What do you think?
Rate this book
An Unforgettable Love: A Christian Historical Romance
Can a scorned heart find love with someone new?
Spurned by love, Carl places an mail-order bride ad in hopes that he can find a companion, but when Elizabeth shows up, she's nothing like he expected. At first, he can't get her to engage in town events, but when she does, odd things begin happening. Is she the reason or simply a victim?
Elizabeth Parker never dreamed of a life out west, but when her father dies, she is left with little choice. She must either work in a saloon for a man she hates or leave everything she knows and move out west, but will she ever truly escape the life she left behind?
Find out in this thrilling, heart-warming Christian Historical Romance by USA Today Author Lorana Hoopes
Spurned by love, Carl places an mail-order bride ad in hopes that he can find a companion, but when Elizabeth shows up, she's nothing like he expected. At first, he can't get her to engage in town events, but when she does, odd things begin happening. Is she the reason or simply a victim?
Elizabeth Parker never dreamed of a life out west, but when her father dies, she is left with little choice. She must either work in a saloon for a man she hates or leave everything she knows and move out west, but will she ever truly escape the life she left behind?
Find out in this thrilling, heart-warming Christian Historical Romance by USA Today Author Lorana Hoopes
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2023
About the author
Lorana Hoopes
137 books290 followersLorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 21, 2023
Really Good …
I was surprised at this book and at myself. It is good…. very good. What surprised me was how much it drew me in. Normally, I’m not a big historical fiction reader but have read and enjoyed several of this author’s other works so took a chance on this. Glad I did.
A father on his deathbed arranges for a ruthless man to take care of his daughter, Elizabeth, after his death. The man not only is ruthless but is cruel and abusive. He’s a saloon owner and demands Elizabeth to work for him. Not only does she dislike the stigma of being a ‘saloon gal’ but she has no money to change things. Daddy died broke and in debt and ruthless and heartless Jacob took advantage.
Getting away from Jacob won’t be easy but Elizabeth sees an ad for a mail order bride. Desperate, she responds to the ad and is on her way West.She finds life very different and has a hard time blending in with the folk of Sage Creek. She’s even accused of things she didn’t do, but hey, she’s the new ‘girl’ in town so who else to blame?
I found myself thinking and wondering just how hard and different it was for women back in those days. I also saw how easy it was for the ‘blame game’ to be passed around without any type of proof. I pretty much figured out what was happening but enjoyed the mystery and how it was solved.
🤔OBSERVATIONS
✒︎ Ugh, I still think Rebecca and that deputy sheriff got a pass. (You’ll know what I mean when you read the story.)
✒︎Loved how caring and loyal Elizabeth is. She not only remembered Mary but helped her. Looking forward to reading Mary’s story.
✒︎Would have liked to ‘seen’ that deputy sheriff’s mea culpa… Rebecca’s too. Maybe we’ll get to see a little reaping what was sowed in their book because personalities like theirs don’t change overnight.
✒︎ I appreciated the faith element built into the storyline.
I was given a copy of this book and freely leave my review.
I was surprised at this book and at myself. It is good…. very good. What surprised me was how much it drew me in. Normally, I’m not a big historical fiction reader but have read and enjoyed several of this author’s other works so took a chance on this. Glad I did.
A father on his deathbed arranges for a ruthless man to take care of his daughter, Elizabeth, after his death. The man not only is ruthless but is cruel and abusive. He’s a saloon owner and demands Elizabeth to work for him. Not only does she dislike the stigma of being a ‘saloon gal’ but she has no money to change things. Daddy died broke and in debt and ruthless and heartless Jacob took advantage.
Getting away from Jacob won’t be easy but Elizabeth sees an ad for a mail order bride. Desperate, she responds to the ad and is on her way West.She finds life very different and has a hard time blending in with the folk of Sage Creek. She’s even accused of things she didn’t do, but hey, she’s the new ‘girl’ in town so who else to blame?
I found myself thinking and wondering just how hard and different it was for women back in those days. I also saw how easy it was for the ‘blame game’ to be passed around without any type of proof. I pretty much figured out what was happening but enjoyed the mystery and how it was solved.
🤔OBSERVATIONS
✒︎ Ugh, I still think Rebecca and that deputy sheriff got a pass. (You’ll know what I mean when you read the story.)
✒︎Loved how caring and loyal Elizabeth is. She not only remembered Mary but helped her. Looking forward to reading Mary’s story.
✒︎Would have liked to ‘seen’ that deputy sheriff’s mea culpa… Rebecca’s too. Maybe we’ll get to see a little reaping what was sowed in their book because personalities like theirs don’t change overnight.
✒︎ I appreciated the faith element built into the storyline.
I was given a copy of this book and freely leave my review.
July 14, 2023
I enjoy mail order bride stories. They fascinate me! I just can't imagine going out to a place and marrying someone the same day you meet them and making a life with them! However, times were different and women had few choices in those days, especially if they had no family to rely on. Such was the case of Elizabeth. Her father died after a long illness, and he arrange for a lewd saloon man named Jacob to "watch over her". I guess in his weakened state, he didn't really have the faculties to understand what that meant, plus he didn't tell Elizabeth! Imagine her surprise when her father dies and she finds this out! She won't stand for it! She has no recourse but to escape and become a mail order bride and leave Chicago, but the West is something completely different. She's an outsider in the small town where she ends up. Carl owns a small farm and is lonely. There aren't any more women in his small town that he hasn't dated or are married so he sends off for a mail order bride. Elizabeth is quite different than he expects! She's very headstrong! While I'm all for women knowing their own mind and standing up for themselves, I was a little put off by how obnoxious she was at times! She could have been a little nicer in my opinion! I liked Carl a lot. He was very willing to do everything for Elizabeth and was very close to God.
Read
July 30, 2023Carl has been in love with a local girl, but she marries someone else. So Carl decides to send off for a mail order bride.
Elizabeth's father is sick, but before he dies, he makes arrangements for his "friend", Jacob to take care of Elizabeth. Well, Jacob runs a saloon and he has other plans for Elizabeth. Jacob forcefully takes Elizabeth to his saloon and makes her work as a server. She knows that she has to escape. When she sees an advertisement for a mail order bride, she responds to it.
Carl is still unsure about marrying someone that he's never met, but he feels that God is calling him to do this. He sends her a ticket and waits for her arrival. Elizabeth has to sneak out and to the train station to get away from Jacob.
When Elizabeth arrives, she is a bit stand offish because she doesn't want to do anything that might lead to Jacob finding her, but the town is so welcoming that she finds herself with several friends. When strange things start to happen around town, everyone points to Elizabeth because she is the newest person in town.
This is such a sweet book. Carl is so selfless. He tries to help Elizabeth fit in and make friends.
Elizabeth's father is sick, but before he dies, he makes arrangements for his "friend", Jacob to take care of Elizabeth. Well, Jacob runs a saloon and he has other plans for Elizabeth. Jacob forcefully takes Elizabeth to his saloon and makes her work as a server. She knows that she has to escape. When she sees an advertisement for a mail order bride, she responds to it.
Carl is still unsure about marrying someone that he's never met, but he feels that God is calling him to do this. He sends her a ticket and waits for her arrival. Elizabeth has to sneak out and to the train station to get away from Jacob.
When Elizabeth arrives, she is a bit stand offish because she doesn't want to do anything that might lead to Jacob finding her, but the town is so welcoming that she finds herself with several friends. When strange things start to happen around town, everyone points to Elizabeth because she is the newest person in town.
This is such a sweet book. Carl is so selfless. He tries to help Elizabeth fit in and make friends.
August 3, 2023
This isn't my usual genre, but I decided to give this one a chance. I found that the story was written in such a way, that it didn't seem quite like a usual Historical Romance, it was easy to read. I flowed right through the book and stayed engaged with the story. However, I didn't really connect with the characters. I thought their personalities were great, I really liked seeing so many different characters that are each their own distinct person. I just didn't connect emotionally with them. Because of that, I found I didn't care as much as I should have toward the end of the book. It was a good story, I was really surprised by how much I liked it. I will even go chech out the other books in the series since this was the first one I have read.
There were a lot of sweet moments, but there was also a little bit of action. I liked that there was a bit of high stakes toward the end, I would have loved to have a bit more of that.
I read an ARC of this book for free, and I voluntarily left this honest review.
There were a lot of sweet moments, but there was also a little bit of action. I liked that there was a bit of high stakes toward the end, I would have loved to have a bit more of that.
I read an ARC of this book for free, and I voluntarily left this honest review.
August 1, 2023
Elizabeth is left destitute and at the mercy of the unscrupulous tavern owner when her father passes away. Answering a mail-order bride request is her only option for escaping the life the tavern owner has laid out for her. Carl is a lonely man living on a homestead near a small town. There are few women for him to choose from, and the woman he proposed to married another. His only option is to try his luck with placing an advertisement in the paper. They marry the same day she arrives on the train due to them having to share a house. They are growing to like and appreciate the other when a busy-body gossip causes problems between them. Much drama and suspense follows before there can be a happy ending.
This book contains very good faith aspects such as prayer, depending on God, and seeking His direction.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book contains very good faith aspects such as prayer, depending on God, and seeking His direction.
I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
July 20, 2023
I jumped into reading this book without reading the previous books in this series. At first I was wondering if I’d missed much, especially with the character of Rebecca who seems to have some history. However, an overview of her (and other Sage Creek characters’) history was artfully woven in as Elizabeth gets to know the townspeople. There were a few scary situations that helped along the theme of trusting God and knowing He is in control. There was not a lot of overt theology aside from a reminder to trust God and characters praying for help and guidance. It was a fun and fast-paced tale with lots of action and danger that kept me on the edge of my seat. I would have enjoyed a bit more character and relationship building between Elizabeth and the other characters, but I still greatly enjoyed the story and now want to go back and read the previous books in this series.
July 31, 2023
An Unforgettable Love is an enjoyable fairly quick read. Carl, not caring for the single women in town, decides to get a mail-order bride. Elizabeth, in a horrible situation after her father dies, sees Carl's ad as a way to escape. I truly liked both of these characters, even though they aren't perfect. I enjoyed reading about their faith and how they each get back on track with it. Author Lorana Hoopes writes in such a way that you feel that icy rain, those feelings of being watched, and the pain of being rejected by friends. You also get to feel the strength that Elizabeth feels from holding Carl's hand, the welcome from the pastor and the sewing circle, and the thrill of kissing her husband. There's some mystery and suspense that adds to the story. I would recommend this 3rd book in the Sage Creek Saga to readers of clean and of Christian historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written story.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written story.
August 2, 2023
Good clean book that will draw you into every page.
Elizabeth's father is dying, and he made arrangements for someone to take care of her when he dies. This man is not a good kind man her father basically turned her into a saloon girl. She wants no part of it. She finds a way to get away from Jacob as a mail order bride.
Carl owns a small farm outside of town and is lonely so he gets Elizabeth as his bride. He is a good Christian man and treats Elizabeth very well but she doesn't seem to treat him the same way. Can they find love, especially when Jacob shows up?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Elizabeth's father is dying, and he made arrangements for someone to take care of her when he dies. This man is not a good kind man her father basically turned her into a saloon girl. She wants no part of it. She finds a way to get away from Jacob as a mail order bride.
Carl owns a small farm outside of town and is lonely so he gets Elizabeth as his bride. He is a good Christian man and treats Elizabeth very well but she doesn't seem to treat him the same way. Can they find love, especially when Jacob shows up?
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
August 4, 2023
With the death of her father, Elizabeth makes a courageous decision: instead of staying in Chicago with the saloon owner who considers her as his property, she chooses the safer option of secretly leaving to travel west as a mail-order bride to a lonely farmer, Carl.
However, settling in as a new bride and being a stranger in the small close-knit community of Sage Creek poses some challenges, especially when unexplained incidents start to occur. Can Elizabeth and Carl learn to trust one another’s motives and make their marriage viable?
Lorana Hoopes is an accomplished author who writes books in various genres. Although this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone as referrals to incidents and characters from previous books are clearly and concisely described. I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
However, settling in as a new bride and being a stranger in the small close-knit community of Sage Creek poses some challenges, especially when unexplained incidents start to occur. Can Elizabeth and Carl learn to trust one another’s motives and make their marriage viable?
Lorana Hoopes is an accomplished author who writes books in various genres. Although this is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone as referrals to incidents and characters from previous books are clearly and concisely described. I received a free review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
August 21, 2023
Enjoyed Elizabeth and Carl's story. Carl was ready to get married and have a family. Problem was, woman were few in his neck of the woods. Lonely evenings and his dream of having a family of his own, pushed him to take out an ad for a mail-order bride. Elizabeth had just lost her father and found out he had made arrangements for this terrible saloon owner to watch out for her. The bank took all her possessions to pay the mortgage and working in the saloon was her only option. That is until she heard back from the man in Texas. I read this book in one sitting. I had to know if Elizabeth was able to stay safe from the evil saloon owner. If you like clean mail-order bride stories with danger and adventure, you can't go wrong with 'An Unforgettable Love'. I highly recommend! I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 28, 2023
First of all, thanks to the author for makinf a reading of this available on YouTube, it's lovely to get that chance.
I'd never actually read or listened to any books by this author or in this genre - Christian Hiistorical Fiction. It's not necessarily my favorite, but this one at least isn't too overly religious and it is refreshing to see books that are somewhat romantic but toned down on both erotics and violence.
I caught this series kind of in the middle so it was an adjustment figuring out all of the stories foing around the central characters and their town, but thankfully all is explained, though briefly and superficially.
Yhe character development isn't the greatest, the POVs aren't balanced, but the story development seems realistic for the time, trope and genre.
As I said, not exactly a convert, but I'd definitely give this more chances.
I'd never actually read or listened to any books by this author or in this genre - Christian Hiistorical Fiction. It's not necessarily my favorite, but this one at least isn't too overly religious and it is refreshing to see books that are somewhat romantic but toned down on both erotics and violence.
I caught this series kind of in the middle so it was an adjustment figuring out all of the stories foing around the central characters and their town, but thankfully all is explained, though briefly and superficially.
Yhe character development isn't the greatest, the POVs aren't balanced, but the story development seems realistic for the time, trope and genre.
As I said, not exactly a convert, but I'd definitely give this more chances.
July 10, 2023
I had a BETA Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Texas rancher, Carl Baxter places an ad for a mail order bride. Elizabeth Parker whose father recently died and left the local saloon owner in charge of her answers in order to get away from the situation at the saloon before they try to make her do more than wait tables. The start of their marriage is not what Carl envisioned, but as they get acquainted and learn about each other, their relationship develops. The small town is not so easily accepting of new people and suspect Elizabeth when crimes begin to happen locally. This is a faith filled historical setting with themes of communication, trust and commitment.
July 16, 2023
“An Unforgettable Love” Sage Creek Saga Book 3 by Lorana Hoopes
Sweet Clean Easy Reading
Yes I found this to be a really good story. A story filled with lots of tension, a bit of violence, the threat of unimaginable violence, and love of course. I truly enjoyed my time with Carl, Elizabeth, and the town of Sage Creek. I hope you do, too ! Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the author via bookfunnel.
Sweet Clean Easy Reading
Yes I found this to be a really good story. A story filled with lots of tension, a bit of violence, the threat of unimaginable violence, and love of course. I truly enjoyed my time with Carl, Elizabeth, and the town of Sage Creek. I hope you do, too ! Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the author via bookfunnel.
July 20, 2023
A gentle and tender love story of a mail-order bride’s marriage of convenience becoming so much more. Carl and Elizabeth are alone and need a partner to walk through life with. They must learn each other’s secrets, earn the other’s trust, and follow God’s guidance for this to work. There are dangerous men, sweet friendships, and a satisfying ending. Definitely a story worth re-reading.
I received a complimentary copy and these are my own voluntary and honest opinions.
I received a complimentary copy and these are my own voluntary and honest opinions.
July 29, 2023
Unforgettable
These characters grab your heart from the get-go - even those you're not quite sure about...Mary. Getting to know Carl - his "secret", his new M.O.B Elizabeth and the strength she shows. The good people of Sage Creek - Emma, Christian, the ladies of the sewing circle, Jesse, William, and others, will they come to trust the newcomer, will the true villain be brought to justice before it's too late? Historical Romance with a little bit of watch out, gets me almost every time!!!
These characters grab your heart from the get-go - even those you're not quite sure about...Mary. Getting to know Carl - his "secret", his new M.O.B Elizabeth and the strength she shows. The good people of Sage Creek - Emma, Christian, the ladies of the sewing circle, Jesse, William, and others, will they come to trust the newcomer, will the true villain be brought to justice before it's too late? Historical Romance with a little bit of watch out, gets me almost every time!!!
July 22, 2023
I enjoyed this historical, mail order, western romance which was clean and God infused!
The characters show their reliance on God in many difficult circumstances while the story shows the reader that ‘all things work together for good to them that love God…’
Received this as a free Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
The characters show their reliance on God in many difficult circumstances while the story shows the reader that ‘all things work together for good to them that love God…’
Received this as a free Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
July 25, 2023
Another historic great novel by this author. Elizabeth, boxed in an unwelcome situation after father dies, answers an ad for a mail order bride written by Carl. Their interaction to each other and towards all the trials they faced are came across as realistic. When her past catches up with her, she is ultimately rescued by, well you will have to read the story to find out.
R. Fody
R. Fody
August 2, 2023
An Unforgettable Love is a Christian, heartwarming, small town, historical romance. Elizabeth has a rough time when her father dies. Those rough times follow her west. Carl's mail order bride was not what he expected. I enjoyed watching these characters develop, grow, survive the suspense and get an HEA. This is a well written book that I did not put down until I reached the end.
August 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this mail order bride story. Carl and Elizabeth are wonderful characters that draw you right into their story from the beginning. They have hurdles to overcome but continue to pray and put their faith in God.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
August 2, 2023
This is my first time reading a historical romance by this author and I’m so glad I did . The story is a mail order bride with good developed characters, some mystery and intrigue. The book is well written fast pace easy to read and clean the storyline is very enjoyable the Christian aspects are nicely incorporated in the story. Very good read I recommend it to anyone
August 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the story line was believable. Carl and Elizabeth are brought together due to Elizabeth needing to get away from a bad situation. She determines that becoming a mail order bride is her best option.
Carl is so happy to find a bride. However, not long after Elizabeth gets to town, odd happenings begin. Without evidence, the towns people believe she is to blame... after all, everything was fine until she came to town.
Not normally a fan of historical romance, I found this read to be very enjoyable, interesting and engaging.
Carl is so happy to find a bride. However, not long after Elizabeth gets to town, odd happenings begin. Without evidence, the towns people believe she is to blame... after all, everything was fine until she came to town.
Not normally a fan of historical romance, I found this read to be very enjoyable, interesting and engaging.
August 6, 2023
He REALLY wants to get married so he goes to a buddy for advice
He advertises for a bride. And s woman who answers - in spite of a man lives there and wants to marry her!!! She detests him - and she runs away from him. TOTALLY 100% loved this book! Love, danger, love, and God’s grace!!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
He advertises for a bride. And s woman who answers - in spite of a man lives there and wants to marry her!!! She detests him - and she runs away from him. TOTALLY 100% loved this book! Love, danger, love, and God’s grace!!!! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
August 1, 2023
Elizabeth can't believe the turn her life has taken when her father dies! Did he really arrange a marriage for her with an unsavory man? Her only alternative is running away as a mail-order bride. I was surprised by what followed in her adventure to begin a new life. I enjoyed the story very much.
August 10, 2023
Elizabeth has gone west to be Carl's mail order bride as it was her only option other than becoming a saloon girl. However strange things start happening after her arrival - and Elizabeth is blamed. An enjoyable read.
I received an ARC but this review is my own.
I received an ARC but this review is my own.
November 2, 2023
I listened to this one on audio. I did not know this was part of a series until I was almost done. However, the only thing I thought was wow, I want to know more about how those people met. This author writes very well. Her characters are well written and I loved the story.
July 23, 2023
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Love reading this mail order bride book. It is inspirational, interesting and creative. Definitely recommend.
August 19, 2023
I love this series. I look forward to the next book in 2024
September 5, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and returning to Sage Creek. As expected, Lorana Hoopes has given us romance, a heroine with a hardship past, a villain, a mean girl, danger, realistic characters (although it does seem strange to hear Carl refer to Emma, whom he’s know since childhood, as Mrs. Cook) and so many possible books in the future. I can’t wait to visit Sage Creek again.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews