Mail Order Brides & Nobles of Nevada (A Western Romance Book)

By Faye Sonja

Three inspirational stories of women who risked everything for love and traveled thousands of miles to the western frontier.

Part 1: The Chastened Bride Meeting Her Lord of Nevada

Maxine Hayes had it all… looks, money and power. But when tragedy strikes her family, she loses everything!

Though after her years of struggle and hardship she turns from a cold stone to a fine diamond.

Now… she's ready to get on with her life.

In the hopes of finding contentment in a suitable groom… Maxine becomes a mail-order-bride and heads west. But what she doesn't plan for is getting thrown back into the world of the rich and powerful, meeting royalty, and actually taking a chance on love… 

Part 2: The Royal Bride Meeting Her Reluctant Lumberjack

Lucille McCain is tired of her current life… Being of Scottish royal blood, she will never be able to live down the mistake of having a baby out of wedlock so long as she lives under her grandmother, Elizabeth's rule.

When the old woman tries to force Lucille into a loveless marriage with the man she despises the most, Lucille desperately seeks any alternative...

And her request is granted on one condition. Lucille has seven days and free rein to marry any wealthy man that will have her... or lose custody of her six-year-old son.

Part 3: The Forged Bride Meeting Her Rogue Royal

At the cost of starvation… She has no limits and her father will execute any plan he sees fit.

So… when her father informs her that he's married her off to a man out west, it shouldn't have been too much of a surprise.

But it did. Forced to leave the life she knew, Jean heads to Nevada and enters into the life of wealth and royalty she never imagined possible...

3 parts of heartwarming mail order brides tales of love, romance, and triumph over adversity in one book.

Love on the western frontier was a rare treasure. Follow these inspirational women who risked everything to travel to the untamed West in the hopes of finding love and starting a new family.

If you're a fan of clean western romance, you will love this book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faye Sonja
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393114680

Faye Sonja

Faye Sonja is a multi-voiced writer who aspires to use different voices in telling her stories, seeing characters coming alive through the multi-faceted writing styles give her great satisfaction. As a young girl, Faye Sonja has been fascinated with stories of the Old West, especially the theme of Mail Order Bride where a woman will find the courage to leave her homeland, take the plunge to seek out the love of her life out there in the unknown land. Such an act requires bravery, such an act requires faith. It takes a woman with strong Christian faith to step out on such a pursuit for her love. It is Faye's desire that readers will once again have the courage to believe in love again from reading her books, to be inspired through the characters in her story who through perseverance, in the face of obstacles, overcame the hurdles using that simple faith and belief of theirs. 

Book preview

PART 1

The Chastened Bride Meeting Her Lord of Nevada

1

*   *   *

Highland, Nevada

May 1876

Maxine Hayes couldn’t believe her eyes as she slowly stepped off the train. The overall size of the train depot seemed just as vast as the one she’d left in Philadelphia. The cream colored interior was beautifully decorated, columns ran through the hall, and a large clock sat over the main entrance. People were dressed in travel dresses and suits; some were obviously much wealthier than others. A few people donned nothing more than rags, but Maxine didn’t judge them, though had it been a few years ago she was sure she would have.

Spotting a little girl with a sign begging passersby for food, Maxine made her way over and gave the little girl the half sandwich she’d stored away from her last train stop.

Thank you. The girl’s smile was worth more than gold.

You’re welcome, Maxine whispered.

Growing up with money, she hadn’t been what people would consider a very nice person. None of the Hayes family had been. The Hayes had run a profitable bank, hung around the other wealthy families, and like most of them, stuck their nose up at the impoverished, only donating when it looked good. Daisy Hayes, Maxine’s mother, had been the worst, striking servants and firing them for the slightest of mistakes and Maxine’s older sister had been no better. Priscilla Hayes, with her striking good looks, had sent more than one man to the poor house for her affections, only to have her move on to spend the next wealthy man’s money. Maxine had been younger, but had been a brat; always demanding what she wanted when she wanted it. She’d even gotten a few of the staff fired herself for the smallest of mishaps. She’d been wrapped in a world of luxury for sixteen years and thought the world revolved around her happiness. That is, until the day her family lost everything. Scandal had ruined the Hayes’ fortune. Her father’s infidelity had caused all his friends to turn their backs on him. Every wealthy and working-class family had pulled their money from out of the Hayes Banks, and a week later, they were out of business. That had been five years ago.

Now Maxine was twenty-one and could barely remember the feel of silk or the taste of succulent lamb. All of those luxuries were gone now and all she had left to claim was the rough cotton of the brown dress on her back that she’d received from a charity back east, a few pennies, two other dresses, and a worn hairbrush, all packed neatly in her small satchel in her hand. She was poor, but she’d stopped complaining about it long ago. Time had passed and as Maxine got older, she realized that justice had been served on the Hayes household.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, came to mind. They were the words her old pastor had spoken over her when she’d first started attending his church years ago, but before she’d left, his parting words had been ones Maxine had desperately needed to hear. You are forgiven. He’d prayed for her safe journey west and wished her marriage luck, a marriage she wanted no part of, but with no other suitors now that she was poor, becoming a mail-order-bride was one of the only options that she had left.

She sighed and scanned the crowd again, looking for the man that held her future in his hands. His name was Saul Button and he ran the local hotel and music hall. Maxine didn’t know the first thing about either enterprises, but all she’d really been looking for was a man with a job so that she could eat and all he’d asked for was a pretty wife.

A male’s voice from behind caused her to spin around.

Are you Maxine Hayes, he asked her in his deep southern drawl. The man’s short hair with gray sprinkled throughout and lines in his tan face made him look a lot older than what she’d expected of Saul. He had told her that he was thirty-five, but the man she was looking at looked to have been thirty-five twenty years ago. His eyes roamed her and when he smiled, she noticed his expensive dentures. I’m Saul Button, he said proudly, as he stuck his hands into the pockets of his finely pressed suit. He was wealthy, that was obvious and Maxine couldn’t believe her good fortune. As a matter of fact, she didn’t believe it so much that she decided she’d wait for the other shoe to drop before she let down her guard. A part of her said she should count her blessings as she also wondered if she deserved any blessings at all. It was an inner struggle that she had yet to conquer.

I’m Maxine.

You’re prettier than I thought you’d be.

Even after she’d become poor, men had never stopped complimenting Maxine, and now it seemed that only their intentions had changed. When one’s wealthy, everyone knows to expect marriage, but when one is poor, anything goes. She reached up and ran a hand through the dark brown hair that fell past her shoulders in large curls. The hair, along with her up tilted light brown eyes, high cheekbones, and full lips were traits that all the Hayes women had.

His eyes showed their approval before he looked at her bag. That’s it?

Yes.

He frowned. Wish you’d told me. I brought the wagon thinking you were going to have more things. Could have left it at home. He looked angry.

Maxine was surprised at how quickly his mood had changed. I’m sorry.

He sighed and then after a moment smiled again. It’s alright. Let’s go. He turned and started out the door, not even reaching to carry her bag.

She frowned, but followed him telling herself that perhaps manners were different out west.

Though the interior of the train station reminded her of the east, the outdoors did not. The air held a heat like nothing she’d ever felt before, but as she turned to look at her surroundings, her breath caught. Out past the depot, she could see the dry plains in the distance below and even further were grassy areas. The town she was now to call home was located in the mountains and had a stunning view.

You coming? The place isn’t far.

She turned to find that Saul was already in the wagon. She went over to the wagon and realized once again that Saul offered no assistance. It took her a moment, but she managed to pull herself up onto the wagon seat. They were off before she’d truly settled in.

For the first few minutes, Maxine took in the town, shocked at its brick buildings and the number of people out and about on the roads and sidewalks. Highland was not what she’d expected and she wondered how most people made their living. She spotted a few people on the side of the road wearing clothes no better than her own, begging for handouts. Spotting them, she planned on coming up with a way to help.

You hungry? Saul asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Maxine smiled. Famished.

Well, I host one of the best dining halls in Highland, but I hope you can cook. I like a woman who can cook a private meal for her man every now and again... unlike the last woman I married.

Maxine didn’t know what to say at first. His statement had shocked her and had also given her many questions. The first one being, You’ve been married before?

A few mistresses. Three wives. You’re the fourth.

That didn’t sound good. What happened to the others?

Saul frowned at her. You sure do have a lot of questions. Women are supposed to be seen and not heard. Ain’t no one ever taught you that?

Actually, it was what Maxine had been taught, but it had never stopped her from having an opinion. Is it unreasonable for me to wonder what happened to your past wives? If I’m to marry you—

But the rest of her statement was cut off when the back of his hand came down hard, making contact with her face. The power of the strike had rocked Maxine with such a fury, she’d been knocked off the wagon, hitting the ground in such force that for a moment she had spots in her eyes. Her cheek throbbed and when she touched her lip, it stung. Blood lay on her fingers. Her head and body began to pound with pain and she couldn’t stop the tears that came next. She prayed that death would come soon, but as Saul loomed over her she knew that death would not come.

You’re just like the rest of them. Always talking back. Ain’t nobody want to hear your opinions, girl. If you’re gonna be my wife, your only job is to make me sons, ya hear? Saul’s voice came over the noise of the traffic. Some people had stopped to stare, but most continued on their way, paying no attention to the woman that lay on the side of the road. Get up, girl. You’re causing a scene.

Maxine looked up into Saul’s dark eyes and made no plans of getting up. No. Her throat felt like it had caught fire with the simple word. Her hand went to her throat and she moaned in pain. The fall from the wagon must have really messed her up.

Saul’s hands balled into fists. Get up, you wench.

Maxine had a feeling that to refuse this man would mean he’d beat her here on the street, but she knew that if she allowed him to take her home, she’d surely die underneath his maltreatment. She knew she had sins to atone for, but as she looked up into his hate-filled eyes, she decided that no woman should voluntarily sign up for a life of torture, no matter the circumstances. She’d take her chances on the street before she would allow Saul to strike her again. I won’t marry you.

Saul’s nostrils flared. He knelt down and lifted a hand to strike her again, but before he could, Maxine lifted her own fist and punched him in the groin. The man winced in pain and fell backwards, rolling in the dirt, bringing a smile to Maxine’s face until she winced, remembering her own injury. She was sure that had her old friend Sue been around, she’d be proud of Max. Sue, a girl who’d lived on the streets her whole life, had been the only person to befriend Max after the fall of the Hayes family. She had taught Maxine everything she knew about defending herself, including how to put down men like Saul.

Peals of laughter from somewhere behind Maxine rose louder than the sounds of Saul’s continued wailing. A shadow came over Maxine’s face, blocking the sun. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, but when they did, they settled on an older woman who was wearing a grin.

The woman placed her fist on her heavy hips and spoke with a drawl. Well girl, I was wondering if you were going to put ‘ol Saul down. We’ve seen him strike one too many women in the past. Wondered if you’d be as weak as the others and whether or not you were a fighter.  Only fighters survive the Highlands. She then stuck her hand out to help Maxine up. I’m Sally Fisher. Pleased to meet you.

Pleased to meet you as well. Maxine groaned as she let the other woman help her up.

Hungry? Sally asked.

She was, but now wasn’t sure if she’d be able to eat around the ache in her jaw.

And as if sensing her question, Sally laughed, making her blue eyes disappear behind her grin. I got soup, if you’re interested.

Saul, who’d finally made it onto his knees hissed out. Where you taking my woman?

Both Maxine and Sally frowned at the man. He was obviously delusional if he truly believed that Maxine would be staying with him. To make sure that he understood she wouldn’t, she said, Wish you luck with finding wife number four because it won’t be me.

Saul frowned, but didn’t get up. He was obviously still in pain.

Sally patted Maxine on the back roughly. Atta girl. She then began to guide her towards the busy sidewalk and into a building. The crowd that stood around the door parted, letting them in. The people around smiled at Maxine before scurrying to their seats. The older woman continued, Been a long time since folks seen a woman take down Saul, she explained. He’s been married three times, but the only woman to ever strike him back was his first wife, God rest her soul. Sally showed Maxine to a chair. I’ll be right back with your meal.

As the woman left, Maxine placed her bag on her lap and thought about Mrs. Saul Button, the first. Sally’s statement had led her to believe that the woman was dead. How had she died? Glad she was no longer in Saul’s clutches, she put away thoughts of him and looked around the dimly lit interior, noticing for the first time that she was in a restaurant. Couples, families, and loners took up most of the tables in the space. Some of the men caught her eye, tipping their hats in her direction and a few of the women winked. She wondered then just how big a deal this Saul Button was.

Sally returned then, placing a bowl down on the table before taking the seat across from Maxine. So, where you from?

Maxine was just about to answer, but one sip of Sally’s soup and she was rendered speechless. It was amazing. The savory flavors overpowered her instantly. She was halfway through her meal when she realized Sally was still waiting for her reply. Using the napkin by her plate, she wiped her mouth. Excuse me, I’m quite famished.

Sally grinned. Famished? Fancy word. You must be from the east.

I am.

I knew it. And though you eat quickly, I could tell you were raised in a nice home by the way you hold your spoon and your straight posture.

Maxine gave the woman a kind smile. She didn’t want to talk about her past at the moment, so she decided to change the subject. You made the soup?

I did.

You’re an excellent cook.

That’s what people say. The boast held no humility and none was needed. It’s good enough for me to be serving at the McCain’s ball tomorrow night.

Maxine was surprised. A ball? Here? When she’d moved out west, she’d never thought that such activities would take place her, but neither had she expected the city to be so large. Who are the McCain’s?

An extremely rich family whose roots go back to Scotland. Their pa was some lord who came over right after the war with the Mexicans in 48’, married, and built this town. It’s lumber country here. Cutting trees is how most people make their money. We cut the trees and roll them down the mountain to the river.

Maxine looked out the window at the forest surrounding them and thought that made sense. Still, she couldn’t believe there would actually be a ball here. She hadn’t attended a ball in years. Is everyone invited?

Sally laughed. Course not. Only those with money are invited. You probably would have went had you married Saul.

Maxine frowned. She didn’t want to go that bad, though she did miss dressing up and dancing the night away. I bet it will be lovely, she said in a low voice.

Sally grunted. I’m sure the Grandmother, Ms. Elizabeth McCain, will think so. The sour look on her face let Maxine know that Sally didn’t care for the family’s matriarch. But, the ball is for her grandson, Mr. Carson McCain. She’s got all these young women coming from all over to try and win the man’s hand. She shook her head. Can you imagine a bunch of women parading around, committing to catch his eye?

Maxine could. It was how her old world had worked. Fall was hunting season for the wealthy. Balls and formals were done just so every well-to-do father and mother could show their offspring off to the best catch. But now that Maxine was no longer part of that world, she could see how such a thing could be thought of as silly.

So, Sally begin, what are your plans now that you’ve denied Saul?

Maxine sighed. I don’t know.

Sally stared at her. Well, I’m short a server. And seeing that you know about the fancy world, how would you like the job?

Maxine was amazed. She’d known the woman for all of ten minutes and was already being offered a position. She didn’t have to think about her response. I’d love to.

Good. Sally stood. Let me show you where you’re staying and we’ll get you situated.

Maxine stood and followed the woman out of the main dining hall and into a back room that had a pair of stairs. Up the short flight came another hall and Maxine finally asked, Why are you helping me?

Sally opened the door to a small room that held nothing but a bed, a few dresses, and a window with a view looking out at the city. She turned back to Maxine, sized the girl up and said, Any woman who takes on Saul is a friend of mine. Then she gestured Maxine to enter the room.

Maxine felt a tear roll down her cheek as she began to silently weep, because for the first time in five years she’d have a room of her own. She turned to Sally. Thank you, she whispered, thinking that maybe her coming out west might not be that bad after all. And even moreover, maybe God had finally forgiven her.

*   *   *

2

*   *   *

Carson McCain ducked behind a wall just as he heard his grandmother come down the hall on the other side. Heels clicked rhythmically across the marble floors and her heavy skirts swept the surface. The sounds were her signature. The Black Raven was awake.

Carson, she called. I know you’re here. Charlie told me when you arrived. She passed the entrance to the room that Carson had snuck into and he sighed when the sound of her walking began to fade along with the calls of his name. At the age of twenty-nine, many would believe a grown man hiding from his grandmother was ridiculous, especially one who ran one of the west’s most notable lumber companies, but then again, those people had never met The Black Raven herself.

A child’s giggle made him turn his head towards the corner of the room. Carson smiled upon seeing his six-year-old nephew, Johnny. The little boy was under the big black grand piano, no doubt hiding from the same person as he. Placing a finger over his lips to silence the child, Carson tip-toed across the Persian rug to the other side of the sitting room and slipped under the piano next to Johnny, undoing the button of his dark suit as he sat.

Signature McCain blue-green eyes met.

Hey, Uncle Carson, Johnny whispered with a grin.

Carson smiled and whispered back, Where’s your mother?

With Margaret going over the names of the guests for your party tomorrow. Margaret was the head maid in the house.

Carson groaned upon being reminded of the party for his thirtieth birthday. Besides the wealthy families of the surrounding areas, twelve unattached women from all over the US were scheduled to come, bringing with them their pushy mothers, who all looked to bind their daughters to him. But, then Carson smiled, remembering the plan he’d put together. When the women arrived so would twelve of his bachelor friends, taking the pressure off of him. Only Johnny’s mother, Lucille, and Margaret knew of his devious plan. Elizabeth McCain would not find out until it was too late.

A ‘coo-coo’ sound floated into the room. It was a signal that The Black Raven was a good distance away and that those hiding from her would not be caught. Carson slipped out from under the piano first.

Johnny followed and smiled at the person who’d made the noise. Look who’s here, Mom.

Lucille McCain walked into the room and went over to place a kiss on Carson’s cheek. I didn’t know you were here. She had the McCain eyes and they glittered when she gazed up at him. Her black hair was swept away from her beautiful face. She was the youngest of his siblings and Carson cared for her a great deal. What brings you into the lair of The Black Raven? The black raven was the family seal, but the name had been given to the family matriarch because the lure of the mysterious raven fit her so well.

I’m just making sure that everything is going according to plan.

Lucille’s smile became just as errant as his. Oh, yes. All of your guests have RSVP’d. You can expect them to arrive on time.

Carson clapped his hands, finally getting into the birthday spirit. Wonderful.

Johnny asked, Can I go outside?

Lucille nodded and the kid ran off with her words at his back, Don’t get dirty! But it was too late. She shook