HUGH AND HATTIE—BY THE GRACE OF GOD

The second story in the Seven Brides of South Dakota will have Hugh Bradley, sent by the Arnsby family to locate Hattie. Hattie has been missing for about a year, and Sheriff Seth Bullock has deputized Hugh. The journey will bring him to Keystone to find a strung-out, emancipated Hattie. While he can get her out of the Red Garter, they must remain in Keystone until her status is handled.

Hattie Arnsby left her family's safety for a pipe dream, with faith that Roy was going to save her and marry her—but that dream quickly became a nightmare. He used her, then sold her to Ros at the Red Garter, and that is where Hugh will find her. Now they need to wait for a circuit judge to decide if she was coerced? Did she sign a document? And what will the future hold?

"He tricked me. He told me he cared. I don't want to be here anymore. I am Hattie Arnsby. Take me home, whoever you are."

"Good to find you, Miss Arnsby. Sorry it took me so long. I'm Hugh Bradly, and I'll get you out of her as quickly as I can."

I loved the dialog, characters, interaction, and realism of this tale. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly of life and people—but it also offers hope and a future with patience. The story is a clean, godly-based historical western without curse words or intimate scenes. It does have a happy ending and can read well as a stand-alone

The story was an emotional roller coaster ride as we listened to the audiobook. The author, Ms. Kari Trumbo, brings her characters to life and allows the reader or listener to become immersed in this tale. Both my husband and I talked about how sad it was that another human could do vile things to another person. Hattie wanted love and freedom and instead found abuse and prison. Forced to be a prostitute and staying so drunk she could escape from the pain of her life. But, this story is about perseverance, acceptance, not judging, learning to trust, learning that God never leaves us, and even when we think He has abandoned us, it is, in fact, us who has turned away from Him. When calling upon God, and listening to His voice, and following His lead, that salvation is given. This is one of the highs in this story.

"How can I believe in a God that ignores those who need Him most?"

Several people will play critical roles in helping Hattie see that God is there for everyone, and even when you doubt, He still loves you. Ezzy, the seamstress, Hugh Bradley, and several others will gently talk to Hattie about God and His love—and when Hattie listens and trusts, God directs her too.

"All right. You have my attention, God. The last two times I've wanted to give up, you presented a way of escape. I heard you tell me to jump, now what?"

Hugh and Hattie will both be challenged—when Sheriff Bullock and the Arnsby family can't come to Keystone—the telegram tells him to marry her—to protect her. Why would Hattie want to be forced to marry a stranger? Will God open Hugh's eyes to His word? Will Ezzy help Hattie see that she is more than a calico queen and has a chance for a future with Hugh? Will a wedding gown matter what color it is—or is finding a man who loves you no matter what has happened the happily ever after part?

"You wear whatever dress you want to wear. A wedding is one special day, a marriage is a lifetime."

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Overcoming Addiction & Finding Self-Worth Again

Hattie’s addiction to alcohol and being charmed by the lying self-serving pimp who sold her into enforced prostitution caused her to fall deeper into despair and more dependent on alcohol to deal with a brutal life where she was starved, beaten, and used by men on a daily basis. Hugh was sent by her family to find and bring her home. But after all she’s been though and how people treat her Hattie doesn’t feel worthy to be part of her family anymore. She also lets her craving for alcohol cause her to wonder if she should just give up and go back to a hated but known life as a prostitute. This story was heart wrenching as Hattie had to learn to love herself again and believe that she was worthy of a better life. Unfortunately, there is still plenty of human trafficking and those who would choose to use others in despicable ways for their own gain in today’s world. And the topic of addiction is so relevant with so many people losing their way to it in so many different forms today. I felt Hattie’s despair as she tried to overcome it and find her self worth again while battling forces that tried to take away her freedom again.

The narrator had a nice even tone with inflections in the right places.

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1 person found this helpful

Romance with a Christian influence.

This is a story that tells of the trouble a headstrong woman, Hattie gets into, due to her dependence on alcohol and believing a rogue. Fortunately for Hattie, Hugh has been sent by her relatives to find her. There follows some dangerous times and a definite Christian theme. Hugh and Hattie are attracted to each other but Hattie wonders if Hugh can forgive her past. Hattie also has to work to overcome her addiction. The narrator had an easy voice to listen to and she changed her voice for the different characters.

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Old West romance that shows Love helps healing!

The great second book in this series of seven sisters in South Dakota. In this story of a damaged woman who needs rescuing from some of her bad life choices, rides a hero that feels he needs to do something good to redeem himself. It is a very touching Christian romance as these two broken people feel love starting to grow. Very enjoyable listen made even better by the good narration.

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Second book is twice as fun!

Hattie has run away thinking she will be free from the pressures of family only to be caught up in a very destructive life. 


Hugh has been asked to find Hattie and bring her home only to find how dangerous her new life has become. 


As he rescues Hattie from her new life, will he also be able to show her that she can also be redeemed and loved?



I really liked this book. The plot and characters were good and I really felt like this book is a stand alone. (the first book did not have that feeling since it came from a different series) Kari did a good job with the tension of the characters and the situations without getting graphic in Hattie's situation and bad choices. Meghan did a beautiful job with the narrative, pacing and both female and male characters! Looking forward to book 3!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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Men want only one thing. Will this man be any dif

Standalone book, but picks up where Dreams in Deadwood left off.
Hugh Bradley and his family moved to Deadwood, SD to join his younger brother, Aiden, and new wife Jennie’s family. New to the area and needing work, the local sheriff hired Hugh for a special job. Aiden’s sister-in-law Hattie had been kidnapped and he needed someone to find her. After searching for 9 months Hugh found her in the worst place possible, The Red Garter Saloon. She had been made false promises of marriage from a man named Roy. He had treated her well, gave her the liquor she craved, then sold her in Keystone. Now she was locked in a room and Roy had her “working” for him. The only thing that got her through the day & night was the bottle of whisky he gave her. When Hugh went to take Hattie away, he was stopped and told he couldn’t have her. There were legal contract issues that had to be decided in two weeks by a judge. Hugh didn’t know what to do. All he had was a small 2 room cabin big enough for one. Hattie was small, sickly, and afraid of any man that came near her. Was this man any different than all the others? Hugh knew he had to get her sober and trust him before going to court. Would he be able to find the tough spirited girl she once was? Ms. Trumbo put a lot of emotion and character development in Hattie’s story. She portrayed the subject matter of prostitution and abuse without going into vivid details. Each book in the series has an HEA, but leaves you wanting to continue with the next book to find out more about these couples. I enjoyed the audible version narrated by Megan Kelly.

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Sweet romance!

This is a wonderful series and after meeting Jennie, I was anxious to meet her sisters! This one highlights the story of Hattie. Hattie is extremely unhappy when brought to Deadwood, and quickly uses her father's moonshine as the escape she needs from her reality. When given the chance to leave with Roy, she jumps on it, thinking this is it, she will be married and find her happily ever after. Boy was she ever wrong! After being sold to the local brothel, Hattie's alcoholic tendencies grow, and she is trapped in her own nightmare. Until Hugh Bradley comes to find her. This story is one of addiction, hardship and unconditional love. Kari Trumbo is able to compose a story with the underlying theme of family, faith and love as we get to see Hugh and Hattie's relationship start and blossom. It's a tough road, but these two are determined to get to their destination. I can't wait to hear about the next sister!

Meghan Kelly is amazing with historical romances, and she brings this story to life. Her beautiful narration of Hattie and Hugh is full of the emotional and physical turmoil that Hattie endures, as well as the struggle Hugh deals with to bring her home safely. She provides a wonderfully entertaining performance.

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Rescued from herself

• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story with how bad Hattie's situation was.
• Hattie and Hugh were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you listened to this story.
• The minor players in the story added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• I did not find this western Christian historical romance preachy. But it is very religous. Religion was just a natural part of the characters' lives, and the Lord was sought as needed.
• The narrator did an excellent job in differentiating the various characters' voices. She had a pleasant voice.

This novel delt with the serious moral issues of drinking and prostitution. I thought it was tastefully done.

I was given a free audiobook by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I will be listening/reading more books by this author.

• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story with how bad of a situation Hattie was in.
• Hattie and Hugh were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you listened to their story.
• The minor players in the story added depth to the storyline.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• I did not find this western Christian historical romance preachy. But it was very religous. Religion was just a natural part of the characters' lives, and the Lord was sought as needed.
• The narrator did an excellent job in differentiating the various characters' voices. She had a pleasant voice.

This novel delt with the serious moral issues of drinking and prostitution. I thought it was tastefully done.

I was given a free audiobook by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I will be listening to or reading more books by this author.

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Great continuation of this series, or a good stand alone book

Ms Trumbo once again did a marvelous work. This book you start but don’t want to put down until you’re finished.
This book is a little more “dark” than book one. Dealing with adult issues and although set back in time, what the characters felt and went through someone today could do the same. So much to learn from this book about if you loose your way you can find home.
I’m on the fence about recommending this to my advanced reading preteen-teen friends. Those older probably would understand the situations but the younger ones would need their parents or an adult to help them understand the situations. But the story has a wonderful lesson to learn so would be great for that younger generation starting into their adult lives.
Ms Megan did a great job with this book, changing her voice to The characters and raising or lowering her voice to fit the situation.
A great continuation for this series or written where you can read-listen to I as a stand alone book. Can’t wait to get into book three

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Tribulation and redemption

Touching story of tribulations, redemption, and sweet love. Well written and beautifully performed, this clean romance is a must read/listen.

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