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As Hope leaves Michigan for Kentucky as a mail-order bride, she is waylaid by bumbling outlaws, gets mixed up in a family feud, and is kidnapped yet again! Through it all she learns how God works everything together for good for his children.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
101 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
About the author
Lori Copeland
195 books534 followersLori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 25, 2019
I did not realize this was Christian Fiction when I started the book, and as I don’t generally read that genre I am not addressing that part in my review. But I like to finish books I start, so I read this 3-in-1 series. Hope and her two sisters sign up to be mail order brides to “decent, God-fearing men”.
Book 3, Hope, is the best of the series. Now we finally have some plot, some compelling story, and some action! Hope is on her way to Kentucky to meet her future husband, when she is kidnapped by bandits who mistake her for the wealthy daughter of a senator, Anne Ferry. Luckily for her, the bandit named Grunt is actually undercover military agent Dan Sullivan. Dan has infiltrated the gang to find out why they have such an uncanny ability to rob stagecoaches full of money.
Dan knows that Hope is not Anne, because he had met Anne once. But he can’t reveal that and blow his cover, so he is forced to take part in the kidnapping and do his best to protect Hope from the rest of the gang at their hideout. Hope is the first sister in this trilogy to have some backbone, so I found her much more appealing as a heroine.
This book is much more exciting, I actually found myself interested in finding out what would happen next, and both Hope and Dan are likeable as main characters (boy, a book is just so much more enjoyable when you actually care about the protagonists!!). This is also the first book that would appeal to those outside the Christian fiction genre, I think. I would actually recommend this one to people who like “cozy” type reads, squeaky clean romance, and Western oriented romance.
Book 3, Hope, is the best of the series. Now we finally have some plot, some compelling story, and some action! Hope is on her way to Kentucky to meet her future husband, when she is kidnapped by bandits who mistake her for the wealthy daughter of a senator, Anne Ferry. Luckily for her, the bandit named Grunt is actually undercover military agent Dan Sullivan. Dan has infiltrated the gang to find out why they have such an uncanny ability to rob stagecoaches full of money.
Dan knows that Hope is not Anne, because he had met Anne once. But he can’t reveal that and blow his cover, so he is forced to take part in the kidnapping and do his best to protect Hope from the rest of the gang at their hideout. Hope is the first sister in this trilogy to have some backbone, so I found her much more appealing as a heroine.
This book is much more exciting, I actually found myself interested in finding out what would happen next, and both Hope and Dan are likeable as main characters (boy, a book is just so much more enjoyable when you actually care about the protagonists!!). This is also the first book that would appeal to those outside the Christian fiction genre, I think. I would actually recommend this one to people who like “cozy” type reads, squeaky clean romance, and Western oriented romance.
January 23, 2016
HOPE was by far my favorite book in the series. When Hope Kallahan leaves Michigan to meet the man she has agreed to married, she begins an adventure the likes of which she could've never imagined. When her stage is robbed, she is kidnapped and presumed to be the daughter of a senator. Her bumbling captures refuse to believe her when she tries to identify herself and she soon realizes she is dealing with a hopeless band of misfits. Though "Grunt" seems to be the only sane one in the bunch, he too tries her patience as she schemes to escape and get word to her betrothed that she is on her way. When Hope falls ill and is carried away by "Grunt" her suspicions are confirmed. "Grunt" is non other than Dan Sullivan, a government agent that has infiltrated the hapless gang that keep stealing government payrolls. As he tries to get Hope to Medford, they meet obstacle after obstacle. When weeks turn into months, a bond forms between them that neither of them is willing to admit to. Hope feels a responsibility to the man she has agreed to married even though she has never met him, and Dan feels it is his duty to see Hope safely to her destination.
I loved this story. While June and Faith were enjoyable, this one was captivating. Although the list of mishaps that befall Hope and Dan seems a bit outrageous, you are willing to put those feelings aside and enjoy the bond that begins to grow between these two people. A great book with great characters.
I loved this story. While June and Faith were enjoyable, this one was captivating. Although the list of mishaps that befall Hope and Dan seems a bit outrageous, you are willing to put those feelings aside and enjoy the bond that begins to grow between these two people. A great book with great characters.
October 27, 2021
2.5 stars
So this is the one where the girl gets abducted by armed robbers and while she tries to convert them all (being the daughter of a preacher and all) and teach them some basic manners, she also is attracted to one of them. The nice one. The one who is actually there undercover. They escape only to run into one incident after another. Hope is abducted three times? In the end they realize they are in love. Yeah. Then there are the animals and the repentant thief that Hope converts in the end. To clarify, Hope does not convert the animals. Though she would if she could.
2021: I really need to remember to look at my old reviews before requesting items because this would have saved me a lot of time.
So this is the one where the girl gets abducted by armed robbers and while she tries to convert them all (being the daughter of a preacher and all) and teach them some basic manners, she also is attracted to one of them. The nice one. The one who is actually there undercover. They escape only to run into one incident after another. Hope is abducted three times? In the end they realize they are in love. Yeah. Then there are the animals and the repentant thief that Hope converts in the end. To clarify, Hope does not convert the animals. Though she would if she could.
2021: I really need to remember to look at my old reviews before requesting items because this would have saved me a lot of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
So this Brides of the West series is starting to get a touch more implausible; nonetheless, if you think of Georgette Heyer's Regency romance without Heyer's great vocabulary, a reader won't be too far off in what to expect.
I was told my mom would like her books, and I think that is a strong possibility. I did not realize that I was reading them out of order, but I read each one within a 24 hour period so it wasn't an issue. Clean romance. The book reminded me of an old tv series titled "Here Come the Brides". The series is fun (both the tv and the books), ludicrous at times; still, I thought back to some recent tv series and movies I've watched and they were ludicrous as well. The book series is also highly Christian, but somehow I didn't mind it. The books were a good diversion.
I was told my mom would like her books, and I think that is a strong possibility. I did not realize that I was reading them out of order, but I read each one within a 24 hour period so it wasn't an issue. Clean romance. The book reminded me of an old tv series titled "Here Come the Brides". The series is fun (both the tv and the books), ludicrous at times; still, I thought back to some recent tv series and movies I've watched and they were ludicrous as well. The book series is also highly Christian, but somehow I didn't mind it. The books were a good diversion.
October 2, 2022
Pretty disappointed in this series, tbh...it was fun and full with adventure and exciting twists and turns but I couldn't get over the clear agenda to promote feminism in the characters of these strong-willed, independent and even rebellious women throughout the series. Granted, they needed a backbone to do what they did, facing the unknown in the days of the Wild West but they lacked true strength. Strength in full dependency on God. Strength in a gentle spirit and quiet humility.
March 27, 2025
Soooo fun fact I finished this book in one sitting lol. This book is a part of a series with 3 sisters and their different adventures, but this one looked the most interesting and I picked it up and read it on the spot. I could hardly tell that it was the last book in the series, and the story was very fun and compelling. I loved the relationship between Hope and Dan, and their awkward moments of being literal strangers traveling together, surprisingly made me enjoy the book and wasn’t cringey to read. It actually sent me however how she travelled miles and miles (getting kidnapped multiple times) to marry her mail-order husband, only to find that he married someone else because she was taking so long. Too funny! The last chapter was very satisfying, with that being said.
This was one of those plots where you could kind of feel where the story was going throughout the entire book, but that wasn’t a bad thing and it definitely had a few twists.
This was one of those plots where you could kind of feel where the story was going throughout the entire book, but that wasn’t a bad thing and it definitely had a few twists.
August 26, 2008
I might call this a western romance-adventure. I've read all of these mail order bride books, but thought I'd get a few from the library since I remember liking them, but wasn't sure how much I liked them. I think her books are fun to read. This was one of the better ones, and I enjoyed the humor. They are quick and easy to read; not too much introspection here, but light and fun, with an appropriately happy ending, which is great for a little diversion.
March 8, 2010
This was a quick read and enjoyable. Just your run of the mill story about a boy meeting a girl. There is a little religous overtone. I enjoy this author because I know I won't be surprised with a smutty bedroom scene. Thank you to Lori Copeland. Very enjoyable.
July 9, 2010
Of the first three books in the Brides of the West series, Hope was definitely my favorite! I loved the action, adventure, and interesting circumstances that led Hope to the future God had planned for her!
August 22, 2011
This final book in the trilogy was little more adventurous. Hope has more spunk and the team work through mishaps is enjoyable. Have faith even when it seems that everything in life is going wrong at all the same time.
September 22, 2012
Of the three Brides of the West books I have read, I liked this one the most. It has lots of twists and a good adventure.
August 5, 2019
Awesome story and series. I'm so glad there is another trilogy!
February 6, 2024
Amazing book
December 31, 2019
I gave the Brides of the West series a chance and just did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I do like mail order bride stories so had high hopes. I've read a lot of Christian fiction and historical fiction romance that I have liked just fine, so the genre is one I typically enjoy. My struggle with this series seems to be the characters for the most part. This final book, Hope, had a few too many crazy and silly occurrences that had my eyes rolling at times. It was adventurous and exciting so the story moved along for the most part. I did find myself skimming a bit to try and get through to the end. Just because this series wasn't quite my thing doesn't mean it won't be what others like. The 4+ star rating would indicate there are many who do.
June 30, 2017
This book was funny. Poor Hope starts on her journey to meet her mail order husband but didn't make it for getting kidnapped, sick, shot at, a break for a while, then kidnapped again, and jailed before she finally arrives and then she finds out he married somebody else. I cracked up laughing. This was so much better than the previous book and by her side in the entire book is Dan Sullivan. Worth the read. LOVED IT!
October 6, 2017
Enjoyed this adventurous mishap of events book with the last Kallahan sister! Hope emerges as a wet behind the ears immature young lady who is deepened by the trials of her life. She becomes a mature believer who would make her deceased Pastor father proud. Dan is the ultimate good guy: an undercover government agent who does the right thing regardless of the cost to himself. He is easy to cheer for! Great series that I enjoyed thoroughly. Thanks Ms. Copeland!
June 30, 2020
A great story from beginning to end
Unlike the first two books in this series, this story was great from the beginning to the end. I loved the main characters. They were likable and interesting. This book had everything you could want in a story. There was danger, romance and many different adventures. And it was interesting to see how Hope realized God had been guiding her and leading her to where she belonged all the time. It was also a fun book to read.
Unlike the first two books in this series, this story was great from the beginning to the end. I loved the main characters. They were likable and interesting. This book had everything you could want in a story. There was danger, romance and many different adventures. And it was interesting to see how Hope realized God had been guiding her and leading her to where she belonged all the time. It was also a fun book to read.
February 26, 2018
Okay....So this book was so good!!!! I could not put it down, thus the reason it was finished in less then 24 hours. Poor Hope. She experienced so much in such a short time. 3 kidnappings! Being stuck in a family feud and then when she finally arrives in Medford! Oh, I loved this book! My favorite in the series so far!
June 2, 2023
It's been a while since I've read a western/mail order bride type of trope. This book was good. Somewhat predictable but it was entertaining. I was curious how it was going to work with a groom waiting for Hope, but everyone got their happy ending so all is well that ends well. I also liked that all of our main characters each had their own trials of faith that they were able to overcome.
June 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Hope leaves her home in Michigan to travel to Kentucky as a mail-order bride. On her way there, however, the stage coach she's riding in is held up and, believing that Hope is the daughter of a rich politician, the outlaws kidnap her. One thing about Hope though, she's a spitfire so that's entertaining. If you enjoy a sweet Christian romance, you'll enjoy this book.
April 12, 2021
Action, Adventure and Romance
The third story in this "Brides Of The West," series, and I'm hooked. The characters are great and the action kept me turning pages.
You love this series!
The third story in this "Brides Of The West," series, and I'm hooked. The characters are great and the action kept me turning pages.
You love this series!
April 21, 2021
Lori Copeland delivered yet another outstanding love adventure story! Hope finds herself on a wild adventure on her way to her husband to be. You will enjoy the humor, adventure, survival and love that this book brings to its readers.
December 13, 2022
This is such a fantastic series of Historical Christian fiction! Hope's story is full of adventure, faith, and fun! I was able to read a copy of this book via Hoopla, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
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August 15, 2024Qur’an: Chapter 35, Verse 32—
Then We allow some of Our servants who We have singled out to inherit the Book. One of them may harm his own soul while another is lukewarm, and still another vies in performing good deeds with God’s permission.
Then We allow some of Our servants who We have singled out to inherit the Book. One of them may harm his own soul while another is lukewarm, and still another vies in performing good deeds with God’s permission.
June 3, 2025
Large Print Edition. Spine print clearly says Lori CoReland instead of Lori CoPeland.
Plot point of main character unable to remember scripture was cute. Mistaken identity. Kidnapping. Family feud.
All the elements for it to be good but was merely meh.
Very Christian romance.
Plot point of main character unable to remember scripture was cute. Mistaken identity. Kidnapping. Family feud.
All the elements for it to be good but was merely meh.
Very Christian romance.
July 19, 2025
impossible odds.
A surprising fast adventure to becoming a bride, just a few trials and tribulations to make it interesting,learning to trust God about all things can be rough sometimes. Read and enjoy this adventure,
A surprising fast adventure to becoming a bride, just a few trials and tribulations to make it interesting,learning to trust God about all things can be rough sometimes. Read and enjoy this adventure,
July 26, 2017
Sweet story, but parts were just plain silly.
January 17, 2018
This was somewhat of a gateway book for me into my love for reading. I read it as an early teenager and it jump started my love for christian fiction!
February 17, 2019
Great inspirational read. Thanks to my grandmother and her request I read these books. She is still setting that strong example of faith she possessed throughout her life.
February 20, 2020
Amazing wonderful story!
Lori always writes such great stories. Once I get started reading one of her books I can't stop until I read the whole book.
Lori always writes such great stories. Once I get started reading one of her books I can't stop until I read the whole book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews