In the endearing pages of Mail Order Duchess, a historical romance by Misty Beller, the mail-order bride trope unfolds with sweet nuances. The story, set in 19th-century Montana, showcases the rough-hewn reality of frontier life, the vast, open land a visual backdrop to the struggle for survival in America’s wild west.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances bringing them together, Enoch and Mandie find themselves drawn together as if by a higher power, which seemed to be working in their favor. I loved that reminder that God works all things together for His good. These two characters, both grappling with heartache stemming from unexpected loss, unwelcome violence, and shattered dreams, merge together harmoniously in the story. Enoch’s motivation stems from duty and honor, whereas fear and desperation dictate the choices Mandie makes in the book. Bringing those dangerous traits beneath the safe haven of love proves challenging for both of them, but not impossible for God.

The writing is flavorful and charismatic, highlighting attraction and soul development as the story unfolds. With its nice, easy pace, the plot kept my curiosity piqued thanks to its interesting developments. The story seems simple, but it hints at a deeper complexity that makes you question your initial impressions. Any fans of historical romance will want to add this to their TBR.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for purchase link.

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Duchess

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected.

When Enoch Balfour’s eldest brother tragically dies, the weight of family responsibility falls on his shoulders. Now this Montana rancher must train for his role as the next Duke of Clarence—and marry the mail-order bride his brother sent for. Hardened by loss, Enoch has no intention of opening his heart to a stranger, but duty demands he produce an heir.

Mandie Beaumont is a desperate young widow fleeing the sinister advances of her brother-in-law. After arriving in the Montana Territory to marry a man she’s never met, an accident leaves her robbed of her recent memories—memories that conceal a devastating secret. When she discovers she’s carrying a child conceived through betrayal and violence, Mandie fears rejection and ruin. Yet, in Enoch, she finds an unexpected protector whose fierce gentleness makes her long to trust again.

Though Mandie’s charm and resilience begin to thaw Enoch’s guarded heart, he struggles with his fear of loss. When Mandie’s past resurfaces, Enoch must risk everything to save her. If he fails, Mandie will be torn from him—and the love they’ve begun to embrace could be lost forever.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, amnesia, a secret baby, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

Final Thoughts from Misty

Hello Reader Friends!

I’m BEYOND excited to share a brand new series with you! This idea has been percolating in my mind for a couple years now—a mash-up of two of my favorite historical romance genres: Regency England and the rugged American West.

In the Lords of the Rockies series, you’ll meet the five sons of an English duke who were sent to the wilds of the Montana Territory for their protection when they were boys. They’ve grown up there, become ranchers and mountain men in their own right.

It’s Regency meets the Rockies as these aristocratic brothers navigate the challenges of ranch life.

I’m especially excited to introduce you to the first book in the series, Mail-Order Duchess!

Enoch Balfour is one of my all-time favorite heroes…so incredibly swoony. He’s the second son, which means he never thought he would have to return to England and take over his father’s role as the Duke of Clarence. But now his eldest brother has passed in an unexpected riding accident. And Enoch has become the heir intended.

Can you imagine how hard that must have been? Suddenly having to leave the only life you’ve ever known to take up the duties of a title an ocean away?

And then there’s Mandie Beaumont, a young widow hoping for a fresh start in Montana. But when she arrives, an accident steals her recent memories, leaving her with no idea why she left her comfortable life in Savannah to travel across the country and marry a rancher she’s never met. Or maybe her previous life wasn’t so comfortable…

Can you imagine waking up one day to find yourself in a strange place with no recollection of how you got there or what you were running from?

I don’t want to give away too much, but let’s just say Mail-Order Duchess has all the ingredients for a story you won’t be able to put down—a marriage of convenience, hidden secrets, and an unlikely romance blossoming in the face of incredible odds. I’m so excited to share this story with you!

I’ve had such fun crafting the unique premise of an English aristocratic family making their way in the American West. Get ready for more heartfelt Western adventures tinged with Regency flair as the Lords of the Rockies series continues!

I pray you love Mail-Order Duchess!

Blessings!

Misty