Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $3.99

Save $10.25 (72%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Melynda Carlyle
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

When the Heart Takes Over: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Western Wives: A Mail Order Bride Series Book 10) Kindle Edition

by Melynda Carlyle (Author), Starfall Publications (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 266 ratings
See all formats and editions
She thought love would never be anoption. He thought he had left love behind. Fate is about to prove them wrong…

There’s only one thing in Charlotte Martin’s mind regarding love: it destroys people in its passing and it will never be an option for her ever again... With the war-torn remnants of her hometown far behind her, Charlotte has found a new life for herself working as a cook at a boarding house and keeping to herself.

Thomas Parchant, a retired Union soldier, wants nothing more than to get away from the memories of the past. Building a new life in his uncle’s ranch in Montana seems like the only way out for him and his mother. Until he sets his eyes on Charlotte...

Caught in a game of hide and seek against all odds, sparkles of love start appearing between them even though none of them is ready to admit it. But the past cannot stay hidden for long and when Charlotte’s catches up with her own, there will be no one to save her but Thomas. Yet before he does, he will have to come face to face with his greatest of fears…and manage to survive it.

*If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Heart Takes Over”!

A captivating Western romance of 80,000 words, written by Melynda Carlyle..

No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Also available with With Kindle Unlimited!

Buy “The Heart Takes Over” and unlock the exciting story of Thomas and Charlotte today!
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Book 10 of 12
    Western Wives: A Mail Order Bride Series
  2. Print length
    392 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    May 9, 2020
  6. File size
    3265 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
  Report an issue with this product or seller
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Next 3 for you in this series See full series
Total Price: $11.97
By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like When the Heart Takes Over: A Historical Western Romance Novel (Western Wives: A Mail Order Bride Series Book 10)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  13. Western Wives: A Mail Order Bride Series    12 book series
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

Tammy 5.0 out 5.0 stars reviewI really enjoyed Thomas and Charlotte's story. It was well-written with great characters and an interesting storyline. Thomas and Charlotte were likable characters and they had great chemistry. The story had plenty of emotions, twists/turns, romance and love. If you like historical western romance you will enjoy this book.
Rose H. 5.0 out of 5.0 stars reviewI enjoyed the book! There is a good storyline and characters. I was surprised that Charlotte, one of the main characters, was so against love after knowing and falling in love with Thomas. He is a wonderful person, even though he has his own demons. There were a few typos (not distracting), and toward the end, when Thomas gets shot, it is not mentioned again, nor does it mention his getting care for the wound.I enjoy this author's books!
Marianne5.0 out of 5.0 stars This was the first book I have read by Melynda Carlyle and it won't be the last! The plot was great, the characters well-developed and realistic the world building out of this world!
Karrey5.0 out of 5.0 stars What a wonderful love story! I loved every sinlge one page of it aand could not put it down! Definitely recommend it to anynone
Rebecca5.0 out of 5.0 stars To be honest, it is very hard to find a good western romance story these days. Melynda's books are what was missing from the genre! Heart warming and clean love stories full of twists and turns, loved it
Mary5.0 out of 5.0 stars Engaging characters, great story development, all combined with an amazing love story. These make a great western romance you will absolutely fall in love with, totally loved this book
Violet5.0 out of 5.0 stars It's been a while since I read a western romance novel. I never regretted reading Melynda's book. I loved the characters, the love between them and the unique story of their love.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B088DXKY3X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Starfall Publications (May 9, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 9, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3265 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 392 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 266 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Melynda Carlyle

Melynda Carlyle

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Melynda Carlyle grew up in Billings and studied Sociology at Montana University.

Her studies and love of communicating with people led her straight into writing! She delights in creating heroines who found love through hardships in the Wild West.

A mother of three, Melynda spends her days managing her loving little monsters and her nights writing. Thankfully, her cowboy husband is the greatest support.

If she can spare a second after spending time with her family and writing, you can usually find her stitching clothing material with other women in the community center, or swimming at her favorite lake even when the weather is cold!

Melynda is a peoples person and loves to connect with her readers!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
266 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

J. Weiss
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful historical romance set in the mid 1800s
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is the author's second book and I enjoyed it just as much as her first. I was drawn in from the first page to the last and always wanted to read just a little more before stopping. An historical romance that begins in St. Louis, Missouri but is set mainly in Montana during the settling of the west in the mid 1800's. The effects and the aftermath of the Civil War play a part. This is Charlotte and Thomas' story and characters are rounded out with his mom, people from the small town of Stevensville including the sheriff, the owner of boardinghouse where they live along with a guest and the general store proprietor and her son. Their pasts definitely play a role.

Charlotte and Thomas have an attraction when they first meet in Montana but they both ignore their feelings and sparks of interest. He's there whenever she needs a helping hand or out of a tight spot. She's too independent for her own good and always thinks she can handle things on her own! Thomas is kind to all except when he doesn't have a need to be. I like how he treated the young boy, Timothy, who was different and loved horses. There are crimes committed, lots of flying bullets as well as some nasty characters that don't make life easy. There are secrets and lots of descriptions about building a new life in a new location as well as wonderful scenic depictions that made me feel like I was there.

The story flowed smoothly and There was nice closure along with a happily ever after or two. I loved the epilogue which takes place a year after the story ends and the extended epilogue which takes place a year after that and lets us know how their lives turned out but also gives hints of what might come if we are reunited with any of these characters.

An enjoyable read that I highly recommend.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Marilyn Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Giving love a try again!
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a story of Charlotte who moves to Montana to start over after her husband dies shortly after they were married. She now feels that she’ll never fall in love again. Thomas and his mother leaves Boston to start over after his father and brother were killed. They go to Montana to start over ranching. He sees Charlotte and is attracted to her but Charlotte doesn’t want to be involved again with anyone. Can he convince her to give love a try again? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
janet miller
4.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2022
Verified Purchase
I truly enjoyed evading this. My fiancé' is from Montana so it makes it more enjoyable to read about areas I've been to.
Helpful
 Report
Kindle Customer Rose
5.0 out of 5 stars Two hearts that need mending
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2021
Verified Purchase
Thomas and Charlotte Beach had things happen in their past that created who they are today. She had closed off her emotions. He was honest and trust worthy but was trying to start a ranch that had been his fathers dream while trying to help his mother learn to live again after her husbands death. He was taken a with Charlotte at first sight but she kept b her shields up. When someone tries to blackmail her, he tries to protect. Read the book to find out all the ins and outs of learning to trust each other.
Helpful
 Report
Linda Watson-Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars When the Heart Takes Over: A Historical Western Romance Novel
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
A great book about a young widow who was running from her past into a town that took her in. A young veteran of we we home and saw the lady needed rescue. A must read for those who enjoy historical western romance kindle books from Amazon at a special price and from a delightful author who keeps me entertained throughout the entire book before putting it down. A special story.
Helpful
 Report
Kim J
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2020
Verified Purchase
Melynda Carlyle may be a newer author but you can not tell that from her books!! When the Heart Takes Over is an amazingly well written book about Charlotte and Thomas. Charlotte loses her first husband to the Civil War shortly after they were married. She moves out west to get away from her past and start new. When Thomas and his Mother Mrs. Parchant move to town to start a horse ranch after the war is over their worlds collide. With danger, fear, friendship and love this book has it all. I could not put it down and highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Lynn
4.0 out of 5 stars A Hard Journey to Love
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was a really good Western romance depicting the story of Charlotte and Thomas. The story line kept me interested and was filled with great relationships, action, and even danger. It was a long path to love for Charlotte and Thomas but a HEA was in store for them. I highly recommend this book.
Helpful
 Report
Sarah White
5.0 out of 5 stars When the Heart Takes Over, Love Will Follow!
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2021
Verified Purchase
Charlotte and Thomas started to fall in love as soon as they met. It took a while for them to admit it to one another. This book by Melynda Carlyle introduces us to a cast of characters-some contributed to the success of their relationship, but some tried to tear down the relatationship from the beginning. The Author does an excellent job of holding the interest of the reader. I look forward to reading more books by Melynda Carlyle.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars Easy read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was my first book I read for Melynda Caryle and it was such an easy story that had been stretched unnecessarily.
Report
Kindle Customer
2.0 out of 5 stars Frustrated and Irritated
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
Why do author's do this? The reader gets to the end of the story only to discover there is an extended epilogue. One which for whatever reason will not allow me to access it! So now It feels as if I have abandoned the story without discovering the end.
I cannot understand why the whole story cannot be read in one go. It has certainly put me off reading any more by this author.
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report