WoW #26: A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears
Series: The Daughters of Bainbridge House

Baker - October 2013

About
Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He's already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn't in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn't given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.

Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she'll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she's experienced there.

Although Everett doesn't see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she's more than just a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?

Why I want to read it

I enjoy mail-order bride stories and this one has a twist I haven't read before. Jilted three times?! I'm looking forward to getting to know Everett. Julia too, but I think her's is a bit more common of a story.

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks and Barnes and Noble

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

It's been a while since I've participated in TTT. This topic was suggested by Karin at My Life In Books.

Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

1. First, almost anything I read is always Christian Fiction

2. Retellings of classic fairy tales

  

(Fairest Beauty, The Wide-Awake Princess, The Merchant's Daughter, Princess of Glass)

3. Historical Fiction

(El Rey: A Novel of Renaissance Iberia, Maire)

4. Especially set in 1800s America

(particularly western America - the whole homesteading, Oregon Trail idea, but I also like the Eastern Seaboard and everything in between...)

(Sixty Acres and a Bride, Prize of My Heart)

5. Or Colonial America around and during the Revolutionary War

(The Messenger)

6. Marriage of Convenience/Necessity

(Short-Straw Bride, Montana Rose)

 7. Fantasy with adventure 

 (Tales of Goldstone Wood Series, LOTR, The Orphan King, Ranger's Apprentice Series, Dealing with Dragons)

8. Missionary Kids 

(Bamboo & Lace, It's a Jungle Out There)

9. Regency/Victorian England

(The Heiress of Winterwood, The Tutor's Daughter)

10. What words/topics instantly trigger the thought, 'Ooooh, that looks good!'?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Montana Rose by Mary Connealy

Montana Rose by Mary Connealy. Barbour, 2009. 318p. (9781602601420) Series: Montana Marriages, #1

This was the second book by Mary Connealy that I have read. I wasn’t particularly impressed with the other book, so I didn’t know how I’d like this book/series. No need to worry. It’s fun series that made me laugh aloud several times. Of the three books, I liked Montana Rose and Husband Tree best. But Flower Bride was a nice wrap to the series.

Goodreads Summary:

Fire up your love of romance with Montana Rose, where Cassie Griffin, a seemingly spoiled pregnant woman, is widowed one day and wedded the next. Marrying handyman Red Dawson seems the only alternative to Cassie being hitched to a brutal rancher. But can this china doll, bear exchanging smooth silk for coarse calico? Red was reluctant to be yoked to an unbeliever, but sometimes a man has no choice. Will Red change Cassie's heart by changing her name? Wade Sawyer is obsessed with saving Cassie from a marriage of convenience. How far will he go make her his own?

My review:

As you know, I do enjoy marriage-of-convenience stories and this one takes the cake. Usually both parties are in need of help or a partner or for proprieties sake they have to be married.

Not this time, Cassie is faced with a mob of lusting men who wants to marry her (even though she’s visibly pregnant) and despite his better judgment Red claims her to save her from the unruly lot. Often times historical romance focuses on the girl but in this tale we really learn a lot about Red’s character. He makes a great book hero.

Over the past few months I’ve read a few stories that deal with spousal abuse, in this case Cassie’s first husband was emotionally manipulative and completely brainwashed her. The story makes it more understandable how people can be brainwashed and how difficult it is to relearn how to think and act and have initiative.

The romance is clean and sweet, characters struggle with real life problems and biblical principles are brought into the story in a non preachy way. The drama with Wade keeps you turning the pages and it's quite fun to learn so many life lessons along side Cassie.

A four star rating, although it's a fluff book (which according to my scale would be three, but... it's better than three stars)

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy the series as a trilogy fromChristianBooks.com

Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Bartered Bride Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, et al

Bartered Bride Collection by Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, JoAnne A. Grote, Amy Rognlie, Janelle Burnham Schneider, Lynette Sowell, & Pamela kaye Tracy. Barbour, 2012. 448p. (print: 9781620291559; ebook - .epub: 9781620295649; ebook - .prc 978620295632)

This was a fun collection of short stories with the common theme of arranged marriages. Some I had read before in another collection and enjoyed them then and enjoyed the reread. The romances are sweet and discreetly written and through them all the characters learn that God has a plan and it is always for the best no matter how difficult a situation seems to be.

The stories are:

Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell (© 2006)

            In the bayou of Louisiana in 1819, Papa LeBlanc decides it’s time that Josée, an adopted (sorta) and well loved daughter, got married. Josée isn’t completely pleased with his choice but resolves to make the best of it.

Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake (© 2001)

            A cute story that takes place during a wagon train trek across America. I had heard of button collections and button strings before but never knew of the practice that young women would collect 1000 before they got married and that the very last one would be from the groom-to-be. Need to look that up.

The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake (© 2002)

            In 1860 Bethany marries her room mates brother after a letter courtship and a few holiday visits. He is a doctor and their plan is to head west with a wagon train. Starting out marriage while packing for and traveling by wagon has its challenges.

From Halter to Altar by Cathy Marie Hake (© 2003)

From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham (© 2003)

From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote (© 2003)

From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy (© 2003)

These four were originally part of Bride for a Bit and are about four sisters, Matilda, Corrine, Bess and Bertie Craig whose brother-in-law ships them off to be mail order brides. Problem is he misread the notice which asked for bridles – part of a horse harness, and not brides or bridals.

The sisters resolve to make the best of the situation and are helped out by the man who placed the harness order and his brothers. And of course that’s where some of the romance begins.

A Vow Unbroken Amy Rognlie (© 2000)

            Abby’s aunt plays a mean trick when she sends Abby to Denver in her stead to work for Mr. Parrish even though Abby is pregnant and due in six weeks. Problem is her aunt didn’t tell her the full story – that Mr. Parrish is expecting a bride. Problem is Abby has vowed never to love anyone again.

Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake (© 2007)

            Tabitha elopes with another man on the eve of her wedding and due to family finances Pa forces Elizabeth, Libby, to take her sister’s place. Libby has secretly loved Captain Royce for a long time but he is still in love with her sister.

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer. BethanyHouse, 2012. 363p. (9780764209659)

I could not wait to read this book. So much so that I read the first 70 or so pages on Google books and then went to Barnes and Nobel the next day and sat on the floor for two hours finishing the story. They had the AC set way to low and I was freezing, but it was well worth it.

Turns out I didn’t need to freeze in Barnes and Nobel because a few weeks later I received a copy from Bethany House to review. That was last June or July and my delay in writing and posting this review has nothing to do with what I think of the book. So if you haven’t read this yet, let this book review remind you of a great summer read that you missed.

Back Cover:

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance harden a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

My Review:

This isn’t your typical marriage-of-convenience story where the couple is in dire straits (think Love Comes Softly) or a mail-order-bride tale. Instead both Meredith and Travis secretly love or think highly of the other but are too prideful or misguided to acknowledge their feelings to the other.

Nor are they isolated or semi-isolated. Travis’ three brothers live in the house, two temporary farm workers are old friends of Meredith’s father, and a tradesman stops by with deliveries every few months.

Another difference is that the story is not solely about the couple falling in love and overcoming their personal obstacles. Instead, while that still is a part of the tale, there is more focus on what brought them together in the first place: the threat against the Archer’s farm that Meredith warned them against.

This book is full of good laughs - or if you're reading it in Barnes & Noble and can't laugh out loud, it'll make you smile like crazy. One lady saw me sitting on the floor with a big grin on my face and asked what I was reading. :-)

There is a fair amount of kissing – after all Meredith and Travis are a married couple in the process of figuring out that they are falling in love (hope that’s not a spoiler for you…). But the romance is sweetly and sincerely written.

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy itfrom B&N; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher for review purposes. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

A Texan’s Choice by Shelley Gray

A Texan’s Choice by Shelley Gray. Abingdon Press, 2012. 320p. (9781426714658) Series: The Heart of a Hero, #3

Ever since I finished book two in the series I have been looking forward to reading Scout’s story. I loved reading his story and seeing how he changed his life after the events of ATexan’s Honor (book 2). But I’m sorry to say this is my least favorite book in the series.

Book cover:

Texas, 1874. Long ago, Scout Proffitt gave up on ever being a man of honor like his Civil War hero brother Clayton. But when Scout steps foot on the rundown remnants of the Circle C ranch, he wonders if maybe just maybe the Lord has something different intended for him.

Rosemarie has lived most of her life doubting her worth and shouldering the blame for her brother’s death. But when a stranger rides onto her ranch, claiming he owns it, she suddenly is given a choice: either keep looking at the dark side of life…or dare to dream.

My review:

While I loved getting to know Scout more I was also a bit disappointed in this third book (and I assumed, final) book in the series. In a way it seemed like the author was trying to wrap up other people’s stories but then left you wondering what happens to them next.

At the beginning I was not expecting to hear about Russel or Miles so I was confused when the story started following them. By the middle I understood how they were tied to Scout’s story but in a way it felt like they were main characters as well but without their stories being concluded.

A theme in all three books is grace and second chances. Christ’s saving grace is not really explained and man’s depravity is glossed over. Throughout the last book and this book we are constantly told that Scout is a cold, grim killer; a man with no qualms about killing someone for money; a lethal shot feared throughout west; a man whose exploits have been told and exaggerated in dime novels. Yet he suddenly turns from all of that and people accept him and respect him. It’s hard to grasp, even though we’re told that something about him inspires trust.

I enjoyed Rosemarie’s story and how she was able to help Scout and he was able to help her. Although again while reading her story there is a scene that shows how her life has changed but there is no follow up to it.

If I knew that this series will continue I think I would have written a more positive review. However, since I have been under the impression that this is the last and I haven’t seen anything contrary wise, I must say I expected a better ending to the story and not so many loose ends. I think what bothers me the most is that they are not loose ends to the series, but rather loose ends just from this book.

If you’ve read book one and two, A Texan’s Promise and A Texan’s Honor, then you should certainly read this book. But don’t read this without having read the first two (or even just book two).

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof

Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof. Multnomah Books, 2012. 352p. (9781601424211)

One aspect that I really enjoy in a story is knowing that it will probably end happily. Which is why marriage of convenience stories are fun to read – you know it’s all going to work out in the end. In real life, that’s another issue completely.

Be Still My Soul is not technically a marriage of convenience story since it was not at all convenient for Lonnie and Gideon to marry. Rather marriage was forced upon them by her father.

Back cover:

Pretty Lonnie Sawyer is shy and innocent, used to fading into the background within her family, and among the creeks and hollows of the Appalachian hills. Though her family is poor and her father abusive, she clings to a quiet faith. But when handsome ladies’ man and bluegrass musician Gideon O’Riley steals a kiss, that one action seals her fate.

Her father forces her into a hasty marriage with Gideon—a man she barely knows and does not love. Equally frustrated and confused by his new responsibilities, Gideon yearns for a fresh start, forcing Lonnie on an arduous journey away from her home in Rocky Knob.

Her distant groom can’t seem to surrender his rage at the injustice of the forced matrimony or give Lonnie any claim in his life. What will it take for Gideon to give up his past, embrace Lonnie’s God, and discover a hope that can heal their two fractured hearts?

Gideon only ever cared about himself. Now that Lonnie is his wife, will he ever be worthy of her heart?

My review:

I really enjoyed this story. It was very easy to get drawn in by Lonnie’s plight and ache with her as she struggles to understand God’s plan for her life. A plan that is nothing like she imagined for herself. But God is always in control and while we might not understand what he’s doing, He has a purpose and a plan for ultimate good.  

In a way the book is more about Gideon’s journey than Lonnie’s. She’s the solid one who already trusts God although she often cries out to Him. Gideon, however, is a different story. He has a lot of growing up to do and some hard lessons to learn along the way.

It’s interesting to read about a setting and time where men (and boys) are honorable enough to own up to their indiscretions and not abandon their responsibilities. We hear a lot about divorce and infidelity and single parenthood these days and it makes you wonder how, why and when things changed.

But back to the book, it’s a fun story, it’s engaging, and the reader gets a glimpse of life in the Appalachian hills (moonshine and all).

Learn more about the author at http://www.joannebischof.com/

Go read it! When it releases on October 2, 2012... Find it at a library near you (after it releases this link will be more useful); Buy it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble, ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission. 

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Maire by Linda Windsor

Maire by Linda Windsor. Multnomah, 2000. 355p. Series: Fires of Gleannmara, #1

(9781601422460)

When I saw this on Goodreads and ChristianBooks the cover caught my attention and the description captured it. I didn’t even look for it at the public library (although I’ve since learned that it’s there) and instead bought it. I rarely buy a book, but this was only 99 cents. :-) And it’s certainly worth all 99 pennies.

Goodreads summary:

A fanciful, romantic tale of passion and faith that invites readers to the "God-graced mountains and plains" of Ireland. Maire, Gleannmara's warrior queen, finds her fierce heart is gentled when she takes a reformed mercenary -- a Christian, no less -- as hostage during a raid. At first she wonders what kind of God would make a fine warrior like Rowan of Emerys such a coward. But as she comes to know Rowan and witnesses the force of his beliefs, she learns that meekness and humility to the one true God are stronger than any blade of steel. And in the process, Maire discovers the transforming power of love and faith.

My review:

The story takes place in fifth-century Ireland and I really enjoyed learning more about early Irish Christianity. The author did a lot of research and includes a bibliography at the end of the book for those interested in learning more.

In honor of Easter weekend I wanted to share this brief excerpt from the book. One of the druids who became a Christian is explaining that Christianity is not a completely foreign concept:

[One of Ireland’s most beloved rulers was Conn. He had been injured in war and was warned against over exerting himself.] One day, a few years after when Conn saw how the sun turned dark in the sky, he summoned his magi to explain it. The druids who studied the heaven and stars told him that the King of all kings had been executed on a tree by his own people, and the one true God in the sun turned off its light in His grief. The kindhearted Conn was so moved and outraged that he took vengeance on the sacred grove of oaks, smiting the mighty and ancient trees until he collapsed in death and despair. (pg.232)

Maire is a warrior queen whose parent’s realm is being managed by the greedy Morlach until she comes of age. Raised alongside two foster brothers she has been trained to be queen, to be a strong warrior. Thus she is uncertain how to let others – certainly a man as attractive, strong and kind as Rowan, help her. I loved how Maire slowly learns how to be a good queen and a woman.

But Maire isn’t the only one learning lessons. Rowan struggles with memories and scars from his youth that he must confront and overcome. Forgiveness, trusting God and discerning His will are no easy matters when you’ve been uprooted from your home.

There is a fair amount of kissing and passion, the reader knows what’s going to happen but isn’t told. But there is a lot of restraint as well. Rowan fights hard to honor the 7^th commandment (don’t commit adultery) which is so neat.

A great mix of adventure, action, love (several types), and friendship. 4.5 stars

Go read it! It’s only 99¢ at CBD; Wake County (NC); Greene County (OH); Find it at a library near you

Did you find this review helpful? Please rank it! (Anyone who ranks reviews is entered into a drawing by Multnomah and Blogging for Books.)

Disclosure: I bought this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y’Barbo

The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y’Barbo. Waterbrook Press, 2011. 342p. Series: The Women of the West #3 (9780307729644)

It’s never a good idea for me to start a book after midnight…or later. I just don’t like stopping in the middle of a book. I got this book as a free ebook from the publisher and thus was reading it on my laptop in bed. So I did contemplate stopping once my laptop battery got really low. But that didn’t happen. Instead I stretched the power cord across the room and finished the story.

Charlotte Beck is an American heiress who is making her London debut under the watchful and caring eyes of her stepmother, uncle and grandfather. And Colonel William F. Cody. A family friend who had recently brought his Wild West show to London.

Unfortunately Charlotte, a willful and creative girl, has a knack for getting into trouble and a lot of the trouble seems to stem from her interactions with Viscount Alex Hambly. Although the society shocking stunt during Colonel Cody’s show was entirely her own fault.

The Hamblys have their title, lands, family heirlooms and jewels but very little money. Alex does not wish to marry but is forced to realize that he must find a rich wife if he hopes to keep his mother comfortable and uphold the family honor.

When Charlotte and Alex happen to meet again in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Beck is confirmed in his suspicions that Alex gives as good as he gets and doesn’t let Charlotte get her way completely. Mr. Beck loves his daughter and wants to see her settled in a good marriage. Mr. Beck is persistent and shrewd. He knows Alex needs money and Charlotte wants to go to college, and he has the ability and power to fulfill both. All he wants in exchange is for the two to get married after Charlotte graduates.

This is book three in The Women of the West series and I have not read the other two. There were a few things that were not fully explained that might have been clearer had I read the others, but I think each book can probably stand on its own.

I really enjoyed the dialog between Alex and Charlotte, their interactions are always entertaining. Although I had hoped Charlotte would be a bit more mature and less selfish after college. Mr. Beck would seem quite tyrannical if it weren’t for the obvious fact that he dearly loved his daughter, that he was quite certain that the marriage was the Lord’s will, and that Alex and Charlotte are well suited.

One thing that bothered me though, was that both Mr. Beck and Alex claimed to be “praying men” but I can’t remember either of them ever praying. This is supposedly a Christian historical fiction romance but there is nothing about Christ or Christianity in the book. Just “faith” – a very generic word that the author didn’t elaborate on. Perhaps I was just expecting more after reading Sabrina by Lori Wick. It is a clean read for the most part – there are several kisses (before and after the marriage) and caresses (after the wedding).

Go read it! Find it at a library near you; Buy it from CBD

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

The Rose Garden Husband by Margaret Widdemer

The Rose Garden Husband by Margaret Widdemer. Grosset & Dunlap, 1915. 208p.

Miss Braithwaite, or Liberry Teacher as the children call her, is a public library employee who loves her kids and books, but finds that living in the city and working leaves very little time (and even less money) for herself. One particular trying day she exclaims to herself, 

“I’m sick of working hard fifty-one weeks out of fifty-two for board and lodging and carfare and shirtwaists and the occasional society of a few girls who don’t get any more out of life than I do! I’m sick of libraries, and of being efficient! I want to be a real girl! Oh, I wish – I wish I had a lot of money, and a rose-garden, and a husband!”

Well, watch out what you wish for because you just might get it. That same day an elderly couple that had befriended Miss Braithwaite during their interactions at the library approach her with a unusual proposition. A proposition that includes a lot of money, the potential for a rose-garden or two and even a husband.

There’s nothing scandalous about the proposition, it is merely an arrangement to ease the fears of a dying woman and provide a faithful companion to an invalid. Liberry Teacher is a sweet, patient, conscientious girl with a dash of stereotypical librarianness who takes her job very seriously.

I loved this book. It’s so much fun and written in such a different style than what is common today. The story is sweet, it’s a clean marriage of convenience/arranged marriage story and it’s about a librarian. What’s not to love? :-)

Go read it! Free ebook; Find it at a library near you; Buy it from B&N