Rebecca

Brides of the Oregon Trail #5

by Cynthia Woolf

Rebecca Taylor traveled the Oregon Trail for one reason, to provide for and protect her younger siblings. Having lost her mother years ago, the care and raising of the younger children fell to her and her brother. Oregon was supposed to be a new beginning, a fresh start. But the house they acquire needs more work than it's worth, and a wealthy and powerful man has taken more than a passing interest in having Rebecca for his wife. Add to her confusion a simmering attraction to Ian Stanford, the carpenter hired to repair their home, and Rebecca is in way over her head. After losing his wife--in a still unsolved murder--Ian Stanford has been raising his twin boys alone. Work fixing up the Taylor's old home is exactly what he and his boys need, but the enchanting young woman in charge of the household is driving him to distraction. His two boys want a new mother, but the only thing Ian is interested in is catching his dead wife's killer. When a new discovery leads him to a startling truth, everyone is in danger…his boys, the family he's grown to care too much about, and the beautiful Rebecca, who had can't stop thinking about.When the truth about his wife's killer is revealed, he's shocked to discover his first need is not vengeance but to protect his new family. But the stubborn Rebecca isn't the type to sit idly by when her family is in danger. Ian has no choice but to work with Rebecca to lure the killer into a trap. The real trap, he soon discovers, is the one Rebecca placed around his heart.

Genres: Historical Romance

198 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2019

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-nine works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-seven historical western romances, sixteen contemporary romances, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



WEBSITE – http://cynthiawoolf.com

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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of hope and making a new life when all seemed lost. Rebecca Taylor, her twin Ben and their three younger siblings took the wagon train to Oregon Territory. As many who were doing the same, they hoped for a new start and good opportunites.
Making it to the new town, they were anxious to buy a home and really take it sight unseen. Unfortunately it is really run down, but they hire a carpenter, Ian Stanford, who makes a deal to do the work if he and his two little boys can move in.
I absolutely loved this story as I have all of this series.. Cynthia Woolf creates characters that you can just see in your mind and feel you are there.
There is a little of everything to bring this amazing story to life. A man set on revenge to find his wife's killer, a romance that is trying it hardest to happen, an unwanted suitor who starts trouble and the cutest kids in the world. Loved this story and know you will too!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca is a real take charge kind of gal. She really is the oldest in her family. She is a twin, but is just minutes older than her brother. When they hit town, they buy an house that needs a lot of work, but will fit the whole family. They add Ian and his twin boys to the family. Ian is a carpenter. He lost his wife over a year earlier and needs the work. Rebecca finds herself falling in love with Ian. He is sure that he will never love again. After losing his wife, he doesn't want to go through that pain again. Rebecca is sure she can change his mind eventually. Ian can't stand it when one of the richest men in town starts to court Rebecca. The guy is a terrible person and he is sure Rebecca will see him for what he is. Ian gets a tip about the man who murdered his wife and it is not the man he thought it was. As his family is put in danger, Ian and Rebecca marry to save her reputation. He will do anything to save them. Rebecca feels the same way and puts her life in danger for Ian. Will he be able to save her?

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more because my name is Rebecca! I hope I would have been as brave and stubborn as Rebecca if I lived back then. It was brave of Ben and Rebecca (the oldest and twins) to sell their home and take a wagon train with their younger brothers and sisters to Oregon. I can’t imagine how hard the ride must have been. I loved that Rebecca made the decision to buy the mansion on the outside of town for them to live in, even if it needed to be fixed up. Of course, that was the good thing as that is how she met the carpenter Ian and his twin boys. It was sad how Ian’s first wife died. The bad guy in the story was an evil man named Silas. It is hard to understand how hard hearted a man can be. I loved the story and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca by Cynthia Woolf is book 5 of the Brides of the Oregon Trail series. It is a story of adventure,family,kidnapping and romance along with a little suspense. Rebecca and her siblings are making a new start. This is the story of Rebecca and Ian a widower with twin boys. It is part of a series but does fine as a stand alone so you do not have to read the books before, You will pick up more details if you read the series.It is an interesting story that gets to you emotionally as well intriguing. Cynthia Wolf has become one of my favorite authors . She always writing a story that teaches and keeps your interest. She keeps the books flowing with Rebecca. I always want to read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca and her siblings are going to Oregon to start over after their parents deaths, with her two brothers a two sisters . They purchase Large house that needs a lot of work . They also hired a carpenter to help fix the house. He has two boys around the same age as their youngest sister who they have been raising. This carpenter lost his wife when she was shot and the murderer fled and hasn’t been caught yet. There is an attraction between Rebecca and the carpenter but he can’t let go of his wife’s murder and finding out who killed her. This is a wonderfully written suspenseful romantic mystery thriller that you just cannot put down. I loved this. This is The Very Basic Beginning to a great story.....suspenseful engaging and very romantic. I was given this and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in Dec, 2019.. This was a favorite book in this series because I admired Rebecca, her twin and their family that travels with them. This is a touching story, but there is plenty of mystery and intrigue as they are traveling and when they finally reach their destination. A good series with another tale of the Oregon Trail that will grab you.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.

[Sherry Menager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read about family love and loyalty

A Prentless family of siblings sell their farm and hit the Oregon trail to resettle. a widowed carpenter with twin 6 yr old sons agrees to help repair the sibling family’s ranch house. The plot was good but the ending seem to drag to completion. Good character development.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca

Rebecca was just as good as the other 4 books. If they can just find a fellow for Charley it would make another good read. Jo

[Jeanne G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mostly clean romance

It was a good book but about 1/3 of the way I it dragged a bit. It was mostly a clean story.

[Joseph A. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Good family style book and to me for all ages. Well written and thought out. Read and do enjoy it

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read love this author

I love to read Cynthia wolf. Such an amazing author. Great storyline. Always ready to pick up another book by her.

[Terryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story but not the best either. A sweet kind of story, almost like the Brady Bunch with mixed families.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

NEW BEGINNINGS AND SECOND CHANCES

What an intriguing story with adventure, danger, kidnapping, and romantic suspense. The story is part of the Brides of the Oregon Trail but will read well as a stand-alone. This particular wagon train will include the Taylor siblings, orphaned and ready for a new life. They will sell their farm and make their way to Oregon City where they will purchase a farm with a large house. But it requires a lot of work, and hiring carpenter, Ian Staunton, will include his twin sons. The house is plenty big enough for the five Taylor siblings and the Staunton clan.

While the story talks a little bit about the wagon journey, the focus is after they arrive in Oregon City to begin their new life and find a home and land. There is immediate chemistry between Ian and Rebecca, but he isn’t looking for a relationship and states openly that until the man who murdered his wife, Molly, is found and tried, he can’t consider any relationship—but even then, he won’t have love to give. At no time, during this tale, is anything inappropriate between Ian and Rebecca—if anything, he comes to her rescue and protects her.

“She knew her life had forever changed. Loving Ian was a waste of her time and her love, but she did, and she couldn’t marry anyone else when her heart belonged to Ian.”

Silas Fletcher, one of the wealthiest men in Oregon City, comes to see Rebecca and to court her. While she knows that Ian says he won’t love her, she also knows that she wants to marry and have children. The courtship with Silas is a beginning, but not a happy situation. Why can’t Ian care for her? When she breaks it off with Silas, he is bitter and starts nasty rumors in town about her. What happens when he makes comments at a community event? Will Ian protect her honor by offering a marriage of convenience only?

“Don’t fall in love with me, Rebecca. I can’t love you back. I can’t give you what you need. I won’t go through the pain of perhaps losing you. All we can do is make our marriage a happy one as good friends.”

The story is full of the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Trouble is brewing, and Rebecca will become a pawn in a battle of good and evil. The story is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, mystery, and romantic suspense. It will have two people that enjoy being together, but one states he can’t love again, and the other is hurt by that and afraid to share her feelings. Will they realize how they feel before it is too late? While this story does not expound on intimate details within the marital relationship, it does have some mildly steamy scenes. The story does have a happy ended.

“Rebecca looked into the eyes of the man she loved, grateful he opened his heart and let her love in. Grateful she found this man she never thought she needed and now couldn’t live without.”.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this book is a little different from the other books in the series. This book the journey to Oregon is very short. We meet Rebecca Taylor and her siblings as they are heading to Oregon, but the real story is what happens once they get there. I love how Rebecca is a take charge kind of woman, and we see how much she loves her siblings in the choices she makes.

Rebecca Taylor is the oldest even if it is by 10 mins to her twin brother. She also has one other brother and 2 sisters. Both of their parents are dead, and she takes the responsibility to raise her siblings. So, she moves them all to Oregon. Once there she finds a home big enough for them all and more, but it needs of some big repairs. She is told that Ian will be perfect to help fix the house up. She hires him and vows to keep her mind off him. She has also caught the eye of a wealthy man in town, but there is something about him she doesn’t like. One thing is he is not Ian.

Ian Stanford is a widower with twin boys to raise. His wife was murdered, and the man is still out there somewhere. He has vowed to find her killer. He also has come on hard times as he lost his home and land to the wealthy man that is looking at Rebecca. When he agrees to help repair the house for Rebecca, he requests to move him and his sons into the house. She can’t refuse as she needs his help. However, the more time he spends with her the more he falls for her and her family.

When a new lead comes out about the murder of is wife Ian leaves to follow it. Little does he know this is going to change everything. Now Rebecca, his boys, and her family are all in danger.

Rebecca wants Ian but can she stay alive to help him find the murder? Will Ian lose her just when he realizes he wants her too? Can they keep their family safe from harm?


* I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I couldn't stop until I reached the end. Rebecca and her brothers and sisters head out on a wagon train to Oregon to try and make a new beginning for themselves. Each of them is so unique and so fun to read about especially the youngest. They arrive at their destination and soon purchase the biggest house available, although it needs work. Rebecca and her twin brother are then directed to the local handyman and are told that things are not always what they seem. They find Ian and his twin boys in a run-down house on the outskirts of town. Rebecca cannot resist the two little boys and finds their father intriguing also, but feels that their relationship will only be as employer/employee. Rebecca soon learns that Ian's wife was killed in a bank robbery while trying to make a payment on their land and because the payment was never made, the lender foreclosed on Ian and kicked him and the boys out. Ian has been searching for the killer ever since.
Rebecca is soon courted by the richest and nastiest man in town. She goes along with the courtship hoping to find a way to help Ian regain his land. There is lots of intrigue, romance, levity and a heart pounding moment or two. I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is an enthralling book with intriguing characters and a complex, suspenseful plot.

The main character is Rebecca. She is a young, independent woman who, with her twin brother, raises their three siblings after her mother dies. When their drunkard father dies, Rebecca decides to move the family to Oregon. She sells her family’s property and uses some of that money to buy covered wagons. Then, all alone, the family travels for months on the Oregon Trail.

When the family arrives, she uses some more of her money to buy a huge house with farmland, sight unseen. She realizes she needs someone to make all of their repairs, and the sheriff recommends Ian. When she meets Ian, he proposes that Rebecca allow him to make repairs in exchange for room and board for himself and his two sons. Rebecca agrees.

Of course, the developing romance between Rebecca and Ian has to overcome many obstacles. Plus, Cynthia Woolf creates an intriguing and complicated plot. It includes suspense and many obstacles. There is also a nasty villain whose main goal is to hurt, and/or kill, Rebecca and Ian.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca and Ben are twins that are taking care of their younger sibling since their mother and then their tyrant father passed away. Since their family home did not have happy memories, they decided to sell and move to Oregon.

Rebecca is a take charge kind of woman who doesn’t hesitate with her decisions. Once in Oregon she immediately purchases a home big enough for her family, but it is in disrepair and needs a lot of work. At the advice of her banker, she hires Ian. Ian is a widower with two young sons. His wife was murdered and he lost his home. He will stop at nothing to avenge her death and to prove that Silas was complicit in both her death and loss of his home.

When Silas starts to pay attention to Rebecca, Ian can’t help become concerned for her well being as he has come to care for her and her family. But can he open his heart to her and let his past go? Will Rebecca’s willfulness cause her to get into trouble? This page turner has it all: suspense, intrigue mixed with romance and bravery.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure, drama and a new life in Oregon come together in this warm-hearted romance. Taking care of her family is Rebecca's first priority. Fortunately, her very accommodating twin brother, Ben, thinks the same way she does, as for the most part it is Rebecca that makes the decisions. However, when Ian Stanford and his sons come on board to help them put their tumble down home to rights, Rebecca meets her match. Ian is attracted to Rebecca, but his anger regarding his wife's murder holds him back from making an emotional commitment. When the despicable Silas starts to make a move on Rebecca, Ian goes onto full alert and he finds himself being more concerned for Rebecca than the revenge he carries in his heart. The story is suspenseful and kept my attention throughout. The combined family of Taylors and Stanfords makes for entertaining reading, whilst the romance that developed touched my heart. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Mary Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Rebecca has a refreshing different twist. She arrives on a wagon train but is not a mail order bride. She, her twin brother and their other siblings decide to move west to escape the memories of their mother dying in childbirth with their youngest sister. We get to meet one or two of the individuals in the previous books but the story, in the main, is about Rebecca and a widower named Ian with two small boys whose wife was murdered. When the murderer realizes he’s been found out, he does not want to leave behind any witnesses. Cynthia has created another interesting story in her string of Brides of the Oregon Trail series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much. I started reading and the next thing I knew it was morning. It is so heartwarming, exciting, emotional, suspenseful and so much more. It is very well written and highly recommended. When her and her brother end up guardians of their younger siblings they travel out west. The carpenter they end up getting to help with their house has kids too. Well her and him hit it off but have some things going on they have to heal first. And add danger into the mix. They start to be more like a family than one group and a hired man. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed this story. Cynthia Woolf has wonderful characters, both good and bad. Rebecca is a strong woman who has crossed the country with her twin brother plus 3 younger siblings. I like that she makes decisions then makes them work. She doesn’t stand around and wring her hands when trouble comes, she does her best to take care of the problems herself. Ian is upfront about being unable to love but we all know that won’t hold up. I hope Carrie Ann gets her own story when she is older. I highly recommend this book.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Rebecca's story. The family of siblings travel to Oregon on a wagon train after both of their parents have passed away. They buy a large, fixer-upper on a sizeable piece of land and begin to make their new home. I enjoyed this book because it wasn't a "cookie-cutter" wagon train story. Rebecca wasn't a mail-order bride but she did find love. Not all of the characters were "good guys" in the story which adds to the excitement and suspense of the plot. Ms. Woolfe includes several exciting elements and twists to keep the reader guessing the outcome.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful western about those that traveled the Oregon Trail. Rebecca has been responsible for her siblings most of her life and felt it was best to move to a farm. Unfortunately, it needs a lot of work. Ian has been raising his twins and is helping his neighbor fix up her place. He has a mystery that he needs to solve but would he be putting Rebecca and her family in danger? The story is sweet but it reminds us the reality of life back then. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Woolf in the future.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wagon train to Oregon for a better life led by Rebecca and her twin Ben. With their parents dead they take their siblings and head West. There they buy a farm that needs fixed up and hire Ian to help out. Ian brings his six year old twins who become playmates with Rebecca's youngest sister Carrie Ann. Ian is searching for the man who killed his wife. As time goes they become a blended family until Ian's search for the killer effects their blended family. He then has to decide what is most important and will it be too late.

[Debora Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca (Bride of the Oregon Trail)

Is it me or are these books getting shorter, or maybe it's because I'm retired and reading is one of my favorite pass times! Cynthia Woolf, cannot wait for your next book!

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to like about this story. It is Book #5 in the Brides of the Oregon Trail and is Rebecca and Ian's story, as well as a number of other well developed characters. It is an action packed tale which includes death, murder, revenge, vengeance, killing, kidnapping, romance and a HEA. Once you start reading this story, you will not be able to put it down. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca and her siblings travel in a wagon train across America to a new life. They buy an old house in need of renovation, after finding someone to do the repairs, they are introduced to Ian and his children.
Rebecca has feelings for Ian but he's obsessed with catching his wife's killer.
Meanwhile there's a creepy rich man who is after Rebecca as his wife.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Another great suspense in the series from Cynthia.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Rebecca and her siblings arrived in Oregon the booth a property that needs some work. They hired Ian that became their living-in carpenter together with his two young sons. Rebecca falls in love with Ian but he can’t love her because he seeks revenge for the killing of his late wife. Rebecca starts courting another man but that brings trouble. Is there still a possibility that they can become a happy family?
Entertaining story that keeps interesting until the end. Great series.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trials some face would scare me, yet Rebecca such a strong, loving, determined young woman, who is a great sister, wife, mom & so much more. Join her and siblings Ben, Charlie, Peter, & Carrie Ann as they meet Ian and his 2 sons, Freddy and Andy as their families become 1 even through investigations of murder, kidnapping, & gun shots involving Silas & see if they get a happily ever after.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Brides of the Oregon Trail by Cynthia Woolf is a great western romance,interesting,intriguing filled with suspense,adventure,drama and romance. a story of Ian and Rebecca that will captured your heart. great storyline,strong characters with great chemistry,loved it!,i cannot wait for more from this series,well done! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book