Secrets & Charades

By: Cindy Ervin Huff

Narrated by: Meghan Kelly

Jake Marcum’s busy ranch leaves him no time for courting, and his wounded heart has no place for love. When battlefield nightmares disturb his peace and his tomboy niece Juliet needs taming, somehow a mail-order bride seems like a logical solution.

Dr. Evangeline Olson has no idea her niece is writing to a rancher on her behalf, and she sure isn’t interested in abandoning her medical practice for a stranger. But when an inheritance threatens to reveal a long-buried secret, she travels west to become Jake’s wife.

Jake soon realizes Evangeline is more than he bargained for, especially when her arrival causes a stir in the community. As the two try to find their way in a marriage of convenience, their fragile relationship is further tested by cattle rustling and kidnapping. Can their hearts overcome past hurts to create a real marriage?

General Content (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature.

©2017 Smitten Historical Romance (P)2018 Smitten Historical Romance

A marvelous mail order bride Western!

This was one of the most delightful mail order bride stories I've read in a time. Evangeline is a strong independent lead character, yet she works in perfect balance and respect with her husband Jake. I absolutely loved the faith in this story, how both Evangeline & Jake depended on the Lord for their strength and guidance. One of my favorite parts was when Evangeline helps the young lady sell her woven cloth and yarn to the Mercantile. There were so many great parts to this intricate book, and plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep ones attention. Meghan did a marvelous job with the narrative and all the character's voices. I'm always in awe she can do so many different ones, making the story come to life.

The Power of a Smart Woman

I received a code to give an honest review for this booking. This was a new to me author so I was unsure what to expect and I love a good western romance. I enjoyed getting to see all the surprises and secrets that came out from each character, I loved that Evangeline was a doctor and that she was calm and collected when everyone else was unable to handle such a stressful situation. Jake is exactly what Evangeline needed in a husband and I feel like he needed her just as much as she needed him. I loved how the sweet romance started to play out with them even if he married her to take care of his niece. There was suspense that I found very intriguing. If you like a good sweet western romance then I would highly recommend this book.

One of the best!

Finished listening to this book in just 2 days! If you are interested in a VERY well written, Christian story this fits the need! This is a mystery, drama, non-violent, love , prayer-filled story. The author develops the characters and the storyline in a way that you can't help but enjoy. If you get the audiobook, you are getting one of the best narrators with Meghan Kelly! Get it!!

Emotion and Prayers

Cindy has written an adorable emotional story and Meghan is a talented narrator that did a fabulous job. Dr. Evangeline’s niece Maggie, secretly wrote Jake letters for a year using Evangeline’s name. Jake had a ranch in Texas and he wrote Evangeline asking her to be his bride. He was raising his niece Juliet and she encouraged him to ask Evangeline to come. When she got there twist and trials begin. A lovely clean story.

Good book.

I loved the accents provided by the narrator. The plot moved along without becoming boring. The language was clean and I would feel comfortable listening to this book in a family setting.