Mail Order Bride: Redeemed by the Soldier: Redeemed Western Historical Mail Order Brides, #10

By Kenneth Markson

Mail Order Bride: Redeemed By The Soldier: A Sweet Clean Historical Mail Order Bride Western Victorian Romance (Redeemed Western Historical Mail Order Brides Book 10) is a sweet, clean, inspirational western romance novelette. 

Corinne, a pretty young woman, could stay in Carson City and end up being a soiled dove, or take a chance. She chooses to be a mail order bride to a miner in the California boomtown known as Bodie. But everything is not as it seems. Dez, a handsome soldier entered the Civil War at the age of sixteen, and was traumatized by what he had seen and the loss of his left arm. He drifts aimlessly from place to place, caring about nothing. Chance brings them together. Who will save Corinne from a vengeful enemy? Can Corinne help the soldier live again? Will two lonely people find the love they deserve? 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kenneth Markson
• Release date: May 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9780996554664

Kenneth Markson

While an English major at college, I wrote a column which was published weekly. I have been writing ever since. The old West and Los Angeles in the forties are eras which lend themselves to tales of romance, courage, and fast paced adventure. I particularly enjoy writing stories about the mail order brides who fearlessly took a chance and traveled West, hoping to find love and a better future. Many of the locales that I write about are places that I have either traveled through or actually lived in. I try to make my works richly accurate. My desire is to provide you with an entertaining and fun read. When I'm not writing, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children.

Book preview

To my wife and children, always.

Chapter 1

Corinne Dunner had to get out of Carson City.  There was nothing left for her there.  Her choice was simple; remain, and end up being a soiled dove, or take a chance, and become a mail order bride.

She boarded a stagecoach for Bodie, California with a sense of relief.  She looked forward to a better life with her future husband, a burly miner named Jeb Wells.  Corinne pulled out the picture of the large man, with his dark brooding eyes.

It was hard to tell from a picture and a bit of correspondence what a person would be like, she thought to herself.  Put a smile and a good suit on him, she reflected, and the miner wouldn't be bad looking at all.  She wasn't expecting miracles, just a chance to be treated decently.

That wasn't asking for too much.  Or was it?  Corinne sighed, as she put the picture back in her pocket.

Corinne glanced at the three other occupants of the stagecoach, who were sharing the ride with her.  A heavyset, bearded salesman gave her a bright smile as she sat down. 

Good afternoon, ma'am, he said in a cheerful melodic voice.

Good afternoon, Corinne replied.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the salesman came to the crux of the conversation.  He gave her his most appealing look, as he spoke. 

Ma'am, he said, you look like a young lady who might be interested in some of the latest dress fashions from back East.  Can I show you some fabric samples?

Corinne had to laugh.  Right now, besides the dress which she wore on her back, she had one other nice dress in her worn travel bag.  Never mind the latest styles, she thought to herself, she had barely enough money for a month's food and lodging.

I'm sorry, Corinne said politely, I'm not interested right now.

The salesman was not ready to give up, just yet.

Are you sure? he asked, his hand reaching back into one of his bags.  It wouldn't be any bother for me to show you a few samples, and there's no obligation on your part.

Just then, another voice piped in.

You hard of hearing, mister! growled a tall man dressed in a dark woolen suit, with a dark felt cowboy hat covering his face.  The lady said no, he continued.  Now shut up, and let me sleep!

Corinne looked over at the tall man, whose face was concealed.  There was the bulge of a weapon, underneath his jacket.  Something about the man gave her the shivers,