Free-spirited photographer Regina Nash is ready to try. But unless she marries one of the gentlemen her grandfather has sent for her inspection, she'll lose custody of her nephew. So she must persuade them—and Adam Barr, her grandfather's envoy—that she'd make a thoroughly unsuitable wife.
Adam isn't convinced. Regina might be unconventional, but she has wit, spirit and warmth. His job was to make sure Regina chose from the men he escorted to Texas—not to marry her himself! Can they overcome the secrets in her past, and the shadows in his, to find a perfect future together?
Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of two siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.
Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com
I really enjoyed this one! I thought it had an interesting premise and was carried out well. Regina (Reggie) has been taking care of her nephew for the past six years and wants to make it more official by adopting him. After writing her grandfather for advice she gets more than she bargained for when he sends three bachelors to Texas to marry her! He also sends along his steward Adam to oversee that she not only picks a man and marries him within three weeks, or he'll take the little boy away.
I loved how Reggie handles the situation (although, at times she did come across a little cold), she doesn't cry about her fate, but takes matters into her own hands. I felt bad that none of the men actually wanted to marry her, in part because of her behavior, but I guess also they were just not a good match. It's obvious who the final guy will be, but it was still fun to see how things come together.
I thought Adam and Reggie had a sweet relationship. I liked that Adam really took the time to get to know her and appreciated her quirks. The first half of the book was pretty lighthearted and fun, while the second half is a little deeper.
I thought the end was a tad rushed. There were three storylines that just came together rather quickly.
Overall, a very enjoyable and well written story. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I knew going into it that there would be four books and that the other three bachelors would get their own books. So, I was curious how the author was going to portray them in this book knowing they would eventually be the leads in their own book. I ended up being pleasantly surprised and liked how everything played out. Again, I look forward to reading their stories now.
This book is the first book of the series “Texas Grooms.” It’s a Christian, Historical Romance novel with a simple but satisfying plot. Although the ending was totally expected and predictable, arriving at the ending of the book was a pleasure.
What I liked: The characters were so real that you felt as if they were someone you knew. I love the feisty way Reggie carries out her conniving schemes to eliminate the unwanted suitors her grandfather has thrust upon her. I also enjoyed the verbal sparring and the way she ignores and rebukes Adam Barr, who is only there to mediate between her, her grandfather and the suitors he has sent to woo her into marriage.
What I didn’t like: The plot was simple, but not aggravatingly so, and I predicted the ending from the very first chapter.
This story will leave you satisfied and content. It’s an entertaining book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend it to anyone loving historical romances, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Overall, I give it five stars.
This was a great story and very funny. It had me laughing out loud in places and I'm not one to laugh while reading. The way the heroine "tests" each suitor is hilarious. She's an unusual character who definitely knows who she is but has her own weaknesses and doubts too. You'll enjoy this.
Loved this book!! What a great start to this series!!! You don't have to read the books in order, but you'll like it a little better if you do. Regina and Adam meet years ago, and now they meet again when Adam comes to Turnabout, TX with three men for Regina to meet. Regina's grandfather is giving her an ultimatum, she marries one of these men, or her stepsister's son, Jack, will go to boarding school. The last thing Regina wants is for Jack to be taken from her. She's got to find a way around this marriage she doesn't want. The problem is, she loves Adam!! The more time they spend together, the deeper she falls, though she doesn't want to. Will Regina pick one of the men, will she find a loophole, and what will happen when she reveals her deep, dark secret?? Love how she learns that she's the one who let her guilt and shame take her from God, and when she reaches out to Him again, He's there to meet her where she is.
4.15 stars - rated pg13 (heavy??) (see spoiler below)
”Jumpin’ jack rabbits”!, this was a funny, sweet and enjoyable little story. I think I’m the opposite of other reviewers since I actually liked the first two thirds of the book better than the last third. I would call this “inspirational” or “Christian-lite” -- it wasn’t until around the 70% mark that there was finally some prayer, a brief mention of the Bible and God’s love for us.
This book is more of a clean romance than a Christian one. The characters don’t really delve into Gods forgiveness as one would hope. The verses that are used and the Godly aspect are more of an afterthought than a driving force. I am. Not saying that a book should preach to someone but if it is known as a Christian Romance than God shouldn’t be an afterthought. God wasn’t mentioned till the last third of the book. The book as a clean romance was quite entertaining. The characters were warm and made you feel for them. It was very predictable who the couple would be due to the fact they were the most fleshed out. I would have loved to know more about the care takers Ira and his wife. All in all this is just the start of me reading this authors stories I think.
A fantastical novel about a 'groom lottery', of sorts. Four men... which will she pick? She doesn't want *ANY* of them...
I loved the fact that Reggie was kind of a backhanded hillbilly. Her gypsy wagon and britches, her off-key singing and photography - all of these things made her unlike any other book's heroine.
Personally, I liked Mitchell from among the choices, but I'm okay with him getting his own story, later. Adam was... well, stiff, but until he let go of his black/white outlook on things, he had his reasons for being stand-offish. Once that came away, though - singing at the top of his lungs while driving an orange, pink, and green wagon into town, loaded with flowers for her?! C'mon... you gotta love this guy!
It's nice , sweet and funny. Not too cheesy, only a few complaints. One was that 3\4th of the store is a bit of build up but there is only about 1\4 of the actual romance between the main characters and almost seems rushed. 2nd is I've noticed with a few stories that there isn't so much of a religious theme of focus but there always seems to add some kind of biblical reference towards the end I feel it doesn't fit but that's just me.
This one was alright, we wasted a lot of time not having the couple fall in love. And the hero was very harsh toward the heroine through out most of the story. And did she ever tell her son the truth? That seemed like a sticking point that never happened. Eh, a bit long for my taste, and it got hung up on the wrong things but I think there is a good story under there.
Started off well and I was keen to see how Reggie handled her unwanted suitors and looked forward to the sparring turning to love between her and Adam. Unfortunately it didn’t live up to that early promise for me cause I found Adam rigid, judgemental and unlikable. And as I didn’t like him or the situation Reggie was forced into the story dragged rather than entertained.
This is a prize from the author. It was a good book. Both as a historic and a romance. While you're reading the book becomes a page turner. Although you hope from the start that she ends up with Adam. Having the other three men serve as a look into life in that time period. Also grandpa's gift of the rug beater and horseless carriage. Also the questions at the end help analyze the story too.
Very good writer. Storyline well thought out. Enjoyed reading this book . I love the way she developed her characters. Will definitely be reading more of this series.
Great read. I read some of these out of order, so I knew which guy was going to get the girl, but I still enjoyed the book. And it had its funny moments :)
Texas Grooms #1 Handpicked Husband by Winnie Griggs was a wild ride from start to finish! I love books like this. It grabbed the on the first page and didn't turn me loose until the last. I laughed, I cried… I even sobbed.
Here is my breakdown of the different aspects of what I feel is important in any good book: Ease of Readability - 9/10 Every now and then there was a POV change that was a little confusing/abrupt, but for the most part, this book was very easy-to-read. Uniqueness of Story - 9/10 I found this story to be pretty unique. Small parts of it may have had only the barest similarities to other books I've read, but nothing about this book has been overdone. World Explanation - 9/10 Turnabout, in this series is the "World" this series is set in. I felt that Winnie did an excellent job of introducing us to Turnabout, Texas. I can hardly wait to read more. Storyline Expansion - 10/10 I felt that this storyline expanded very well. There were no over long delays in moving from one part of the plot the next. I never got bored, or thought that she should pick up the pace. Character Development - 10/10 I have to say that I loved the characters in this book! The 3 potential suitors were interesting enough that you like them, yet not once did you want Reggie to choose any of them over Adam. I'm hoping that the following books in the series, take care of getting brides for Reggie's three suitors, because I would like to see all three of them well-settled! Dialogue Plausibility - 10/10 I didn't have any problems with any of the dialogue! Plot Development - 10/10 I enjoyed the plot development in this book. It took twists and turns I wasn't expecting and always kept me wanting to move forward. I honestly didn't want to put this book down. Annoyance Factor - 0/10 I found absolutely nothing annoying about this book! :-) Interesting Characters - 10/10 I felt the characters in this book were very interesting, but Reggie definitely took the cake! I don't want to ruin anything by spelling it out, but from beginning to end Reggie is fascinating. Humorous Interplay - 9/10 There were a few parts of this book that were laughed out loud funny. This book had just the right amount of humor. Romantic Chemistry - 9/10 The romantic chemistry was there throughout, even when Adam was struggling with Reggie's past. Tear Jerkiness - 9/10 I cried, my heart broke, I sobbed! Enough said. Villain Scariness - 0/10 There was no real villain, unless you count the person that allowed Adam to be framed, tried, convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. However, if that is the villain then there is absolutely no villain scariness whatsoever! Biblical Use & Correctness - 5/10 The way that Winnie used the Bible in this story was 100% correct, but I didn't feel like she used it nearly enough.
Handpicked Husband by Winnie Griggs Texas Grooms Book 1 Adam Barr wants to find who set him up and clear his name. He had been an up and coming lawyer and ended up falsely accused and spent the past six years in prison, losing everything. The one person who stood by him the whole time was Judge Madison. So when the Judge asked Adam to take three men from Philadelphia to Turnabout, Texas so his granddaughter could choose one to marry….he did. Of course nothing in his life was ever easy and this hoyden surely wouldn’t make it any easier.
Regina “Reggie” Nash was happy. At twenty-three years of age she had decided to be a spinster aunt to young Jack. She has been taking care of him since Patricia, her step-sister passed away. Since the passing of her brother-in-law four months ago...Reggie has taken of full responsibility for the six year old. Telling her grandfather that she wanted to adopt Jack seemed like a non-issue until he sent the handsome Adam to Texas with an ultimatum. Marry one of the three men Adam had with him or lose Jack.
I enjoy all of this author’s books, this one included. It made me laugh and even brought a few tears. She brings her characters to life. Three men who really don’t want to get married but have been offered a deal too good to refuse. A young woman who has her own secrets and reasons not to marry. And a man carrying a chip on his shoulder with revenge on his mind. Some of the towns people come to life as well. The gossip and snooty woman who thinks no man can refuse her. Looking forward to the rest of this historical series. **Received through NetGalley for review http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
I was a smiling as I read it. This is a clean fun novel. I look forward to reading the rest of the characters stories in the Texas Grooms. setting is Texas 1894 Regina Nash has been the only mother her 6 year old nephew Jack knows. Now Jack's father is deceased and she wrote to her grandfather the Judge about adopting Jack. Judge Madison has a plan that he thinks will work out for the good of Jack. He is sending three men to her and she has three weeks to decide and marry one of them. A lawyer friend of his Adam Barr to see to protecting her and make sure the contract is fullfilled. If not he will bring Jack back to his Judge and be in a boarding school. Adam Barr has just got out of prison for stealing a clinet's money. He was innocent and soon as this deal is done he can go back and prove his innocense. Regina is a photographer and drives a gypsy wagon with all her equipment. She takes people and plants photographs. She does not want to get married and have her freedom taken away from her. Chance is the youngest suiter of the three he will get the saloon thats closed and money to fix it up and stock it. Everett is British and for him his reward will be to own his own newspaper press. Mitchell Parker will be given a house and a job as a teacher. They all have to be willing to court her and the one she chooses will marry her and if he does not than all three of them will go home with empty hands. Regina plans to make sure that the one she picks will refuse her offer. She is determined not to marry but does not want to give up Jack. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 09/03/2012 PUB Harlequin imprint Love Inspired Historical
This book tell the story of Adam who have to escort three gentlements to Regina for her to choose her husband to be on the instruction from her grandfather. Regina have to choose one from the three candidates within few weeks on their arrival and married them or else she will lose the custody of her nephew, Jake. Being pressured and knowing that she cannot get out of this arrangement, she did something out of the ordinary and chooses Adam instead. However, she was surprised when Adam accomodating to her choices and when she disclosed the secret that she has been holding onto, Adam knows that there is no way he can forgive her.
It was a rather interesting read, funny and witty at the beginning of the book where Regina tries to get out of the arrangement by trying to put on tricks on the candidates and dark and gloomy when she finally revealed the secret that she have been holding to Adam. I was rather surprise with the twist of the story at the end of the book which i have no way of knowing (the author really good in keeping it) and expecting it. Overall, it was a good read with good story plot.
This is not your typical arranged marriage story. Regina finds herself being forced to choose a husband from among three suitors that her grandfather has sent to her small town. If she does not choose a husband within three weeks, her grandfather will take guardianship of her nephew and send him to boarding school. Adam Barr is the man that Regina's grandfather has sent to oversee the marriage choice and he impatiently waits for Regina to decide.
I have to admit that the first half of the story moved a little slowly to me. It was enjoyable and interesting, and it is when the courting was going on between the suitors and Regina. I simply wondered if the story was going to pick up the pace. Once I made it a little over halfway through the book, Regina made her choice, and oh boy! The pace really picked up and this became a book that I had trouble putting down. In fact, I stayed up late into the night to finish it! Secrets were revealed and a whole lot of tension erupted! I definitely recommend this story to readers of Christian romance. This book is the beginning of the series and I look forward to reading the other books.
Choosing between two heroes is a common theme in romance. But having to choose between three when the heroine's heart belongs to no one? In Handpicked Husband, the first book in the Texas Grooms series, Griggs ingeniously introduces the reader to many intriguing men who are heroes in the making. Who will the heroine, Regina Nash, choose or will she succeed in getting out of a forced marriage? And what about the fourth man, Adam Barr, who is there to see the marriage happens and just happens to capture her heart? Unexpected twists make this romance a true page-turner from beginning to end. Handpicked Husband is a lesson in how an author can ramp up the reader's anticipation for a new series while keeping a solid focus on the growing romance between a smart,intriguing heroine and a dashing hero who is torn between his feelings and his responsibilities. Can't wait for the next in the series.
Good read. The heroine's step-grandfather has sent 3 men from Philadelphia to her home in Texas (NE Texas) plus one guy to supervise the contract granddad has come up with. He's manipulating her into marrying one of them by threatening to take away the nephew she's raised since he was a baby. The maneuvering is amusing and when she finally makes her choice, the events turn to heartbreak. It's an inspirational, but it's definitely not overly preachy. In fact, there really isn't much inspirational content, but what is there fits nicely. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Winnie Griggs is an amazing author. This story finds us with a group of men traveling from Philadelphia to Texas. Three of them are on their way to being part of a "husband lottery". Regina's grandfather wants her to get married and by sending three men, at least she'll have a choice. But what does a girl do when she doesn't want to get married? Find the loop-holes.
This is the first in the Texas Grooms series so we have at least 3 more stories to look forward to from Ms. Griggs.
Wonderful book!! Brilliantly written. This whole book was a surprise since I've read many life-inspired books and this one blew me away. The suspense and the wait cinched the deal for me, and the whole book progressed nicely. It was a little rushed at the end, but other then that this book was great. Will definitely read more books by Ms.Griggs!
I thought this was a great idea for a story, but the author's writing didn't do the idea justice. I wish she had collaborated with one of my 5 star authors, so that this could have been an outstanding book.
Over all I've found that LOVE INSPIRED HISTORICALS books are semi-bland. They may be inspired by love, but fall short. Kinda like a low production made for tv movie.
What a great story! I was laughing, crying and anxious throughout. Regina was a delight to get to know but Adam I wanted to throttle a few times! :) I'm looking forward to more of Winnie's Texas Grooms!