What do you think?
Rate this book
American Mail-Order Brides #16
Lucie: Bride of Tennessee
Overwhelmed with responsibilities after the death of her parents, Lucie Croft accepts a mail-order bride contract. When she and her twelve-year-old brother arrive in Chattanooga, Tennessee, life throws another hitch into her dreams when she learns her groom is dead. Homeless and desperate, she accepts help from a handsome hotel owner.
Sebastian McCord understands what it takes to own and run a successful hotel, but he has no idea how to raise a child as a single father. When pressured by his own mother to accept the role as Lucie’s groom, he skeptically agrees. He truly needs help with his willful six-year-old girl, but will Lucie accept his offer?
Two people overwhelmed with responsibilities. Will they find love and create a family or will life conspire to keep them apart?
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2015
About the author
Heidi Vanlandingham
32 books293 followers**Join my Reader List for new releases: http://tiny.cc/MainNLPG **
Whether writing epic fantasy/paranormal, WWII, or historical western romance, Heidi Vanlandingham’s books are sweet, where characters are inspired to overcome life’s hardships and loving families build strong communities.
Heidi's words:
I grew up near the panhandle of Oklahoma—what I claim is the “treeless armpit” of the state. While I dream of pines and mountains, my love of family keeps me here. My favorite things in life are laughter, in-depth talks with my son, fantasy-paranormal/western romance, music, and road trips.
You can also visit me at:
www.facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham....
https://www.instagram.com/heidivanlan...
Whether writing epic fantasy/paranormal, WWII, or historical western romance, Heidi Vanlandingham’s books are sweet, where characters are inspired to overcome life’s hardships and loving families build strong communities.
Heidi's words:
I grew up near the panhandle of Oklahoma—what I claim is the “treeless armpit” of the state. While I dream of pines and mountains, my love of family keeps me here. My favorite things in life are laughter, in-depth talks with my son, fantasy-paranormal/western romance, music, and road trips.
You can also visit me at:
www.facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham....
https://www.instagram.com/heidivanlan...
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
March 17, 2020
I quite enjoyed this story. This author and series are new to me but that didn't detract from my reading experience. I didn't feel lost and each character was appealing to me, even the baddies. Lucie was a great heroine and I swooned a bit over Sebastian. If you love historical western romance, especially mail-order brides, you'll love this one!
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: 5 stars
May 31, 2016
While I loved the story, the characters needed a bit more depth. I saw several opportunities where the author could flesh out her story, making is a more emotionally-charged read.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, easy read, one to while away a lazy afternoon with charming characters, then you will enjoy Lucie: Bride of Tennessee. Happy reading!
If you are looking for a fast-paced, easy read, one to while away a lazy afternoon with charming characters, then you will enjoy Lucie: Bride of Tennessee. Happy reading!
March 12, 2022
Tennessee adventures
Since I've lived in Tennessee for the last twenty years I had to read this one.
I've always loved damsel in distress stories and I enjoyed the way Sebastian always came to Lucy's rescue.
A fun read. I read this book straight through in one day.
Since I've lived in Tennessee for the last twenty years I had to read this one.
I've always loved damsel in distress stories and I enjoyed the way Sebastian always came to Lucy's rescue.
A fun read. I read this book straight through in one day.
March 1, 2017
I loved that this one was set in Tennessee. They were definitely two people that needed each other even though they said they didn't. From the start, they are both drawn to each other but try to forget about it. I was not expecting the twist with her boss but loved how Sebastian took care of things. I loved his mother and boy was his daughter a handful but when she came around it was not like I expected.
Lucie was determined to take care of her brother no matter what. I loved her spirit and that she was honest about everything. She is someone that everyone instantly loves and wants to help. I loved how she was with her brother and Stella.
Sebastian swore he would never marry again, but he doesn't know what to do with his daughter. He came off as tough, but he really was the nicest guy and would help anyone. I loved how he was with his mother and the sheriff. When he was protecting someone look out.
Lucie was determined to take care of her brother no matter what. I loved her spirit and that she was honest about everything. She is someone that everyone instantly loves and wants to help. I loved how she was with her brother and Stella.
Sebastian swore he would never marry again, but he doesn't know what to do with his daughter. He came off as tough, but he really was the nicest guy and would help anyone. I loved how he was with his mother and the sheriff. When he was protecting someone look out.
September 22, 2018
Good Story but has some minor inaccuracies
This is the 16th story in the American Mail Order Brides series (Tennessee was the 16th state). Although the female lead did work at Brown Textile Factory, all of the book is set in Tennessee. The basic story is good and believable,but there are minor inaccuracies such as Lucie grabbed her mother 's shawl and a short while later we're told the cookbook is the only thing she had from her mother.
This is the 16th story in the American Mail Order Brides series (Tennessee was the 16th state). Although the female lead did work at Brown Textile Factory, all of the book is set in Tennessee. The basic story is good and believable,but there are minor inaccuracies such as Lucie grabbed her mother 's shawl and a short while later we're told the cookbook is the only thing she had from her mother.
December 29, 2016
Enjoyable story..
I loved the way author has told her touching story of a young woman's trails and hardships. Heidi (I have always loved that name) has mixed in just the right amount of romance and drama into the story.
I loved the way author has told her touching story of a young woman's trails and hardships. Heidi (I have always loved that name) has mixed in just the right amount of romance and drama into the story.
Read
July 11, 2019No Regrets
I loved this book! One never knows what they will get when answering an ad for a Mail Order Bride. You don't always get what you want! I'm the end she gets much more than she could have imagined.
I loved this book! One never knows what they will get when answering an ad for a Mail Order Bride. You don't always get what you want! I'm the end she gets much more than she could have imagined.
June 13, 2022
A wonderful story!
I have to say I loved the little six years old Stella before the dresses! Well except for her being mean to others. A great story that fit right in with the rest of the series!
I have to say I loved the little six years old Stella before the dresses! Well except for her being mean to others. A great story that fit right in with the rest of the series!
March 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that bothered me a little was the description of Sebastian. Personally I don’t find mustaches attractive, especially handlebar ones. However, I guess they were popular during that time period.
March 26, 2023
Family is everything
I love the multiple layers of relationships and healing in this beautiful story. Sometimes you don't know what you are missing until you find the person who fills a void and makes you whole.
I love the multiple layers of relationships and healing in this beautiful story. Sometimes you don't know what you are missing until you find the person who fills a void and makes you whole.
November 23, 2017
I definitely enjoyed this one. The beginning was good but the ending was great. I enjoyed the characters and progression of the story. Very enjoyable.
March 11, 2021
Enjoyed this mail-order bride romance novella. Well written. HEA.
February 10, 2017
Better than the last book in the series that I read.
December 29, 2015
Lucie: Bride of Tennessee (American Mail-Order Bride #16)
By: Heidi Vanlandingham
4/5 stars
Out of necessity, Lucie had taken the mail-order bride route when the textiles factory had burned down. She was taking care of her younger brother, who had to quit school & take a job selling the newspaper amongst other odd jobs. They were both orphaned, and Lucie didn’t want her brother to end up in an orphanage. However, when she reached Tennessee, she found out that her groom-to-be was dead and she had no other prospects.
Sebastian is a single father raising a young daughter and doesn’t really know how to raise a daughter. His mother still lives at the hotel he owns, but since she is getting older, she doesn’t have all the energy necessary to raise a child, though she always helps out where she can. It takes her awhile, but she eventually convinces him to marry Lucie, even if it is just out of necessity. Lucie agrees to marry him as well.
They have a bit of figuring out what to do in their life together, but they are also parents to 2 children and are learning how to adjust as a family. But it all hinges on the two of them and if they can make the relationship work.
By: Heidi Vanlandingham
4/5 stars
Out of necessity, Lucie had taken the mail-order bride route when the textiles factory had burned down. She was taking care of her younger brother, who had to quit school & take a job selling the newspaper amongst other odd jobs. They were both orphaned, and Lucie didn’t want her brother to end up in an orphanage. However, when she reached Tennessee, she found out that her groom-to-be was dead and she had no other prospects.
Sebastian is a single father raising a young daughter and doesn’t really know how to raise a daughter. His mother still lives at the hotel he owns, but since she is getting older, she doesn’t have all the energy necessary to raise a child, though she always helps out where she can. It takes her awhile, but she eventually convinces him to marry Lucie, even if it is just out of necessity. Lucie agrees to marry him as well.
They have a bit of figuring out what to do in their life together, but they are also parents to 2 children and are learning how to adjust as a family. But it all hinges on the two of them and if they can make the relationship work.
December 5, 2015
Bride of Tennessee: Lucie and Sebastian's story
Book 16 in the American mail-order bride series begins with Lucie and her brother, Alex, on a train going from Massachusetts to Tennessee. Lucie has agreed to become a mail-order bride after having lost her mother to consumption at a young age, and then when she was nine she lost her father and step-mother in a house fire. She has taken care of her brother for the last ten years but when the factory where she worked burned down the money ran out. When she arrives in Chattanooga she finds out that her intended groom has died. Sebastian, the owner of a hotel/restaurant puts her up for a few days. She gets a job at the general store but is badly beaten by the owner. Martha, Sebastian's mother, thinks that Sebastian should marry her, but he is reluctant because his first wife left him and their young daughter for another man. Try as he might, Sebastian can't rid himself of having feelings for Lucie. It all comes to an exciting climax and there is (need I say?) a happy ending.
Book 16 in the American mail-order bride series begins with Lucie and her brother, Alex, on a train going from Massachusetts to Tennessee. Lucie has agreed to become a mail-order bride after having lost her mother to consumption at a young age, and then when she was nine she lost her father and step-mother in a house fire. She has taken care of her brother for the last ten years but when the factory where she worked burned down the money ran out. When she arrives in Chattanooga she finds out that her intended groom has died. Sebastian, the owner of a hotel/restaurant puts her up for a few days. She gets a job at the general store but is badly beaten by the owner. Martha, Sebastian's mother, thinks that Sebastian should marry her, but he is reluctant because his first wife left him and their young daughter for another man. Try as he might, Sebastian can't rid himself of having feelings for Lucie. It all comes to an exciting climax and there is (need I say?) a happy ending.
December 28, 2015
Sweet Story
I really liked this story . Lucie went to Tennessee with her younger brother to be a mail order bride. When she arrives, she finds out the groom has passed away. Sebastian owns one of the hotels in town. He offers her and her brother a meal and room for the night. He is drawn to her but has no plans to remarry. She needs a home and he needs a mother for his daughter This was a great story about finding love where you least expect it. I enjoyed all the characters in this book.
I really liked this story . Lucie went to Tennessee with her younger brother to be a mail order bride. When she arrives, she finds out the groom has passed away. Sebastian owns one of the hotels in town. He offers her and her brother a meal and room for the night. He is drawn to her but has no plans to remarry. She needs a home and he needs a mother for his daughter This was a great story about finding love where you least expect it. I enjoyed all the characters in this book.
February 8, 2016
Lucie is a girl in her teens and for most off her life she has been both parent and sister to her younger brother. When the textile factory burns down and leaves her unemployed she agrees to be the bride of a man in Tennessee. Upon her arrival with brother in tow she is informed that her fiance has died. Thanks to a kind sheriff and a hotel proprietor and his mother, Lucie and her brother are given a place to stay. She is a sweet girl beaten down by life and this was a tender and uplifting story.
February 29, 2016
Delightful Story
This well-written romance had a well-defined cast of endearing characters, each with their own personalities and quirks. There were several tense moments during Lucie's efforts to provide for herself and her brother after discovering the man she had contracted to marry died before she arrived. She continues to have her challenges which kept the plot interesting. Goog description of the setting.
This well-written romance had a well-defined cast of endearing characters, each with their own personalities and quirks. There were several tense moments during Lucie's efforts to provide for herself and her brother after discovering the man she had contracted to marry died before she arrived. She continues to have her challenges which kept the plot interesting. Goog description of the setting.
February 1, 2016
A very charming novella - with good-hearted characters. Gives a small glimpse into the past and shows the strength of will that Lucie has. It was a fast easy read and I may just have to look for some of the other books in this series!! I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2016
Actually 2.5 rating. I thought the premise was clever, having the man die before he could meet this mail order bride and have her marry another stranger. I enjoyed the first half of the story more than the second half.
June 14, 2016
This novella packs a lot into one story: there are dead parents, a murdered spouse, and even a dead potential spouse.
Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 8, 2017
This series was my first experience with multiple authors working together to write a series on a large scale. I enjoyed every book in the series and found several new authors that I hadn't read before.
October 3, 2019
Her groom was dead when she got there
He needed a mother for his daughter and she and her brother needed a place to live and a way to support themselves. Liked the way the story made him realize that he needed to marry her.
He needed a mother for his daughter and she and her brother needed a place to live and a way to support themselves. Liked the way the story made him realize that he needed to marry her.
December 4, 2015
Great read!!
This is the first book I've read from Heidi Vanlandingham and I loved it!! Great book.
Can't wait to read more from this Author...
This is the first book I've read from Heidi Vanlandingham and I loved it!! Great book.
Can't wait to read more from this Author...
April 11, 2017
Beautifully sweet romance where Mother knows Best!!!
September 27, 2016
I love this series! It was a good read!
November 22, 2016
I enjoyed this one a great deal! Looking forward to the next one.
January 22, 2017
Family
I have been reading this series of books and I really like them. This book is my favorite so far. I am looking forward to reading all of them.
I have been reading this series of books and I really like them. This book is my favorite so far. I am looking forward to reading all of them.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews