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Bowen #3
Groom Wanted
It's a perfect plan—best friends Leah Bowen and Jake Lure will each advertise for mail-order spouses in the papers, and then Jake will help select Leah's future husband, while Leah picks Jake's bride-to-be! Surely the ads will find them what they a wife who'll appreciate Jake's shy charm and a groom who'll take Leah away from the Idaho Territory she detests. When the responses to the postings pour in, it seems all Leah's and Jake's dreams will soon come true. But the closer they each get to the altar, the less appealing marrying a stranger becomes. Is it too late to turn back—or to turn around and find the happiness they truly seek together, at last?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
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210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 9, 2025
I liked the characters and story.
August 4, 2012
Groom Wanted was a sweet story about two good friends who would never consider marriage to each other...at least not at first. I enjoyed many of the nuances of the story like the heroine writing to Mr. Darcy in her diary and telling Jake she wanted to marry a man like Mr. Darcy. That fit the story so well! I loved how Jake simply "had" to read the book to find out what the appeal of the man was. He had a lot of wisdom when he said it was just fiction. But that's an aside.
I also enjoyed the little quirks that Leah possessed, like calling her sister Abbynormal, and her teasing nature. So cute! And the many near kisses the hero and heroine shared were nice enough to fluster the reader at times. I wanted them to discover that they really did love each other. The author had a good balance, though, between the conflict and the internal struggle of the characters. The conflict didn't feel contrived at all.
The man who responded to Leah's ad couldn't have been more obnoxious, but that made the story more entertaining to read. I liked how the author incorporated each of the character's fears into the plot and how they were resolved with faith and honesty, but not in an unrealistic manner. The author didn't use faith or love as a cure-all, and I found that refreshing. Those things offer hope, but don't always cure the ills in this life.
My favorite novel in the series is still the second book, The Unlikely Wife, but this was a good story as well, especially if you enjoyed the characters from previous books and wanted to see them again. At the same time, this could be read as a stand alone. It's definitely a sweet read with a lot of spiritual depth and healing conversation/insight, so it goes deeper than surface level, and I appreciated that.
I also enjoyed the little quirks that Leah possessed, like calling her sister Abbynormal, and her teasing nature. So cute! And the many near kisses the hero and heroine shared were nice enough to fluster the reader at times. I wanted them to discover that they really did love each other. The author had a good balance, though, between the conflict and the internal struggle of the characters. The conflict didn't feel contrived at all.
The man who responded to Leah's ad couldn't have been more obnoxious, but that made the story more entertaining to read. I liked how the author incorporated each of the character's fears into the plot and how they were resolved with faith and honesty, but not in an unrealistic manner. The author didn't use faith or love as a cure-all, and I found that refreshing. Those things offer hope, but don't always cure the ills in this life.
My favorite novel in the series is still the second book, The Unlikely Wife, but this was a good story as well, especially if you enjoyed the characters from previous books and wanted to see them again. At the same time, this could be read as a stand alone. It's definitely a sweet read with a lot of spiritual depth and healing conversation/insight, so it goes deeper than surface level, and I appreciated that.
September 6, 2012
This is my first book by Debra Ullrick, and it certainly won't be the last! I loved her writing style, her humor, and the storyline. Jake was a character I loved from the start; very down-to-earth, honest, and kind, even though he had some personal struggles to deal with. I loved Leah also, and enjoyed seeing her mature in her faith and her priorities. The way in which Leah must learn about society and expectations is at times painful, and at other times hilarious. I have not read the first two books in this series, but I plan to do so now.
November 20, 2015
Groom Wanted was so good! I felt like the story had a lot to it and wasn't boring at all. I liked the Mr. Darcy aspect and how Leah was looking for someone like him, since he reminded her of her late father.
The romance was very nice! I loved Jake and how he was so protective of Leah -- especially when Fitzgerald came into the picture. I also loved Leah's brothers.
All in all, I loved Groom Wanted and definitely recommend it to fans of historical romance. It's great and I will be reading more of the series.
*I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
The romance was very nice! I loved Jake and how he was so protective of Leah -- especially when Fitzgerald came into the picture. I also loved Leah's brothers.
All in all, I loved Groom Wanted and definitely recommend it to fans of historical romance. It's great and I will be reading more of the series.
*I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
February 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes we don't see whats in front if us or whats best for us. We want prince charming and he not real. Sometimes the best person for us is the one we already consider a friend, makes you laugh, and knows when you need cheering up, makes the best person to be your husband. That's what I like about uis book. Plus, it makes you see who is not, the person always hiding who they are and so little in mind to make feel small, when you're not.
June 12, 2018
Leah Bowen has nightmares of her father's death over 10 years ago and wants to return to NYC where they lived before moving to Idaho. She feels the land was responsible for his death. She puts an ad in the NY Times looking for a husband in NYC. At the post office to collect her responses she finds her friend Jake collecting the same kind of letters and they determine to help each other make a selection. When one of Leah's prospects comes to Idaho to meet her and brings his sister, the two are faced with deciding what it is they really want. A warm-hearted inspirational historical.
August 20, 2017
Loved the series.
May 20, 2020
Forever friends
Wonderful story of a disillusioned woman and a down to earth man who are best of friends. Read as love grows when a pompous man tries to set them apart.
Wonderful story of a disillusioned woman and a down to earth man who are best of friends. Read as love grows when a pompous man tries to set them apart.
May 27, 2023
Sweet story. The most interesting thing was how both main characters suffered debilitating panic attacks. God and scripture prevalent throughout.
I purchased a used paperback. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 32 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
I purchased a used paperback. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 32 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
August 16, 2013
I really like Debra Ullrick. She writes a story that immerses the reader. I felt for the characters and the storyline was good.
I loved some of the descriptions:
...he looked "like a peacock in a goat show"... or, "that man was phonier than a fifteen-cent piece". I love these!
I do question the description of one of Jake's mail order bride applicants. She is 5 foot 9 and 145 pounds. She is considered "stocky" and "strong as an ox". What the whaat? Seriously? 5'9, 145 lbs STOCKY?? I'm 5'2 and 135 lbs and am yes, marginally stocky. But if I grew 7 inches and yet only gained 10 pounds I think people would agree that I was painfully thin. By the way, did people even weigh themselves back then? Ok. I digress...
Being married to an Englishman I also thought the description of Leah's possible love interest was extremely stereotyped and very much an American view of the English. For example, no one says theyre having a "spot of tea". I seriously doubt they ever did (but I may be wrong on that). I'm nit picking here but it bugged me a little while I was reading it. Also did you know every Englishman wears a top hat and has crooked teeth? Just sayin...
In this book I felt that the first two chapters were clumsy (sorry!) with a lot of telling and not enough showing. It seemed silly and I actually put it down and read a couple other books before picking it up again. But I'm glad I did go back to it because it really was excellent once I got into it. (and once I recognized the characters and was like Hey! Kitty the Pig is back! Oh, let me look at this..).
For those who are reading Debra Ullrick for the first time, I need to mention that this is the third in a series. They are stand alone but you might want to read them in order so you can follow the characters as they grow up. Her other two are "The Unlikely Wife" and "The Unexpected Bride". "The Unlikely Wife" is my favorite but they are both very good.
Some may be surprised that with all my complaints I still gave it 4 stars. Well I felt that even with its flaws I really enjoyed it so to me that's worth 4 stars.
Bottom line: It's good, if you don't think so JUST KEEP READING!!
There is no sex, no cussing and the only violence is a description of how her father died when a tree fell on him. It is mentioned more than once and might disturb some sensitive readers.
*UPDATE* Ok, it was just bugging me and I had to look it up. When were scales invented for weighing people? Here's what I found:
"The first coin operated scale was brought to the US from Germany in 1885. A few years later, in 1889, the National Scale Company manufactured the first coin operated scale in the U.S.It was huge, weighing more than 200 pounds, but it was one of the first automatic vending machines. Drop in a penny, and you got to see your weight.
Soooooo, since this story takes place in 1886, (only one year after A SCALE was brought from Germany) it is unlikely that someone off the street would have been able to weigh themselves. This wasn't an option until 1889.
Just a point.
I loved some of the descriptions:
...he looked "like a peacock in a goat show"... or, "that man was phonier than a fifteen-cent piece". I love these!
I do question the description of one of Jake's mail order bride applicants. She is 5 foot 9 and 145 pounds. She is considered "stocky" and "strong as an ox". What the whaat? Seriously? 5'9, 145 lbs STOCKY?? I'm 5'2 and 135 lbs and am yes, marginally stocky. But if I grew 7 inches and yet only gained 10 pounds I think people would agree that I was painfully thin. By the way, did people even weigh themselves back then? Ok. I digress...
Being married to an Englishman I also thought the description of Leah's possible love interest was extremely stereotyped and very much an American view of the English. For example, no one says theyre having a "spot of tea". I seriously doubt they ever did (but I may be wrong on that). I'm nit picking here but it bugged me a little while I was reading it. Also did you know every Englishman wears a top hat and has crooked teeth? Just sayin...
In this book I felt that the first two chapters were clumsy (sorry!) with a lot of telling and not enough showing. It seemed silly and I actually put it down and read a couple other books before picking it up again. But I'm glad I did go back to it because it really was excellent once I got into it. (and once I recognized the characters and was like Hey! Kitty the Pig is back! Oh, let me look at this..).
For those who are reading Debra Ullrick for the first time, I need to mention that this is the third in a series. They are stand alone but you might want to read them in order so you can follow the characters as they grow up. Her other two are "The Unlikely Wife" and "The Unexpected Bride". "The Unlikely Wife" is my favorite but they are both very good.
Some may be surprised that with all my complaints I still gave it 4 stars. Well I felt that even with its flaws I really enjoyed it so to me that's worth 4 stars.
Bottom line: It's good, if you don't think so JUST KEEP READING!!
There is no sex, no cussing and the only violence is a description of how her father died when a tree fell on him. It is mentioned more than once and might disturb some sensitive readers.
*UPDATE* Ok, it was just bugging me and I had to look it up. When were scales invented for weighing people? Here's what I found:
"The first coin operated scale was brought to the US from Germany in 1885. A few years later, in 1889, the National Scale Company manufactured the first coin operated scale in the U.S.It was huge, weighing more than 200 pounds, but it was one of the first automatic vending machines. Drop in a penny, and you got to see your weight.
Soooooo, since this story takes place in 1886, (only one year after A SCALE was brought from Germany) it is unlikely that someone off the street would have been able to weigh themselves. This wasn't an option until 1889.
Just a point.
July 5, 2012
This weekend I had a little downtime so I thought I would curl up with a good book. I picked Groom Wanted by Debra Ullrick. What a terrific book! It was so good I read it cover to cover in two days.
I fell in love with Jake in the first few pages. He was the epitome of hero for me, and Leah had the qualities that I would love to possess. She was kind hearted and full of love and laughter while still showing her human side. The book opens with them already being best friends which remained evident throughout the entire book. It brought back memories of some of the friendships I had with great guys in high school as well as to appreciate all the more my ongoing friendship with my husband.
Another thing I loved about this book was that Debra allowed me, as the reader, to become part of Leah’s wonderful tightknit family. I hadn’t read the first two books in the series before reading this one, but the author does such a great job writing, that I felt like I was “caught up” with the history without revealing too much information. I can’t wait to read the first two books in the series and am confident they will be just as good as if I had read them in the proper order. If you want to read them correctly, the series goes like this: The Unexpected Bride, The Unlikely Wife, and Groom Wanted.
The villain in the story offered some humor and comic relief. It was nice to see how Leah’s eyes finally opened and she realized what was happening. Isn’t that how it is in real life sometimes? We are desperate for answers that we believe will solve everything, so we let things slide for too long until we finally can’t help but see the truth?
The book was a nice, light romance with elements of deep Scriptural truths woven throughout. I loved how Debra Ullrick reinforced the truth that putting God before everything else in our lives is the only way for peace and true happiness. It definitely convicted me as well as encouraged me at the same time. When I place God first in my life, I am given the assurance that my priorities are in the proper order and my life will run much smoother than when I remain first and God gets sloppy seconds.
This was a great summer read. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a book that offers an escape into the Idaho Territory in 1886 while reminding us of truths that apply today. If you don’t normally read historical romance, don’t let the historical element deter you. Debra Ullrick beautifully crafts a story about two fantastic people woven into a close-knit family enclosed in a beautiful setting that will appeal to those who love historical fiction.
I fell in love with Jake in the first few pages. He was the epitome of hero for me, and Leah had the qualities that I would love to possess. She was kind hearted and full of love and laughter while still showing her human side. The book opens with them already being best friends which remained evident throughout the entire book. It brought back memories of some of the friendships I had with great guys in high school as well as to appreciate all the more my ongoing friendship with my husband.
Another thing I loved about this book was that Debra allowed me, as the reader, to become part of Leah’s wonderful tightknit family. I hadn’t read the first two books in the series before reading this one, but the author does such a great job writing, that I felt like I was “caught up” with the history without revealing too much information. I can’t wait to read the first two books in the series and am confident they will be just as good as if I had read them in the proper order. If you want to read them correctly, the series goes like this: The Unexpected Bride, The Unlikely Wife, and Groom Wanted.
The villain in the story offered some humor and comic relief. It was nice to see how Leah’s eyes finally opened and she realized what was happening. Isn’t that how it is in real life sometimes? We are desperate for answers that we believe will solve everything, so we let things slide for too long until we finally can’t help but see the truth?
The book was a nice, light romance with elements of deep Scriptural truths woven throughout. I loved how Debra Ullrick reinforced the truth that putting God before everything else in our lives is the only way for peace and true happiness. It definitely convicted me as well as encouraged me at the same time. When I place God first in my life, I am given the assurance that my priorities are in the proper order and my life will run much smoother than when I remain first and God gets sloppy seconds.
This was a great summer read. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a book that offers an escape into the Idaho Territory in 1886 while reminding us of truths that apply today. If you don’t normally read historical romance, don’t let the historical element deter you. Debra Ullrick beautifully crafts a story about two fantastic people woven into a close-knit family enclosed in a beautiful setting that will appeal to those who love historical fiction.
August 3, 2012
Title: GROOM WANTED
Author: Debra Ullrick
Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals
August 2012
ISBN: 978-0373829293
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Leah Bowen doesn’t want to marry a rancher. She wants to marry a man like her dad, a man like Mr. Darcy in a novel she read. So she advertises for a mail-order groom. She doesn’t tell her family, because she knows how they’ll react. But she’s convinced that ranching killed her father and she wants nothing to do with it.
Jake Lure figures he has bad luck with women. He offered to marry one girl, but found out she loved another, and then he offered Leah a marriage of convenience, and she rejected him. So he advertises for a mail-order bride. But he asks his best friend – Leah – to help him pick out his new bride.
Jake gets more responses than Leah does, but that’s okay, because one man fits her “Mr. Darcy” requirements. But as Jake and Leah get closer to the altar, will they realize that the best match for them has been the one who’s been there all along?
GROOM WANTED has a really cute premise. I haven’t read too many books where a woman advertises for a groom to take her out east. Usually the reverse is true, so that was fun. And being best friends, Leah and Jake had a fun relationship that made me laugh at times. Add in a mischievous goat named Meanie, and you have the makings for a really cute historical romance.
Readers will love this fun book, great for a beach read, or a vacation take-along. I read my copy poolside. There is a little sexual tension, but it is understated as per this publishers guidelines. Don’t miss GROOM WANTED for a different sort of mail-order romance. Recommended. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.75. 280 pages.
Author: Debra Ullrick
Publisher: Love Inspired Historicals
August 2012
ISBN: 978-0373829293
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance
Leah Bowen doesn’t want to marry a rancher. She wants to marry a man like her dad, a man like Mr. Darcy in a novel she read. So she advertises for a mail-order groom. She doesn’t tell her family, because she knows how they’ll react. But she’s convinced that ranching killed her father and she wants nothing to do with it.
Jake Lure figures he has bad luck with women. He offered to marry one girl, but found out she loved another, and then he offered Leah a marriage of convenience, and she rejected him. So he advertises for a mail-order bride. But he asks his best friend – Leah – to help him pick out his new bride.
Jake gets more responses than Leah does, but that’s okay, because one man fits her “Mr. Darcy” requirements. But as Jake and Leah get closer to the altar, will they realize that the best match for them has been the one who’s been there all along?
GROOM WANTED has a really cute premise. I haven’t read too many books where a woman advertises for a groom to take her out east. Usually the reverse is true, so that was fun. And being best friends, Leah and Jake had a fun relationship that made me laugh at times. Add in a mischievous goat named Meanie, and you have the makings for a really cute historical romance.
Readers will love this fun book, great for a beach read, or a vacation take-along. I read my copy poolside. There is a little sexual tension, but it is understated as per this publishers guidelines. Don’t miss GROOM WANTED for a different sort of mail-order romance. Recommended. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.75. 280 pages.
April 18, 2013
She seemed to have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with her dead father. (She says, many times, that she wants to marry someone just like her dad.) Yes, losing a parent is tragic, but it had been years, and I just wanted to shake her sometime, with the amount of moping about it she did. Her trauma was explained in the end, but by then I was tired of it and tired of her. Her possessiveness towards her mother and non-acceptance of her mother's new relationship certainly didn't help my liking of her.
The dialogue seemed too modern for the time period, and there was quite a bit of repetition of facts. A character would think about something, in depth, that in the normal course of things they'd never think about because they already knew it, then they'd have a conversation with another character about it. Also, the heroine called her sister "Abbynormal," which somehow doesn't quite evoke an 1886 atmosphere- rather, if brings Young Frankenstein to mind.
It was somewhat confusing, with the entire history of relationships obviously the focus of previous books dumped in the beginning. As I haven't read any of the books, I had no idea which names were which, and they were more confusing than if the history had been omitted.
And, well, it was an inspirational. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but as a non-religious person, I try to avoid them, because they almost inevitably just end up annoying me. However, it was the only book in my library's entire romance ebook collection with an author whose name began with U, so I read it for my A-Z author challenge.
The dialogue seemed too modern for the time period, and there was quite a bit of repetition of facts. A character would think about something, in depth, that in the normal course of things they'd never think about because they already knew it, then they'd have a conversation with another character about it. Also, the heroine called her sister "Abbynormal," which somehow doesn't quite evoke an 1886 atmosphere- rather, if brings Young Frankenstein to mind.
It was somewhat confusing, with the entire history of relationships obviously the focus of previous books dumped in the beginning. As I haven't read any of the books, I had no idea which names were which, and they were more confusing than if the history had been omitted.
And, well, it was an inspirational. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but as a non-religious person, I try to avoid them, because they almost inevitably just end up annoying me. However, it was the only book in my library's entire romance ebook collection with an author whose name began with U, so I read it for my A-Z author challenge.
July 12, 2012
Leah rejected best friend Jake's "marriage of convenience" proposal, intent on finding a husband from New York so she could leave behind the awful nightmares of her father's death. She didn't consider that those bad memories would follow her. Jake's ad garners more responses, but Leah figures she hit the jackpot when wealthy Fitzwilliam Barrington and his sister arrive to determine if Leah is suitable marriage material. Jake and Leah's friendship evolves into something stronger and deeper as they recognize and appreciate the endearing qualities in one another.
Historicals aren't typically my genre of choice, but Debra Ullrick's turning me into a historical lover. I enjoyed getting to know Leah and Jake, real next-door-neighbor-type characters, and journeying with them as they discovered who their hearts belonged to. At times, I wanted to have a serious talk with Leah. How could she be so willing to marry a snobby, arrogant Fitzwilliam when sweet Jake was right there in front of her? Ms. Ullrick crafted a book with great conflict and a powerful, timeless message, that God's plans are so much better than we could ever imagine. I would have liked more physical tension throughout the book, but that's just me. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!
Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
Historicals aren't typically my genre of choice, but Debra Ullrick's turning me into a historical lover. I enjoyed getting to know Leah and Jake, real next-door-neighbor-type characters, and journeying with them as they discovered who their hearts belonged to. At times, I wanted to have a serious talk with Leah. How could she be so willing to marry a snobby, arrogant Fitzwilliam when sweet Jake was right there in front of her? Ms. Ullrick crafted a book with great conflict and a powerful, timeless message, that God's plans are so much better than we could ever imagine. I would have liked more physical tension throughout the book, but that's just me. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!
Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
August 15, 2012
"Groom Wanted" is another wonderfully crafted and entertaining story by Debra Ullrick! After reading "The Unexpected Bride" and "The Unlikely Wife" I was expecting another great story about the Bowen family, and I’m happy to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
"Groom Wanted" puts a different kind of twist on mail-ordered matches. Jake Lure is looking for a wife, while Leah Bowen is looking for a husband who will take her away from the Idaho Territory, a place she can’t leave fast enough.
Jake and Leah are the best of friends. When they both placed an advertisement in the papers in search of a spouse, they decided to help each other pick out the perfect match. When the letters begins to start pouring for them both, it looks like all of their dreams are finally going to come true. But . . . what started out as a friendship between the two, is quickly turning into something deeper, and to their surprise, they both find themselves falling in love with each other.
What a sweet and affectionate love story, it had me holding my breath with each turn of the page. I found myself cheering this sweet couple on. I even loved the ornery old goat, “Meanie” especially when she rammed her head into the arrogant Fitzwilliam Barrington, and left him sprawled out on the ground.**grin**
I can’t wait to see what Debra has in store for us next!
"Groom Wanted" puts a different kind of twist on mail-ordered matches. Jake Lure is looking for a wife, while Leah Bowen is looking for a husband who will take her away from the Idaho Territory, a place she can’t leave fast enough.
Jake and Leah are the best of friends. When they both placed an advertisement in the papers in search of a spouse, they decided to help each other pick out the perfect match. When the letters begins to start pouring for them both, it looks like all of their dreams are finally going to come true. But . . . what started out as a friendship between the two, is quickly turning into something deeper, and to their surprise, they both find themselves falling in love with each other.
What a sweet and affectionate love story, it had me holding my breath with each turn of the page. I found myself cheering this sweet couple on. I even loved the ornery old goat, “Meanie” especially when she rammed her head into the arrogant Fitzwilliam Barrington, and left him sprawled out on the ground.**grin**
I can’t wait to see what Debra has in store for us next!
July 9, 2012
I started reading this book on a Wednesday and finished on Sunday, I could not put this book down! Mind you I read from Chapter 6 to the end all on Sunday afternoon, I have read other books from Debra Ullrick and they just keep getting better and better. She has become my favorite author and I can't wait to see what else she comes out with!
Debra has an amazing way of bringing you a page turning story and incorporating a great lesson we could use in our daily lives. You will fall in love with her characters Leah Bowen and Jake Lure as they take a journey to find spouses through advertisements and learn to put GOD first and themselves second. I love the reference she uses toward Jane Austin's character Mr. Darcy and Leah's search to find her "Mr. Darcy" and is he all that she had hoped he would be. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did! Don't forget to read Debra's other books in this series, The Unexpected Bride and The Unlikely Wife! Amazing *****
Debra has an amazing way of bringing you a page turning story and incorporating a great lesson we could use in our daily lives. You will fall in love with her characters Leah Bowen and Jake Lure as they take a journey to find spouses through advertisements and learn to put GOD first and themselves second. I love the reference she uses toward Jane Austin's character Mr. Darcy and Leah's search to find her "Mr. Darcy" and is he all that she had hoped he would be. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did! Don't forget to read Debra's other books in this series, The Unexpected Bride and The Unlikely Wife! Amazing *****
August 18, 2012
This is such a fun read! Groom Wanted is one of those books where, even though you know how it will end, it's fun to "watch" it happen and amusing to see the characters be so clueless to what is obvious to everyone but them! Debra Ullrick has penned a delightful story with characters that immediately worked their way into my heart. Perfect for tucking into a bag or keeping in the car for those soon-to-begin school pick-up lines, this is a story you don't want to miss!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Debra Ullrick for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Debra Ullrick for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."
September 26, 2012
Best friends place ads for mail order bride/groom. When the letters start coming in they help each other determine the best ones to respond to. Leah Bowen has a secret that makes her think she needs to move to the big city. Jake Lure has a secret that makes him think he needs to stay in the country. This keeps the couple from looking at each other as potential mates, but when a man comes to meet Leah, their way of thinking changes.
The things that we like to blame on ourselves that we would never blame on anyone else if the positions were reversed make for an interesting life. I really enjoyed this story and watching Jake and Leah realize that they loved each other and that being together was worth the sacrifices they might have to make to be together.
The things that we like to blame on ourselves that we would never blame on anyone else if the positions were reversed make for an interesting life. I really enjoyed this story and watching Jake and Leah realize that they loved each other and that being together was worth the sacrifices they might have to make to be together.
August 21, 2012
Two best friends, Leah Bowen and Jake Lure, place ads in the New York Times newspaper for a groom and a bride, respectively. They plan to help each other make their choice from the many responses to their ad. Meanwhile Jake stops reading his replies, realizing he loves Leah. But will Leah give up her desire to move to New York and realize what she searches for is right before her? The plot is compelling as the two lives crisscross, resulting in near-misses for intimate moments. Humor slips into the story at just the right times. Is Leah’s desire to move east strong enough to force her to choose a stranger over her best friend as a spouse? Memorable characters.
April 5, 2013
Groom Wanted is a historical fiction that revisits the common circumstance of not appreciating what is right in front of our eyes. We somewhat humorously go through two best friends in the pioneer West, whom everyone else sees as being a good match, advertise for spouses from the East. While it was certainly not out of the ordinary for men to seek a wife this way, it was a little more atypical for a woman to advertise for a husband. Debra Ullrick spins an entertaining yarn, even though the storyline was completely predictable it made for a quick, delightful read. I enjoyed catching up with the Bowen family once more, and will eagerly seek out another of Ullrick's tales.
August 9, 2014
Debra Ullrick brings together a delightful tale of love. I loved the way Jake and Leah interacted (and love the allegory of their names!) and how their love transpired from a friendship to marriage.
The secondary characters had me either fuming with irritation (the pompous fop!) or smiling with tenderness. I loved Meanie. Sounds a lot like my pets.
This story was a beautiful read that is full of hope and love, and most importantly, full of faith that God will see to every desire and longing in your life.
I look forward to reading the other novels by Debra Ullrick.
The secondary characters had me either fuming with irritation (the pompous fop!) or smiling with tenderness. I loved Meanie. Sounds a lot like my pets.
This story was a beautiful read that is full of hope and love, and most importantly, full of faith that God will see to every desire and longing in your life.
I look forward to reading the other novels by Debra Ullrick.
June 30, 2012
This clever plot of two best friends helping each other search for a spouse and the surprises they find make for a fun and fast read. We revisit characters in the author’s novels “The Unexpected Bride” and “The Unlikely Wife” which are also chock full of interesting characters and plots. The setting gives insight into the time and culture of the era and area. She even brings in a new animal full of mischief! Great read for a vacation!
July 30, 2012
Laughing with tears in your eyes is what you'll be doing when you read "Groom Wanted" by Debra Ullrick as Leah and Jake look for spouses in all the wrong places. Sometimes the things that are right in front of our eyes are the hardest to see.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Ms. Ullrick's writing pulled me in and held me until I found out Leah and Jake's happily-ever-after.
I enjoyed this book immensely. Ms. Ullrick's writing pulled me in and held me until I found out Leah and Jake's happily-ever-after.
September 11, 2012
Once you start this book you can't put it down. I am always ready for another one of Debra's books. Keep up the wonderful work and keep them coming.
September 13, 2012
This was good...but not as good as The Unlikely Wife (loved that one). However! I loved the unique story...never seen this kind of plot before lol.
October 5, 2012
Maybe 3.5? For it's genre, of course. I like this little family!
October 30, 2012
I love the Love Inspired books because they have no sexual stuff in them. This one is really a great read. Two people looking in different directions for love and find it where they least expect it.
February 18, 2015
Christian Romance The characters are likeable, but the story dragged. And The idea of Leah "scurrying" everywhere got on my nerves - made her seem like a mouse.
January 12, 2013
2.5 Stars
April 12, 2013
I really liked how down to earth the main characters were despite some pompous folks around them. While predictable, this is a very sweet romance. I enjoyed the setting. I'd read this author again.
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