Christmas in New York! Four holiday stories, five #bookgiveaway Day 1 HIS MISTLETOE FAMILY by Ruth Logan Herne

Ruth Logan Herne's His Mistletoe Family 
from the Men Of Allegany County series

I really enjoyed this sweet story about a retired Army Colonel and a young entrepreneur in Upstate NY who find romance and comfort in one another's arms. Haley Jennings loves a challenge in business--she has started a co-op in her grandfather's old factory right during the Christmas rush, which would be a daunting task for the most focused among us. But then, a monkey wrench is thrown into her life--her brother has left his two young sons into her care.

With a five and a three year old in the back seat of her convertible, Haley must find time, food, and resources on a cold Thanksgiving night when her search lands her at a church meal, locking eyes with a handsome and mysterious man--Brett Stanton. Brett hides his pain by hiding from the world. He has lost family in the war and has shut himself off from relationships--until something about the beautiful lady and her two young wards tug at his heartstrings.

As a resident of upstate NY who has traversed these same small towns--Bolivar, Jamison, Wellsville, Olean. . . I found this book to be a delightful trip through my memories of beautiful countryside and warm-hearted people. This writer captures small town hospitality and the rugged, pull-together aspect of these communities. Her characters are believable and sympathetic, and their stories resonate in the heart.

Even though Christmas is past, the snow is still white on the ground, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this holiday happily ever after.

Ruth Logan Herne loves Charlie Brown Christmas trees, rooting for the underdog and people who go the distance while others see the path as too long or broken! She loves God, chocolate, writing, dogs and is blessed by a sprawling family, oodles of grandkids and a sweet old farmhouse in constant need of work. She's sure that clean rooms are over-rated, snakes and possums should mind their own business and buy their own farm and puppies and kittens and babies are about the cutest things on Earth. A "pull-up-your-big-girl-panties-and-move-on" kind of gal, she is blessed to be married to her high school sweetheart (although it wasn't as if THEY WERE KNOCKING DOWN THE DOOR to challenge him for her!!!), work with young families who allow her to exploit their sweet children on blogs, and rock babies on a regular basis. An author for Love Inspired Books and Summerside Press, she lives in upstate New York.

Tune in tomorrow to hear about another of Ruth Logan Herne's Upstate New York Christmas stories, Yuletide Hearts.

Leave comment below with your favorite Christmas memory. One winner for each book this week will be chosen on Friday, November 22. You can earn extra entries by sharing on FB, twitter, pinterest, and google+, (see upper right corner of blog for easy buttons) and for subscribing to this blog via email or feedburner. Let me know what you did for your extra entries. Good luck!

Civil War novella "A Soldier's Heart" by Tamera Lynn Kraft, review with giveaway

Every now and then, a story comes along that goes straight to the heart. Entertainment and romance and even authentic history are all nice, and this had all of that, but it is a rare read that reaches past those earthly pleasures and touches you with a word of encouragement and truth.

Civil War pontoon bridge at Cincinnati, OH

Ms. Kraft has written a powerful story of healing and overcoming in "A Soldier's Heart", her novella about a soldier struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and guilt over the death of the men under his leadership. When Sergeant Noah Andrews musters out of the 7th Ohio regiment after three brutal years of service to Lincoln's Army, he wants nothing more than to live a quiet life on his farm with his young and lovely wife Molly and put the war behind him. But when anxiety and claustrophobia overwhelm him in the cheering crowds welcoming him home as a hero, he realizes the war still lives on in his head.

Molly has waited for her husband for three long years working his farm and managing all its hard duties. She believes all will be well if Noah only returns safely home to him. They have loved one another since childhood, and yet their marriage was only a day old when he left for war. The man she loves finally comes home to her, but something drastic has changed in him. She is unprepared for the battle for her marriage that his strange condition foists on them.

soldier's letter from Ohio

Filled with a cast of hometown characters and authenticity that can only come from thorough research and passion for the time period, this story rings true on every level. From the quaint terms of the time, including the title term for PTSD before it was an official diagnosis, to the unique aspects of setting such as Buckeye trees and flat farmland, I was transported to rural Civil War Ohio. The town's preacher, Reverend Obadiah Haskell and Noah's best friend and brother in law Aaron provide moments of poignant wisdom that help Noah on the road to recovery. But the town Copperhead, Horace Greene, picks a fight with Noah, fearing Greene's son will be drafted because Noah refused to reenlist. And one of the town ladies, Mrs. Townsend, asks him to share what he is unready to revisit in his mind. Realistic episodes of anger, and visions of enemies that aren't there make him feel he is a danger to the one he loves best--Molly. Will he have to sacrifice the peaceful life he has longed for to protect Molly from himself?

This novella packs so much into its pages. For students who wish to learn what life was like in this turbulent time, I can think of no finer read. And for Civil War buffs like me who expect a lot, it delivers. For lovers of a sweet romance or those who identify with the hero's struggle with past traumas, "A Soldier's Heart" has a message for everybody. Read it. Savor it. And tell your friends.

To enter in a drawing for this novella, leave a comment below about a time in your life when a friend or pastor helped you through a hard place. A winner will be selected Friday evening via random.org. Giveaway prize is in E-copy format only. Good luck!

Interview with debut novelist Melissa Jagears, and free novella on kindle

Welcome Melissa! We are so happy to have you here this week, and that
you have agreed to share a bit about yourself.

Q: First of all—coffee and donuts, Pepsi and 
doritos, or water and celery sticks? J
Um, water and Doritos? I know that’s not a choice,
but I don’t like Pepsi or coffee and well, celery sticks??
That’s no fun.

Q: When did you first know you were a writer?
I’m not sure I am one, I just write. I guess since I’ve
persevered in writing I’ve become one somewhere along
the way.

Q: How does history play into your writing?
It can make or break my story! I go into a story with
the romance and characters in mind first and then make
sure nothing history-wise hurts my story as I research the
time and locale. And sometimes it does and I have to rearrange/rewrite things.

Q: If you could sit down and interview any person, fictitious or real from any time, 
who would that be and what is the first question you would ask?
Who: Christ. Question: Would you take me home?

Q: Who have been your mentors, and how did they help you most?
My mentors are people who have written—books, blog posts, etc. It’d be nice to have a
real life one. My crit partners are probably the closest I have to guiding me. They give me
a kick in the pants when my story goes off-kilter.

Q: What do you hope your readers will take away from your debut? And can you 
hint at the series to come?
That keeping things that hurt secret only causes you more hurt.
The series is based on real mail-order bride stories that went horribly wrong. I read a
fascinating collection of them and couldn’t help but make up romance stories for some
of the stranger ones.

Q: Do you have a question you would like our blog readers to answer?
Would you have had the guts to be a mail-order bride? What would it have taken to push
you there?

You can find me here:
Website: www.melissajagears.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissajagearsauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6929011.Melissa_Jagears

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/melissajagears/

Inspirational Historical Fiction Index: http://inspirationalhistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/

Index’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/InspirationalHistoricalFictionIndex

The enovella prequel, Love by the Letter, is free right now on kindle. Download your copy here.

Love by the Letter – Dex Stanton’s first attempt at acquiring a mail-
order bride fails when the lady writes back ridiculing his atrocious
spelling. Rachel Oliver, the smart little brunette who sat in front of
him in school, is the last woman he wants to ask for help. How can
he handle her knowing what a dunce he really is?

A Bride for Keeps—Although Everett Cline can hardly keep up
with the demands of his homestead, he won’t humiliate himself
by looking for a helpmate ever again–not after being jilted by
three mail-order brides. When a well-meaning neighbor goes behind
his back to bring yet another mail-order bride to town, he has good
reason to doubt it will work, especially after getting a glimpse at the
woman in question. She’s the prettiest woman he’s ever seen, and
it’s just not possible she’s there to marry a simple homesteader like
him.


Thank you Melissa for being with us this week. I wish you every blessing
as you write for His glory!

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

MaryLu Tyndall has added another great nautical historical romance to her impressive fleet. Surrender the Heart, set amidst the backdrop of the War of 1812, had me savoring the adventure, tension and romance between a high-born lady of Baltimore's aristocracy whose fortunes have run out, and a working class man of ambition who initially sees her as a means to an end.

Marianne Denton wishes only to care for her sickly mother and little sister. She needs her inheritance money which her marriage to Noah Brenin will unlock. She braves the prospect of a loveless marriage, accepting her fate as an ordinary, plain woman unworthy of love. But she is not without her pride. When Noah acts the cad and leaves their engagement party abruptly to embark on his father's merchantman, she chases after him to give him a piece of her mind.

Captain Noah Brenin carries his fate in his cargo hold. He believes that financial success will liberate him from a family scar. But he has sailed with precious cargo he hasn't bargained for: Marianne has accidentally stowed away.

With war brewing between Britain and the United States, peril awaits them at sea. The hand of God awaits, too, poised to turn their fortunes again and shape the course of history, if the cast of eclectic and endearing characters will trust His divine leading.

Fast-paced, suspenseful, and resonating with the patriotic virtues of courage, selflessness, and passion for freedom, this book is an authentic portrait of a little-understood but vital part of our history.
As rich as the history and research, the romance is not to be undersold. Love born of mutual admiration and genuine character makes this story transcendent.

A cuppa with Tammy Doherty

(K)Tammy Doherty, you and I share much in common. We both love gardening, animals and writing. We both had the fortune to marry wonderful men of Irish decent, and I suspect you have the Emerald Isle in your blood, as well. We both belong to ACFW Northeast, and we both are stunningly brilliant. Okay, that would be just you. But I welcome you to put your feet up and sip some tea with me.

(T) You are too kind, Kathy  I do love gardening, animals and writing. And my wonderful hubby is Irish. I, on the other hand, am mostly Scottish and French. But we’re both 100% American That said, could I sip coffee while we chat?

(K) Ha! Yes, I have this delicious Folger’s chocolate silk coffee—to die for! Pour a cup and settle in, then tell me. How long have you been writing and what milestones mark your writing journey?

(T) As a teen, I made up stories with my best friend. Some of them I wrote down. All of them wouldn’t even make it as bad fan fiction I didn’t get serious until 2001, when we bought our first computer. It took me almost a full year to write my first novel. I journeyed alone with that one, although I did share the manuscript with a few friends.
After publishing the first book, Celtic Cross, I joined Romance Writers of America (RWA). I learned a lot through that organization, but still journeyed mostly alone while writing the next two books. I did enter a few contests and eventually paid attention to judges’ comments. Then I joined ACFW in the fall of 2007. It has definitely been the best thing to happen to my writing career. That’s where I found my wonderful critique partners.
My three historical novels have not won any contests – being self-published limits the contests I can enter. But they have received great reviews. My current work-in-progress, a contemporary romantic suspense, has placed (3rd and 5th) in a couple contests.

(K) Awesome, Tammy. So, are you one of those wonderfully organized folks I’ll have to secretly hate who have a daily word count goal, or do you write as inspired?

(T) I dream of being organized, one day I don’t have a daily word count goal, though I have tried to set monthly goals. Working full-time, managing our home business, and raising two kids, means goals have to be flexible. That said, when inspiration hits I find time to squeeze in writing – including bringing a notebook to library reading hour.

(K) I like you more and more as I see how brilliant you really are! How do you find the inspiration to create? Music, movies, books, nature, Bible . . . Name your muses.

(T) Music is my muse. I write best listening to instrumental, but I have one character who likes classic rock and creating scenes for him works best listening to “his music.” LOL
I have a CD of Irish hymns that I enjoy as well as the Braveheart and Gladiator soundtracks.
I’m also a visual writer. I created pages kind of like a scrapbook, with pictures of actors/actresses that best represent how I imagine my character looks. I find photos of the location or setting, pics of houses and even floor plans. They all help me visualize as I write.

(K) With a name like Kathleen Maher, I couldn’t help but notice that the titles in your three-book series have an Irish theme. Give us their titles here, and tell us a wee bit about all three.

(T) I may be Scottish by heritage, but I love everything Irish. The title inspiration for my first book came from a Celtic cross necklace given to me by my husband. The novel Celtic Cross is a story about trust: Cristeen Latham learned long ago to trust no one, not even God. Matt Donovan’s faith has gotten him through the death of his parents. Can he help Cristeen see the need to trust the Lord before it’s too late?
Claddaugh is a book about forgiveness. Headstrong Leigh Latham has always done what she wants without considering consequences. When her ill-fated marriage falls apart, she returns to Colorado – and the man who once loved her. Marshal Rory Johnston thought he was over Leigh, until she comes back. Each must learn to forgive and accept forgiveness. Leigh is hiding from something. Can Rory protect her and his heart at the same time?
In Celtic Knot, Secret Service agent Kyle Lachapelle is undercover working on the Big L-O ranch, looking for a counterfeiter. Abby Finnigan will never love again after the death of her husband. Then she meets Kyle – handsome, easy to talk with, a true gentleman. When she finds out his true identity, can she ever trust him again? Abby's journey through love, grief, suspicion and danger twists and turns like a chain of never ending Celtic knots. Throw in assault, murder, kidnapping and a shoot-out and Celtic Knot is a western that lives up to its name!

(K) As you write historical romance, do you relate more to the heroine or the hero, or both? Why?

(T) In Celtic Cross, Cristeen’s difficulty with trust came from me. She isn’t me, but at the time of writing the novel I also had trouble trusting. Except I knew the need to rely on the Lord. So for that book, I related more to the heroine. Leigh Latham was difficult for me to write because I could not relate to her. When I began Celtic Knot, I “knew” Kyle better than Abby, but as the book went on I began to relate to them equally well.
I confess, though, that growing up I always wanted to be a cowboy. Tomboy was an understatement describing me! I have a tendency to relate better to the hero in my stories. Learning to a create strong, likable heroine who isn’t at all like me was a tough journey but well worth the effort.

(K) Who are your favorite characters you’ve created and do you borrow from your life and experiences to create them? Have you learned from them?

(T) As I said above, Cristeen stemmed from my life. She was my first heroine and has a special place in my heart. It’s difficult to say any one is a favorite, though. Possibly, Kyle is my favorite hero. I have a soft spot for Simon, another character in Celtic Knot, because his personality is full of twists and contradictions and he was fun to create.
I learned a great deal from Cristeen. Researching the Bible to help with her spiritual journey helped me focus my faith. And I learned to trust a little more-because even if a risk didn’t pay off the Lord would be there to comfort me. I also figured out how to do historical research and found some great websites. The most enjoyable thing I learned was some Gaelic phrases. It sparked a desire to learn the language. And I will – someday!

(K) Would you discuss the spiritual themes of the series?

(T) I work carefully to craft novels that are not preachy, yet the spiritual themes are key to the overall story. Cristeen Latham must learn to trust the Lord, not herself, in order to survive the climatic events of Celtic Cross. Leigh Latham harbors resentment and anger that keeps her from accepting God’s forgiveness and finding peace.
With Abby, in Celtic Knot, I had to work on showing how someone could accept a loving God who also lets bad things happen. I was able to do this by using the fact that Abby is a mother. Being a parent, I think, gives you a different perspective on God.

(K) Give us a snapshot of Celtic Knot. What is it about, and how can we find it?

(T) After the death of her husband, Abby Finnigan has returned to Prophecy, Colorado, a town ruled by the Bigelow family. Her family. Her father refuses to acknowledge her existence. Her playboy older brother, Clayton, acknowledges her but only because he enjoys tormenting her. Eugene, her younger brother, hasn’t spoken to Abby since she returned. Her only friends are the owner of the saloon where she works as a maid and his “upstairs girl.” Sheriff Boone Warren professes his love for Abby. She distrusts him, afraid that his feelings aren’t pure. Plus, he’s little more than Clayton’s puppet.
Pastor Stanton and his family offer Abby friendship, which she finally accepts when Clayton evicts her. The pastor is also friends with Kyle Lachapelle, a newcomer to town. Kyle is working at the Bigelow family ranch. He’s kind, considerate and seems to be a real gentleman. But can Abby trust him? Can she risk heartbreak?
Secret Service agent Kyle Lachapelle is attracted to Abby from the moment they meet. Yet he’ll be moving on as soon as this undercover case is wrapped up. It wouldn’t be fair to toy with Abby’s affections. When he learns her connection to his chief suspects, can he afford to be interested in her?
Things get complicated after that! A dead body, an assault, a jail break, murder, and kidnapping. And while all of this is going on, Abby has to figure out exactly how she feels about God. Can she open her heart to His love? And will that be enough to conquer the fear separating Abby and Kyle?
All of my books are available at online booksellers like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

(K) As you’ve researched your time period, what are two social customs or ways of life that you wish were still true today, and what are two things you’re glad are not true anymore?

(T) This is a hard one to answer  I think what I wish for the most is less urbanization of our country. Researching the area of Colorado where the books are set, I found photos of gorgeous open land, free of houses and highways. Even as close as 30 years ago my region of Massachusetts was rural farmland. Now we are suburban.
The other thing is more a social custom. In the era of my books, the late 1800’s, public display of sexuality was frowned upon. Only a woman of ill-repute went about scantily clad. And it was considered normal for men and women to wait for marriage before having sex. Yes, promiscuity occurred. But it wasn’t right out there in the public. People didn’t brag about it. I hope that doesn’t sound prudish!

(K)Not at all. I’m with you!

(T) Romance should be about love, not sex. I wish we could be more like that these days. A great kiss, with just a hint of suggestion, then leave the rest to imagination.
The thing I’m grateful isn’t the same anymore is medicine! All three of my novels couldn’t happen in the latter half of the 20th century simply because of modern medicine. Anesthesia wasn’t around back then. Imagine surgery without it!
I’m also happy to be living now when women are treated as equals to men. Most of the time. In Celtic Knot, Abby struggles because her father never wanted a girl child. He refused to acknowledge her as his, treated her with less regard than he did the servants. Now that she’s back, her brother Clayton uses threats and the power of the family bank to ensure no one will give her employment. He tries to force her into marriage with Sheriff Warren, where he thinks he’ll control her. I know even now many women have similar struggles, but in the 1880’s women had little to no legal recourse. Shelters for battered women were rare. I’m glad we’ve made strides in this area.

(K) I’m with you on those things. Thank God for modern plumbing, too!
So, tell me. Should we look for more in this series, or do you have other projects simmering? Do other times and settings in history tug at your fingers and heart to write them?

(T) This series is complete. Friends have suggested I spin off from secondary characters and maybe one day I will. Currently I’m working on contemporary romantic suspense. I do have an idea filed away for “someday” – to write about my hometown region during the early part of the 20th century. This area was once a vacation hotspot. Our town was a favorite of legendary George M. Cohan! Think of the stories…well, someday 

(K) Oh, yesss! You must write that, Tammy.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your books? What have you taken away from them?

(T) Writing these three books brought me closer to the Lord and strengthened my faith. I hope that Christians who read them will take away the same experience. Beyond that, I feel strongly that all three are good books for someone who isn’t a believer or maybe is on the fence about believing in God. I hope the messages of trusting the Lord to take care of your every need (faith), accepting His forgiveness and forgiving others (hope), and the meaning of true love (His love) will stick with those readers and start them on the path to becoming Christians.

(K) Tammy, thank you for being with us here and sharing your love of writing and history. Always a pleasure to share a bit of tea (or coffee) and the gift of gab with a fellow Celt!

(T) Thanks again, Kathleen, for inviting me to share. The Irish in me simply loves words 

(K) If you wish to know more about Tammy or her writing, visit her website at http://tammydoherty.com/
(K) Or follow her blog at http://faith-fiction-friends.blogspot.com/

Review for Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon

Miralee Ferrell has captured my undying loyalty with her suspenseful plot of intrigue, romance, and redemption in Summerside's Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon. From its beautiful cover art to its extremely surprising ending, this book drew me right into the Northwest logging town at the turn of the century and into the hearts of her characters.

The prologue sets conflict in motion as Margaret Garvey's well-meaning father sabotages her impending marriage to Nathaniel Cooper, making her think Nathaniel has left her without a word. Fast forward four years, and Mr. Garvey is on his deathbed, but expires before he can confess.

Enter handsome and faithful Andrew Browning, the young man Mr. Garvey had asked to look after Margaret before he died. Andrew's polite overtures leave Margaret wondering if he is merely fulfilling an obligation to her, or if he feels a personal connection. When Nathaniel comes back to Bridal Veil, she has enough emotions to sort through, but her life is about to become even more complicated with the arrival of a run-away brother and sister, and the coinciding murder of a neighbor.

Can she protect these orphans from accusations against them? Will she choose the right man? And will a secret buried in a box for four years tear apart her trust in men? The questions build in intensity as twist after turn kept me riding a logging flume of suspense to find out whodunnit, who wins the girl, and what is to become of the children. The last few pages had the most surprising and redemptive ending I have yet to read in fiction.

Ferrell creates a story that will captivate and transport to a story world full of sensory imagery, adventure and emotion and leave the reader with a deeply satisfying message of God's provision.

The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes

The Glassblower combines the enchanting story-telling of a historical aficionado and wordsmith, with layered characters and a suspenseful plot full of lovely imagery and romantic interludes which take the reader to another time and place. The second half of the book leaps from a brisk trot to a gallop in pace, and I stayed up all night to finish it once the momentum took hold of me.

Meg Jordan is the only daughter of Isaac Jordan, a widower and owner of a large farm and glassworks in early 19th century New Jersey. Her sweet, assertive nature wins her father’s favor in everything from adopting stray kittens to preparing a school for the children of Salem County—everything, that is, except the husband of her choosing. Her father has informed her that she must marry Joseph Pyle, the wealthy, young land-owner whose smile doesn’t reach his eyes when he looks at Meg.

A new man—Colin Grassick—arrives in town, a master glassblower from Scotland whom her father has brought over to turn the finances of the glassworks around. His emerald eyes and warm, courtly ways captivate Meg as he helps her rescue a kitten in peril. But a girl of her station must not associate with a working man. Colin could lose his job, or worse, if caught consorting to the master’s daughter, especially when a series of events points to sabotage of Meg’s school and an accident at the glassworks.

Particular highlights for me were the wedding scene of Meg’s friend Sarah, with its rich descriptions of period apparel and the contrast between Joseph’s and Colin’s characters. The Christmas party made a nice touch to bring the romance to a satisfying conclusion. The theme of trusting God to work in seemingly impossible circumstances imparted inspiration without feeling extraneous or false. The hero and heroine exemplified the character and choices that made the happily-ever-after not only believable, but well-deserved.

Wild West Christmas

Lena Nelson Dooley starts off this collection of Christmas romances with the story of Charlsey, the youngest daughter of Frank Ames , Texas rancher. This little blonde cattle-roping bombshell resists the appeal of Harold Miller whom she disparagingly refers to as “Boston” for his cold Northern upbringing. Can Harold warm up to ranching and Texas ways to sweep her off her feet in time for a Christmas wedding?

Next, Darlene Franklin brings us the tale of older sister Lucy, gifted with a keen sight with a rifle. Lucy finds more gifts than she thought she possessed as she tours in a Wild West show. Can her unique talents win the heart of the show proprietor’s son, Gordon? Will Gordon’s calling from God whisk him from the arms of this humble beauty? A special gift awaits them on Christmas.

Vickie McDonough ropes heartstrings with her yarn about Sarah Ames, the daughter who believes she should have been born a son. Sarah finds more ease among the horses than she does in the kitchen. When her father hires a new hand with her beloved horses, will her rivalry and suspicion of him prevent her from yielding to attraction to this gentle horse trainer? Will Carson Romero put his brand on her heart under the mistletoe?

Finally, the oldest Ames girl, Bess, emerges in the voice of story weaver Kathleen Y’Barbo. Bess struggles with a self-image hurt by an unflattering childhood rhyme that Joe Mueller made up about her. “Bessie Mae, plain as day.” Will her grudge against this man, now a handsome Texas ranger, harden her stubborn heart? Her father courts a neighbor widow, and she fears she will intrude upon their newlywed home if she stays an old maid forever. Can Joe win her confidence and rescue her from a fearful fate? Christmas holds the biggest surprise of all for Bess, with a new rhyme and a new life.

Wild West Christmas provides an authentic flavor of Texas ranching life at the end of the 19th Century. Each character captured the rugged independence of the lone star state, and each tale depicted a unique romance sure to capture the heart. I especially enjoyed the three dimensional characters, like Lucy’s humility despite rising to acclaim, and Sarah’s conflicting desire to make her father proud when he demands that she give up the one thing that stirs her passion—horses. Each story weaves a redemptive thread through to a satisfying conclusion.

Review of A Bride in the Bargain by DeeAnee Gist

Anna Ivey is one of my all-time favorite heroines. Orphaned and utterly alone after the Civil War, she carries a weight of guilt which cripples her from ever allowing love to blossom in her heart. She feels she is responsible for the deaths of those closest to her, and fears she will be the demise of anyone she lets near. Despite her poverty and grief, she is a plucky, hard-working gal, and unafraid to take the risk of joining Asa Mercer’s emigration of single women to the Northwest Territory.

Utterly handsome Joe Denton has worked his Seattle lumber enterprise for eleven years as a single man. He loves his land more than anything, even more than the wife he lost back east before she could join him. Without a wife, however, he will lose half of his land due to the land grant rules. Married men are entitled to 640 acres, but a single man can only have 320. Desperate to retain what he’s developed, he agrees to take one of Mercer’s brides, sight unseen.

What results is a delicious conflict of physical attraction, emotional hang-ups, and a dash of mis-communication, smattered with humor and, ahem, almost-romantic rivalries. Joe believes he has secured a bride, while Anna holds to her contract as stated—to work as a cook. Can Joe muster the charm and love for Anna to win her as his bride before his deadline?

Many twists and unexpected delights awaited on this romantic journey. Full of tangible yearning, this story held me captive to see how the guy gets the girl. In the end, it was deeply satisfying. One of the most beautifully written and deeply characterized books I’ve read in a while. Wonderful secondary characters make this a fun, and at times, laugh-out-loud book. But keep a hanky close—some parts just hit the spot.