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2019
356 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Cici Cordelia
23 books126 followersCheryl Yeko and Char Chaffin are award-winning romance authors known for their heartwarming and captivating stories. In addition to writing together under the penname CiCi Cordelia, Yeko and Chaffin also publish individually under their own names. Their talent for crafting complex and relatable characters and their ability to craft engaging and emotional plots have made them fan favorites in the romance genre.
Their books have won or finaled in many writing contests, including Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Award, Heart of the West Great Beginnings Contest, The Beverley, InD'Tale Magazine's RONE Award, the International Digital Awards (IDA) Contest, and more.
As a writing team, they bring a solid know-how for accomplishing the foundation of what makes a great romance read: a strong story, a passionate romance, fascinating characters, and a happy-ever-after ending. Whether you love historical romance, contemporary romance, or something in between, you won't be able to resist the allure of their captivating stories.
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/cicicordelia
Learn more about us at: CiCIWriter.com/
Their books have won or finaled in many writing contests, including Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Award, Heart of the West Great Beginnings Contest, The Beverley, InD'Tale Magazine's RONE Award, the International Digital Awards (IDA) Contest, and more.
As a writing team, they bring a solid know-how for accomplishing the foundation of what makes a great romance read: a strong story, a passionate romance, fascinating characters, and a happy-ever-after ending. Whether you love historical romance, contemporary romance, or something in between, you won't be able to resist the allure of their captivating stories.
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/cicicordelia
Learn more about us at: CiCIWriter.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 17, 2019
Both The Substitute Wife and The Dance Hall Wife gripped me, but the Brides of Little Creede character I most wanted to read about was Joshua Lang. Thus, I was eager to dive into The Innocent Wife to finally get Joshua’s story. As you can imagine, I devoured this one.
With The Innocent Wife, we have another great addition to the Brides of Little Creede series. It’s both a wonderful standalone romance, and a great continuation of the storyline we’ve been introduced to in the prior books. Although you can read this as a standalone novel, I do recommend reading the prior books in the series first to get the best impact. Each book brings a wee bit more to the table, and it was a great conclusion to the storyline that has carried throughout the series.
Before starting The Innocent Wife, I believed I knew how this story was going to play out. We got a little bit of an insight into the romance between Joshua and Vivian in The Dance Hall Wife, and I created all kinds of ideas in my head. It turns out, I was completely wrong. This one surprised me in the best of ways, the story playing out in a completely unexpected manner. I love it when a book manages to surprise me, and this one certainly did. In fact, my enjoyment of the book was more than I’d anticipated because it did not play out the way I had expected it to.
In many ways, this is one of those stories where I wish to write out a huge list of all the little elements I adored. From my love of the romance between Joshua and Vivian to my love of the side stories that played out, there were plenty of things with this one that I adored. Instead of listing them out, however, I’m going to simply state this is a story with countless enjoyable elements. I could list them, but I have no wish to spoil the fun to be had.
Without a doubt, The Innocent Wife was a fabulous addition to the Brides of Little Creede series.
With The Innocent Wife, we have another great addition to the Brides of Little Creede series. It’s both a wonderful standalone romance, and a great continuation of the storyline we’ve been introduced to in the prior books. Although you can read this as a standalone novel, I do recommend reading the prior books in the series first to get the best impact. Each book brings a wee bit more to the table, and it was a great conclusion to the storyline that has carried throughout the series.
Before starting The Innocent Wife, I believed I knew how this story was going to play out. We got a little bit of an insight into the romance between Joshua and Vivian in The Dance Hall Wife, and I created all kinds of ideas in my head. It turns out, I was completely wrong. This one surprised me in the best of ways, the story playing out in a completely unexpected manner. I love it when a book manages to surprise me, and this one certainly did. In fact, my enjoyment of the book was more than I’d anticipated because it did not play out the way I had expected it to.
In many ways, this is one of those stories where I wish to write out a huge list of all the little elements I adored. From my love of the romance between Joshua and Vivian to my love of the side stories that played out, there were plenty of things with this one that I adored. Instead of listing them out, however, I’m going to simply state this is a story with countless enjoyable elements. I could list them, but I have no wish to spoil the fun to be had.
Without a doubt, The Innocent Wife was a fabulous addition to the Brides of Little Creede series.
April 29, 2019
Vivian is the little sister of the Carter Brothers and Joshua’s friends. She loves to reach to the kids in town and has taken up with a young boy, Nate. when she isn’t helping the kids she dreams about Joshua who sees her as his friends little sister.
Joshua has been in love with Vivian for a long time. He knows in his mind he is not the right man for her. She deserves better. When trouble comes to town he has to take care to protect Nate and Vivian.
When her Vivian’s family see Joshua laying on top of her they make them wed almost on the spot. now can these two tell each other how they really feel?
Can he save her and Nate Before it is too late?
A read that you won’t be able to put down. The characters are easy to relate to and care for. They way Vivian cares for Nate and Joshua can almost break your heart when he is taken by his mother. You can feel the love dripping off the pages the writing is that good. You want everyone to win in the small family and have a happy ending. Everyone has secrets that they end up having to share no matter how hard. It was nice to see these two come together and work things out.
Joshua has been in love with Vivian for a long time. He knows in his mind he is not the right man for her. She deserves better. When trouble comes to town he has to take care to protect Nate and Vivian.
When her Vivian’s family see Joshua laying on top of her they make them wed almost on the spot. now can these two tell each other how they really feel?
Can he save her and Nate Before it is too late?
A read that you won’t be able to put down. The characters are easy to relate to and care for. They way Vivian cares for Nate and Joshua can almost break your heart when he is taken by his mother. You can feel the love dripping off the pages the writing is that good. You want everyone to win in the small family and have a happy ending. Everyone has secrets that they end up having to share no matter how hard. It was nice to see these two come together and work things out.
April 12, 2019
The Innocent Wife is a fun fast-paced, exciting, sexy read! Vivian and Joshua are thrown into an unexpected marriage that has them both scrambling to find their footing as a newly married couple. Together they must face Joshua’s past, Vivian’s overprotective brothers, and an unexpected sinister threat to both them and their family as they learn to trust, love, and build their new life together. I highly recommend this book, along with A substitute Wife and A Dance Hall Wife - both from this series. The strong men and feisty independent women of the Carter family are characters you simply must get to know.
April 23, 2019
This is the 3rd story in this series and what a wonderful love story about Vivian the young sister of her two over bearing brothers from books 1 and 2 and the Sheriff of Little Creede, Joshua. With the recent boom in silver mining and this small town expanding rapidly Joshua finds himself working harder with more people joining their town. Vivian is the local teacher and has fallen in love with Joshua and knows her over protective brothers will not allow it so she gives all she has to the children and especially Nate who has had a hard time in his young life! Joshua has also fallen for the beautiful young teacher but keeps his distance as he is afraid his friendship with the brothers could be hurt if he went after Vivian. Those who caused trouble in the previous stories return for revenge and end up causing both Vivian and Joshua closer and once things between get over heated do they become husband and wife. Joshua is very hard on himself and his past and Vivian wants a husband who loves her no matter what. It’s a beautiful love story of two people who need some trust to have love bloom in their lives! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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June 4, 2019"This novel is filled with lust, danger, and love, which is pretty much the definition of the Wild West."
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out the full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
June 7, 2019
4.5/5.0
This novel is filled with lust, danger, and love, which is pretty much the definition of the Wild West.
Read full review in the 2019 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This novel is filled with lust, danger, and love, which is pretty much the definition of the Wild West.
Read full review in the 2019 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 29, 2022
The couple: Joshua and Vivian
Romance trope: brother's best friend
Series: Brides of Little Creede
Length: 206 pages
Plot: Vivian has had a crush on her brother's friend Joshua - Sheriff Lang - forever. She thinks that he doesn't see her as anything more than an annoying little sister though. But when she's attacked out at the schoolhouse, Joshua becomes even more protective. But then they are forced together, and Vivian doesn't know if Joshua really wants to be with her or just feels like he has to do the right thing.
Commentary: I enjoyed this story a lot. Even though I started in the middle of the series, I had no trouble understanding what was going on. Vivian was definitely a typical innocent virginal heroine, but she wasn't a prude - once she figured out what she wanted, she went after it. I liked this enough that I will definitely read the others in the series. Lucky find for me!
Previous book in the series: The Dance Hall Wife
Next book in the series: The Runaway Wife
Romance trope: brother's best friend
Series: Brides of Little Creede
Length: 206 pages
Plot: Vivian has had a crush on her brother's friend Joshua - Sheriff Lang - forever. She thinks that he doesn't see her as anything more than an annoying little sister though. But when she's attacked out at the schoolhouse, Joshua becomes even more protective. But then they are forced together, and Vivian doesn't know if Joshua really wants to be with her or just feels like he has to do the right thing.
Commentary: I enjoyed this story a lot. Even though I started in the middle of the series, I had no trouble understanding what was going on. Vivian was definitely a typical innocent virginal heroine, but she wasn't a prude - once she figured out what she wanted, she went after it. I liked this enough that I will definitely read the others in the series. Lucky find for me!
Previous book in the series: The Dance Hall Wife
Next book in the series: The Runaway Wife
December 7, 2019
This is the third book in The Brides of Little Creede series, and I am hoping that this series continues as the stories continue to get better and better, and I’m learning to love this growing town and even all the misfit residents. This time out, young Vivian Carter, the teacher of the town and Joshua, the sheriff are forced into a quick “shotgun” wedding after being found making out by Vivian’s brothers. Even though this was a forced marriage, both Joshua and Vivian have loved each other for years.
As with all of the books so far in this group, the danger arises from a small boy that has abandoned by his tramp of a mother – and has won the hearts of many in the town, especially Vivian who spends extra time teaching him as he’s a brilliant student soaking up the lessons. But when the whore mother returns and wants Nate back for all the wrong reasons, this book gets really moving. Danger and attempts on Vivian’s life have Joshua and Vivian’s brothers scrambling.
This is a fantastic addition to this series, the danger keeps you turning the pages, and the characters almost leap from the pages. It’s not too often that I can see a story playing out in my mind as I read along as this did. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Cyrene
As with all of the books so far in this group, the danger arises from a small boy that has abandoned by his tramp of a mother – and has won the hearts of many in the town, especially Vivian who spends extra time teaching him as he’s a brilliant student soaking up the lessons. But when the whore mother returns and wants Nate back for all the wrong reasons, this book gets really moving. Danger and attempts on Vivian’s life have Joshua and Vivian’s brothers scrambling.
This is a fantastic addition to this series, the danger keeps you turning the pages, and the characters almost leap from the pages. It’s not too often that I can see a story playing out in my mind as I read along as this did. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Cyrene
January 21, 2023
Sweet, funny, and exciting!
By: CiCi Cordelia
Narrated by: Alan Taylor
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-21-23
Vivian and Joshua, the Sheriff and the virgin. He’s handsome, older, experienced, BUT, he’s her brothers’ bests friend, and that makes HER off limits, so very off limits! Set during the height of the silver mining boom of 1880 in Colorado, The Innocent Wife is book 3 in the delightful Brides of Little Creede series. Beautifully written, featuring fantastic, fully drawn and developed characters, an exciting, interesting plot, with plenty of laughs, awe’s, action, and edge of your seat moments, and topped off with stunning, smooth, easy to listen to narration! I am loving this series more and more with each passing installment! I really, really, REALLY don’t want it to end! This one gets Five fabulous stars! I loved it!
By: CiCi Cordelia
Narrated by: Alan Taylor
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 01-21-23
Vivian and Joshua, the Sheriff and the virgin. He’s handsome, older, experienced, BUT, he’s her brothers’ bests friend, and that makes HER off limits, so very off limits! Set during the height of the silver mining boom of 1880 in Colorado, The Innocent Wife is book 3 in the delightful Brides of Little Creede series. Beautifully written, featuring fantastic, fully drawn and developed characters, an exciting, interesting plot, with plenty of laughs, awe’s, action, and edge of your seat moments, and topped off with stunning, smooth, easy to listen to narration! I am loving this series more and more with each passing installment! I really, really, REALLY don’t want it to end! This one gets Five fabulous stars! I loved it!
April 17, 2019
Cici Cordelia writes Western romances that make a gal want to swing into the saddle and giddy up ‘n’ go. Her Brides of Little Creede series has been a joy to read, but The Innocent Wife is my favorite story so far. Even if he thought his best friends, the Carter brothers, would allow him near their little sister, Sheriff Joshua Lang believes his dark past makes him an unsuitable match for the beautiful, innocent young school teacher, Vivian Carter. Vivian may be all those things but she’s got more pluck than anyone gives her credit for and she’s more than willing to shed her innocence for the only man she’s ever wanted, the tall, brooding, infuriating Sheriff. It takes a courageous orphan boy to pull them together in an unbreakable bond of love. Great ready to swoon.
April 16, 2023
An improvement from the second book, but I was still frustrated by the hero.
This story starts off interesting. Its sweet to see that Vivian and Joshua are mutually pining for one another. They find themselves in a bit of an entanglement that calls for a quick wedding....then... Joshua just decides that his bride isn't ready for anything more.
Joshua and Frank share this quality that they up and decided what's best without any reason. I was annoyed that Joshua chose to distance himself from Vivian, even though she made it clear that she very much liked him.
Overall, better than the second book. Less spicy than the first in the series. Joshua redeems himself later on in the book but I was still frustrated with him.
This story starts off interesting. Its sweet to see that Vivian and Joshua are mutually pining for one another. They find themselves in a bit of an entanglement that calls for a quick wedding....then... Joshua just decides that his bride isn't ready for anything more.
Joshua and Frank share this quality that they up and decided what's best without any reason. I was annoyed that Joshua chose to distance himself from Vivian, even though she made it clear that she very much liked him.
Overall, better than the second book. Less spicy than the first in the series. Joshua redeems himself later on in the book but I was still frustrated with him.
May 12, 2021
Joshua is an honorable man. He thinks because of his past that he isn't a decent man. He really has fallen in love with Vivian, but knows he wouldn't be the right man for her. She is so pure and innocent. He is anything but pure and innocent. When caught in a compromising situation, he has no choice but to marry her. He will do everything in his power to make her happy even if it means protecting her from himself. Vivian may be innocent, but she has loved Joshua since she met him and she needs to get him to see her as a woman, not a little girl. When trouble comes to town, Joshua will do anything to protect Vivian. Will it be enough?
July 12, 2019
Action, adventure, heartache, & love
All 3 books in the series are excellent! Please please please write more to continue the stories, characters, marriages, & ensuing mayhem / adventures in this town! Dastardly villains appear to wreak havoc. Joshua as the Hero is swoon worthy tough & tender, level headed & kind. Vi as his love is sweet, kind, smart, & loyal, a perfect match. Nate as their adopted child is brave & lovable. All the Carters are there, along with the people of the town, to offer familial love & support. Read this series!!!
All 3 books in the series are excellent! Please please please write more to continue the stories, characters, marriages, & ensuing mayhem / adventures in this town! Dastardly villains appear to wreak havoc. Joshua as the Hero is swoon worthy tough & tender, level headed & kind. Vi as his love is sweet, kind, smart, & loyal, a perfect match. Nate as their adopted child is brave & lovable. All the Carters are there, along with the people of the town, to offer familial love & support. Read this series!!!
March 8, 2020
I just couldn't get into this story. The characters were not very compelling and the plot seemed overly contrived. The villains in the story didn't seem very motivated and I didn't believe that they were a real threat. The romance was not what I'd hoped, either. There are a number of tropes used in very conventional ways. I like romances, but I don't think this brings much new to the table overall, and some of the writing style left me cold too, especially the heavy-handed Southern dialect of the gambling establishment owner. Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
April 10, 2019
Nothing like being caught in a "compromising" position to have your dreams come true! Little does the Sheriff or the town know that the dangers lurking in Little Creede will keep them "busy" and lives are at stake! This story will capture your interest from the first chapter and the wedding night is definitely most memorable! *wink wink* You won't be disappointed in this third book in the series and I highly recommend them all!!
April 22, 2019
If you love Westen Romance This one's for you. This is the first book I've read in the Little Creede series. Generally, Western Romance isn't my thing, but I loved The Innocent Wife for the well-done plot, the cast of characters, and the historical accuracy, (I really love correct historical detail.) They have created a loveable, liveable world in Little Creede. Now I have to go back and read the first two. Five Stars.
I was given an ARC of the book in return for a fair review.
I was given an ARC of the book in return for a fair review.
September 15, 2019
This is the third book in this amazing series and it was my favorite. Joshua and Vivian were endearing characters.I loved the way they came together and formed a family with Nate. I also loved how all of the characters from the previous books played an important part of their story. There are so many endearing characters in this amazing series that I would love to read more about. I would definitely recommend this book and this series.
October 16, 2020
The Innocent Wife
Vivian and Joshua had been admiring each other from afar, until it became up close and a wedding was quickly in order. However, an HEA was not what came next! More trouble was in store for not only Vivian and Joshua as it would involve the entire town. Can the Sheriff finally end the evil that has been plaguing the town and get to know his lovely bride or will something tragic happen to one or both of them???
Vivian and Joshua had been admiring each other from afar, until it became up close and a wedding was quickly in order. However, an HEA was not what came next! More trouble was in store for not only Vivian and Joshua as it would involve the entire town. Can the Sheriff finally end the evil that has been plaguing the town and get to know his lovely bride or will something tragic happen to one or both of them???
September 2, 2020
Joshua and Vivian
This is an exciting, adventurous, love story with a splash of spice. This story was written by Ci Ci Cordella and she has done a great job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring. You will enjoy discovering how Joshua and Vivian find their happily ever after.
This is an exciting, adventurous, love story with a splash of spice. This story was written by Ci Ci Cordella and she has done a great job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring. You will enjoy discovering how Joshua and Vivian find their happily ever after.
January 31, 2021
Wow great read
This book 3 in this series of books. Life for Vivian has been a very sheltered life. Brothers are very protective of her. Yet she loves the sheriff Joshua. Joshua has always loved Vivian yet he felt he was not good enough for her. Yet love concours all. I really enjoyed reading this book and will reread it again.
This book 3 in this series of books. Life for Vivian has been a very sheltered life. Brothers are very protective of her. Yet she loves the sheriff Joshua. Joshua has always loved Vivian yet he felt he was not good enough for her. Yet love concours all. I really enjoyed reading this book and will reread it again.
September 28, 2020
Impressive series!
Book 3 continues in the same gripping and enthralling manner as the first two books. Joshua and Vivian's story is filled with action and romance. Nate is surprisingly enterprising.
Book 3 continues in the same gripping and enthralling manner as the first two books. Joshua and Vivian's story is filled with action and romance. Nate is surprisingly enterprising.
October 17, 2020
Another great love story in Little Creede
I enjoyed this book and Joshua and Vivian are a perfect match! I can't wait for Maggie's story and do see how Nate grows into the wonderful man that he is.
I enjoyed this book and Joshua and Vivian are a perfect match! I can't wait for Maggie's story and do see how Nate grows into the wonderful man that he is.
October 22, 2020
This book fit in so well with the first two of this series!
I really enjoyed this story, though I really thought she should have been more like her mother and learned to shoot! Was blown away to see Slim reappear but loved how well everything turned out!
I really enjoyed this story, though I really thought she should have been more like her mother and learned to shoot! Was blown away to see Slim reappear but loved how well everything turned out!
February 27, 2021
Terrific series make you read all three!!!
I love this series it is the first time for this author I will look forward to other books. The way the book flows from one character to the other is carried out wonderfully..
I love this series it is the first time for this author I will look forward to other books. The way the book flows from one character to the other is carried out wonderfully..
February 3, 2022
Loved this one
I love swoon worthy heroes and Joshua is definitely one of them. This story is full of excitement. I love the entire Carter family. I have really enjoyed reading this series.
I love swoon worthy heroes and Joshua is definitely one of them. This story is full of excitement. I love the entire Carter family. I have really enjoyed reading this series.
December 18, 2022
Sheriff's Shotgun Bride
Vivan's brothers guarded her like a national treasure. When they found their friend, the sheriff, kissing her on her sickbed the wedding didn't take long to follow.
Vivan's brothers guarded her like a national treasure. When they found their friend, the sheriff, kissing her on her sickbed the wedding didn't take long to follow.
January 4, 2023
I almost stopped reading this book because the heroine seemed rather weak. However, I am glad I didn’t stop because it was a very good book, both the story and the writing. I feel sure it would’ve been even better had I read the beginning of the series first.
May 4, 2019
Loved The Innocent Wife. Loved Vivian and Joshua. Hope there is a Book 3 of the Brides of Little Creede Collection.
December 17, 2019
Cute story my first by this author
October 18, 2020
Great book!
I enjoyed this book about Vivian and Joshua. This is a great series of books. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
I enjoyed this book about Vivian and Joshua. This is a great series of books. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews