THE CALLING BIRDS
A wanted woman’s flight, a man in pursuit of honesty, not stolen gold…
Many years have passed since Bernadette Bellamy fled the Cariboo Gold Rush and her reputation as the sister of a French-Canadian gang of thieves. Armed with only an honest talent for sewing and a willingness to lead a solitary life on the run, she stays one step ahead of everyone seeking her brothers’ last—and now lost—heist. Until a craving to settle down makes her reinvent herself as Birdie Bell, a dress shop owner. The arrival of an old foe combined with her desire to hold onto her treasure trove of fabrics has Birdie joining a wagonload of brides bound for a remote town.
After losing his leg and his wife, Jack Peregrine buries his pain under a mountain-high pile of work. He only agrees to sign up for a mail-order bride to save the town of Noelle, keep his freighting business, and care for his absentminded grandfather. But Jack’s request for a sturdy bride who won’t crumble under his burdens brings him a woman as tiny as she is troubled. Can two mismatched people band together to become the perfect match?
Kindle Unlimited | Buy the Book | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest Book Board
STEAM LEVEL: Sweet
STORY LENGTH: A novella (178 pages)
STORY CONNECTIONS
- A standalone read & also The 4th day in The 12 Days of Christmas Mail-Order Brides shared-world.
- The Calling Birds (Birdie Bell and Jack Peregrine’s story in 1876) is followed by Robyn: a Christmas Bride (Robyn Llewellyn and Max Peregrine’s story in 1877).
- Birdie Bell (aka Bernadette Bellamy) & her brothers are mentioned in Choosing Bravery (Élodie Rousseau & Lachlan Bravery’s story in Oregon 1868).
REVIEWS
- “Jack and Birdie’s story is suspenseful, romantic, sweet story of family, trust, love and survival. I couldn’t put this story down!” ~ Carter and Conners Mom
- “With secrets, outlaws, greed, and love this all provides for an amazing adventure.” ~ Sandra S.
- “Excitement, danger, and suspense. What a ride!” ~ Rose A.
- “A fun story that proves that life and love are better…much, much better when shared together. ~ Jo-Ann V.
- “An unforgettable read. Lovable characters, page turning plot, and satisfying resolution to all kinds of conflicts.” ~ Deutsche OMA
- “Birdie is a delight sassy woman who knows how to stand her ground…I loved the humor, the fear, the race against time” ~ Cyn
- “I totally enjoyed this beautiful story of two souls coming together through trust and love. An absolute must read!” ~ Maria
EXCERPT
Noelle, Colorado
December 24, 1876
A crowd of women filled La Maison’s front hall. One of them was Jack’s bride, Birdie Bell. A hard-working woman who’d started her own dressmaking business in Denver. A mature woman of thirty. A strong woman who wouldn’t break under life’s hardships.
Maybe his luck would change today. With time Miss Bell might come to respect or maybe even enjoy his company. He needed this marriage to last.
He should’ve looked for his grandfather first, but he couldn’t stop his gaze from scanning the women in search of his bride. Even wild-swept from the storm and huddled together shivering from the cold, the women were a fine-looking bunch. How had Mrs. Walters managed that?
A raven-haired, pale-skinned woman standing slightly apart from the rest snared his attention. Her beauty would’ve been enough to hold any man spellbound but her tiny size turned him rigid with concern. A woman so small wouldn’t last long in a town like Noelle.
His worry turned to anger. Whoever had asked her to come here should be horsewhipped!
A faint smile curved her mouth as if she was amused by the prospect of being housed in a location as scandalous as La Maison. He must be dreaming. She shouldn’t be here and she couldn’t be amused.
She surveyed the room, studying everything and everyone—until she saw him. Then she stared at him the way he felt he must be staring at her, as if mesmerized.
“I’ve come for a bride,” a voice proclaimed loudly, a familiar voice that made him cringe. “Which one of you is the future Mrs. Peregrine?”
The woman spun to face the speaker—his Grandpa Gus.
A wave of gasps and tittering laughter swept the crowd. Several of the women glanced at the tiny woman who’d captivated him. She was now staring at Gus with wide eyes.
Her gaze darted to him. When she caught him still staring at her, her expression turned blank and devoid of emotion. She straightened her shoulders, strode straight up to Gus, and said in a lyrical voice with a seductively foreign accent, “I am the bride you seek, Mr. Peregrine. My name is Birdie Bell.”
A surge of euphoria followed quickly by alarm made him stagger and lean heavily against the nearest wall. This tiny Frenchwoman couldn’t be Miss Bell. He’d asked for a strong woman. This one wouldn’t be able to hold up under his workload, the rough town, or the surrounding wilderness. She’d abandon Noelle and him.
Could he blame her if she did?
If she didn’t, she might die here.
“No!” His voice shot out louder than Gus’ a moment ago.
Complete silence descended around him. The chance to make a good impression was long gone. Everyone in the front hall stared at him including his tiny bride.
Kindle Unlimited | Buy the Book | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest Book Board
The Calling Birds’ Pinterest Board
What happens after The Calling Birds?
Join Jack’s brother Max (one year later in Noelle during Christmas 1877) as he meets his match (Robyn Llewellyn, a flame-haired tomboy wagon driver) in Robyn: A Christmas Bride.
