Mail Order Brides in Golden Valley (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 Mayor Meeting His Scarred & Rejected Bride

Sallie Murphy vowed to NEVER marry, but after losing all of her worldly processions in a fire that burned down the town, she's left with little choice… She doesn't trust anyone and still wears the horrible scar on her neck from the last person she let into her heart.

The last thing she'll do is let someone run her life again…

Part 2: The Heroic Cowboy Meeting His Broken & Fearful Bride

Roxie Jordan vowed to never marry again, but when her entire town is turned to ash, she finds herself heading to California as a mail-order-bride.

But, Roxie won't give up that easy… She devises a plan to ESCAPE the first chance she gets.

Never again… will she allow herself to be taken under by a man…

Part 3: The Lawyer Meeting His Gallant & Burned Bride

Rebecca isn't new to rejection. She'd come to The Valley as a mail-order-bride, but was turned away for ONE REASON- The burns that cover her arms.

Thankfully, a wonderful couple took her and her two-year-old son in. Rebecca knows she'll NEVER marry, especially not the older couple's very handsome son.

She'll agree to lend her hand, but not her heart…

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: 9781393579090

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 Mayor Meeting His Scarred & Rejected Bride

1

*   *   *

Jonesville, Connecticut

June 1866

Fire! A man crashed into the basement of the church and stood at the floor of the staircase. His eyes were wide. Smoke poured into the room from behind him. The town is on fire. We have to evacuate.

Sallie felt Rebecca grab her hand before they rushed from the room with the other twenty women who’d been present. Screams rang through the air as the women got to their feet. Panic made them run, bumping into one another. Sallie’s heart pounded in her chest as she reached the top of the staircase. She couldn’t see anything past the flames that burned the church she’d grown up in and the smoke was even worse upstairs. Straining to catch her breathe in the smoke, she coughed.

Stay low, someone up ahead said.

She squinted her eyes and followed the crowd of women out of the burning church and down its front steps. She wheezed as the night’s cool air finally filled her aching lungs. She felt hands from the women behind her push her further from the crippling building, trying to get outside and into the fresh air as well.

When Sallie could finally see clearly, she noticed a crowd was gathered around the town square, surrounding a statue of the Christian Cross. Sallie spotted a few people that she knew; everyone looked worried. There were hundreds of people, some covered in soot, others crying in devastation. Sallie shook her head, wondering why they were all standing around.

A sudden wind picked up and she felt the night was brighter than usual, causing her to look around. She gasped as she felt her blood run cold, draining from her limbs. The entire town was in flames, including her restaurant with her apartment on top. Finding strength, she turned in circles, watching the fire burn down everything she’d ever known. Everything was gone. A sadness quickly came over her. Now she had nothing. She took a step in her building’s direction.

The orphanage, Rebecca whispered.

Sallie stopped and swung around to face her. What?

The orphanage! Rebecca ran towards a small house that sat in the corner of the square.

No! Roxie, who’d been previously standing next to her, shouted right before she moved in a fast blur in Rebecca’s direction.

The man who’d gotten them out of the church shouted after both women. It’s too late. Don’t go in here!

Sallie felt the blood pushing through her head and the pressure blurred her vision. The orphanage. The children. No one saved the children? Closing her eyes, she listened past the night’s noise. There were screams coming from the orphanage’s direction. The children.

Placing one foot in front of the other, she stumbled in Rebecca’s and Roxie’s direction. She couldn’t let her friends go alone. Rebecca was right. They had to save the children.

The strange man who’d saved her life placed his hands on her shoulder, stopping her from getting closer to the burning house. His eyes were serious. It’s too late.

Sour expressions are not fitting for a lady, much less a bride.

Sallie turned her pale blue eyes around to look into the eyes of Opal Crawford, wondering what the woman who’d taken her in at twelve expected from her. Of course Sallie had a sour face! It had only been a month since the fire, and now Sallie, along with twenty other women from their small town, were on a wagon train, heading west where she was to meet a man she didn’t know. Fighting the jostles of the wagon, she looked down at the paper that had her future husband’s description: Sylvester Chapman. There was no picture, since the man she was to marry had only put in his request at the last minute. The only thing she knew was that he was a farmer.

Lifting her right hand, Sallie ran her index finger down the scar that started at the side of her jaw and ran down the length of her neck, and thought about the person who’d given it to her ten years ago. She closed her eyes and remembered the sharp pain from the blade as it cut through her soft flesh. The act had been done by someone who’d claimed to love her, the mother who’d created her, the one person in the world who was supposed to protect her. But Sallie was twenty-six now, and much wiser. She’d learned that day that the only person who’d be able to protect her was herself. At twenty-six, she was still content to think that she’d be spending her days alone. Now, that was no longer an option.

Opal’s voice broke into Sallie’s thoughts. If that fire hadn’t happened, you would never have come on this journey. From her position on top of a box at the back of the wagon, she held her head high and managed to look regal even with the jagged sway of the wagon. She smiled, causing the age lines around her eyes to crinkle, yet even at her age, she was something to see. Her hair was snow white and her eyes a glistening green. I’d been trying to get you married off for years, Sallie, and now you will be. She then spoke to the other women who were riding the wagon with them. Only a few more days before you will all meet your husbands.

Sallie took a deep breath and pushed her hands through her black hair and turned away, choosing to ignore the woman’s comment. After all, there really wasn’t much that Sallie could say. Opal had won. Sallie was doing the one thing she swore she’d never do. Marry.

The wagon train heading west had been a trip Opal had been planning since her husband’s death a year ago. Opal was from a place called Golden Valley. She’d called the city in Kansas an ‘oasis’ of sorts, but after getting married, she’d moved east with her husband. Now that he was gone, she was going back home to reunite with a sister that she’d left long ago. But when Opal had written the news to her sister, her sister had told Opal to come with as many brides as she could for the unwedded men in Golden Valley. Thirteen women had originally signed up, but after the town fire, the number had gone up, since no woman had had much of a choice. Most of the women were looking forward to the move, but not Sallie, and definitely not her friends Roxie, or Rebecca.

The thought of her friends caused Sallie to look over at Rebecca. For such a petite woman, Rebecca was brave. She’d been the first to rush into the burning orphanage on the night of the fire. Sallie and Roxie had followed right behind her, saving the five children that had lived there, including the baby boy that lay in Rebecca’s bandaged arms. Sallie smiled. Even in her sleep, Rebecca protected his little body. She had only let go of the little boy long enough for Roxie, the town nurse, to bandage her up, but once she’d received proper treatment, she’d taken the little boy back, claiming him as her own.

Roxie turned her sky blue eyes in Sallie’s direction. I can’t believe we’re doing this.

Sallie didn’t have to ask what Roxie was talking about, because she’d been thinking the same thing. They couldn’t believe that they were getting married. How convenient to have a fire the day before the wagon train was supposed to leave town, Sallie said in the raspy voice she’d taken on from the neck wound she received by her mother. The doctors had told her she’d be lucky to have any voice at all.

Roxie snorted. Convenient? It feels more like divine intervention, she said with a frown right before she tucked her face into her hands, hiding it in a fall of her striking red hair.

Sallie placed a hand on her back, but didn’t say anything. What she wanted to say was that everything would be alright, but she didn’t want to lie. She didn’t know what the future would hold, but if it would be anything like the past that she, Roxie, or Rebecca had suffered, then it wouldn’t be good. The three women had come together over a pact they’d made years earlier. After the heartache they’d received under the hands of people who’d claimed to love them, the three women had promised each other never to marry. Sallie wasn’t ready to promise that the move wouldn’t bring more pain, but she did believe that if the three stuck together, they would survive.

*   *   *

2

*   *   *

Golden Valley, Kansas

July 1866

Harvey Chapman rolled up his sleeve as he came down the stairs and paused at finding his brother Sylvester, in their kitchen. He was leaning against one of the counters as he sipped his coffee. Harvey continued his journey down the stairs and went to the coffee that sat on the stove. Where have you been?

Sylvester gave Harvey a dry look. Sleeping in the tents down by the road. His voice was like a harsh rumble when he spoke.

Harvey took a big sniff of the morning roast and then took a much-needed sip. It was the only way he got through his days. He glanced over at the brother he hadn’t seen in weeks, but realized that Syl’s vanishing act was nothing out of the ordinary. Since fifteen, Syl had been someone Harvey would categorize as a drifter, going from one place to another, doing one odd job after another. Anything to avoid going home. Anything to avoid the Chapman shame. Why waste all your money on sleeping in a tent when you have a bed here?

Syl scratched the dark beard that had covered his face since he’d returned from the war. My tent is closer to the railroad.

The thought of the rails made Harvey smile. The Valley had officially become a stop for the Continental Railroad that America was building. The rail would stretch from the east, all the way to the west coast, but would have one stop dedicated to this little town, thanks to Harvey’s efforts. The Valley, as it was sometimes lovingly dubbed, had become a place known for its wheat fields, but had once been known for its happiness and Harvey had to find a way to give back the joy that his father had taken away from the people over the years before his death.

It’s easier to stay there, Syl said.

Harvey’s face went grim and he wondered why he bothered with Syl. He always had an excuse to avoid the house that they’d inherited after their father had died, especially while the old man was alive. Yet, six years had passed since Jerry Chapman had taken his last breath, and Jerry’s boys were no longer boys, but men. Harvey was thirty-two and Syl, being the oldest, was thirty-eight, yet Syl still avoided the house like Jerry’s ghost haunted the small dark space underneath his bed.

That action alone was just one of the ways the brothers were different. While Sylvester would do anything to escape, Harvey had chosen to stay and try to make things better. Jerry Chapman had been a dirty businessman who’d been a sharecropper with high wages, working with all the farm families in The Valley, keeping most of the profits from the wheat for himself while never lifting a finger to help. When he’d died, only Harvey had gone to the funeral and then that same afternoon, Harvey had taken the first step in making Chapman relations better in town. He’d given every family an official share in profiting off of the Chapman land. Now, they would all make their own money with one less person to answer to. The gesture had gone a long way with the people, but Harvey wanted to do more. He had tons of ideas that would bring back the spirit that The Valley once had, and planned to implement them all if he was elected mayor next month, though support for him was still mixed. People feared the Chapman name, but it was the fear of the other guy that really made people tremble. Harvey was running against a man that would do just about anything to win; and not in a good way. Turning back to the topic at hand, Harvey asked, If staying by the rails is so convenient, then why’d you come back home?

Syl looked at him with green eyes; the eyes being the only feature that the brothers had in common. Wanted to grab some stuff.

Harvey felt his heart leap. What stuff? Are you leaving again? He put his cup down on the counter. Are you planning another trip? He narrowed his eyes at Syl’s taller stature. You said you were going to stay this time, Syl.

Syl sighed. No. I’m not going anywhere.

Good. Harvey picked his cup and poured himself a second cup of the hot brew. He hated it when his older brother left, but understood Syl’s need to be away. Growing up in The Valley had been hard for the brothers for many reasons. For starters, they’d both been born out of wedlock to two different women; their father had been rightfully despised for his business practices; and to top it all off, Jerry had never married either of the women he’d been with. Harvey was determined to make things better, but believed he needed his brother’s help to make that happen. You coming to work in the field today?

No, Syl muttered.

Harvey sighed and ran a hand through his short blond strands, annoyed with Syl’s clipped answers. Well, your portion is still there if you ever want it.

Don’t want it, Syl replied.

And the money that you’ve accumulated throughout the years? Harvey pressed against his better judgement. What should I do with that?

Don’t know. Don’t care.

Harvey shook his head. Our father left the land and this house to both of us.

Syl slammed his cup down on the counter. Which is why I don’t want it! He turned venomous eyes towards Harvey. I don’t want anything to do with anything that man produced.

Harvey quickly looked away as memories of the younger Sylvester telling him those same words came to mind, only when he’d said them before, Syl had been talking about him. It had taken years for Syl to accept his father’s other bastard child as just another victim of Jerry Chapman.

Syl put a hand on Harvey’s shoulder. I didn’t mean you, Harv.

Harvey nodded, knowing his brother was telling the truth.

Syl persisted. Even with different mothers, you’ve always been a good brother. He smiled. Much too good for me.

Harvey nodded again and poured the rest of the coffee out. He didn’t want it anymore. I’m going to head out to the field. We got the landowner’s meeting tomorrow night if you want to come. He started for the door.

Syl said, I’ll think about it.

Harvey paused and spun back around. Syl had never said anything close to a ‘yes’ before. Really?

Syl shrugged. Maybe.

Harvey felt the first spark of hope fill him. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that the women are coming in this weekend. So, I’ll see you at the marriage gathering.

Syl frowned. I don’t know why you’d want to get married.

It will look good for my campaign. He shrugged. Plus, it’s time. We’re not getting any younger.

Syl poured his coffee out. Well, I wish you marriage bliss.

Harvey placed his hat on his head. Uh, I put an ad in for a bride for you, too.

Syl paused and turned to look at Harvey. What?

Harvey sighed. He’d gotten the feeling a month ago that Sylvester hadn’t been listening when he’d told him. Harvey had put their request in late, but just in time to ensure wives for them. It was time to start a new generation of the Chapman family. He chose his next words carefully and spoke slowly. Syl, remember when I told you that I would?

Syl put his cup down and started to walk in Harvey’s direction. Yes, I also remember that I told you not to. He shook his head. Harvey, tell me that this is a joke.

Harvey took steps in retreat. He shook his head. Syl, there’s a woman coming on the wagon train and she’ll be expecting a home. You wouldn’t leave her out on the street, would you?

Syl balled his fists at his side. The vein in his neck became visible. Harvey, I told you that I wasn’t the marrying type.

Harvey crossed his arms. Like father, like son, I guess then, huh?

Syl paused again, staring at Harvey. What?

Harvey swallowed. You’re not the marrying type. You mean, like our pa, right? He wasn’t the marrying type either, Syl. He just did whatever he wanted. He lived life however he felt. He got two women pregnant and never once got married.

Syl sighed. I’m nothing like him.

Prove it. Harvey took a step towards Syl. You said that you’re not like him, so prove it. Be the better man that he could never be. Do the one thing in life that people say can be the most trying, yet the most rewarding.

Syl closed his eyes. This is not the way, Harvey. He shook his head. I couldn’t care for a woman.

Harvey placed a hand on Syl’s shoulder and then gave it a squeeze. You can, Syl. Harvey shook his head and wondered why Syl would believe such a thing. Though built more like a lumberjack than a farmer, Syl was one of the most respectful people Harvey knew. You fought in Lincoln’s war. You’re a soldier and have proven that you can be dedicated, honorable, and hardworking man. He sighed. You are already nothing like Jerry Chapman. Now, do the one thing that our father could never do. Make an honest woman out of one of those eligible brides.

Syl opened his eyes and stared at Harvey. I don’t know what’s got into your head about running for mayor, but I ain’t marrying.

Harvey said, Just think about it. It’ll be good for you. Plus, you already said you were staying in town this time. Might as well start planting some real roots.

Syl narrowed his eyes. Is that what this is about? Getting me to stay around? You think a woman will ensure that I do?

Harvey brought his other hand up to Syl’s shoulder. It’ll be good for you, Sylvester. He smiled. Your rough edges need a gentle hand.

Always trying to help fix everything. Syl’s expression softened before he looked away. You can’t save the world, Harv, he said, right before he looked back at Harvey.

I know, Harvey said. He knew that better than Syl would ever know. I know I can’t save everyone, but I can try and save my own brother.

*   *   *

3

*   *   *

A screech of a man’s whistle woke Sallie up. She stuck her head out of the wagon and looked out in awe. The earth outside of the wagon was covered in grass for a mile and the field was full of dew as the first rays of the morning sun penetrated through the fog. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The air was fresher than anything she had ever felt against her skin and in her lungs. Tall trees lined one side of the field and in the distance she caught sight of an animal moving through the woods. Her new surroundings were like nothing she’d ever seen before. She was definitely not in Connecticut anymore. 

She felt the wagon sway as they headed towards the trees.

Opal called out, We’ll be stopping a short distance away from our destination so that we can all freshen up for the party. The excitement in her voice rang clear.

Once in the protection of the trees, the women were pointed to a river where they could take care of their needs. The water was cold, but felt good on Sallie’s skin. The need to feel clean was something all the women felt. Since the burning of everyone’s homes, they’d been forced to simply wear what they could gather up for the ride, but after several days on the wagon, they’d finally made it. Sallie felt her nerves dance as she finished making herself as presentable as possible.

Back on the wagon, Sallie turned back to her sightseeing. The sun was shining brightly now. She closed her eyes once more and allowed the sounds of nature to take her worries away. But the sounds of birds calling to