What do you think?
Rate this book
Kansas Brides #1-4
Kansas Brides
Is marriage the answer to life's difficulties, or does it only complicate the problems? In these four stories based in historical Kansas, women find romance-- but is it really love when Sara wants only to escape an abusive stepfather and her husband marries according to his father's will ... when Jane wonders if her current relationship grows out of a broken heart ... when Mara collects suitors like some women collect teacups. . . when Emily says I do to fulfill her dream of having children? Can these women move beyond the reality of the moment to experience true love--including God's? Four women in historic Kansas find romance-- but have they really found love? Only God can move them beyond the desire of the moment to true love.
464 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
5 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
85 books4,726 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 9, 2016
4 short stories. The first I thought was pretty predictable but they were pretty good. I liked that they weren't raunchy at all. They are spiritually minded and although I agree with much of the religious teachings, it's always interesting to view others take on religion and how people come to be "saved" and once they "become a child of God". Hmmm...I thought we are all God's children no matter if we "believe" or not. I did get the point though.
June 21, 2008
A good friend of mine lent me this book. I haven't made any clear-cut opinions as of yet. The book was made up of 4 individual stories, each with a seperate pair of characters who went through the process of falling in love, and becoming true-Christians. I grew weary of the formulaic and repetative theme as I saw the constant pattern which gave up any hopes for some suspense. I wasn't happy that there were no diversions from inevitable endings. Sure, they each had a different "story" but as soon as the author introduced the thoughts of the female, and then the male- you pretty much knew how the ending would come.
Out of the four stories, I liked the fourth the best. "His Brother's Bride." Though sometimes I felt that I must be writing the story as I could anticipate the events before they unraveled in the tale- I enjoyed her writing style the best in this one. I appreciated that the leading male and female were already aquainted with God before their courtship, I'd begun thinking I was reading a religious pass along card when the author would give details of the transformations in the prior *books.
I liked it, but for me, it wasn't engrossing. I appreciate the author's attempt at Christian Romance, and think that the book may be very enriching to some folks, especially those fresh to the faith, or seeking it. And, perhaps my opinions were somewhat biassed as I had just finished reading These is My Words, which was rich with feeling and history, and so much personality- and were set in similar "homestead" fashion. :)
Out of the four stories, I liked the fourth the best. "His Brother's Bride." Though sometimes I felt that I must be writing the story as I could anticipate the events before they unraveled in the tale- I enjoyed her writing style the best in this one. I appreciated that the leading male and female were already aquainted with God before their courtship, I'd begun thinking I was reading a religious pass along card when the author would give details of the transformations in the prior *books.
I liked it, but for me, it wasn't engrossing. I appreciate the author's attempt at Christian Romance, and think that the book may be very enriching to some folks, especially those fresh to the faith, or seeking it. And, perhaps my opinions were somewhat biassed as I had just finished reading These is My Words, which was rich with feeling and history, and so much personality- and were set in similar "homestead" fashion. :)
July 20, 2010
Don't be dissuaded by the size of this book - 462 pages. This was a great grouping of 4 pioneer stories in Cedar Springs Kansas. The book consists of 4 separate stories "Stranger's Bride", "Never A Bride", "Bittersweet Bride" and "His Brother's Bride" that read like a series but with unique characters in each story that were briefly mentioned in the previous stories. The first story "Stranger's Bride" was my favorite. You will enjoy the transformation with each of the couples Sara & Nathan, Jane & Luke, Mara & Clay, Emily & Luke both in their relationship and in the strengthening of their faith. Denise Hunter is a pleasant Christian author though I have to admit my all time favorite Christian author of pioneer stories is Janette Oke and her "Love Comes Softly" series.
March 19, 2022
The writing and plots were decent, that's why I gave it 2 stars. This is a book with multiple stories set around the same town in Kansas, which is a fun premise to read about, but I did not finish the book.
The problem with this book, is the same problem I have with many Christian romance novels: it gives a contradictory message, and many times portrays women in a demeaning way.
For example, in the second story, the mother gives the main character a lecture about not focusing on the injury she received to her. As soon as the character starts to heal, the sister and mom give her the 1800s version of a make over and send her out to apologize to the love interest. While the makeover is done under the guise of boosting her self esteem, why lecture about appearances in one scene, then focus on it in the next?
I couldn't read anymore of the book after that scene.
There are so few Christian romance books out there that actually write to the modern Christian woman; a woman who has an individual identity, as well as a family one. A woman who is a partner in the relationship/marriage, not submissive to a husband's will. A woman who is responsible for her own faith and relationship with God, not dependent on a man to guide her because she is too dumb or timid to do it on her own.
Sprinkling a bunch of Bible verses around in a story doesn't cover up the fact that this book, like many other Christian romances, misses the mark when writing for its reader base.
The problem with this book, is the same problem I have with many Christian romance novels: it gives a contradictory message, and many times portrays women in a demeaning way.
For example, in the second story, the mother gives the main character a lecture about not focusing on the injury she received to her. As soon as the character starts to heal, the sister and mom give her the 1800s version of a make over and send her out to apologize to the love interest. While the makeover is done under the guise of boosting her self esteem, why lecture about appearances in one scene, then focus on it in the next?
I couldn't read anymore of the book after that scene.
There are so few Christian romance books out there that actually write to the modern Christian woman; a woman who has an individual identity, as well as a family one. A woman who is a partner in the relationship/marriage, not submissive to a husband's will. A woman who is responsible for her own faith and relationship with God, not dependent on a man to guide her because she is too dumb or timid to do it on her own.
Sprinkling a bunch of Bible verses around in a story doesn't cover up the fact that this book, like many other Christian romances, misses the mark when writing for its reader base.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2019
good stories, kinda figured the ending .
October 5, 2020
I liked these short stories. It was a fast read. I'm a Kansas girl that's one of the reasons I read it, and I've read other books by the author.
June 17, 2024
The last time I read this book was around 10+ years ago. This book is one of my most favorites. 4 individual stories. A clean romance that gave me butterflies (and didn't feel cheesy).
January 25, 2014
I really liked this collection of short stories. They were longer than I expected them to be and they were so well put together. The development of the story and characters was so well done for a shorter length book. These are Christian, clean stories of love in the west. 2 of these stories were arranged marriage stories and one was of the villain in the first two stories changing he and growing into a kind person. That one was the only one I was a little irritated with. I just couldn't wrap my brain around this mean girl turning nice. But it works and was such a great story and lead into the next one so well. Do not read these stories out of order. There is some preaching but it was done very well and flowed with the story.
September 21, 2014
The characters are interesting, but the stories all have this story line:
The woman goes to work for / gets married to the man.
The man has some other relative / servant living with him.
They both have hang ups.
They find out they are in love.
One of the characters get's seriously injured.
The doctor is called.
When the injured person wakes up, the other confesses their love.
In the Epilogue, the woman announces she is pregnant.
The woman goes to work for / gets married to the man.
The man has some other relative / servant living with him.
They both have hang ups.
They find out they are in love.
One of the characters get's seriously injured.
The doctor is called.
When the injured person wakes up, the other confesses their love.
In the Epilogue, the woman announces she is pregnant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2008
This is really four books in one, with four separate love stories that are set in Cedar Springs, Kansas. The main characters from the stories reappear as minor characters in subsequent sections of the book. A very pleasant summer diversion!
October 31, 2011
Really sweet stories. Probably the one I am most surprised I liked was the story of Mara. Did not really like her at first but her story was so good. Also really enjoyed the story of Jane and Cade with him being in love with her beautiful sister who just happened to marry his brother.
February 21, 2014
In our day when falling love is stressed and so much emphasis is put on the process, these romances are interesting cases of growing in love. Perhaps loving is a choice. Surely opening our hearts to loving in whatever situation we are put in is the first step as the heroines did!
August 17, 2015
Setting 1887, which is the time period that I usually enjoy. Interesting set of 4 stories. None of them really touched me, but it was something I could read a while and then put it down. I didn't feel I wanted to just read all night.
January 14, 2008
Again no surprises in the books - great fluff stories of love and romance but in a christian setting...
Read
August 2, 2008It was good light reading. I like to read about the olden days and how they survived.
November 23, 2008
These are delightful stories of three girls who face marriage is different ways and yes they all turn out good.
August 9, 2012
Awesome storys!!!
August 8, 2014
4 in 1
April 5, 2013
very good! I liked how the couples stories continued to show n the other stories but not taking the focus off the main couple.
February 6, 2013
This book is the most greatest book I have ever read besides temptation
Love these kinds of books romance that is
October 1, 2013
it was sweet.
January 30, 2014
A great collection of sweet prairie stories. I really felt for character Mara in Bittersweet bride. This is a keeper on my shelf.
August 3, 2015
Had to borrow thru interlibrary loan... .but just wasn't into the time era right now.... maybe someday.
January 17, 2016
Not completely horrible for a romance novel, but the writing is nothing to write home about.
June 1, 2016
loved the different stories
August 17, 2011
I enjoyed these 4 stories very much! I also thought they put forth some good lessons...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews