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Bowen #2
The Unlikely Wife
The arrival of Michael Bowen's bride, married sight unseen by proxy, sends the rancher reeling. With her trousers, cowboy hat and rifle, she looks like a female outlaw— not the genteel lady he corresponded with for months. He's been hoodwinked into marriage with the wrong woman!
Selina Farleigh Bowen loved Michael's letters, even if she couldn't read them herself. A friend read them to her, and wrote her replies—but apparently that "friend" left things out, like Michael's dream of a wife who was nothing like her. Selina won't change who she is, not even for the man she loves. Yet time might show Michael the true value of his unlikely wife.
Selina Farleigh Bowen loved Michael's letters, even if she couldn't read them herself. A friend read them to her, and wrote her replies—but apparently that "friend" left things out, like Michael's dream of a wife who was nothing like her. Selina won't change who she is, not even for the man she loves. Yet time might show Michael the true value of his unlikely wife.
285 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
29 people are currently reading
684 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 17, 2012
We often have ideas of what we want in life, but they aren’t necessarily what we need. Such was the case with Michael Bowen. He asked the Lord to send him a bride, a genteel, elegant Southern lady. The Lord sent him Selina instead. Of course, he took one look at the rough and tumble, trouser-wearing , but very beautiful young woman, and thought he’d been cheated. It turns out that Selina had her friend write those letters, unaware of the embellishments her friends had made. Nevertheless, Michael was a man who took his vows seriously, and he’d married her, even if she wasn’t the woman he’d fallen in love with via the letters they had exchanged. He would make the best of this marriage, but he didn’t believe he’d ever love her. He was afraid to love the wrong kind of woman after what his eldest brother went through with his first wife.
Selina fell in love with Michael via the letters he’d sent her. She came to Idaho from Kentucky in good faith, determined to be a good wife to her new husband. She was perfectly happy with him, with his good looks, and his honorable personality, and she was happy to have a safe home and plenty of food, and an accepting family of in-laws. However, it was heart breaking knowing that she wasn’t enough for her husband, what he wanted. That he didn’t love her for who she was. Regardless, she too had made vows and she’d keep them. They both prayed that God would make the best of their marriage, and give them the hearts for being a good husband and wife to each other.
Debra Ullrick charmed me with this novel. Her writing is crisp and lively. Her prose nicely descriptive and full of imagery. I found Selina utterly delightful. She is comfortable in her own skin. She’s a giving, generous person who is highly capable of many things, even if that list doesn’t include reading and writing, speaking genteelly, and wearing dresses. She wants to improve things about her that need improving, but she doesn’t want to fit into anyone’s box for her. She believes that God made everyone and everything unique, and that’s the way she wants to stay. I like that she stands up for herself with Michael when he tries to do the bossy husband bit. Like her, I don’t believe being a good wife means being a doormat to one’s husband. She’s perfectly willing to honor and cherish her husband, but she’s not going to let him control her. I loved how she inspired Michael to look at the small things one typically takes for granted, the ever-present beauty of the world around him. To stop and smell the roses. She continually surprised him, and showed him that God knew exactly what he needed in a wife. I loved Selina because she was easy to love. I wanted Michael to feel the same. It took him a while, but ultimately he realized just what a good woman God had brought him.
Michael was a good man. I didn’t like some of his tendencies to be narrow-minded about what he thought his life and his wife should be. I liked that he was a man of faith who truly wanted to do what was right. He was afraid that he couldn’t love his wife, but his actions showed love in that he treated her with respect, took care of her, stood up for her, and opened his life to Selina. He honored his vows, and he showed what he didn’t believe he could feel. Love is about what you do, not what you say. And I could see love in Michael’s actions towards Selina, long before he owned up or acknowledged it.
I am so glad that I read this book, because I enjoyed the story and the messages about the Christian walk in it. Along with a beautiful romance, it made for a very fulfilling read. I liked that even though this is a clean romance, Ms. Ullrick did a good job of conveying the chemistry between Selina and Michael, through their thoughts, their interactions, and their kisses, both gentle and passionate. There’s no question that they have a true love match.
The only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because Michael’s fixation on not being able to love Selina, and her efforts to change herself to make herself worthy of his life, along with the aspects about God giving him the power to love her seemed a bit unromantic. I do believe God shows us what love is, and I think that a Christian marriage should definitely involve God in the process of relating to one’s spouse, but I wanted Michael to realize that he loves Selina out of his own heart. He did come to this conclusion eventually, and realized how he wasn’t doing right by Selina trying to make her something she wasn’t. So that was good.
That issue aside, this was an infectiously readable, wonderful book. I would recommend The Unlikely Wife to any historical romance readers open to a book with an obvious Christian message. I will be reading more by this author.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Selina fell in love with Michael via the letters he’d sent her. She came to Idaho from Kentucky in good faith, determined to be a good wife to her new husband. She was perfectly happy with him, with his good looks, and his honorable personality, and she was happy to have a safe home and plenty of food, and an accepting family of in-laws. However, it was heart breaking knowing that she wasn’t enough for her husband, what he wanted. That he didn’t love her for who she was. Regardless, she too had made vows and she’d keep them. They both prayed that God would make the best of their marriage, and give them the hearts for being a good husband and wife to each other.
Debra Ullrick charmed me with this novel. Her writing is crisp and lively. Her prose nicely descriptive and full of imagery. I found Selina utterly delightful. She is comfortable in her own skin. She’s a giving, generous person who is highly capable of many things, even if that list doesn’t include reading and writing, speaking genteelly, and wearing dresses. She wants to improve things about her that need improving, but she doesn’t want to fit into anyone’s box for her. She believes that God made everyone and everything unique, and that’s the way she wants to stay. I like that she stands up for herself with Michael when he tries to do the bossy husband bit. Like her, I don’t believe being a good wife means being a doormat to one’s husband. She’s perfectly willing to honor and cherish her husband, but she’s not going to let him control her. I loved how she inspired Michael to look at the small things one typically takes for granted, the ever-present beauty of the world around him. To stop and smell the roses. She continually surprised him, and showed him that God knew exactly what he needed in a wife. I loved Selina because she was easy to love. I wanted Michael to feel the same. It took him a while, but ultimately he realized just what a good woman God had brought him.
Michael was a good man. I didn’t like some of his tendencies to be narrow-minded about what he thought his life and his wife should be. I liked that he was a man of faith who truly wanted to do what was right. He was afraid that he couldn’t love his wife, but his actions showed love in that he treated her with respect, took care of her, stood up for her, and opened his life to Selina. He honored his vows, and he showed what he didn’t believe he could feel. Love is about what you do, not what you say. And I could see love in Michael’s actions towards Selina, long before he owned up or acknowledged it.
I am so glad that I read this book, because I enjoyed the story and the messages about the Christian walk in it. Along with a beautiful romance, it made for a very fulfilling read. I liked that even though this is a clean romance, Ms. Ullrick did a good job of conveying the chemistry between Selina and Michael, through their thoughts, their interactions, and their kisses, both gentle and passionate. There’s no question that they have a true love match.
The only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because Michael’s fixation on not being able to love Selina, and her efforts to change herself to make herself worthy of his life, along with the aspects about God giving him the power to love her seemed a bit unromantic. I do believe God shows us what love is, and I think that a Christian marriage should definitely involve God in the process of relating to one’s spouse, but I wanted Michael to realize that he loves Selina out of his own heart. He did come to this conclusion eventually, and realized how he wasn’t doing right by Selina trying to make her something she wasn’t. So that was good.
That issue aside, this was an infectiously readable, wonderful book. I would recommend The Unlikely Wife to any historical romance readers open to a book with an obvious Christian message. I will be reading more by this author.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
September 18, 2016
Selina the hillbilly Cinderelly from Kentucky and Michael the Prince Charming with his head up his arse.
Selina cannot read or write as she was too busy helping her pa and siblings after her mother died. So she gets her friend Aimee to correspond with the farmer who is looking for a mail order bride from the South. Only Aimee embellishes quite a bit and leaves other stuff out. Like how Selina in no way resembles (outwardly) the kind of bride Michael has in mind. Someone exactly like his sister-in-law, Rainee.
Once Selina shows up (in trousers slinging a rifle), things get off to a rocky start. Selina is a straight shooter and Michael is a basically nice guy so they decide to make the best of it. But Michael is a little slow on the uptake and gosh darned if Selina don't jabber on like a Hillbilly. Ain't I wonderin iffin the whole darn state of Kentuckee be writin this here fool author bout hows they think shes dun full of possum Sh*t.
So I have to say although it's a decent play at the lower class gal teaching the upper class guy a thing or two about moral values and truth in love, it got tiresome. Between her talking like a reject from the "Beverley Hillbillies" and all the preachy faith in God rather than using logic to come to your own decision in ANYthing. Well. I guess I skimmed quite a bit.
Selina cannot read or write as she was too busy helping her pa and siblings after her mother died. So she gets her friend Aimee to correspond with the farmer who is looking for a mail order bride from the South. Only Aimee embellishes quite a bit and leaves other stuff out. Like how Selina in no way resembles (outwardly) the kind of bride Michael has in mind. Someone exactly like his sister-in-law, Rainee.
Once Selina shows up (in trousers slinging a rifle), things get off to a rocky start. Selina is a straight shooter and Michael is a basically nice guy so they decide to make the best of it. But Michael is a little slow on the uptake and gosh darned if Selina don't jabber on like a Hillbilly. Ain't I wonderin iffin the whole darn state of Kentuckee be writin this here fool author bout hows they think shes dun full of possum Sh*t.
So I have to say although it's a decent play at the lower class gal teaching the upper class guy a thing or two about moral values and truth in love, it got tiresome. Between her talking like a reject from the "Beverley Hillbillies" and all the preachy faith in God rather than using logic to come to your own decision in ANYthing. Well. I guess I skimmed quite a bit.
September 8, 2014
This started out promising, but lost me along the way. To be honest, I just didn’t like Selina. I really wanted to and I tried, but she just annoyed me. I was hoping to see more character growth with both Selina and Michael, but there was none. I didn’t like how Selina was clinging to her old ways so fiercely and I got tired of how she would act like putting on a dress would somehow fundamentally change her personality. I wish she would have seen that she could be herself in pants or a dress. I hated how she would force her views on Michael and not show respect for his feelings (like continually bringing animals in the house or making him weird food). I didn’t like the message that his feelings were not as important as hers. I support her wanting to help animals, but show respect for your husband and your new house and work out a compromise with him. She is adverse to any change (although she does desire to learn to read) and I wish she would have approached her new life with a better attitude. Learning to read, speak well, dress well would only enhance her personality, not make her worse. I think its always good to try and better ourselves and not settle. I felt like she was settling. I appreciate the characters who "liked her as she was", but I also thought that mentality was holding her back.
About halfway through when I saw that neither was really growing and things started feeling repetitive I lost interest and just skimmed the rest.
I liked the plot, I love mail-order-bride stories. In this case Selina’s best friend fibbed in the letters and portrayed Selina as something totally different than she was. Marrying sight unseen, Michael is stunned when he picked her up at the train station. I liked the idea of these two people coming together from totally different backgrounds and life experiences. The execution for me just feel flat in this one. I know others enjoyed it, so maybe it was just me.
Content
Romance: Clean. Handful of kissing and a lot of thinking about wanting a "real marriage"
Religious: Heavy
About halfway through when I saw that neither was really growing and things started feeling repetitive I lost interest and just skimmed the rest.
I liked the plot, I love mail-order-bride stories. In this case Selina’s best friend fibbed in the letters and portrayed Selina as something totally different than she was. Marrying sight unseen, Michael is stunned when he picked her up at the train station. I liked the idea of these two people coming together from totally different backgrounds and life experiences. The execution for me just feel flat in this one. I know others enjoyed it, so maybe it was just me.
Content
Romance: Clean. Handful of kissing and a lot of thinking about wanting a "real marriage"
Religious: Heavy
August 31, 2018
The Unlikely Wife is the second book in the Bowen series. I've previously read the third book and loved it, so I was looking forward to this one. I didn't like the MC. She seemed too stubborn and really irritated me at times. I did like how the book started out in an interesting way.
All in all, The Unlikely Wife was okay.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
All in all, The Unlikely Wife was okay.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
January 22, 2012
She isn't what he expects, but might she be what he needs?
The Unlikely Wife is a real gem. I loved Selina heart and soul. She is a woman who has grown up in extreme poverty with almost no education and yet finds the joy in things and people most others can't or won't. She has a heart of gold. I ached for her when Michael initially rebuffed her. I cried along with her when he broke her heart. I still don't think he deserved her.
The moral of this story is twofold and spoke to my own heart: that outward appearances are only a part of a person, and that God answers our prayers, even when He doesn't answer our prayers the way we think He should have. His ways and plans are unfailing, even if we cannot understand them.
4.5 stars simply because I didn't feel Michael did enough to deserve this wonderful woman.
The Unlikely Wife is a real gem. I loved Selina heart and soul. She is a woman who has grown up in extreme poverty with almost no education and yet finds the joy in things and people most others can't or won't. She has a heart of gold. I ached for her when Michael initially rebuffed her. I cried along with her when he broke her heart. I still don't think he deserved her.
The moral of this story is twofold and spoke to my own heart: that outward appearances are only a part of a person, and that God answers our prayers, even when He doesn't answer our prayers the way we think He should have. His ways and plans are unfailing, even if we cannot understand them.
4.5 stars simply because I didn't feel Michael did enough to deserve this wonderful woman.
January 8, 2012
My first "favorite" book for 2012!
Well, I've found my first "favorite" book for 2012! This story was fantastic! It warmed my heart and thrilled that emotional part of me that enjoys a smoking romance. I love mail-order-bride types of stories anyway, but this one was better than most. There were so many heart-warming moments that I lost count. There were also great references to the scriptures and to what marriage should be like. I felt inspiration for my own marriage, and that doesn't happen with Love Inspired novels (sorry, but it's true.) I tend to love historical fiction, but not LI fiction, yet this story made me want to read more in this genre. In fact, I think this is my favorite LI novel ever. The plot and pacing were excellent, the story was full of great tension and believable emotion, and the hero and heroine shared the yummiest kisses I've ever read in a LI book. My heart melted every time they kissed. I felt the love and was inspired by it. Seriously!
Bottom line...Debra Ullrick outdid herself on this one. And I loved the fact that I also got to see Rainee and Haydon again from the first book, The Unexpected Bride. I enjoyed that story, too, but I absolutely adored this one. Selena was the most unique and lovable heroine that I've read in a long time. I fell in love with Michael as he fell in love with Selena. I really can't believe how good this book was... but then again, I can. Debra is a talented writer and this story should be on everyone's must-read list for 2012. If you love heart-warming historical romances that contain strong spiritual threads and great romantic tension (and if you don't mind shedding a tear or two, or three or four) then you'll love this book. I guarantee it!
Well, I've found my first "favorite" book for 2012! This story was fantastic! It warmed my heart and thrilled that emotional part of me that enjoys a smoking romance. I love mail-order-bride types of stories anyway, but this one was better than most. There were so many heart-warming moments that I lost count. There were also great references to the scriptures and to what marriage should be like. I felt inspiration for my own marriage, and that doesn't happen with Love Inspired novels (sorry, but it's true.) I tend to love historical fiction, but not LI fiction, yet this story made me want to read more in this genre. In fact, I think this is my favorite LI novel ever. The plot and pacing were excellent, the story was full of great tension and believable emotion, and the hero and heroine shared the yummiest kisses I've ever read in a LI book. My heart melted every time they kissed. I felt the love and was inspired by it. Seriously!
Bottom line...Debra Ullrick outdid herself on this one. And I loved the fact that I also got to see Rainee and Haydon again from the first book, The Unexpected Bride. I enjoyed that story, too, but I absolutely adored this one. Selena was the most unique and lovable heroine that I've read in a long time. I fell in love with Michael as he fell in love with Selena. I really can't believe how good this book was... but then again, I can. Debra is a talented writer and this story should be on everyone's must-read list for 2012. If you love heart-warming historical romances that contain strong spiritual threads and great romantic tension (and if you don't mind shedding a tear or two, or three or four) then you'll love this book. I guarantee it!
March 10, 2016
A good message about not judging a book by its cover. Sweet, light read.
May 16, 2017
The idea intrigued me enough I was willing to read it even though I knew it would have some "preachy" bits in it because it's Love Inspired.
However it didn't take long to see that though both Michael and Selina have preconceived notions about others, Selina quickly learns not all rich people are snobs and soon makes friends in her new community while Michael can't see beyond her outer appearance, the way she talks, and her culture.
He wants it his way. He's the husband so what he says goes (insert eye roll). This is frustrating for Selina who has essentially been the parent/caretaker/adult in her family for over a decade. She is suddenly being treated like a child and being told she must change who she is. She already feels inferior when she discovers her friend Aimee who helped write the letters to Michael did more than stretch the truth about her.
I like Selina and she is strong and smart in so many ways, she knows how to "doctor" people and deliver babies. She however is in love with Michael, having fallen in love with him through his letters so she wants to please and works hard to do so even as she stands her ground in some ways (reminding him she's perfect just the way God made her, same as she tells their nieces), she begins to wear dresses and only wears pants when doing chores. Multiples times she stays up all night to take care of the sick, do chores, fix Michael his breakfast then start on the next days' chores but Michael still has little accommodation for her. He's constantly insulting her in small snide remarks, even if he says them with a laugh, or the food she cooks that to her is perfectly normal he is disgusted by instead of being thankful she cooked him dinner. She even says to him at one point "did you think that maybe I like it? That I miss it?" and he admits to himself that no he didn't.
That's the constant through the book. He is always focused on himself, his past, what he wanted in a wife and not what her expectations were.
Too shallow and judgmental for my taste not to mention no growth for our hero.
The dialogue most of the time sounded like it was written by a twelve year old and not a professional author as well.
It was severely lacking. I wouldn't recommend it.
P.S. the constantly referring to the matriarch as Mother is straight out of a horror movie. Can we say Flowers in The Attic?
However it didn't take long to see that though both Michael and Selina have preconceived notions about others, Selina quickly learns not all rich people are snobs and soon makes friends in her new community while Michael can't see beyond her outer appearance, the way she talks, and her culture.
He wants it his way. He's the husband so what he says goes (insert eye roll). This is frustrating for Selina who has essentially been the parent/caretaker/adult in her family for over a decade. She is suddenly being treated like a child and being told she must change who she is. She already feels inferior when she discovers her friend Aimee who helped write the letters to Michael did more than stretch the truth about her.
I like Selina and she is strong and smart in so many ways, she knows how to "doctor" people and deliver babies. She however is in love with Michael, having fallen in love with him through his letters so she wants to please and works hard to do so even as she stands her ground in some ways (reminding him she's perfect just the way God made her, same as she tells their nieces), she begins to wear dresses and only wears pants when doing chores. Multiples times she stays up all night to take care of the sick, do chores, fix Michael his breakfast then start on the next days' chores but Michael still has little accommodation for her. He's constantly insulting her in small snide remarks, even if he says them with a laugh, or the food she cooks that to her is perfectly normal he is disgusted by instead of being thankful she cooked him dinner. She even says to him at one point "did you think that maybe I like it? That I miss it?" and he admits to himself that no he didn't.
That's the constant through the book. He is always focused on himself, his past, what he wanted in a wife and not what her expectations were.
Too shallow and judgmental for my taste not to mention no growth for our hero.
The dialogue most of the time sounded like it was written by a twelve year old and not a professional author as well.
It was severely lacking. I wouldn't recommend it.
P.S. the constantly referring to the matriarch as Mother is straight out of a horror movie. Can we say Flowers in The Attic?
August 31, 2016
It was time for a Western, and I happened to have a 'Luv Inspired'. Actually, I wanted a 'fell in love thru letters' book. This wasn't what I was hoping. This was a mail Order Annie Oakley book.
Michael is a prissy, rich rancher boy who wants a lady for a wife. Selena is an Annie Oakley type who can't read or write, fixes crawdad tails, snake, and possum stew for supper. Her ladylike friend corresponded on her behalf, and painted a very WRONG picture of Selena for Michael. They married by proxy, and when she showed up after... well.
I didn't care for the book. First, the cliches were over-the-top. Second, Michael's godliness was a major turn-off: very "My way more than God's way", while Selena's was non-existent. The whole book, she's either a spoof of the Kentucky backwoods hick or she's trying to change herself to make Michael happy. Both grated on me.
I wasn't fond of any part of this.
Michael is a prissy, rich rancher boy who wants a lady for a wife. Selena is an Annie Oakley type who can't read or write, fixes crawdad tails, snake, and possum stew for supper. Her ladylike friend corresponded on her behalf, and painted a very WRONG picture of Selena for Michael. They married by proxy, and when she showed up after... well.
I didn't care for the book. First, the cliches were over-the-top. Second, Michael's godliness was a major turn-off: very "My way more than God's way", while Selena's was non-existent. The whole book, she's either a spoof of the Kentucky backwoods hick or she's trying to change herself to make Michael happy. Both grated on me.
I wasn't fond of any part of this.
December 23, 2011
The cover and title, as well as the blurb on the back cover of THE UNLIKELY WIFE by DEBRA ULLRICK, intrigued me. I’m a sucker for historicals, and love the mail-order bride concept. This was my first read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised. Right away I was swept away by the well thought-out characters and the predicament they were placed in.
When Michael Bowen’s wife by proxy arrives by train, he’s more than a little set off. To say the least, she’s nothing like the woman Selina Farleigh Bowen’s letters suggested she was.
Wearing a pair of men’s trousers, Selina is instantly looked upon as an outcast…including from the man she married, sight unseen. It becomes increasingly obvious he’s in love with another woman…the woman who wrote Selina’s letter to Michael, her best friend, Aimee.
A stubborn woman who’s comfortable in her own skin, Selina refused to change for no man. That is until worry over losing the man she loves threatens to consume her. Will Michael ever learn to love a woman that didn’t fit his image of the perfect wife, and learn the true meaning of love?
In reading THE UNLIKELY WIFE, I was introduced to Haydon and Raniee Bowman. Both characters stories spiked my interest. I’ll be placing an order in the future for THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE, to unravel their tale.
When Michael Bowen’s wife by proxy arrives by train, he’s more than a little set off. To say the least, she’s nothing like the woman Selina Farleigh Bowen’s letters suggested she was.
Wearing a pair of men’s trousers, Selina is instantly looked upon as an outcast…including from the man she married, sight unseen. It becomes increasingly obvious he’s in love with another woman…the woman who wrote Selina’s letter to Michael, her best friend, Aimee.
A stubborn woman who’s comfortable in her own skin, Selina refused to change for no man. That is until worry over losing the man she loves threatens to consume her. Will Michael ever learn to love a woman that didn’t fit his image of the perfect wife, and learn the true meaning of love?
In reading THE UNLIKELY WIFE, I was introduced to Haydon and Raniee Bowman. Both characters stories spiked my interest. I’ll be placing an order in the future for THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE, to unravel their tale.
June 16, 2012
Wow! I smiled or laughed all the way through this book!
A historical really has to pull me in, and this one did, starting with the cover. It's so cute, but the story line actually clenched my purchase. How can you not love a person who refuses to change who they are just to get somebody to like them? And you'll love Selina, dialect and all. You can't help but feel sorry for Michael initially, but when he chooses to honor his vows, you really begin to like and respect him. The plot is fun, and the romance lively!
This book isn't just fun and fluff. Ms. Ullrick weaved a subtle message in the story: that God made each person unique, and that we miss out on blessings when we judge people based on outward appearance.
This is the first book I have read by Debra Ullrick, and I wasn't sure what to expect. After reading The Unlikely Wife, I will definitely get my hands on her other books!
A historical really has to pull me in, and this one did, starting with the cover. It's so cute, but the story line actually clenched my purchase. How can you not love a person who refuses to change who they are just to get somebody to like them? And you'll love Selina, dialect and all. You can't help but feel sorry for Michael initially, but when he chooses to honor his vows, you really begin to like and respect him. The plot is fun, and the romance lively!
This book isn't just fun and fluff. Ms. Ullrick weaved a subtle message in the story: that God made each person unique, and that we miss out on blessings when we judge people based on outward appearance.
This is the first book I have read by Debra Ullrick, and I wasn't sure what to expect. After reading The Unlikely Wife, I will definitely get my hands on her other books!
December 13, 2011
The amazing characters from'The Unexpected Bride' are back! Follow Michael Bowens journey to love and the hilarious adventures of the heroine Selina! I couldn't put this book down Debra Ullrick has out done herself again! She creates fascinating characters you fall in love with from Michael to Kitty you just can't get enough! The story grabs you and won't let you go when it's over you will be screaming for more. I cannot wait to see what other journeys of faith love and romance Debra Ullrick takes us next if she isn't on your must read list ADD HER!
January 7, 2012
I LOVED SELINA! This girl is not a back-down, sit-there-and-be-quiet kind. She speaks her mind and is not going to change herself for anybody. And oh, the havoc she visits on Michael's life! Michael, the well-bred, dignified soul who has planned every aspect of being married to the woman who's written him the beautiful letters, right up to the point that Selina actually shows up. Too, TOO funny! But can he open his heart to his well-meaning by backwoods new wife? Can he look past the crawdads and trousers? What a fun read to find out!
August 27, 2015
Found this to be judgemental & passionless. Know that's the point but don't find dictatorial & judgmental entertaining let alone inspiring.
October 26, 2017
Good book. Michael is twenty-seven and ready to settle down with a wife of his own. He admires his sister-in-law Rainee and wants a wife like her - sweet, genteel, educated. He corresponds with a woman back East who seems to fulfill his every dream and marries her by proxy. But when she arrives, Selina is far from what he expected.
Selina is a woman from the hills of Kentucky. She was ten when her mother died and left her father sunk in grief. She took it upon herself to care for the family, learning to hunt, fish, cook, clean, and do many other things. This left her with no time to go to school herself, though she made sure that her brothers went. Because she can't read, she depends on her friend to read Michael's letters to her and respond to them for her. Selina falls hard for the man who wrote such wonderful letters and can't wait to join him. Their first meeting is quite a shock for both Michael and Selina. Michael is stunned that she is the complete opposite of everything he wanted and doesn't hide his disappointment and anger. Selina is hurt that the man she has come to love so obviously doesn't want her. Michael is an honorable man, however, and will abide by his vows.
I have to say that I did not care for Michael at first. I thought he was judgmental and snobby and had no consideration for Selina's feelings. He won back a few points when he stood by her to introduce her to his friends and family. But he still has his vision of the perfect wife stuck in his mind and spent a fair amount of time and energy trying to get Selina to change to meet his expectations.
I liked Selina from the start. She is a strong and capable woman who has adapted to all the curveballs life has thrown at her. She is comfortable with who she is and refuses to be bullied into making changes just to please a man. She is kindhearted and sweet most of the time, but she can be stubborn when the situation calls for it.
I enjoyed the development of Michael and Selina's relationship. They are determined to make their marriage work; they just have to figure out how to deal with each other. I loved seeing Selina make a place for herself in her new world. It didn't take long for everyone else to accept her just as she was. It was great fun to see Selina refuse to change who she is inside. At the same time, she wanted Michael to come to love her. I liked the ways that she found to adapt to his ideals without losing her own. Her vivacity and uniqueness slowly began to work past Michael's tunnel vision, and he began to appreciate her. There were several sweet scenes where he does something that shows he's beginning to understand her, but he doesn't see that his feelings for her are growing and changing. It takes an unexpected visitor to show him that he has had what he wanted all along if he had just opened his eyes and heart to see it. The epilogue was a terrific update on their lives a few months later..
Selina is a woman from the hills of Kentucky. She was ten when her mother died and left her father sunk in grief. She took it upon herself to care for the family, learning to hunt, fish, cook, clean, and do many other things. This left her with no time to go to school herself, though she made sure that her brothers went. Because she can't read, she depends on her friend to read Michael's letters to her and respond to them for her. Selina falls hard for the man who wrote such wonderful letters and can't wait to join him. Their first meeting is quite a shock for both Michael and Selina. Michael is stunned that she is the complete opposite of everything he wanted and doesn't hide his disappointment and anger. Selina is hurt that the man she has come to love so obviously doesn't want her. Michael is an honorable man, however, and will abide by his vows.
I have to say that I did not care for Michael at first. I thought he was judgmental and snobby and had no consideration for Selina's feelings. He won back a few points when he stood by her to introduce her to his friends and family. But he still has his vision of the perfect wife stuck in his mind and spent a fair amount of time and energy trying to get Selina to change to meet his expectations.
I liked Selina from the start. She is a strong and capable woman who has adapted to all the curveballs life has thrown at her. She is comfortable with who she is and refuses to be bullied into making changes just to please a man. She is kindhearted and sweet most of the time, but she can be stubborn when the situation calls for it.
I enjoyed the development of Michael and Selina's relationship. They are determined to make their marriage work; they just have to figure out how to deal with each other. I loved seeing Selina make a place for herself in her new world. It didn't take long for everyone else to accept her just as she was. It was great fun to see Selina refuse to change who she is inside. At the same time, she wanted Michael to come to love her. I liked the ways that she found to adapt to his ideals without losing her own. Her vivacity and uniqueness slowly began to work past Michael's tunnel vision, and he began to appreciate her. There were several sweet scenes where he does something that shows he's beginning to understand her, but he doesn't see that his feelings for her are growing and changing. It takes an unexpected visitor to show him that he has had what he wanted all along if he had just opened his eyes and heart to see it. The epilogue was a terrific update on their lives a few months later..
November 6, 2024
This book is every bit as unlikely as the wife (who I happened to love in all her unrealistic charm) but hey, I needed a book by an author whose name starts with "U," and I'm a sucker for bound-in-marriage, enemies-to-lovers plots.
February 13, 2012
4 Stars! ~ Selena married Michael by proxy, sight unseen, loving him only from the letters he wrote her that were read to her by her best friend, Aimee. And as Selena couldn't read nor write, Aimee wrote back her responses to Michael. Selena's a most unique woman, growing up poor and having to raise her younger brothers since she was 10, she's not gentle, nor educated in womanly manners. She's at home in men's trousers and cowboy boots with a rifle slung over her shoulder. Michael too fell in love with the woman who wrote to him, only he didn't know Selena wasn't the one actually writing the letters. In fact, when his bride arrives by train, he's astonished as he was expecting a woman in a pretty dress and bonnet. And her attire is not the only thing contrary to Michael's expectation, as this woman openly refuses to be bullied into doing things his way.
I was very pleased that Ms. Ullrick decided to write again of the lovely Bowen family, this time with Michael's story. Selena has her own special charm, so wonderfully brought to life in her Kentucky dialect and her stubborn will. She's hurt that her friend Aimee has deceived Michael, and she's afraid that Michael may never come to love her as she is. With slow determination she sets out to teach Michael what is in her heart and how to treasure the little things in life. These two need each other, and it was a delight to see how they both come to realize that they are meant to be together. I hope Ms. Ullrick has more to come for the Bowen family.
I was very pleased that Ms. Ullrick decided to write again of the lovely Bowen family, this time with Michael's story. Selena has her own special charm, so wonderfully brought to life in her Kentucky dialect and her stubborn will. She's hurt that her friend Aimee has deceived Michael, and she's afraid that Michael may never come to love her as she is. With slow determination she sets out to teach Michael what is in her heart and how to treasure the little things in life. These two need each other, and it was a delight to see how they both come to realize that they are meant to be together. I hope Ms. Ullrick has more to come for the Bowen family.
February 26, 2012
The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick
I did not see this marked as a series but you will want to read The Unexpected Bride if you enjoy series type books. In the first book Michael Bowen is a teenager. Now he is twenty-seven and wants a wife, just like his brother's wife Rainee. To say he is shocked by the woman he meets at the train station is an understatement. Man’s trousers, cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and a rifle about as big as her. Sure she's got a pretty face and nice hair but this is not the woman in the letters or his dreams. He had married her by proxy sight unseen and will hold to his vows, even if it means not having a real marriage.
Selina Farleigh Bowen fell in love with Michael through his letters. Being she cannot read or write she depended on her friend Aimee to write to Michael and read her his letters. What she did not find out until arriving was that Aimee forgot to mention a few things like most of who Selina is. She realizes her husband had fallen in love with Aimee not her. They butt heads as Michael tries to get her to change and she refuses to ever let a man tell her what to do. Can Michael ever learn to love this backwoods wonder?
I found that Debra did a wonderful job of getting the emotions through in this book. I was teary eyed through much of it as they struggled. And she had plenty of humor as well. Her characters even struggled with the difference with words or phrases and different foods between Michael's Idaho and Selina's Kentucky.
I did not see this marked as a series but you will want to read The Unexpected Bride if you enjoy series type books. In the first book Michael Bowen is a teenager. Now he is twenty-seven and wants a wife, just like his brother's wife Rainee. To say he is shocked by the woman he meets at the train station is an understatement. Man’s trousers, cowboy boots, a cowboy hat and a rifle about as big as her. Sure she's got a pretty face and nice hair but this is not the woman in the letters or his dreams. He had married her by proxy sight unseen and will hold to his vows, even if it means not having a real marriage.
Selina Farleigh Bowen fell in love with Michael through his letters. Being she cannot read or write she depended on her friend Aimee to write to Michael and read her his letters. What she did not find out until arriving was that Aimee forgot to mention a few things like most of who Selina is. She realizes her husband had fallen in love with Aimee not her. They butt heads as Michael tries to get her to change and she refuses to ever let a man tell her what to do. Can Michael ever learn to love this backwoods wonder?
I found that Debra did a wonderful job of getting the emotions through in this book. I was teary eyed through much of it as they struggled. And she had plenty of humor as well. Her characters even struggled with the difference with words or phrases and different foods between Michael's Idaho and Selina's Kentucky.
February 11, 2012
Iffen you're strung tight as a clothesline readin' this here book will set you to feelin' fine as a frog's hair in no time! Take one dirt poor, Kentucky 'mail order bride', a high-falutin' dreamer of a groom (who is dreamy incidentally), add in a mix-up of grand proportions and what do you get? A funny, entertaining, not-to-be missed read! I had sooooo much fun with this book! Even developed a Kentucky twang for a spell!
Selina may not be what Michael was expecting, but she's exactly what he needs, even if it takes him purty near the whole darn book to figer that out! LOL. Brilliant plot device on the part of Ullrick. It set me all a'giggly right to the very end! Watching Michael. flounder and try to come to terms with finding himself married to the 'dream girl' of his nightmares made for a rollicking read! But there's also drama and tenderness and a poignant message about being true to yourself . This is one of the best romantic comedies I have ever read!
October 29, 2014
This was a fun, quick read. There were a few parts of the story that seemed needlessly dramatic and superfluous, and the "pray things better" message was a little aggravating at times (though I mostly let it slide because this is set in the late 1800s after all), but I quite liked all the characters and that made up for it quite a bit.
I have to say I was most impressed by reading about Selina's magical ability to help with farm chores, be a housekeeper and cook, and still have time to go for long afternoon walks. I don't know how she manages it because I can barely keep on top of things in this day and age (I love you appliances)!
So, yeah, it's an a fluffy and not particularly taxing afternoon waster with a bit of a Christian Western Romance thing going on. It's nothing amazing, but it was fairly enjoyable to read at least once.
I have to say I was most impressed by reading about Selina's magical ability to help with farm chores, be a housekeeper and cook, and still have time to go for long afternoon walks. I don't know how she manages it because I can barely keep on top of things in this day and age (I love you appliances)!
So, yeah, it's an a fluffy and not particularly taxing afternoon waster with a bit of a Christian Western Romance thing going on. It's nothing amazing, but it was fairly enjoyable to read at least once.
January 3, 2015
Historical fiction is normally not what I enjoy, but this book was outstanding from the first page. Just loved everything about Selina; her heart and her ways are innocent, feisty, genuine, and faithful. She is one in a million or as Michael repeatedly says, "She is something else." Great book and a fast read! I'll be wanting to read more Debra books :)
March 21, 2012
One of the best LI books I've read in a while. Spoke to my heart about being proud of who I am, just as I am. And maybe it's given me a little hope that someday someone can love me just as I am - or even because of who I am.
July 29, 2012
Read this all in one day....
One of my favorite books of all time!!
The romance was amazing! The characters were freakin awesome!!!
Ahhhh!! Love love this!!!!!
One of my favorite books of all time!!
The romance was amazing! The characters were freakin awesome!!!
Ahhhh!! Love love this!!!!!
September 10, 2019
I loved this book and its characters...
June 19, 2018
Overview of Plot:
Michael Bowen expected a refined lady when he agreed to marry Selina by proxy. Everything in her letters suggested she would be, but when Selina steps off the train, he realizes the woman he thought he loved was a fantasy. Dressed in trousers, poor grammar, and unable to read or write, Selina is far from the woman he pictured as his wife.
Michael is everything she dreamed of, but when she discovers her best friend Aimee lied in the letters she wrote for Selina, her hopes for a love-filled marriage dies. She isn't willing to change who she is but neither is she willing to break her vows.
Together they must learn to accept one another for who they are and to find love runs deeper than fantasies.
Favorite Character and Why:
I loved Selina. She is a Kentucky girl (like me) and had some ways about her that just didn't make sense to her new family out west. (I have family in Idaho, too, so I could relate.) The challenges she faces and the hopes she have resonate with every woman I know. Not to mention she was just plain funny.
What I liked:
I loved how this wasn't your typical mail-order bride story, yet it was. Michael had to overcome prejudices and learn to love his wife instead of the fantasy woman he built up in his mind and Selina had to learn to be happy with who she was as a wife.
Who would like this:
Anyone who loves mail-order bride stories that are are fun, set in the West, or stories of husbands and wives learning to love each other.
Michael Bowen expected a refined lady when he agreed to marry Selina by proxy. Everything in her letters suggested she would be, but when Selina steps off the train, he realizes the woman he thought he loved was a fantasy. Dressed in trousers, poor grammar, and unable to read or write, Selina is far from the woman he pictured as his wife.
Michael is everything she dreamed of, but when she discovers her best friend Aimee lied in the letters she wrote for Selina, her hopes for a love-filled marriage dies. She isn't willing to change who she is but neither is she willing to break her vows.
Together they must learn to accept one another for who they are and to find love runs deeper than fantasies.
Favorite Character and Why:
I loved Selina. She is a Kentucky girl (like me) and had some ways about her that just didn't make sense to her new family out west. (I have family in Idaho, too, so I could relate.) The challenges she faces and the hopes she have resonate with every woman I know. Not to mention she was just plain funny.
What I liked:
I loved how this wasn't your typical mail-order bride story, yet it was. Michael had to overcome prejudices and learn to love his wife instead of the fantasy woman he built up in his mind and Selina had to learn to be happy with who she was as a wife.
Who would like this:
Anyone who loves mail-order bride stories that are are fun, set in the West, or stories of husbands and wives learning to love each other.
February 5, 2019
Wasn’t my cuppa granted this is my first time reading a Christian fiction so I guess that’s on me. However, if you like the heroine bending over backwards for some guy struggling to love you as his main dilemma throughout the book, then maybe you should check this out.
It started out decent and I liked the heroine, Selina, for a while until she started to change herself to fit the hero, Michael’s, “ideal.” In the beginning she was adamant that she wasn’t going to change for anyone and I would’ve been okay with her changing if she was doing it for herself and not for the hero to get him to love her. Also Michael got on my nerves, and I felt like there was no real character development for him other then accepting that he loved some “compromised” version of her. In my opinion it was a one sided compromise with Selina doing all the work and no give on the hero’s side which was off putting to me. Side note: Micheal realized he loved her after seeing Aimee? I just wasn’t buying it.
It started out decent and I liked the heroine, Selina, for a while until she started to change herself to fit the hero, Michael’s, “ideal.” In the beginning she was adamant that she wasn’t going to change for anyone and I would’ve been okay with her changing if she was doing it for herself and not for the hero to get him to love her. Also Michael got on my nerves, and I felt like there was no real character development for him other then accepting that he loved some “compromised” version of her. In my opinion it was a one sided compromise with Selina doing all the work and no give on the hero’s side which was off putting to me. Side note: Micheal realized he loved her after seeing Aimee? I just wasn’t buying it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2017
Michael Bowen and Selina Farleigh get married by proxy after corresponding for 4 months. But Selina can't read or write and had her best friend write for her, but her friend forgot to mention that and other things and exaggerated some things. When she arrives in trousers, Michael is disappointed. He was looking for a lady and got a plain Appalachian hill girl. They decide to try things out and try to make the best of things. Selina is determined to remain true to herself while trying to fit in. There are some very humorous anecdotes and a sincere effort made by both. A nice, inspirational western romance.
August 14, 2020
This is one of the best books I've read in a long time! It highlights applicable spiritual truths that are backed up with Scripture and common sense. Such a sweet story of patience, forgiveness, acceptance, and most importantly, the sad consequences of judging someone solely on the basis of outward appearances; A rough surface can sometimes hide a multitude of tender and intelligent strength.
It was surely a sweet love story, and I compliment the author for blessing us with a fantastic and enjoyable tale. Well done, Ms. Ullrick.
It was surely a sweet love story, and I compliment the author for blessing us with a fantastic and enjoyable tale. Well done, Ms. Ullrick.
August 29, 2023
If Jane Austen's Emma and Shakespeare's Taming Of The Shrew were mashed together and took place in the old Western days, this is what you would get. An entertaining story of Jake putting out an advertisement for a wife and through some well-intended assistance from her friend, Selina answers it. It was well-written of how you should never judge one by their appearance alone, and while you may not always get what you wanted, you will receive what you need. The final chapter seemed a bit odd and just thrown in for the sake of including such an ending; otherwise, this was an enjoyable read.
January 28, 2020
This book was OK. I expected the religious passages and Selina’s accent didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. The main thing that bugged me was Michael’s focus on Selina’s clothing. I know it is probably historical accurate, but it was like he forgot her good qualities whenever she was wearing pants. Selina seemed to compromise more than Michael did. I almost wanted her to leave and find someone else!
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