Seattle, Washington, 1876


Ada Williamson has perfect intentions to soften the blow of her sister’s rejection of the mail-order bride proposal from Thomas Rankin. So, taking a trip to Seattle, Washington, to tell him that her sister jilted him, in the gentlest of terms, seems like the logical decision—until she sees the flowers and warm welcome. The crowd of men at the docks call his name—giving him unwelcome advice. She steps onto the wooden planks covered with crimson carpet as she leaves the boat to meet him. Thomas has spared no expense but he hushes the crowd with a look. She must tell him the sad and embarrassing news, but he mistakes her for her beautiful sister, Melinda. The overwhelming greeting locked her lips tight. How could she shame him in front of his neighbors? After all, she knew how that felt.

Thomas “Scout” Rankin has made his way in life because of the goldfields. He is wealthy and looking for a bride. The woman who wrote the letters to him seems perfect, but he wants her to be sure that she really wants him. His family history is enough to give anyone pause. He wants to take this relationship slowly and see if this could be a perfect match for him and his extraordinary mail-order bride. Something is off in the middle of feeling oh-so-right.

This tale shows the importance of those who are often passed by. These characters may be everyday people to the world, but the world can not contain their spirit. Challenges stimulate a response from these hardy personalities in interesting and entertaining ways. THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE entertained me and kept me turning pages. Many previous characters from the FRONTIER BACHELORS series appeared in a way that supported this story wonderfully well. Each remembered character made me smile and reminisce about some of my favorite stories written by Regina Scott.

THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE was given to me for an honest review, and I have done so. My but this story resonated and entertained! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Yes, this is a story that I’m eager and excited to recommend! 

QUESTIONS FOR REGINA
 
Who was the trickiest character to write in THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE?
Thomas! I knew his character, because he had been in the previous series as a good friend of the main family. I knew how he’d grown. But I receive letters from readers frequently, begging to know when his story will be told, and I knew there were a lot of expectations riding on this book! I think—I hope—I did him justice!

What is the favorite flaw that you created in your hero?
His vulnerability. I don’t personally see that a flaw, but I imagine it would have been for him, especially in a time and place where men were expected to be rugged and above such things as doubts and disappointments. Thomas has had to carry a heavy burden with the reputation of his despicable father hanging over him. He had to learn to respect himself.

Was it amazing for you to revisit the characters you originally wrote in your FRONTIER BACHELORS series?
Absolutely! I went back and reread my own books, which is something I rarely do. Then I wove in little moments with some of my favorite characters, showing the changes in their lives too.

What message about THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE do you wish to share with our readers here today?
Never forget—no matter what you’ve done and who you think you are, there is a Father in heaven who loves you!

Do you have a favorite social media for your readers to visit so that they can get to know you?
I’d love to have you follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott.

Do you have any fun info on your website that would be of particular interest to those in love with THE PERFECT MAIL-ORDER BRIDE?
I started a page for Washington State pioneer legends, including a couple of real-life characters readers may recognize from the book. You can find it here: http://www.reginascott.com/pioneerlegends.html.

Ciara O’Rourke, the main character in the next book in this series, seems like she will have an interesting story to tell.  (I can hardly wait for the next book!) How did you come up with her name?
Ciara first appeared in Instant Frontier Family, when she and her younger brother, Aiden, traveled from New York to meet their older sister, Maddie, who is Seattle’s premiere baker. Maddie and her father immigrated from Ireland after the Potato Famine, though Ciara and Aiden were born in the U.S. With her having an Irish background, I went looking for an Irish name that fit in the time period. In my head, I heard See-AIR-a, but a friend with Irish family tells me it would have been pronounced something closer to Sharra. Either way, it fit her!

When will book 2 be published—not like I’m impatient or anything!   
I hope every reader is as eager! Her Frontier Sweethearts is available for preorder now and, if all goes to plan, will be out October 17, 2022.

​Thank you, Regina, for another wonderful interview! Blessigns!

The back one-liner about this story is, Uncover the Story Behind A One-Hundred-Year-Old Bookish Love Note, and so I did, and I hope that you will also.

August, 1915 Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina & Present Day, Biltmore Village, North Carolina and a touch of The Lake District, England

Oh, yes, this is a delicious tale that is actually two entwining stories, which diverge into one satisfying ending. The present-day characters, Clara Blackwell, Robbie Claflin, Julian Claflin, and Maxwell Weston, the 1915 characters, Sadie Blackwell, Mrs. Vanderbilt, Oliver Camden and Victorian Camden, and more supporting characters were delightful or challenging in their own ways.

So much is woven into this story that can be related to by so many. Struggle, sacrifice, compassion, and overcoming are experienced by these characters in an inspiring way. The connections between these tales are perfectly moving, emotionally engaging, and entertaining. The struggles and courage of these characters touched my heart, and I have a stinking suspicion that if you give this story and Pepper Basham a chance, you will be moved too!
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Of course, I will not tell you every juicy detail in Clara and Sadie’s unfolding tales. I would never invade the pleasure of your journey through these pages. Some stories you just wish someone would make a movie of it. This is one of those stories!