Promises Kept

Scarlett Dunn

Sep 2015 · The McBride Brothers Book 1 · Zebra Books

About this ebook

In this inspirational western romance series opener, a mail-order bride in search of a fresh start finds danger and a handsome cowboy.

Lady of marriageable age with two young boys, in need of husband. I am a good cook and hard worker.

Victoria Eastman grew up in an Abilene saloon—an experience that made her tough, resourceful, and determined to forge a new life. So, she places an ad in a western newspaper and soon finds herself a suitable arrangement on a farm in Promise, Wyoming. Only problem is that her would-be husband turns up dead the day she arrives.

Rancher Colt McBride is known for his true grit and business intellect. Yet when it comes to his new neighbor, Victoria, he’s stumped: Who is she, really? She’s a beautiful woman and has proven herself a gentle soul. She’s even causing him to question his staunch bachelorhood. But any kind of future may be shattered when a stranger reveals a secret about Victoria’s past—one that could destroy them both. Unless, together, they can take a leap of faith—right into each other’s arms . . .

Praise for Scarlett Dunn and the McBride Brothers series

“Dunn is a talented author who gives fans what they expect in historical romance.” —RT Book Reviews

“This one swept me off my feet . . . I didn’t want it to end!” —First for Women

Ratings and reviews

Victoria works in a boarding house in St Louis, Missouri as the cook. She arrived with two small boys in tow claiming they were her brothers. That was not exactly the truth; she took the boys with her when she left a saloon in Abilene two years ago to save them from the orphanage. She needs a husband to help her care for the boys, provide a home, and a father figure. The boys keep asking for a Pa. She won’t consider a cowboy, as one had almost raped her; she had nothing but bad trouble with cowboys. She advertises for a husband out west and travels to Promise, Wyoming to farmer Chet Barlow; he was the only that did not make reference to her wifely duties. The writers were very explicit in what they expected whether they married her or not. Before leaving St Louis for Promise she served dinner to huge handsome cowboy, Colt McBride, from Wyoming in town checking on an inheritance left from his uncle. There’s trouble in Promise, Wyoming; Chet is farming in the middle of cattle country. Euan Wallace is as crooked as they come, mean as a snake, and thinks he is God; he wants Chet’s land for the water and everyone else’s land as well, by hook, crook, hired gunmen, or murder. Victoria, along with a stray dog she acquired along the trip, arrives in Promise, Wyoming to the news that Chet has died from a possible heart attack, and who gives her the news but the huge handsome cowboy, Colt McBride. What were the chances he lived next door to her intended? There are lots of ugly things going on and around Colts’ ranch; cattle killed and rustled, neighbors practically run off their land, and mysterious fires meant to burn them out. Colt’s can’t prove its Wallace, but everyone knows it’s him; Wallace has the Sheriff in his back pocket, so he has no help from that quarter. Colt has been alone a long time, his brothers left when Colt became so wrapped up in the ranch after their father’s death. Cole wants them to come home; he also wants to bring the man who caused his mother’s death to justice by his gun. Meanwhile, the attraction is beginning to heat up between Colt and Victoria. Wallace has decided he needs a wife to enhance his standing, and to dress up this life. Victoria has secrets, secrets that are sure to be exposed, deep secrets. Colt and Victoria will finally have a happy ever after but not before adversity and evil will impact their lives. This is a clean love story between two strong people fighting for their future in the west, where only the strong survive and evil at every turn. I look forward to the next book in this series. I recommend this book for any one that like a good solid clean love story. I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an honest opinion.

I loved it. It was silly. Action pact. Loving. Full of adventure. Everything you want in a book. I'm a sucker for books with kids in it.

About the author

Scarlett Dunn lives in Kentucky surrounded by all manner of wildlife, and enjoys long “God walks” where most inspiration strikes. Possessing an adventurous spirit, and a love of history, particularly the pioneers of the West, she has a special place in her heart for all cowboys, past and present. Readers can visit her website: www.scarlettdunn.com.