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Frontier Legacy Brides #1
A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee
She promised her father to protect her home and sister. She didn't know about the attached arranged marriage to a stranger. Will this enemy become a man she can love?
For months Heaven Wharton has fought off marauders while caring for her blind sister. When a man charges the house, Heaven once again fires a warning shot. This time the bullet hits its mark. Can she and her sister save him?
Travis Logan, a Civil War field doctor has sworn off both war and medicine. But when a man collapses at his feet, Travis lends his aid. But once again it’s not enough. Before the man dies, he makes Travis promise to take his land and what comes with it. As Travis and Heaven both struggle to control their destinies, will they learn that only a heart that follows God can find peace on earth?
Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee is a heartwarming Christian historical romance set at the end of the American Civil War. If you like happily ever after stories and lighthearted humor, then you'll love Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's entertaining tale.
Read now to be transported into a timeless love story today!
For months Heaven Wharton has fought off marauders while caring for her blind sister. When a man charges the house, Heaven once again fires a warning shot. This time the bullet hits its mark. Can she and her sister save him?
Travis Logan, a Civil War field doctor has sworn off both war and medicine. But when a man collapses at his feet, Travis lends his aid. But once again it’s not enough. Before the man dies, he makes Travis promise to take his land and what comes with it. As Travis and Heaven both struggle to control their destinies, will they learn that only a heart that follows God can find peace on earth?
Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee is a heartwarming Christian historical romance set at the end of the American Civil War. If you like happily ever after stories and lighthearted humor, then you'll love Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's entertaining tale.
Read now to be transported into a timeless love story today!
319 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2012
241 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
41 books182 followersAfter much writing, re-writing, and reading I've learned the best way to tell a story is from the heart and then let the mind edit it so others can read it.
CBA and ECPA best-selling Christian author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, writes historical and contemporary romances. She writes fiction about women choosing to challenge their fears to become the strong women God intended them to be.
Be sure to follow Diana on Bookbub for the latest on sales https://bit.ly/346SkGP
Author of: Mind of Her Own, The Frontier Legacy Bride series, Small Town Series, and the Silverton Romance Series.
CBA and ECPA best-selling Christian author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, writes historical and contemporary romances. She writes fiction about women choosing to challenge their fears to become the strong women God intended them to be.
Be sure to follow Diana on Bookbub for the latest on sales https://bit.ly/346SkGP
Author of: Mind of Her Own, The Frontier Legacy Bride series, Small Town Series, and the Silverton Romance Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 26, 2012
I met Diana Brandmeyer online several years ago when we both had books with the same electronic publisher and have been a fan a long time. While I was predisposed to like Diana's latest book, historical romance isn't a favorite genre for me, so my review is as objective and unbiased as humanly possible.
I love the characters, especially Heaven, Angel, and Travis. My minor complaint about the characters is that I wondered for about halfway through the book how old Angel was. At various times in the story, I guessed her age to be younger or older than it actually was when it was finally mentioned. I hope to read more about Annabelle and Jake in a future book.
The faith message is intricately woven into the story so that it teaches but doesn't preach. A strong woman's struggle to be independent, a discouraged doctor's desire to avoid medical failures, a pre-teen's will to live a normal life in spite of a disability, a father's attempt to provide a safe future for his daughters, a guilt-ridden soldier's efforts to withdraw from society, and a jilted young woman's plan to run away from embarrassment combine in an intriguing story in post-Civil War Tennessee. Add a little humor, and you have a real winner that will appeal to fans of Christian fiction, lovers of romance, readers who enjoy history of Civil War times, and those who like to read a love story that acknowledges physical attraction but focuses on emotional connection.
I love the characters, especially Heaven, Angel, and Travis. My minor complaint about the characters is that I wondered for about halfway through the book how old Angel was. At various times in the story, I guessed her age to be younger or older than it actually was when it was finally mentioned. I hope to read more about Annabelle and Jake in a future book.
The faith message is intricately woven into the story so that it teaches but doesn't preach. A strong woman's struggle to be independent, a discouraged doctor's desire to avoid medical failures, a pre-teen's will to live a normal life in spite of a disability, a father's attempt to provide a safe future for his daughters, a guilt-ridden soldier's efforts to withdraw from society, and a jilted young woman's plan to run away from embarrassment combine in an intriguing story in post-Civil War Tennessee. Add a little humor, and you have a real winner that will appeal to fans of Christian fiction, lovers of romance, readers who enjoy history of Civil War times, and those who like to read a love story that acknowledges physical attraction but focuses on emotional connection.
May 14, 2012
More like 4.5 stars, but still an excellent read. I loved how the author had the character's dialog so unique and well done that I could hear their voices in my head while they spoke. Each character had a distinct voice and way of thinking. That made this book stand out from others. Plus, it wasn't boring. Just being honest here. While the story itself isn't exceptional in the sense that it's not very unique, it still made me smile and had plenty of redeeming qualities. The spiritual arc in the story was one of them. And the sister being blind made me think of Mary from Little House on the Prairie. Just sayin'.
I also enjoyed the romance. It was interesting reading alternating perspectives from two different groups of people finally intersecting about three quarters of the way through the book, and at the same time it seemed to take away from the main story. Not sure how else to explain that. At any rate, the romance was sweet and tender, the hero was admirable and appealing, and the younger sister was just precious in how she said what she was thinking without worrying about propriety. I found that adorable and her older sister's love touching. The heroine was stronger than she realized and sometimes being less dependent helps that strength come out. All in all, a solid read and one I would recommend without hesitation.
I also enjoyed the romance. It was interesting reading alternating perspectives from two different groups of people finally intersecting about three quarters of the way through the book, and at the same time it seemed to take away from the main story. Not sure how else to explain that. At any rate, the romance was sweet and tender, the hero was admirable and appealing, and the younger sister was just precious in how she said what she was thinking without worrying about propriety. I found that adorable and her older sister's love touching. The heroine was stronger than she realized and sometimes being less dependent helps that strength come out. All in all, a solid read and one I would recommend without hesitation.
June 5, 2020
“Heaven, you don’t have to go through this alone.”
Their connection snapped. Unsettled, she hugged the picture to her chest. “We’ve never been alone, Dr. Logan. God has always been with us.”
I really enjoyed this story more than I even expected to!
Heaven’s story really held my interest. She’s only eighteen, all alone on a little farm in Tennessee waiting for word from her father that she hasn’t received. She has to take care of her blind little sister and keep her safe. Then one day a strange man rides up on a horse claiming that her father gave everything to him... including herself. I don’t know about you but this would be really hard for me to handle. She suddenly has to accept that everything she has belongs to this man she doesn’t even know... and her father gave him permission. Wow...
•
The characters were all really great!
Heaven was such a strong character. I could identify with her in different ways. As an older sister, I can see why she worried about her little sister so much. The responsibility placed on her was a not little one either. But throughout it all, she always put Angel before herself. She only wanted what was best her even if that meant denying her own happiness.
She always kept up the fight. She never gave up. But she was very real and believable too. She had her break downs like we all do but she still never gave up. She was always seeking to do the right thing. I found her inspiring and a good role model!
•
Travis Logan was a character I liked and then got frustrated with at the same time. But in the end, you really can’t help but love him. Especially since he’s so sweet to Angel. Awww. He’s such a gentleman too.
•
Angel was a wonderful darling! I really could feel her frustration at people trying to do everything for her or thinking her less capable due to her blindness. I can’t imagine how frustrating that truly would be. But she’s a sweet, spunky little thing and I loved her! I also admired her because she never allowed herself to feel sorry for herself even though she easily could have.
•
The side characters such as Jake and Annabelle were interesting too. At the moment I don’t like Jake much... but maybe that will change in book 2. But I can understand how his being in the war would be scarring. I’m excited to know more of his story!
I liked Annabelle a lot from the little I saw of her! Hopefully we will hear more about her as well.
•
This book really felt like home to me and I think that’s a big reason why I liked it so much. The south,the country, and the setting all was home for me. I also enjoy this time period a lot. It reminded me slightly of Little House and Little House is so close to my heart!
•
The only thing I would add as a con is that all of the different point of views may be a little frustrating at times but I really didn’t mind it much. I enjoyed getting into all of the different characters heads. It really helped me feel like I knew them.
•
So final thoughts? I think this book was great! Those who enjoy post-Civil War, mid-1800s stories or stories set in the south will enjoy this. Also those who enjoy stories similar to Little House where you must survive on what little you have, dealing with illnesses, etc...
A solid 4 stars for me!
•
*I’d like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book. I was not obligated to review it. :)
Their connection snapped. Unsettled, she hugged the picture to her chest. “We’ve never been alone, Dr. Logan. God has always been with us.”
I really enjoyed this story more than I even expected to!
Heaven’s story really held my interest. She’s only eighteen, all alone on a little farm in Tennessee waiting for word from her father that she hasn’t received. She has to take care of her blind little sister and keep her safe. Then one day a strange man rides up on a horse claiming that her father gave everything to him... including herself. I don’t know about you but this would be really hard for me to handle. She suddenly has to accept that everything she has belongs to this man she doesn’t even know... and her father gave him permission. Wow...
•
The characters were all really great!
Heaven was such a strong character. I could identify with her in different ways. As an older sister, I can see why she worried about her little sister so much. The responsibility placed on her was a not little one either. But throughout it all, she always put Angel before herself. She only wanted what was best her even if that meant denying her own happiness.
She always kept up the fight. She never gave up. But she was very real and believable too. She had her break downs like we all do but she still never gave up. She was always seeking to do the right thing. I found her inspiring and a good role model!
•
Travis Logan was a character I liked and then got frustrated with at the same time. But in the end, you really can’t help but love him. Especially since he’s so sweet to Angel. Awww. He’s such a gentleman too.
•
Angel was a wonderful darling! I really could feel her frustration at people trying to do everything for her or thinking her less capable due to her blindness. I can’t imagine how frustrating that truly would be. But she’s a sweet, spunky little thing and I loved her! I also admired her because she never allowed herself to feel sorry for herself even though she easily could have.
•
The side characters such as Jake and Annabelle were interesting too. At the moment I don’t like Jake much... but maybe that will change in book 2. But I can understand how his being in the war would be scarring. I’m excited to know more of his story!
I liked Annabelle a lot from the little I saw of her! Hopefully we will hear more about her as well.
•
This book really felt like home to me and I think that’s a big reason why I liked it so much. The south,the country, and the setting all was home for me. I also enjoy this time period a lot. It reminded me slightly of Little House and Little House is so close to my heart!
•
The only thing I would add as a con is that all of the different point of views may be a little frustrating at times but I really didn’t mind it much. I enjoyed getting into all of the different characters heads. It really helped me feel like I knew them.
•
So final thoughts? I think this book was great! Those who enjoy post-Civil War, mid-1800s stories or stories set in the south will enjoy this. Also those who enjoy stories similar to Little House where you must survive on what little you have, dealing with illnesses, etc...
A solid 4 stars for me!
•
*I’d like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book. I was not obligated to review it. :)
August 13, 2012
I do think this novel might be my latest “cute novel find”. A sweet romance with characters that had me chuckling and loving their antics upon the page, was the perfect end to my restful Sunday, while also completely entertaining me.
I have to give a bit of attention to the most unique character names I think I’ve ever read. Heaven and Angel threw me once in a while, thinking I was reading a cliché instead of a name, but I loved the little twists given their names for the enjoyment of the reader.
I loved the light-hearted side of this novel. Yes, there were serious issues the characters tackled; it’s not comedy by any means, but some of the character’s thought processes and their excellent dialogue had me chuckling.
Angel just might be my favorite character in the story. What the little girl lacks in sight, she more than makes up for in wit. What a pistol.
Heaven and Travis have great chemistry on the page and their dialogue was great. Their story is a quick read, but one that took me out of the everyday stress of my life and gave me welcome, pleasure-filled time amongst the pages. A good score for this newest Barbour line!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
I have to give a bit of attention to the most unique character names I think I’ve ever read. Heaven and Angel threw me once in a while, thinking I was reading a cliché instead of a name, but I loved the little twists given their names for the enjoyment of the reader.
I loved the light-hearted side of this novel. Yes, there were serious issues the characters tackled; it’s not comedy by any means, but some of the character’s thought processes and their excellent dialogue had me chuckling.
Angel just might be my favorite character in the story. What the little girl lacks in sight, she more than makes up for in wit. What a pistol.
Heaven and Travis have great chemistry on the page and their dialogue was great. Their story is a quick read, but one that took me out of the everyday stress of my life and gave me welcome, pleasure-filled time amongst the pages. A good score for this newest Barbour line!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
July 12, 2020
A Bride’s Dilemma by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer is a sweet historical romance taking place in the small town of Friendship, Tennessee shortly after the end of the civil war. The story is filled with delightful and witty dialogue along with scenes that had me laughing out loud. I enjoyed the wholesome nature of the story and found myself easing into both the time period and the character’s lives. A lovely romance to escape with.
January 23, 2015
About this book:
“Heaven’s Stolen His Heart.
After witnessing the ravages of the Civil War, Travis Logan vowed to give up doctoring. But when fellow steamboat passenger Caleb Wharton collapses at his feet, Travis knows he must lend his aid. As the old man lies dying, he makes Travis promise to take care of his land and find Heaven. Travis can’t help but wonder what Heaven has to do with a real place, so he heads to Caleb’s farm to fulfill his promise.
Weeks of facing marauders and caring for her father’s home have finally taken their toll on Heaven Wharton. When an unknown young man charges the house, Heaven attempts to fire a warning shot but ends up shooting the man instead. Shocked, she and her sister, Angel, drag a semi-conscious Travis into the house and nurse him back to health.
As Travis and Heaven both struggle to control their destinies, will they learn that only a heart that follows God can ever find peace on earth?”
Series: Part of the “Brides & Wedding” series. {They don’t have to be read in order; all should end with a City, State in the title. You can see our review of “A Bride’s Portrait in Dodge City, Kansas” Here!}
Spiritual Content- Mentions of Prayers, Praying and actual Praying; Mentions of Jesus’ birthday; Mentions of church going & Scriptures; Bibles reading & mentions of different parts of the Bible; A couple Scriptures are quoted; Jake tries to play the doubting game with Angel (trying to get her to doubt about God).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sissified’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘hush’s, two ‘stupid’s; A fox attacks a hen-house & many hens are killed (semi-detailed); Mentions of killing/hunting animals for meat; Mentions of the war; a Mention of gambling; a Mention of having to put a horse down; a Mention of smoking; Blood (barely-above-not-detailed); People die (not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a Not-detailed kiss, Two semi-detailed kisses & a detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & Mentions of kisses; Noticing; a women asks if another women & man slept overnight in the same house (that second women wonders if the other women meant under the same quilt; which they didn’t.); Love, falling in love, and the emotions.
-Heaven Wharton
-Travis Logan
P.O.V. switches between them, Angel, Annabelle & Jake
Set in After the Civil War {Maybe 1866? It’s not written}
316 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{ Lower these ratings half a star for very sensitive animal lovers. }
Again, I say, I like Western novels with the lady almost shooting her future lover. {Why? Maybe because it’s a women with a gun, protecting herself?} I enjoyed this novel but had to work on not dwelling on the animal killings. And I’d like to add how much I adore Angel! I’d love to see a story with her as the main character when she’s Heaven’s age!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Heaven’s Stolen His Heart.
After witnessing the ravages of the Civil War, Travis Logan vowed to give up doctoring. But when fellow steamboat passenger Caleb Wharton collapses at his feet, Travis knows he must lend his aid. As the old man lies dying, he makes Travis promise to take care of his land and find Heaven. Travis can’t help but wonder what Heaven has to do with a real place, so he heads to Caleb’s farm to fulfill his promise.
Weeks of facing marauders and caring for her father’s home have finally taken their toll on Heaven Wharton. When an unknown young man charges the house, Heaven attempts to fire a warning shot but ends up shooting the man instead. Shocked, she and her sister, Angel, drag a semi-conscious Travis into the house and nurse him back to health.
As Travis and Heaven both struggle to control their destinies, will they learn that only a heart that follows God can ever find peace on earth?”
Series: Part of the “Brides & Wedding” series. {They don’t have to be read in order; all should end with a City, State in the title. You can see our review of “A Bride’s Portrait in Dodge City, Kansas” Here!}
Spiritual Content- Mentions of Prayers, Praying and actual Praying; Mentions of Jesus’ birthday; Mentions of church going & Scriptures; Bibles reading & mentions of different parts of the Bible; A couple Scriptures are quoted; Jake tries to play the doubting game with Angel (trying to get her to doubt about God).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘sissified’, two ‘dumb’s, two ‘hush’s, two ‘stupid’s; A fox attacks a hen-house & many hens are killed (semi-detailed); Mentions of killing/hunting animals for meat; Mentions of the war; a Mention of gambling; a Mention of having to put a horse down; a Mention of smoking; Blood (barely-above-not-detailed); People die (not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a Not-detailed kiss, Two semi-detailed kisses & a detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & Mentions of kisses; Noticing; a women asks if another women & man slept overnight in the same house (that second women wonders if the other women meant under the same quilt; which they didn’t.); Love, falling in love, and the emotions.
-Heaven Wharton
-Travis Logan
P.O.V. switches between them, Angel, Annabelle & Jake
Set in After the Civil War {Maybe 1866? It’s not written}
316 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{ Lower these ratings half a star for very sensitive animal lovers. }
Again, I say, I like Western novels with the lady almost shooting her future lover. {Why? Maybe because it’s a women with a gun, protecting herself?} I enjoyed this novel but had to work on not dwelling on the animal killings. And I’d like to add how much I adore Angel! I’d love to see a story with her as the main character when she’s Heaven’s age!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
May 2, 2012
On the heels of the Civil War, a dying man gave Doctor Travis Logan the deed to his Tennessee farm. The man’s brain must have been a bit addled, because he also offered Travis Heaven and Angel.
Life is tough in Tennessee as the war closes, and Heaven Wharton has her hands full keeping marauders off her land. Surely soon Pa will return to take Heaven and her sister off to Chicago. Too bad Heaven is a lousy shot. When she attempts to shoot over a man’s head, she accidentally grazes him instead. Horrified, she drags him into the house and tries to save his life.
Angel, her 12-year-old blind sister, has been trying to get a bit more freedom to do things on the farm, but Heaven has been protecting her. It’s been a stop-gap measure while they wait for Pa. But when the stranger regains consciousness, she finds that not only has Pa died and given away the family farm to this. . .this stranger, but he’s thrown in Heaven and Angel as well. Surely that can’t be right!
A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee is a wonderful glimpse of life in a difficult time. So many men didn’t return home from the Civil War and, of those who did, many were so changed they found it impossible to pick up their lives where they’d left off. This story showcases several characters with differing levels of war-induced trauma, making the issues feel very real.
Although I loved Heaven’s spunk and Travis’s determination, my favorite character was Angel. She has such conflicting emotions and no hesitation speaking up, from wondering if she is a suitable chaperone (being as she’s blind), to telling both Heaven and Travis things to make them think more kindly of the other. So many times I wanted to laugh and cry and cheer with Angel.
If you enjoy historical romance, or possibly even if you don’t, you’ll love A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennesee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer. This is one of my favorite books so far this year.
A digital copy of this novel was provided by the author for review. However, the opinions are, as always, mine alone.
Life is tough in Tennessee as the war closes, and Heaven Wharton has her hands full keeping marauders off her land. Surely soon Pa will return to take Heaven and her sister off to Chicago. Too bad Heaven is a lousy shot. When she attempts to shoot over a man’s head, she accidentally grazes him instead. Horrified, she drags him into the house and tries to save his life.
Angel, her 12-year-old blind sister, has been trying to get a bit more freedom to do things on the farm, but Heaven has been protecting her. It’s been a stop-gap measure while they wait for Pa. But when the stranger regains consciousness, she finds that not only has Pa died and given away the family farm to this. . .this stranger, but he’s thrown in Heaven and Angel as well. Surely that can’t be right!
A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee is a wonderful glimpse of life in a difficult time. So many men didn’t return home from the Civil War and, of those who did, many were so changed they found it impossible to pick up their lives where they’d left off. This story showcases several characters with differing levels of war-induced trauma, making the issues feel very real.
Although I loved Heaven’s spunk and Travis’s determination, my favorite character was Angel. She has such conflicting emotions and no hesitation speaking up, from wondering if she is a suitable chaperone (being as she’s blind), to telling both Heaven and Travis things to make them think more kindly of the other. So many times I wanted to laugh and cry and cheer with Angel.
If you enjoy historical romance, or possibly even if you don’t, you’ll love A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennesee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer. This is one of my favorite books so far this year.
A digital copy of this novel was provided by the author for review. However, the opinions are, as always, mine alone.
Read
May 17, 2012All Travis Logan, a reluctant doctor, wants is to raise horses. But what's a man to do when someone offers him a Tennessee farm and heaven?
When Heaven Wharton's ma drilled into her all the proprieties of being a lady in society, she should have included a lesson on the impropriety of shooting a stranger, even if it's accidental.
This is how the hero and heroine in A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee meet. He tries to save her father's life. She shoots him.
As lighthearted as that sounds, from the get-go, we're drawn into the sad state of affairs in the Wharton cabin. The family of four who once lived a middle-class life in Nashville is now a family of two, one of whom is blind, living on a rundown farm in a backwoods community. Heaven tries hard to take care of her sister, but her mother focused on preparing her for life in society and not the practicalities of keeping a home. She becomes a worrywart whose overprotective tendancies irk her younger sister.
Travis is a likeable character who shows a great bit of patience in dealing with Heaven. He has his own worrisome issues to work through. Does he practice medicine or doesn't he? Should he marry Heaven and, if he does, how can they have the same type of loving relationship his parents knew? And what does he do once the old beau shows up from the dead?
Diana Brandmeyer weaves humor through a serious story of worry over daily survival and drives home the point that we should, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
If you're looking for a light read to take on vacation---one that sparks laughter and a few "oh,no" moments---then check out Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee.
When Heaven Wharton's ma drilled into her all the proprieties of being a lady in society, she should have included a lesson on the impropriety of shooting a stranger, even if it's accidental.
This is how the hero and heroine in A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee meet. He tries to save her father's life. She shoots him.
As lighthearted as that sounds, from the get-go, we're drawn into the sad state of affairs in the Wharton cabin. The family of four who once lived a middle-class life in Nashville is now a family of two, one of whom is blind, living on a rundown farm in a backwoods community. Heaven tries hard to take care of her sister, but her mother focused on preparing her for life in society and not the practicalities of keeping a home. She becomes a worrywart whose overprotective tendancies irk her younger sister.
Travis is a likeable character who shows a great bit of patience in dealing with Heaven. He has his own worrisome issues to work through. Does he practice medicine or doesn't he? Should he marry Heaven and, if he does, how can they have the same type of loving relationship his parents knew? And what does he do once the old beau shows up from the dead?
Diana Brandmeyer weaves humor through a serious story of worry over daily survival and drives home the point that we should, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
If you're looking for a light read to take on vacation---one that sparks laughter and a few "oh,no" moments---then check out Diana Lesire Brandmeyer's A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee.
April 29, 2013
What a dilemma!
Travis Logan thinks he can run away from his past and his calling as a doctor to become a horse rancher. When he bumps into a man on the steamboat, his life is changed; Travis Logan believes in the direction he wants his future to go.
More importantly, before dying, Caleb Wharton had given Travis the deed to his land and offered him heaven.
Travis Logan soon finds out that heaven could mean the beauty of the land or it could mean Heaven Wharton and her sister Angel.
Meanwhile Heaven and her sister, Angel, are trying to keep things going on the farm, waiting for their father to return. When a stranger arrives on the farm, Heather shoots a warning shot in the air, but she misses and accidentally shoots the stranger.
What a dilemma!
The stranger is none other than Travis Logan coming to claim his land and heaven….excuse the pun….
What a dilemma!
I loved reading A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee. Diana Lesire Brandmeyer has a knack of making her characters real-life-people. She added romance, humor, and faith lessons. She mixed all the ingredients with more than a pinch of dilemma, resulting in a delightful read with an interesting plot. I have to admit when Jake, from Heather’s past, appeared, I was worried. This was a dilemma. I hoped she would choose Travis, but was that the right choice?
I recommend A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee to all romance lovers, and all readers who enjoy a dilemma.
The Author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, provided this eBook to me for free in exchange for this honest review.
Travis Logan thinks he can run away from his past and his calling as a doctor to become a horse rancher. When he bumps into a man on the steamboat, his life is changed; Travis Logan believes in the direction he wants his future to go.
More importantly, before dying, Caleb Wharton had given Travis the deed to his land and offered him heaven.
Travis Logan soon finds out that heaven could mean the beauty of the land or it could mean Heaven Wharton and her sister Angel.
Meanwhile Heaven and her sister, Angel, are trying to keep things going on the farm, waiting for their father to return. When a stranger arrives on the farm, Heather shoots a warning shot in the air, but she misses and accidentally shoots the stranger.
What a dilemma!
The stranger is none other than Travis Logan coming to claim his land and heaven….excuse the pun….
What a dilemma!
I loved reading A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee. Diana Lesire Brandmeyer has a knack of making her characters real-life-people. She added romance, humor, and faith lessons. She mixed all the ingredients with more than a pinch of dilemma, resulting in a delightful read with an interesting plot. I have to admit when Jake, from Heather’s past, appeared, I was worried. This was a dilemma. I hoped she would choose Travis, but was that the right choice?
I recommend A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee to all romance lovers, and all readers who enjoy a dilemma.
The Author, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, provided this eBook to me for free in exchange for this honest review.
July 30, 2020
Excellent book
Once I started reading this book,I couldn't put it down. I laughed and cried right along side the characters. I guess I fell in love with it more because I knew some of the phrases used in it, because I'm from the South. I loved everything about this book and can't wait to start the next one, and read more about the characters from this book.
Once I started reading this book,I couldn't put it down. I laughed and cried right along side the characters. I guess I fell in love with it more because I knew some of the phrases used in it, because I'm from the South. I loved everything about this book and can't wait to start the next one, and read more about the characters from this book.
August 27, 2025
This book is an absolute gem! It intricately weaves a captivating love triangle that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Heaven faces a heart-wrenching decision between two extraordinary men—should she follow the yearnings of her heart or adhere to her parents' expectations? This story is an undeniable must-read! The characters are richly developed, and their friendships envelop you in a comforting embrace. I wholeheartedly recommend this series; in fact, I was so eager to continue the journey that I purchased the entire collection directly from the author's website!
April 21, 2012
A couple months ago I was in a reading slump. It seemed everything I picked up was either poorly edited or had cardboard characters. But the last three books I've read renewed my love for reading! A Bride's Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer is the latest great book.
Read more of my review on Monday, April 23, 2012 at http://carriedaws.com/?p=768.
Read more of my review on Monday, April 23, 2012 at http://carriedaws.com/?p=768.
June 7, 2012
This was a random book I found on the new book shelf at the library, and I was pleasantly surprised! I really quite liked the plot, and the writing was very gripping, right from the start. The author didn't dilly-dally getting into the meat of the story.
I found the female character's names quite cheesy. Heaven and Angel? Blegh. Kill me now. But the characters themselves were very likable. Especially Travis Logan... ;) I was SORT OF annoyed about the weak love triangle that was introduced about 75% of the way through the book... more annoyed that Heaven even entertained the idea of marrying the other guy for more than 15 minutes. Seriously. Jerkazoid! Duh! I'm sorry, but a man that is rude to small children is NOT a good man to marry. Period.
I was a LITTLE worried when I found out Angel was blind, because that can be done VERY poorly, but it wasn't in this case. I loved how Travis helped Heaven realize that she needed to stop being SO CRAZY PARANOID that something was going to happen to Angel, but to let her learn to do things for herself. And having a blind sister that you feel responsible for blinding in the first place is a pretty good issue to need the heroine to get over, you know? For the most part though, Heaven was a strong woman with reasonable vulnerabilities. She acted a bit stupid near the end, but she comes around. The ending (with the green beans) was a BIT convenient, but the story ended like 3 or 4 pages later, so whatever!
I found the female character's names quite cheesy. Heaven and Angel? Blegh. Kill me now. But the characters themselves were very likable. Especially Travis Logan... ;) I was SORT OF annoyed about the weak love triangle that was introduced about 75% of the way through the book... more annoyed that Heaven even entertained the idea of marrying the other guy for more than 15 minutes. Seriously. Jerkazoid! Duh! I'm sorry, but a man that is rude to small children is NOT a good man to marry. Period.
I was a LITTLE worried when I found out Angel was blind, because that can be done VERY poorly, but it wasn't in this case. I loved how Travis helped Heaven realize that she needed to stop being SO CRAZY PARANOID that something was going to happen to Angel, but to let her learn to do things for herself. And having a blind sister that you feel responsible for blinding in the first place is a pretty good issue to need the heroine to get over, you know? For the most part though, Heaven was a strong woman with reasonable vulnerabilities. She acted a bit stupid near the end, but she comes around. The ending (with the green beans) was a BIT convenient, but the story ended like 3 or 4 pages later, so whatever!
April 24, 2012
This is a sweet story about two people finding unexpected love. The main characters, Travis, Heaven, Angel, and even the animals, are so likeable. Angel's character made me laugh more than once. Her personality really made the book so much better. The plot was a bit expected, not that this is necessarily bad in a romance. However, I did want more of a confrontation between Heaven and her old fiance, Jake. It seemed he sort of fell out of the story. I also wanted more of an ending for Annabelle. The sentence structure overall was good. But a few sentences might have benefited from a bit of a change for better flow, and I found one typo early on - "if", instead of "is". Strangely my first complaint though was the cover. The girl looks too modern for a Civil War story. In fact, I didn't realize it WAS a Civil War era story until I started reading. That said, I enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down to reach the end. If you like Christian fiction romance set in a historical era, this is a great book to read.
August 25, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Heaven, Angel, Travis, Jake and Annebelle--who are all point of view characters. A unique plot with some of the formula historical things. There are the mandatory deaths, but it was a pleasant surprise to have Heaven's dad will the property (and Heaven) to a complete stranger. Heaven was a strong willed heroine, and Angel was a total dear. She stole my heart. Lots of twists and turns, including a goat and a tornado.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction might enjoy A BRIDE'S DILEMMA IN FRIENDSHIP, TENNESSEE.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction might enjoy A BRIDE'S DILEMMA IN FRIENDSHIP, TENNESSEE.
June 21, 2020
Heaven is waiting
Heaven cares for her younger Sister, Angel, and their father's farm. . Travis is a doctor who no longer wants to practice. When Travis shows up with news that their father is dead, and he left the farm to Travvis, Heaven knows she won't let go of the farm. As they get to know each other , will love win over stubornness and their separate desires to settle in and mske something of the farm? A hHeart warming , inspirational historical novel set in post Civil War Tennessee.
Heaven cares for her younger Sister, Angel, and their father's farm. . Travis is a doctor who no longer wants to practice. When Travis shows up with news that their father is dead, and he left the farm to Travvis, Heaven knows she won't let go of the farm. As they get to know each other , will love win over stubornness and their separate desires to settle in and mske something of the farm? A hHeart warming , inspirational historical novel set in post Civil War Tennessee.
June 16, 2012
I liked this book - it was a really cute, light-hearted read. And there was really no question about which guy to choose, so really no dilemma at all!
June 19, 2020
Was a good read. Looking to reading others in this series
August 28, 2020
Heaven and Travis ❤️
This is my first time reading this author's work, and I m not sorry I did! What a story!
Heaven and her little sister, Angel (what great names!) are waiting for their father to return home, not knowing that he has passed away. Heaven was engaged to Jake before the war between the states, but had gotten word that he passed away.
Their father dies on board a ship, but before he passes away, he gives the kindly doctor, Travis Logan, who tried to help him, his farm and asks that he marry his oldest daughter. But has Heaven truly gotten over her loss of Jake?
Travis is a doctor wanting to leave his practice as the war was too much too bear. He has a dream to start a horse farm. He sees Mr Wharton's gift of the farm as an answer to his prayers.
How will Heaven react upon meeting Travis and his announcement that the farm is now his? When you find out, you might be surprised!
I loved Angel's character! What a little firecracker lol! And her quick wit. She said the funniest one-liners! The only thing I would change about this story, is for it to have an extended epilogue. After all that transpired, I wish there was more of an in-depth ending.
This is my first time reading this author's work, and I m not sorry I did! What a story!
Heaven and her little sister, Angel (what great names!) are waiting for their father to return home, not knowing that he has passed away. Heaven was engaged to Jake before the war between the states, but had gotten word that he passed away.
Their father dies on board a ship, but before he passes away, he gives the kindly doctor, Travis Logan, who tried to help him, his farm and asks that he marry his oldest daughter. But has Heaven truly gotten over her loss of Jake?
Travis is a doctor wanting to leave his practice as the war was too much too bear. He has a dream to start a horse farm. He sees Mr Wharton's gift of the farm as an answer to his prayers.
How will Heaven react upon meeting Travis and his announcement that the farm is now his? When you find out, you might be surprised!
I loved Angel's character! What a little firecracker lol! And her quick wit. She said the funniest one-liners! The only thing I would change about this story, is for it to have an extended epilogue. After all that transpired, I wish there was more of an in-depth ending.
June 3, 2020
Heaven Wharton, left alone with her young sister, Angel, in a small cabin outside of town. Their father, gone seeking work.
A Bride's Dilemma deals with a lost love, a time of discovering a new one and coping with other hardships along the way. All the time having your faith tested.
I loved the witty and wise beyond her years, Angel. Even though she is blind, she was so observant of her surroundings and continued to make me laugh at her antics. Heaven, I admired. She was strong-willed, sometimes stubborn, fraught with worry and sadness, but yet continued to care for others first. Two men vying for her hand in marriage kept Heaven confused most of the time. Both men dealing with demons of their own.
I quickly grew to care for all the characters in the book and felt like I knew them. The story will bring out all your emotions. Be sure to keep the tissues handy. Definitely a must-read story filled with love, faith, and second chances.
A Bride's Dilemma deals with a lost love, a time of discovering a new one and coping with other hardships along the way. All the time having your faith tested.
I loved the witty and wise beyond her years, Angel. Even though she is blind, she was so observant of her surroundings and continued to make me laugh at her antics. Heaven, I admired. She was strong-willed, sometimes stubborn, fraught with worry and sadness, but yet continued to care for others first. Two men vying for her hand in marriage kept Heaven confused most of the time. Both men dealing with demons of their own.
I quickly grew to care for all the characters in the book and felt like I knew them. The story will bring out all your emotions. Be sure to keep the tissues handy. Definitely a must-read story filled with love, faith, and second chances.
June 11, 2020
I really liked how real this book seemed – I could really feel the worry of the sisters left home alone running out of food and in danger of the farm being taken from them by force, praying and hoping their father would come home not knowing he was dead and the confusion when Travis finds out the farm he was given has the man’s daughters still living there. Add in medical emergencies and an unwilling doctor, a tornado and unexpected visitors including the return of a fiancé presumed dead in the war and you really do have a dilemma! Very likeable characters despite their imperfections and idiosyncrasies, some very funny bits but also a glimpse into the trauma of both those who fought in the war and those who were left behind. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. I was given an ARC, but this review is entirely my own.
August 23, 2020
Loved this book!
Everyone was running. The Civil War ( nothing about it was civil! ) damaged far more than property. Dr. Logan saw too many lives he could not save. Heaven's family was devastated by illness. Jake's family lost him to the War, only to have him stagger back a year later, his mental state completely changed. These broken lives came together in a small village in western Tennessee. Friendship needed a doctor. Heaven and Angel needed someone to help with getting their lives back on track after losing both tneir parents. Jake wanted to run from himself. A young blind girl could see better than all of them, and she pointed the way to healing.
This was a very goodread. Thank you, Ms Brandmeyer, for sharing your writing talent. I don't write, bot I surely do enjoy a good book.
Everyone was running. The Civil War ( nothing about it was civil! ) damaged far more than property. Dr. Logan saw too many lives he could not save. Heaven's family was devastated by illness. Jake's family lost him to the War, only to have him stagger back a year later, his mental state completely changed. These broken lives came together in a small village in western Tennessee. Friendship needed a doctor. Heaven and Angel needed someone to help with getting their lives back on track after losing both tneir parents. Jake wanted to run from himself. A young blind girl could see better than all of them, and she pointed the way to healing.
This was a very goodread. Thank you, Ms Brandmeyer, for sharing your writing talent. I don't write, bot I surely do enjoy a good book.
March 2, 2021
Exactly What a Historical Romance Should Be
The plot of this story was exactly what I expect from a historical romance set in the South during the reconstruction era. The formatting was odd in a couple of places. There were more than a few typos which could've been spotted easily by beta readers. Those were the main reasons I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.
The characters were interesting and varied. At times, I was annoyed to be reading a side character's POV rather than seeing a continuation of the story. And some of the small details, while interesting, weren't truly necessary to the story about the MCs.
But I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of inspirational, historical romance. In spite of the obvious technical flubs, the story is good.
The plot of this story was exactly what I expect from a historical romance set in the South during the reconstruction era. The formatting was odd in a couple of places. There were more than a few typos which could've been spotted easily by beta readers. Those were the main reasons I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.
The characters were interesting and varied. At times, I was annoyed to be reading a side character's POV rather than seeing a continuation of the story. And some of the small details, while interesting, weren't truly necessary to the story about the MCs.
But I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of inspirational, historical romance. In spite of the obvious technical flubs, the story is good.
August 8, 2020
When Travis approaches the house, Heaven fires a warning shot. The bullet hits him. Heaven and Angel seek to save him, then struggle to control their destinies.
Each character became special as the pages turned. Heaven sought to care for her sister, Angel, who was blind but not weak. Travis Logan, a Civil War field doctor made a promise to a dying man. "Take my land and what comes with it."
I was transported back in history. The Civil War destroyed many. God salvaged lives. The Christian message bloomed in this story. I loved it.
Each character became special as the pages turned. Heaven sought to care for her sister, Angel, who was blind but not weak. Travis Logan, a Civil War field doctor made a promise to a dying man. "Take my land and what comes with it."
I was transported back in history. The Civil War destroyed many. God salvaged lives. The Christian message bloomed in this story. I loved it.
April 21, 2021
This is a sweet story that is a page turner and a must read in my humble opinion. Travis Logan, civil war doctor, attempts to save a man while traveling by steam boat on the Mississippi. Before the man dies he gives Travis title to his farm. He travels to check out the farm and as he approaches the house he is shot off his horse. Haven and her sister , Angel nurse him back to health and he stays to help them after informing them their late father deeded their farm over to him. Soon each are smitten by the other and it makes for one cute love story with a feel good ending.
August 12, 2021
I can’t imagine being a young lady left alone on a farm in a new area with my blind sister waiting for my father to send for me to join him. Heaven Wharton was already displaced from the pre-Civil War south she had grown up knowing. Diane Lesire Brandmeyer takes us back to that time and the fears and hopes of a young woman of that time, not really so different from those of today, security and someone to love and to love her. The twists and turns of this story will keep you up reading to the end.
November 21, 2024
A good story that I enjoyed. The timeline progression of the story was little difficult to follow, but it all worked out. The disruption caused by the War Between the States is the background of the story. The good citizens of Friendship play an important secondary part in the story. Travis Logan thinks he wants a new life. Heaven and Angel Wharton are dealing with running a farm and taking care of each other, which they have very little experience or training to do. Caleb Wharton, Heaven and Angel’s father brings the three of them together in a peculiar way they have to sort out.
June 19, 2017
Heaven and Angel have suffered so much in a short period of time. When Travis comes to Friendship he doesn't expect to find the two girls at the cabin. The way Travis helps them is truly amazing. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. The review is my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
February 5, 2021
My Musings
This is a lovely romance with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. Travis is a troubled man torn between his oath as a doctor and his guilt for being unable to save his patients from raging fever. He believes he no longer wants to be a doctor, so he wants to start a horse farm. Lots happen when he meets Heaven. I loved their love story and the spiritual message in this book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
This is a lovely romance with endearing characters and a heartfelt plot. Travis is a troubled man torn between his oath as a doctor and his guilt for being unable to save his patients from raging fever. He believes he no longer wants to be a doctor, so he wants to start a horse farm. Lots happen when he meets Heaven. I loved their love story and the spiritual message in this book. Happy ☺reading 📚!
April 20, 2021
Travis, Heaven and Angel
This is a sweet, love story written by Diana Desire Brand Meyer. She has done an excellent job with the plot and the characters. This tale is filled with adventure, excitement and plenty of good humor. I greatly enjoyed every page of this book and can't wait to read the next chapter of this adventure.
This is a sweet, love story written by Diana Desire Brand Meyer. She has done an excellent job with the plot and the characters. This tale is filled with adventure, excitement and plenty of good humor. I greatly enjoyed every page of this book and can't wait to read the next chapter of this adventure.
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