The Proxy Brides Series by Barbara Goss

Can a marriage by proxy work when the couple have never met? Nathan, a widower, is critically injured in a Civil War battle and lies on his death bed. His best friend, Ben, promises to care for his daughter, Belle. Ben’s sister, Allison, is doomed to become a spinster so she jumps at the chance to become a widow rather than a spinster when Ben suggests she marry Nathan. She must do it quickly, because the doctor said he wouldn’t last out the week... moreCan a marriage by proxy work when the couple have never met? Nathan, a widower, is critically injured in a Civil War battle and lies on his death bed. His best friend, Ben, promises to care for his daughter, Belle. Ben’s sister, Allison, is doomed to become a spinster so she jumps at the chance to become a widow rather than a spinster when Ben suggests she marry Nathan. She must do it quickly, because the doctor said he wouldn’t last out the week. A problem arises after the marriage—Nathan doesn't die, and the couple come to the realization they need to end the marriage or try to live as a family to make the best of the situation for the child. Can Nathan live with Allie's problem, and can Allie cope with Nathan’s disability? Will the platonic arrangement become permanent or will the couple come to fall in love? less

Lydia Hathaway’s greatest wish is to become a mother, but not necessarily a wife. Molly, a little orphan, tugs at her heart and Lydia knows this is the child she wants to adopt. Lydia is broken hearted when the orphanage mandates that all prospective parents be married... moreLydia Hathaway’s greatest wish is to become a mother, but not necessarily a wife. Molly, a little orphan, tugs at her heart and Lydia knows this is the child she wants to adopt. Lydia is broken hearted when the orphanage mandates that all prospective parents be married. Travis Bentley had been conned by two mail order brides, so he decides to stay single and concentrate on his ranch, so when his sister asks him to marry a woman in Denver by proxy so she can adopt a child, he readily agrees. What does he have to lose? He doesn’t even have to meet the woman. Things go well until he decides to marry Myra, and he travels to Denver to get Lydia to sign annulment papers. That’s when his life becomes a convoluted mess! less

When it comes to gambling and love you must decide upon three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time. Logan Sinclair, a gambler, has an ultimatum from his father to clean up his life and marry, or lose his inheritance. He complies with all but the marriage. His father dies before he can change his will leaving Logan just weeks to find a bride... moreWhen it comes to gambling and love you must decide upon three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time. Logan Sinclair, a gambler, has an ultimatum from his father to clean up his life and marry, or lose his inheritance. He complies with all but the marriage. His father dies before he can change his will leaving Logan just weeks to find a bride. Left stranded in a strange town, and forced by necessity to take a job as a saloon woman, Emma Jamison finds herself fired on her first night. She is desperate for a place to go so she agrees to marry Logan who needs a wife immediately. Logan thinks he’s married a saloon woman and Emma is happy to let him think it. He wants to annul the marriage after six months, and that’s fine with her. Things go along well until a man from Emma’s past finds her and causes trouble. Around the same time, Logan’s past catches up with his life. How can such a mess in both their lives ever cause a happily ever after? less

Follow Greta and Adam from a Texas mansion to the high seas on a clipper ship.   After Seth’s death Greta finds out she is with child.  Seth’s parents pressure their other son, Adam, into a proxy marriage in order to keep the child in the family. Adam loves the sea and fails to arrive in Texas to meet his proxy bride. His father is forced to send the maritime police after him... moreFollow Greta and Adam from a Texas mansion to the high seas on a clipper ship.   After Seth’s death Greta finds out she is with child.  Seth’s parents pressure their other son, Adam, into a proxy marriage in order to keep the child in the family. Adam loves the sea and fails to arrive in Texas to meet his proxy bride. His father is forced to send the maritime police after him.  Will Adam and Greta stick with the marriage?  Will they fall in love? Or will Greta continue to obtain an annulment? This story will take you for a ride on the vast seas with Adam and Greta on the clipper ship, Eve, and back to Texas again where an adventurous kidnapping reveals true feelings. less

Absence is to love what wind is to fire; It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.A dying wife of three children places an ad in The Matrimonial News to find her replacement. Eliza Hartzell’s letter stood out from all the others as she already had experience with children, was a Christian, as well as a midwife. On her deathbed, her last wish was that her husband, Wolfgang, agree to treat this woman with kindness, if not love... moreAbsence is to love what wind is to fire; It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.A dying wife of three children places an ad in The Matrimonial News to find her replacement. Eliza Hartzell’s letter stood out from all the others as she already had experience with children, was a Christian, as well as a midwife. On her deathbed, her last wish was that her husband, Wolfgang, agree to treat this woman with kindness, if not love.Unusual circumstances cause the marriage to be performed by proxy and when the couple finally meet, Wolf still holds his first wife in his heart, and Eliza backs away from any form of physical affection since her parents had never shown her any.Will the children teach Eliza to love? Could a nasty bandit and some renegade Cheyenne bring this couple to a happily-ever-after? less