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The Heavenly Surrender
Genieva Bankmans had willfully agreed to the arrangement. She had given her word and she would not dishonor it. But when she saw, for the first time, the man whose advertisement she had answered…she was desperately intimidated. The handsome and commanding Brevan McLean was not what she had expected. He was not the sort of man she had reconciled herself to marrying.
This man, this stranger whose name Genieva now bore, was strong-willed, quick-tempered and expectant of much from his new wife. Brevan McLean did not deny he had married her for very practical reasons only. He merely wanted any woman whose hard work would provide him assistance with the brutal demands of farm life.
But Genieva would learn there were far darker things, grave secrets held unspoken by Brevan McLean concerning his family and his land. Genieva Bankmans McLean was to find herself in the midst of treachery, violence and villainy with her estranged husband deeply entangled in it.
This man, this stranger whose name Genieva now bore, was strong-willed, quick-tempered and expectant of much from his new wife. Brevan McLean did not deny he had married her for very practical reasons only. He merely wanted any woman whose hard work would provide him assistance with the brutal demands of farm life.
But Genieva would learn there were far darker things, grave secrets held unspoken by Brevan McLean concerning his family and his land. Genieva Bankmans McLean was to find herself in the midst of treachery, violence and villainy with her estranged husband deeply entangled in it.
300 pages, Paperback
First published March 16, 2009
42 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
74 books1,365 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
September 5, 2025
I read this book every year. I just get in a mood for it. I can't say it's some marvel of English writing and character development. I can say that it is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. It makes me smile all the way through. Marcia Lynn McClure knows how to write romance - good clean romance. And I love her for it. She writes the scenes that you want to read over and over. Her books are just wonderful. I love The Heavenly Surrender because of the storyline. I love the whole marriage of convenience plot. I'm a sucker for it every time.
July 29, 2013
Boy was I excited to get this book and man oh man was I ever in for a huge disappointment. So many things wrong in this story, too many to name.
Brevan McLean was no real man. He kept secrets from his wife and in doing so placed her in danger because she was unaware. He was a cruel husband and he abused her, not physically but mentally and emotionally. I felt very uncomfortable with the secret relationship between Lita and Brevan. It gave me the creeps and was so unfair to his new wife. Something was not right there and it was troubling to me. Very troubling, even after I have finished the story.
What is wrong with these men, when the lives of them and their families are in danger and they continue life as usual and carry NO weapons to defend themselves? I believe it showed pure ignorance on their part. And how many times do we have to go through all the cutting and fights. Twice I could handle, but over and over and over. It was just way too much and it further showed Brevan's stupidity.
Another huge complaint: What 'normal' man would live many months with an attractive woman, his legal wife, who gives him her all, and he sticks her in her own bedroom and won't make love to her. You have got to be kidding me.
And Genieva, what a door mat. She had no real backbone and she should have left him to let him see what it was like without her, although I doubt it would have made any difference.
Just such a disappointing read. I stayed up almost all night thinking it would get better soon and he would come to his senses.
Only decent thing about this book was the last few pages.
Brevan McLean was no real man. He kept secrets from his wife and in doing so placed her in danger because she was unaware. He was a cruel husband and he abused her, not physically but mentally and emotionally. I felt very uncomfortable with the secret relationship between Lita and Brevan. It gave me the creeps and was so unfair to his new wife. Something was not right there and it was troubling to me. Very troubling, even after I have finished the story.
What is wrong with these men, when the lives of them and their families are in danger and they continue life as usual and carry NO weapons to defend themselves? I believe it showed pure ignorance on their part. And how many times do we have to go through all the cutting and fights. Twice I could handle, but over and over and over. It was just way too much and it further showed Brevan's stupidity.
Another huge complaint: What 'normal' man would live many months with an attractive woman, his legal wife, who gives him her all, and he sticks her in her own bedroom and won't make love to her. You have got to be kidding me.
And Genieva, what a door mat. She had no real backbone and she should have left him to let him see what it was like without her, although I doubt it would have made any difference.
Just such a disappointing read. I stayed up almost all night thinking it would get better soon and he would come to his senses.
Only decent thing about this book was the last few pages.
March 10, 2022
3.5
I enjoy this one, but always have mixed feelings when I read it. I love a good mail-order bride story every once in awhile and liked that aspect of the story. But wow, life on a farm is exhausting, I felt tired for Genieva the whole time and am still surprised the hard work didn't make her at times second guess her choice to run off and marry a stranger. Brevan worked her too hard, and he worked too hard. Why didnt he hire on some help? Get a couple farm hands to help around the place, which in the end would benefit him and the farm.
Genieva was a pretty likable character, she definitely had backbone which I loved. I did think the reason her running away could have been developed more, it seems like she probably could have just sat down and discussed things with her parents. Why did she chose to leave the comfort of city life for the harsh life of a farmers wife? I liked that she adjusted well, makes friends easily, sticks up for herself and was a hard worker. It would have been nice to see her enjoying life a bit more though, instead of being exhausted all the time.
Brevan was ok, he is a workaholic and works Genieva too hard and is blunt and harsh with her at times as well. He keeps unnecessary secrets and then gets upset when Genieva jumps to wrong conclusions. He has his good qualities for sure, but he needs to lighten up a bit. He would be very very hard to be married to. At least towards the end he admits his motives and the errors of working her so hard and lightens up a bit.
The conflict in the story fell a little flat, I think it all could have been developed a bit more. Have their motives flushed out better.
Overall, I do like the story and it's one I'd read again one day. Some people may be turned off bay the accents and manor of speaking for some characters. But it has some nice sweet moments and likable characters. If you're a fan of McClure's books, this is one of her better ones!
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild - a few attacks, crude threats
I enjoy this one, but always have mixed feelings when I read it. I love a good mail-order bride story every once in awhile and liked that aspect of the story. But wow, life on a farm is exhausting, I felt tired for Genieva the whole time and am still surprised the hard work didn't make her at times second guess her choice to run off and marry a stranger. Brevan worked her too hard, and he worked too hard. Why didnt he hire on some help? Get a couple farm hands to help around the place, which in the end would benefit him and the farm.
Genieva was a pretty likable character, she definitely had backbone which I loved. I did think the reason her running away could have been developed more, it seems like she probably could have just sat down and discussed things with her parents. Why did she chose to leave the comfort of city life for the harsh life of a farmers wife? I liked that she adjusted well, makes friends easily, sticks up for herself and was a hard worker. It would have been nice to see her enjoying life a bit more though, instead of being exhausted all the time.
Brevan was ok, he is a workaholic and works Genieva too hard and is blunt and harsh with her at times as well. He keeps unnecessary secrets and then gets upset when Genieva jumps to wrong conclusions. He has his good qualities for sure, but he needs to lighten up a bit. He would be very very hard to be married to. At least towards the end he admits his motives and the errors of working her so hard and lightens up a bit.
The conflict in the story fell a little flat, I think it all could have been developed a bit more. Have their motives flushed out better.
Overall, I do like the story and it's one I'd read again one day. Some people may be turned off bay the accents and manor of speaking for some characters. But it has some nice sweet moments and likable characters. If you're a fan of McClure's books, this is one of her better ones!
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild - a few attacks, crude threats
September 20, 2013
So lets see. Geneiva runs away from home to escape an arranged marriage. She becomes a mail order bride. From the moment Brevan sees her he puts her down and ridicules her. He works her like a dog and is emotionally and verbally abusive to her. In addition he refuses to have sex with her. Pray tell what was the other guy like? Plus he is has a morbid attraction to his sister in law. And no I don't buy the explanation as to why. When her family showed up I was hoping she would go home with them. Not a good sign in a romance novel. I have read MLM books I've liked but this is not one of them.
May 17, 2010
Another wonderful good clean romance by Marcia McClure. I ended up staying up until 2:30 to finish this book because there was no good place to stop.
December 26, 2023
It's that time of year again!
11/16/23
Man, this one always gets my dander up. In a good way not bad. I love that she comes to get away from something but towards love. And yet her secrets and things going on behind the scenes but it's so good it's such a wholesome strong book. Besides the guy is a hot guy I mean come on seriously! It's a great book over and over and over again.
8/19/22
I am devouring these precious books again! Heavenly Surrender I enjoyed this book. I enjoy the author's notes and snippets. I'm not fluent but I'm pretty good at Spanish, especially reading, and when she said one hadn't been translated I had to go back and read it because I had read it all but my brain simply interpreted and it didn't signal that the one wasn't. I love the chivalry in this book demonstrated by Brevin. It was a great end-of-summer beginning to fall quick read.
Other years
I remember how much I loved this one!! I just wish it had an author's note.
Genieva and Brevin are a great getaway old cowboy love story. I love the whole eye color change thing with moods. My eyes kind of does the same just not that extreme.
11/16/23
Man, this one always gets my dander up. In a good way not bad. I love that she comes to get away from something but towards love. And yet her secrets and things going on behind the scenes but it's so good it's such a wholesome strong book. Besides the guy is a hot guy I mean come on seriously! It's a great book over and over and over again.
8/19/22
I am devouring these precious books again! Heavenly Surrender I enjoyed this book. I enjoy the author's notes and snippets. I'm not fluent but I'm pretty good at Spanish, especially reading, and when she said one hadn't been translated I had to go back and read it because I had read it all but my brain simply interpreted and it didn't signal that the one wasn't. I love the chivalry in this book demonstrated by Brevin. It was a great end-of-summer beginning to fall quick read.
Other years
I remember how much I loved this one!! I just wish it had an author's note.
Genieva and Brevin are a great getaway old cowboy love story. I love the whole eye color change thing with moods. My eyes kind of does the same just not that extreme.
July 7, 2016
I really think I am an oddball. This book didn't seem "authentic" to me. I can't like something that doesn't ring true to me. The characters say the most pretentious things.
I was confused with all the B-characters: Brevan, Brenna, and Brain. I stopped tracking who I was reading about and just went with the story. I suppose Brevan isn't a bad character, nor is the heroine whose name I already forgot. But we don't get to hear Brevan's thoughts all that much or imagine how he must feel like from observing his behaviors. So his "struggling to keep his hands off his wife" didn't really make an impression on me. The heroine's family made an appearance all indignant and disappointed. But after a short time they left and said oh you are our daughter we will always love you. It just isn't natural.
Maybe this is true in someone else's world. In my world this sounds too convenient and too "wishful thinking". I can't relate to a book if it fails to convince me that whatever the characters experienced was "real".
I was confused with all the B-characters: Brevan, Brenna, and Brain. I stopped tracking who I was reading about and just went with the story. I suppose Brevan isn't a bad character, nor is the heroine whose name I already forgot. But we don't get to hear Brevan's thoughts all that much or imagine how he must feel like from observing his behaviors. So his "struggling to keep his hands off his wife" didn't really make an impression on me. The heroine's family made an appearance all indignant and disappointed. But after a short time they left and said oh you are our daughter we will always love you. It just isn't natural.
Maybe this is true in someone else's world. In my world this sounds too convenient and too "wishful thinking". I can't relate to a book if it fails to convince me that whatever the characters experienced was "real".
April 15, 2013
This is the first Marcia book I read and of course, one of my favorites. I love the marriage of convenience plot. The relationship the siblings has is great and I love how accepting they all are of Genieva. Even though this shows a flaw, I love Genieva's little jealous streaks that cause her to rant and throw a fit. I usually enjoy reading this in March (Irish??), but decided to read it in April this time, since that's when the story starts. I can totally picture the pond, the orchards, the farm. I love how Marcia paints a picture in my mind with her words.
August 15, 2008
This was the first book by Marcia Lynn McClure that I ever read and I loved it. A mail-order bride is such a fun idea. This is where I discovered that romance could be enjoyable and there was an author out there who could write it without sex and without preaching to me about something. This will always be a favorite.
January 1, 2022
I like...nothing in this book because it is pure nonsense. It doesn't resemble a decent historical romance read, western elements are also nowhere to be found, the speech is weird and also too modern, the plot is ludicrous and I see no love story here at all.
It's excessively ridiculous so I can't even hate it.
It's excessively ridiculous so I can't even hate it.
February 12, 2025
I would probably give this book 3.5 stars. There were moments I really enjoyed, but moments I really didn’t as well.
I enjoyed the love story. I like tales of arranged marriages, or in this case basically a mail order bride, where the couple find their way to love in spite of being strangers when they marry.
However, I don’t enjoy the heroine wondering about the infidelity of her husband. That, thankfully, was only in the first half of the book, mostly. But the real reason for the lower rating is all the anger and violence. While I do like seeing a man defend his love, this was excessive and about more than defending one’s wife.
Not one I care to read again.
The computer generated narration was good, but words weren’t pronounced correctly and sometimes took a bit to figure out.
I enjoyed the love story. I like tales of arranged marriages, or in this case basically a mail order bride, where the couple find their way to love in spite of being strangers when they marry.
However, I don’t enjoy the heroine wondering about the infidelity of her husband. That, thankfully, was only in the first half of the book, mostly. But the real reason for the lower rating is all the anger and violence. While I do like seeing a man defend his love, this was excessive and about more than defending one’s wife.
Not one I care to read again.
The computer generated narration was good, but words weren’t pronounced correctly and sometimes took a bit to figure out.
September 21, 2023
3.5⭐️ This book was thoroughly entertaining and I enjoyed it! I pictured Jamie Dornan as Brevan, so that was fun. Some of his grumpiness went a little too far sometimes, but it was a cute love story!
March 5, 2011
Okay I have to say that I've become a little obsessed with this woman's books. It's not that they are great literature or even very original, but reading them makes me smile. They are clean and there is a lot of kissing (which I like). I've read many of her books now and they are very similar in characters and plot, but just fun reads for me. The romance is cheesy, and there are editorial errors that bug me, but for some reason I want to read them all. So if you are in the mood for a clean, fun, quick read and won't be put off by the cheese, then get a hold of her books.
February 14, 2011
I really enjoyed this book and laughed out loud at several parts and loved the humorous bantering and silliness with the sister, brother and in-laws toward Brevan. Marcia did that SO well that I was in tears laughing along with them being silly when Brevan was so serious! Loved that!! I thought the "getting rid of the bad guy" wrap up she always does at the end of her books was one of the more interesting, believable senerios of hers.
April 23, 2008
I loved this book! it's clean which can be hard to find in love stories, and it is one of those books that makes you giddy with the interaction. A lot of her books follow the same story line, but I love this one. I have read most of this author's books and even though I usually know what is going to happen, I love reading them!
July 24, 2008
i LOVED this book!!! OMGosh. it was so cute and it had some way funny parts in it. like the time when genieva poured the cake batter over brevan...i thought that was the cutest thing. oh i totally recommend this book to any girl!!!
October 20, 2013
This book made no sense at all. Why didn't he tell her about Lita? Why didn't they engage the authorities? And the hero was just awful.. I did not like him or the heroin I skipped 50 of the book. It was just so boring.
September 11, 2016
I'm tempted to give this two stars. I mean, really, how many times did Brevan need to be stabbed and Genieva assaulted before someone - anyone - decided to go after Cruz?! Apparently quite a few. Definitely a few too many!
February 2, 2008
My friend, Alicia, introduced me to this book. It's the one I read when I need romance in my life. ;) It's a really great romantic comedy with clean melt you like butter kisses.
August 21, 2008
I like to call these books by Marcia Lynn McClure my Chick Lit! These books are easy reads but they always make me laugh. I'm a sucker for the whole Damsel in distress thing.
April 9, 2010
Actually this really is one of my favorite Marcia books. I had to change my review seeing as how I just read this book again...for like the sixth time! Some of my favorite kissing scenes...
April 24, 2008
Oh my gosh!! Loved this book! Can I tell you how much I love this author!! A CLEAN romance novelist is a rare thing! Fun and keeps ya hooked!
December 21, 2010
Brevan and Genieva are so fun! I loved how she knew how to push his buttons and rile that temper!! Such great kissing scenes too!!!
July 6, 2013
This was a very cute book! Brevan of course was AWESOME!! I did feel like I was back in California with the Mexicans spouting out Spanish words every other sentence.
March 13, 2015
DNF
Sooo bland. I didn't mind the constant "will ya"s, but when it came to introducing husband in the 18th century as "love muffin", it's time to jump ship.
Sooo bland. I didn't mind the constant "will ya"s, but when it came to introducing husband in the 18th century as "love muffin", it's time to jump ship.
March 4, 2020
Between being sick and having oral surgery, I had a lot of time on my hands and read a whole bunch of this author’s books.
They’re the kind of book I’m embarrassed to admit to reading - not because they’re smutty (they are all clean) - but because they’re just rather ridiculous and the writing quality is not great.
However, they kept my attention from page one and were a nice diversion when I was feeling pretty poorly.
This particular story was exasperating for multiple reasons but obviously still interesting enough for me to finish it and it did have some sweet moments inbetween all the ridiculousness haha.
They’re the kind of book I’m embarrassed to admit to reading - not because they’re smutty (they are all clean) - but because they’re just rather ridiculous and the writing quality is not great.
However, they kept my attention from page one and were a nice diversion when I was feeling pretty poorly.
This particular story was exasperating for multiple reasons but obviously still interesting enough for me to finish it and it did have some sweet moments inbetween all the ridiculousness haha.
June 20, 2021
4.5 Romance Stars
Ok, first we need to address the horrific cover art and debatably worse title. Marica, you're the bomb, but this cover is simply cringe-worthy.
Now of course we all know about judging a book, and these pages were far more delightful than you'd be lead to believe. Cute, quirky, with a heroine that reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, and a marriage-of-covenience plotline that invariable sucks you in.
Plus, Marcia just knows how to write those entertaining scenes that make you perk up and grab a bowl of popcorn.
Ok, first we need to address the horrific cover art and debatably worse title. Marica, you're the bomb, but this cover is simply cringe-worthy.
Now of course we all know about judging a book, and these pages were far more delightful than you'd be lead to believe. Cute, quirky, with a heroine that reminded me of Anne of Green Gables, and a marriage-of-covenience plotline that invariable sucks you in.
Plus, Marcia just knows how to write those entertaining scenes that make you perk up and grab a bowl of popcorn.
July 12, 2024
I hadn't read this book since my early teens. Now, being married to a garden and fruit tree obsessed husband, it hit different 😂 I've been in a pretty bad reading slump. I can't focus or care to get into a book. So I'm thankful this lovely book cured me and let me have an enjoyable escape.
June 27, 2013
300 pages
A marriage of convenience, no required heir or the entanglement of sex to fuzzy up the plot.
Uncommonly handsome Brevan McLean is nothing if not practical, he works his farm from sunup to sundown and needs a pack mule, oops I mean a wife to help him. Brevan harbours no silly romantic notions in his head so he’s care less about looks, his only real requirement is that his mail order bride must be from sturdy stock. Sturdy is not how he would have described the too slim but very cute woman who stepped off the train from Chicago. Immediately he tries to send her back but Genieva has her own personal reasons for thwarting his plans and facing off with the big man glaring down at her, as if she could possibly help her physical attributes or lack of.
Keeping house and her allocated share of farm chores is tougher than Genieva ever imagined but she’s got a point to prove to that stubborn Irishman and she will prove it or drop dead trying.
When the feud over land escalates between the McLeans and the powerful Archuleta family and his wee wife becomes the object of a dark obsession Brevan is not only fighting to keep his wife alive but forced to re-evaluate his stubborn stance on this marriage of convenience.
I loved the banter between Brevan’s brothers and their wives but particularly enjoyed the interaction between Brevan and Genieva. Brevan is a no fuss man, he says what he means and means what he says. Genieva growing up in a suppressed household struggles mightily with his forthright manner and his insistence on manhandling her person in places that are simply not proper. Like her ankle for example. I’m still chuckling as I write.
Initially getting past the Irish brogue was a bit difficult but in the end it didn’t detract from the story.
This is a clean and slow paced romance, if concentration on the plot with some hot kissing and one closed bedroom door scene is what you prefer you’ll like this one. I prefer mine a lot hotter and I like the other side of the bedroom door too but this was an enjoyable read nonetheless.
May 9, 2010
sweet story of how love can blossom in any situation. Brevan wrote an advertisement for wife and after corresponding with a woman by the name of Genieva, the agree to a "convenience marriage." She boards the train from Chicago taking her future into her hands to meet and marry a stranger in Colorado, leaving behind an unwanted arranged marriage. She meets Brevan at the train station and there is an instant attraction in both of them. Breven was expecting an old, fat, wrinkled woman that he would have no problem with being drawn to, but genieva would be another story. The situation had arisen for him to marry because his younger brother and sister had marriage and he needed help on his farm and with the housework...he couldn't do it alone. Genieva tries to still her heart from the attraction, but it is no use. She is frustrated and insecure with how handsome Brevan is and the unfounded rumors in town about him. She learns about the family conflict between lita and Brevans' family over land because of the accident with his father and the stanpeed and the heat is turned up as the Archeleta family turns to violence against Brevan in hopes of scaring him off the land. Genieva puts her phyical where fare on the line as the threat turns to her as well. Eventually good rules out the bad and Brevan succumbs to his true growing feelings for Genieva, not as his hired hand/wife, but as his love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews