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Dearest Darling
Stuck in a life of servitude to her penny-pinching brother, Emily Darling longs for a more exciting existence. When a packet with travel tickets, meant for one Ethel Darton, accidentally lands on her doormat, Emily sees a chance for escape. Having turned down the dreary suitors that have come her way, is it possible a new existence also offers a different kind of man?
Daniel Saunders has carved out a life for himself in Wyoming—a life missing one thing: a wife. Having scrimped and saved to bring his mail-order bride from New York, he is outraged to find in her stead a runaway fraud. Even worse, the impostor is the sister of his old enemy.
But people are not always as they seem, and sometimes the heart knows more than the head.
Daniel Saunders has carved out a life for himself in Wyoming—a life missing one thing: a wife. Having scrimped and saved to bring his mail-order bride from New York, he is outraged to find in her stead a runaway fraud. Even worse, the impostor is the sister of his old enemy.
But people are not always as they seem, and sometimes the heart knows more than the head.
- GenresHistorical
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2014
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Downing
19 books64 followersA native New Yorker, Andrea Downing currently divides her time between the canyons of city streets and the wide-open spaces of Wyoming. Her background in publishing and English Language teaching has transferred into fiction writing, and her love of horses, ranches, rodeo, and just about anything else western, is reflected in her award-winning historical and contemporary western romances.
She has been a finalist in the RONE Awards for Best American Historical Romance twice, placed in the International Digital Awards twice, and won ‘Favorite Hero’ along with Honorable Mentions for Favorite Heroine, Short Story and Novel in the Maple Leaf Awards. Her book, Dearest Darling, has also won The Golden Quill Award for Best Novella and been on the short list for winning The Chanticleer Award for Best Short or Novella.
You can find Andrea at
She has been a finalist in the RONE Awards for Best American Historical Romance twice, placed in the International Digital Awards twice, and won ‘Favorite Hero’ along with Honorable Mentions for Favorite Heroine, Short Story and Novel in the Maple Leaf Awards. Her book, Dearest Darling, has also won The Golden Quill Award for Best Novella and been on the short list for winning The Chanticleer Award for Best Short or Novella.
You can find Andrea at
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 8, 2014
Originally reviewed on LauraofLurking
Strong language: Some, mild
Drugs: None
Violence: None
Sexual content: Yes
I received a copy of this novella in return for an unbiased review.
What would you do if your brother had been keeping you as a servant in your own house for years, then one day a rail ticket arrived to sweep you away to be a man's bride, along with a sensuous love letter? There's the mild problem that the letter isn't addressed to you… but the address is smeared beyond legibility by the rain. After all, what's the difference between one mail order bride and another? He would even be grateful when he discovered you have been keeping house before and can help him tend his life in the west… right?
Emily Darling finds herself in that very predicament, and after deliberating at length she takes off, without the knowledge of her brother to travel the width of the country. The welcome she receives is less than she'd hoped, now she just has to decide if she wants to win his heart over to her, or try to make her own way in the world.
This novel is written in clear, precise writing, letting the emotion and story flow without an abundance of adverbs, adjective, metaphors and other flowery language that can smother some romance novels. I was also pleased to find that despite it being based in the historic America West, and me in England, it was easy to understand the terminology (there was one minor incident where my kindle dictionary tried to suggest the characters were going to have one of the horses curried for tea, but I quickly got that definition cleared up with the author! For anybody wondering this is a type of stiff comb for grooming.)
Daniel Saunders, the gentleman she'd hoped would accept her, is a quiet man, both in contemplation and anger. Having saved for a long time for that ticket he is distraught that somebody else has taken the place of his bride; especially when they expect him to marry them instead. He's fiercely independent, doing household chores himself, often seeming to do it just to make poor Emily feel unwanted. Yet he had a softer side that shone through, drawing both Emily and the reader to feel for him. He felt like a lost man, needing something in his life to come home to after a hard day on the ranch.
The romance was pitched perfectly, lots of "do I, don't I" moments, subtle looks and indecision that had me wanting to lock them in the bedroom until the sorted things out!
I loved the twists that appeared, they weren't obvious or expected. These led to a fantastic ending that left me satisfied with the story. That takes a lot of skill to pull of in just 26,000 words.
The 411
Overall I found this novella to be an adorable story and get away from life for a little while. It was an easy read to boot, allowing the reader to get straight to the story. Despite its short length, Dearest Darling had well drawn characters and a plot that felt complete and finished.
I give this a 5 for being a good all rounder.
Strong language: Some, mild
Drugs: None
Violence: None
Sexual content: Yes
I received a copy of this novella in return for an unbiased review.
What would you do if your brother had been keeping you as a servant in your own house for years, then one day a rail ticket arrived to sweep you away to be a man's bride, along with a sensuous love letter? There's the mild problem that the letter isn't addressed to you… but the address is smeared beyond legibility by the rain. After all, what's the difference between one mail order bride and another? He would even be grateful when he discovered you have been keeping house before and can help him tend his life in the west… right?
Emily Darling finds herself in that very predicament, and after deliberating at length she takes off, without the knowledge of her brother to travel the width of the country. The welcome she receives is less than she'd hoped, now she just has to decide if she wants to win his heart over to her, or try to make her own way in the world.
This novel is written in clear, precise writing, letting the emotion and story flow without an abundance of adverbs, adjective, metaphors and other flowery language that can smother some romance novels. I was also pleased to find that despite it being based in the historic America West, and me in England, it was easy to understand the terminology (there was one minor incident where my kindle dictionary tried to suggest the characters were going to have one of the horses curried for tea, but I quickly got that definition cleared up with the author! For anybody wondering this is a type of stiff comb for grooming.)
Daniel Saunders, the gentleman she'd hoped would accept her, is a quiet man, both in contemplation and anger. Having saved for a long time for that ticket he is distraught that somebody else has taken the place of his bride; especially when they expect him to marry them instead. He's fiercely independent, doing household chores himself, often seeming to do it just to make poor Emily feel unwanted. Yet he had a softer side that shone through, drawing both Emily and the reader to feel for him. He felt like a lost man, needing something in his life to come home to after a hard day on the ranch.
The romance was pitched perfectly, lots of "do I, don't I" moments, subtle looks and indecision that had me wanting to lock them in the bedroom until the sorted things out!
I loved the twists that appeared, they weren't obvious or expected. These led to a fantastic ending that left me satisfied with the story. That takes a lot of skill to pull of in just 26,000 words.
The 411
Overall I found this novella to be an adorable story and get away from life for a little while. It was an easy read to boot, allowing the reader to get straight to the story. Despite its short length, Dearest Darling had well drawn characters and a plot that felt complete and finished.
I give this a 5 for being a good all rounder.
October 22, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Western romance is one of my favorite genres, and this is one with a bit of a "difference". It is a cute mail order bride story - with a twist. Loved it!! The wrong mail order bride...all because
of a rain-smudged envelope being delivered to the wrong person. I could picture Emily - looking at the letter, trying to decipher the address, finally opening it and reading the letter and... well, I don't want to give too much away. I applaud her for being brave enough to decide that this was her opportunity and taking the tickets in order to get a way from her brother. She knew she was taking a chance, but was desperate. I liked the ending...Who doesn't like a HEA?
Thank you, Andrea, for giving me the opportunity to read this.
Western romance is one of my favorite genres, and this is one with a bit of a "difference". It is a cute mail order bride story - with a twist. Loved it!! The wrong mail order bride...all because
of a rain-smudged envelope being delivered to the wrong person. I could picture Emily - looking at the letter, trying to decipher the address, finally opening it and reading the letter and... well, I don't want to give too much away. I applaud her for being brave enough to decide that this was her opportunity and taking the tickets in order to get a way from her brother. She knew she was taking a chance, but was desperate. I liked the ending...Who doesn't like a HEA?
Thank you, Andrea, for giving me the opportunity to read this.
January 10, 2015
3.5/5.0
This story takes the common mail-order-bride trope and turns it upside down! It rarely follows the normal course; instead, it gifts the reader with twists and turns that surprise and delight.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
This story takes the common mail-order-bride trope and turns it upside down! It rarely follows the normal course; instead, it gifts the reader with twists and turns that surprise and delight.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 19, 2018
Whew, baby!! Talk about getting swept into a story and not expecting the swiftness nor the depth of it! I thought I knew what I was getting into, but this short story delivered with do much more!
I adored watching the slow burn build and Emily and Daniel discovering how much their worlds collided. Emily made me want to slow down even more and appreciate my surroundings and not be afraid to leap into the scary unknown. Daniel swept me away with his honor and respect and desire to do right, even though what he thought was what his heart wanted got flipped upside down and shaken up. There's even a touch of fairytale sweetness included that makes it all the better.
I simply enjoyed the way the story flowed and took me on a charmed ride. If you want a short story that you can sink into and live in for a couple of hours, you won't be disappointed with Emily and Daniel.
I adored watching the slow burn build and Emily and Daniel discovering how much their worlds collided. Emily made me want to slow down even more and appreciate my surroundings and not be afraid to leap into the scary unknown. Daniel swept me away with his honor and respect and desire to do right, even though what he thought was what his heart wanted got flipped upside down and shaken up. There's even a touch of fairytale sweetness included that makes it all the better.
I simply enjoyed the way the story flowed and took me on a charmed ride. If you want a short story that you can sink into and live in for a couple of hours, you won't be disappointed with Emily and Daniel.
December 28, 2017
A letter delivered to the wrong person gives Emily the means to get away from a controlling brother.
Imagine Daniel’s surprise when the lady on the stage is not the mail-order bride he’s been expecting. Yet he can’t leave her to fend for herself. He isn’t happy about the situation, but decides to take some time to figure it out.
The unexpected twists and turns in this story were a welcome breath of fresh air. The narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. Western romances are not normally a genre I read, but that may change. I highly recommend Dearest Darling!
Imagine Daniel’s surprise when the lady on the stage is not the mail-order bride he’s been expecting. Yet he can’t leave her to fend for herself. He isn’t happy about the situation, but decides to take some time to figure it out.
The unexpected twists and turns in this story were a welcome breath of fresh air. The narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. Western romances are not normally a genre I read, but that may change. I highly recommend Dearest Darling!
October 4, 2019
Dearest Darling
: Andrea Downing
Historical western mail switched mail order bride story. Emily gets someone else's mail. She takes the woman's place and travels to Wyoming. The two meet and the journey began. Misunderstandings, wicked supporting characters send them on a crazy ride. This was a short listen. I probably wouldn't finish if it were longer. That was mostly because of the narration.
The narration was so so. The characters were portrayed by Bruno Belmar.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Andrea Downing
Historical western mail switched mail order bride story. Emily gets someone else's mail. She takes the woman's place and travels to Wyoming. The two meet and the journey began. Misunderstandings, wicked supporting characters send them on a crazy ride. This was a short listen. I probably wouldn't finish if it were longer. That was mostly because of the narration.
The narration was so so. The characters were portrayed by Bruno Belmar.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 2, 2016
Historical Western Romance
My first time reading an Anderson Downing book. 5 star's is my rating for this book!!!!! A young lady takes a chance to improve her life. I enjoyed this book and I hope you will too!!!!!
My first time reading an Anderson Downing book. 5 star's is my rating for this book!!!!! A young lady takes a chance to improve her life. I enjoyed this book and I hope you will too!!!!!
May 29, 2020
3 cowboy yeehaws. Cute mild engaging short read. Sign me up for mail order cowgenarian!
Cheers
Cheers
April 14, 2015
I received this book from the publisher for an honest review. I have always enjoyed Mail-Order Bride stories. I was intrigued by the book blurb and could not wait to read this one. I was not disappointed, even though it is a very short novella. That is probably my only complaint. It just was not long enough! I wanted more. Nonetheless, it is a sweet love story filled with a lot of heart and plenty of humor.
I loved Daniel’s reaction when he finds out that Emily has taken his mail-order bride’s place. I could just see him stomping around, ready to shoot off his gun, madder than a rattle snake. Ms. Downing had me right there as if I were Emily watching him come unglued swearing a blue streak. I imagined him throwing his hat down and stomping on it, even though she did not describe that. I could picture Emily gathering up her courage and telling him when he asked her what the hell she expected now, “Marry you, of course.”
Emily is wondering what she has gotten herself into. Daniel is dirty, and needs a shave, plus he is mean tempered. Not the best first impression to say the least. However, after he calms down, he treats Emily with the utmost respect and courtesy, showing her the honorable man he really is. This convinces her that Daniel is the man for her.
Daniel quickly finds out he cares for Emily, but since he feels committed to Ethel, the woman he originally sent for, he insists on sending her back, even if he has to sell some of his livestock to do it.
Soon, Emily’s enticing ways has him rethinking his decision, and long before he can come up with the funds to send her back east, he realizes he is in love with her.
Before Daniel has a chance to tell Emily of his change of heart, her brother shows up while he is gone on an errand and tells her a pack of lies. Emily leaves with her brother broken-hearted, convinced Daniel still loves Ethel.
When Daniel goes after her, can he convince her he has fallen in love with her and wants her to be his wife, or will Emily allow her conniving brother to keep them apart?
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story from the first page to the last word and read it in one sitting, flipping the pages on my Kindle as fast as possible. While it is quite short, it has great character development and a well thought out plot. The author brings to life the vivid landscape of the Rocky Mountains and the glorious skies above. Her historical detail for the time period is detailed, and it is obvious she did her research. If you like western historical romances with lots of heart, then this is one that you will definitely want to read. Happy reading!
I loved Daniel’s reaction when he finds out that Emily has taken his mail-order bride’s place. I could just see him stomping around, ready to shoot off his gun, madder than a rattle snake. Ms. Downing had me right there as if I were Emily watching him come unglued swearing a blue streak. I imagined him throwing his hat down and stomping on it, even though she did not describe that. I could picture Emily gathering up her courage and telling him when he asked her what the hell she expected now, “Marry you, of course.”
Emily is wondering what she has gotten herself into. Daniel is dirty, and needs a shave, plus he is mean tempered. Not the best first impression to say the least. However, after he calms down, he treats Emily with the utmost respect and courtesy, showing her the honorable man he really is. This convinces her that Daniel is the man for her.
Daniel quickly finds out he cares for Emily, but since he feels committed to Ethel, the woman he originally sent for, he insists on sending her back, even if he has to sell some of his livestock to do it.
Soon, Emily’s enticing ways has him rethinking his decision, and long before he can come up with the funds to send her back east, he realizes he is in love with her.
Before Daniel has a chance to tell Emily of his change of heart, her brother shows up while he is gone on an errand and tells her a pack of lies. Emily leaves with her brother broken-hearted, convinced Daniel still loves Ethel.
When Daniel goes after her, can he convince her he has fallen in love with her and wants her to be his wife, or will Emily allow her conniving brother to keep them apart?
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful story from the first page to the last word and read it in one sitting, flipping the pages on my Kindle as fast as possible. While it is quite short, it has great character development and a well thought out plot. The author brings to life the vivid landscape of the Rocky Mountains and the glorious skies above. Her historical detail for the time period is detailed, and it is obvious she did her research. If you like western historical romances with lots of heart, then this is one that you will definitely want to read. Happy reading!
November 30, 2014
Dearest Darling by Andrea Downing is a page turning mail order bride tale that doesn't really follow the standard formula, instead the plot is fresh, after all it isn't often that a story starts out where the wrong woman receives tickets west and decides to use them!
After the death of her parents twenty-eight year old Emily Darling finds herself working as a servant in her family home thanks to her mean brother. While collecting the mail one morning a letter arrives, and while she quickly surmises it isn't for her or her brother, her curiosity is piqued so she opens it. She learns it is from Daniel Saunders,a Wyoming rancher, who has sent a packet for his mail order bride to come west.Emily sees this as the perfect way to escape from her brother and start over, after all anyone who is sending for a mail order bride can't be all the choosy can he?
Don't let the size of this book fool you, even though Dearest Darling is only 88 pages Andrea Downing provides well fleshed characters, and an interesting plot that made me feel like I was reading a full length novel.With plenty of attention to detail, the author paints a clear picture of the setting, allowing me to visualize it as the characters did. Ms. Downing also provides plenty of emotion, it was easy to be drawn into Emily's longing to belong, and the peacefulness she felt with Daniel was sweet. Speaking of Daniel he was the perfect male lead, kind, considerate, but determined to send Emily back. I will say that there was one sexual situation, but it was very beautifully written. I am a huge fan of the mail order bride genre and this story was certainly unique, instead of predictable I found several twists which kept me guessing as to how the ending would eventually turn out!
Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com
After the death of her parents twenty-eight year old Emily Darling finds herself working as a servant in her family home thanks to her mean brother. While collecting the mail one morning a letter arrives, and while she quickly surmises it isn't for her or her brother, her curiosity is piqued so she opens it. She learns it is from Daniel Saunders,a Wyoming rancher, who has sent a packet for his mail order bride to come west.Emily sees this as the perfect way to escape from her brother and start over, after all anyone who is sending for a mail order bride can't be all the choosy can he?
Don't let the size of this book fool you, even though Dearest Darling is only 88 pages Andrea Downing provides well fleshed characters, and an interesting plot that made me feel like I was reading a full length novel.With plenty of attention to detail, the author paints a clear picture of the setting, allowing me to visualize it as the characters did. Ms. Downing also provides plenty of emotion, it was easy to be drawn into Emily's longing to belong, and the peacefulness she felt with Daniel was sweet. Speaking of Daniel he was the perfect male lead, kind, considerate, but determined to send Emily back. I will say that there was one sexual situation, but it was very beautifully written. I am a huge fan of the mail order bride genre and this story was certainly unique, instead of predictable I found several twists which kept me guessing as to how the ending would eventually turn out!
Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com
November 23, 2015
When Emily Darling intentionally reads a letter left on her doorstep, but addressed to Ethel Darton, it becomes more than a mistake in postal service. It becomes a chance of escape from her over-bearing brother. The letter, starting with the greeting “Dearest Darling” captivates her heart and hopes. What kind of man would write such an endearing and tender letter? He is obviously in need of companionship, living in the wilds of Wyoming, and is making travel arrangements for his mail-order bride. But wait, there’s more: a train ticket to Cheyenne with instructions to take a stagecoach to Jackson Hole where he will meet her.
From the letter she learns these two have never met, but that Ethel Darton has sent a picture of herself in an earlier letter.
When Daniel Saunders meets the stagecoach on the appointed day, he meets an imposter, someone who has taken advantage of a free train ticket. He’s outraged. But what is he going to do? He can’t leave her in town, alone, with no means of supporting herself. He needs time to sort this out.
A novella, Dearest Darling is a delightful read, cleverly paced with seemingly insurmountable complications, and realistic, convincing dialog. Details of Wyoming ranch land enhance the story, giving the reader an exciting view of yesteryear’s west.
To learn more about the author, visit http://andreadowning.com/
From the letter she learns these two have never met, but that Ethel Darton has sent a picture of herself in an earlier letter.
When Daniel Saunders meets the stagecoach on the appointed day, he meets an imposter, someone who has taken advantage of a free train ticket. He’s outraged. But what is he going to do? He can’t leave her in town, alone, with no means of supporting herself. He needs time to sort this out.
A novella, Dearest Darling is a delightful read, cleverly paced with seemingly insurmountable complications, and realistic, convincing dialog. Details of Wyoming ranch land enhance the story, giving the reader an exciting view of yesteryear’s west.
To learn more about the author, visit http://andreadowning.com/
September 5, 2015
Emily Darling was tired of living as her brother's servant. He counted every penny that came into the house and each one paid on a bill. Emily just wanted to be free. To live and laugh. To have a man who loved her and wanted only the best for her. Emily's opportunity came in the form of a letter. She couldn't believe her luck even as she read each word. This was her chance at happiness. Her chance for happily ever after and danged if she was gonna mess it up.
The writing of this book is fluid. It's so flawless you don't even realize how far you've gotten in the book until you read THE END. I loved Emily's power and confidence in herself. It's the type of book I like to read. Women who can take care of themselves but prefer to have a man by their side. Not as a crutch but as a helpmate. The fun and wildness of this book make the characters so lovable you won't soon forget them. I highly recommend this read! Can't wait for more.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because Emily is an empowering character. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
The writing of this book is fluid. It's so flawless you don't even realize how far you've gotten in the book until you read THE END. I loved Emily's power and confidence in herself. It's the type of book I like to read. Women who can take care of themselves but prefer to have a man by their side. Not as a crutch but as a helpmate. The fun and wildness of this book make the characters so lovable you won't soon forget them. I highly recommend this read! Can't wait for more.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because Emily is an empowering character. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
October 28, 2016
One letter given to the wrong women by the postal service gives one lady the means to get away from a controlling brother. She is sure this is a sign for her to get way and start a new life hopefully finding some happiness. Things do not always go as we plan Emily will have many ups and downs before she can find the true happiness she seeks.
Daniel has his hands full on meeting the stage he does not find the lady he has been writing to but a new lady he has never seen before. He isn’t happy but decided to take some time to work this out. He can’t leave her to fend for herself. Time will give all the answers he will need.
This is a lovely read that the author put a lot of time and thought into. It flows easy and keeps you invested as the author takes you through some trying times. Before you know it you are through wishing you had more to read. I love the mail order bride time in history it was a time when many had little choices. This is an author who knows how to spin the tale to pull her readers in giving you a very entertaining read. I really enjoy the author and look forward to reading more from her.
Book Obsessed Chicks Review
Daniel has his hands full on meeting the stage he does not find the lady he has been writing to but a new lady he has never seen before. He isn’t happy but decided to take some time to work this out. He can’t leave her to fend for herself. Time will give all the answers he will need.
This is a lovely read that the author put a lot of time and thought into. It flows easy and keeps you invested as the author takes you through some trying times. Before you know it you are through wishing you had more to read. I love the mail order bride time in history it was a time when many had little choices. This is an author who knows how to spin the tale to pull her readers in giving you a very entertaining read. I really enjoy the author and look forward to reading more from her.
Book Obsessed Chicks Review
featuredonbookbabe
October 28, 2014What Makes Dearest Darling Stand Out From Other Mail-Order Brides?
I asked the author and she replied. Read her guest post here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
I asked the author and she replied. Read her guest post here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
April 8, 2016
Dearest Darling
June 24, 2016
Dearest Darling
September 17, 2016
Meant to Be
Love story with a unique twist. Andrea Downing weaves a sweet romance that has you wishing to get to the end, yet you want it to continue.
Love story with a unique twist. Andrea Downing weaves a sweet romance that has you wishing to get to the end, yet you want it to continue.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews