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The Blue Willow Brides #2
Twice Promised
Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she's come to know through his tender letters. But when she meets Cora Johnson, she discovers she's not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess.
Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess's affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station--and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?
Filled with surprises, misunderstandings, and tender romance, Twice Promised is the story of how two unlikely women become twice blessed.
Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess's affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station--and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?
Filled with surprises, misunderstandings, and tender romance, Twice Promised is the story of how two unlikely women become twice blessed.
327 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
93 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Brendan
19 books277 followersMaggie Brendan is a CBA bestselling author, of the Heart of the West and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2014 Book Buyers Best Award (OCC/RWA) for Inspirational Fiction and the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a finalist for the 2013 Published Maggie Award of Excellence and the 2013 Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her new series Virtues and Vices of the Old West began with The Trouble with Patience released in February, 2015. A Sweet Misfortune will release February 2016. Follow Maggie on her website www.MaggieBrendan.com, her blog www.SouthernBelleWriter.blogspot.com, Twitter: @MaggieBrendan and Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/maggiebrendan/
Instagram:https://www.instgram.com/maggiebrendan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 23, 2016
TWICE PROMISED was good, but the story lacked a little punch. You would think following two relationships you would get twice the romance, but instead I felt like I only got half.
Greta Olsen and Cora Johnson have both answered the ad for a mail-order bride. Not only is it for the same man, but the man himself didn’t even send for them. Zach Gifford is trying to play matchmaker for his older brother Jess. He figures if he gets Jess married off, he will be free to pursue his desires which do not include working at the family mercantile. So, Zach brings both Greta and Cora to Central City, Colorado so they can vie for Jess’ affection.
What the reader ends up with are four people with fickled hearts.
Cora is paired off with Jess, but she soon realizes her interest lies with Zach. Greta and Zach seem like a natural match, but then why is Zach drawn to Cora? And, if I was Cora or Greta, I would be a little peeved that I was expected to compete for any man’s attention. But somehow, these two woman don’t feel at all used and even become best of friends.
As the story progresses, the hearts of the four main characters seem a bit wishy-washy to me, and affections seem to be exchanged a little too freely for the era in which the story is set. Though Jess and Zach’s Granny knows where everyone’s heart lies, she feels it is best if they discover it for themselves.
TWICE PROMISED at times seemed to drag, and at other times I felt chunks of the story were passed over. I feel the jumping back and forth between the two relationships didn’t make for double the story. Instead, I felt at times the author was summarizing in order to complete the story in a predetermined page count. Again, the story was entertaining enough, I just feel the author could’ve done so much more with the storyline.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Greta Olsen and Cora Johnson have both answered the ad for a mail-order bride. Not only is it for the same man, but the man himself didn’t even send for them. Zach Gifford is trying to play matchmaker for his older brother Jess. He figures if he gets Jess married off, he will be free to pursue his desires which do not include working at the family mercantile. So, Zach brings both Greta and Cora to Central City, Colorado so they can vie for Jess’ affection.
What the reader ends up with are four people with fickled hearts.
Cora is paired off with Jess, but she soon realizes her interest lies with Zach. Greta and Zach seem like a natural match, but then why is Zach drawn to Cora? And, if I was Cora or Greta, I would be a little peeved that I was expected to compete for any man’s attention. But somehow, these two woman don’t feel at all used and even become best of friends.
As the story progresses, the hearts of the four main characters seem a bit wishy-washy to me, and affections seem to be exchanged a little too freely for the era in which the story is set. Though Jess and Zach’s Granny knows where everyone’s heart lies, she feels it is best if they discover it for themselves.
TWICE PROMISED at times seemed to drag, and at other times I felt chunks of the story were passed over. I feel the jumping back and forth between the two relationships didn’t make for double the story. Instead, I felt at times the author was summarizing in order to complete the story in a predetermined page count. Again, the story was entertaining enough, I just feel the author could’ve done so much more with the storyline.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
December 13, 2012
GENRE: HISTORICAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: REVELL
PUBLICATION DATE: OCTOBER 01, 2012
RATING: 2 OUT OF 5 – BELOW AVERAGE
PROS: Intriguing concept of two mail-order brides being ordered by the groom’s brother; setting and secondary characters are interesting
CONS: Too many points of view mean that the reader never connects with any of the characters fully; dialogue and situations feel forced at times; conversations about God and the Bible sometimes seem unrealistic; characters fall in love too quickly and too early in the book; conflict revolves around a lack of communication and misunderstandings
Following the tragic death of her fiancé, Greta Olsen doesn’t believe she can ever find love again. Witnessing how successful her own sister’s mail-order marriage has become, Greta decides to answer an advertisement from a mercantile owner in Central City, Colorado. But when she arrives at her destination, she’s surprised to learn that another woman, Cora Johnson, has also made her way to Central City to be Jess Gifford’s wife! The plot thickens when it becomes apparent that it was Jess’s brother, Zach, who wrote letters to both women, and that he intended Jess to pick whichever woman he preferred once they both arrived. Jess turns the tables on Zach and informs him that he’ll have to take a bride as well, since the two women have taken the time to travel all the way out to Colorado. But will the men be able to make the right choice, with two such lovely brides to choose from?
I read Maggie Brendan’s debut novel, No Place for a Lady, last year, and while I wasn’t in love with it, I did enjoy it. I struggled with her head-hopping and the fact that the main conflict in the novel revolved around a lack of communication between the hero and heroine, but at the time, I conceded that this was Maggie’s first novel and that her writing was sure to mature with time. Now that I’ve read her most recent novel, I’m wondering if perhaps she just isn’t the author for me. I’ve read many positive, enthusiastic reviews of Twice Promised, so it’s clear that her style of writing does suit the reading tastes of many Christian historical romance fans, but I’m afraid that I’m not one of them.
I’m a big fan of mail-order bride plots, and what initially appealed to me about Twice Promised was that it tweaked the traditional storyline in having two brides arrive on the groom’s doorstep, and both for a groom who wasn’t expecting them. This plot had the potential for some humour and a lot of confusion. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mood when I started reading this book, but the humour never really came to the surface, and I felt that the initial confusion over both Greta and Cora arriving to marry Jess, and the revelation that it was his brother who had been writing to them all along, was resolved far too quickly. Despite the fact that they’re both competing for Jess’s affections, Greta and Cora become fast friends. Perhaps this is just my personal taste, but a bit of rivalry at the start of the novel might have made the story more interesting.
I really did want to love this story, not just because the storyline intrigued me, but also because it’s evident from the Author’s Note at the end of the book that Maggie did a lot of research into the location where the novel is set. The author also made an effort to create some entertaining and endearing secondary characters, and while I liked Granny’s role in the story, I’m afraid that I never really warmed up to Caleb or Cole. Agnes was amusing, if a bit caricatured. All of these elements should have conspired to create an enjoyable novel, but something just didn’t mesh them together properly.
One of my biggest issues with Twice Promised was simply just that I never felt like I connected with any of the characters. The novel is written in third-person, but switches between each of the four main characters: Greta, Cora, Jess and Zach. Although we’re told about Zach’s desire to build his own home and stop working for his brother’s mercantile, I never really felt like I got any insight into his motivations, besides his attraction to Cora. While Cora’s background was interesting – her parents cut her off financially when she found faith in God – her constant talk of God, reading the Bible, praying and doing good deeds didn’t always ring true, and given that this constituted the majority of the spiritual element of the novel, it felt forced or unrealistic at times. I did feel like I got to know Greta and Jess a little better, and I honestly think that the novel could have worked just from their perspectives, given how little Zach and Cora’s insight added to the novel. I’m not sure if cutting Cora and Zach’s point-of-view out of the novel would have made it easier to relate to the other characters, or if their sections needed to be expanded, but either way, I finished this novel not feeling like I’d ever made an emotional connection to any of the principal characters.
When it comes to the conflict in this novel, my issues may simply be a matter of personal taste. If you’ve read any of my reviews before, you’ll know that I simply can’t stand it when the main conflict in a novel revolves around a lack of communication or big misunderstanding between the hero and heroine. I want something more concrete to separate the characters, even if it’s just a secret that they can’t bear to share or shame from a past mistake, not the simple fact that Character A won’t confront Character B about something they’re upset about. I know that there are probably plenty of women who have trouble confronting their husbands/boyfriends about a problem, but I’m not one of them, so I struggle to relate to the situations like this.
Ultimately, all of the characters in the novel realise who they’re truly in love with around 60% of the way into Twice Promised. I won’t give away which brother falls for which bride, so as not to spoil the novel for potential readers. Pushing aside any thoughts about how unrealistic it is for them to all fall in love so quickly, especially considering how little time they’ve had to spend together alone, I almost felt like the first 60% of the novel could have been stretched out to the full-length of the novel (or maybe even shortened into a novella?), wrapping the conflict of “Which brother will marry which bride?” up in the last few pages. Instead, the characters spend the next 40% of the novel misinterpreting situations and refusing to communicate their true feelings to each other, until the novel comes to a rather unexciting climax. I’m sure that the final confrontation between Jess and Zach could have been climatic, if it weren’t for the fact that the reader knew how each of them already felt. All in all, the conflict felt like it was unnecessarily drawn out, and it was a bit frustrating for the reader who knows exactly how all the characters feel, and wishes that they’d just sit down and talk about it.
It’s evident from many reviews on GoodReads and Amazon that the majority of Christian historical romance readers enjoyed this novel. I honestly wish that I was one of them, given that I’m normally a huge fan of mail-order bride stories. I believe that, with some stronger character development and a quicker resolution to the Big Misunderstanding/Lack of Communication conflict, I might have enjoyed Twice Promised a lot more. As it is, this obviously isn’t the novel for me, but if you aren’t usually bothered by these issues, it might be worth checking out some alternative viewpoints to see if Twice Promised fits your reading tastes.
Review title provided by Revell.
PUBLISHER: REVELL
PUBLICATION DATE: OCTOBER 01, 2012
RATING: 2 OUT OF 5 – BELOW AVERAGE
PROS: Intriguing concept of two mail-order brides being ordered by the groom’s brother; setting and secondary characters are interesting
CONS: Too many points of view mean that the reader never connects with any of the characters fully; dialogue and situations feel forced at times; conversations about God and the Bible sometimes seem unrealistic; characters fall in love too quickly and too early in the book; conflict revolves around a lack of communication and misunderstandings
Following the tragic death of her fiancé, Greta Olsen doesn’t believe she can ever find love again. Witnessing how successful her own sister’s mail-order marriage has become, Greta decides to answer an advertisement from a mercantile owner in Central City, Colorado. But when she arrives at her destination, she’s surprised to learn that another woman, Cora Johnson, has also made her way to Central City to be Jess Gifford’s wife! The plot thickens when it becomes apparent that it was Jess’s brother, Zach, who wrote letters to both women, and that he intended Jess to pick whichever woman he preferred once they both arrived. Jess turns the tables on Zach and informs him that he’ll have to take a bride as well, since the two women have taken the time to travel all the way out to Colorado. But will the men be able to make the right choice, with two such lovely brides to choose from?
I read Maggie Brendan’s debut novel, No Place for a Lady, last year, and while I wasn’t in love with it, I did enjoy it. I struggled with her head-hopping and the fact that the main conflict in the novel revolved around a lack of communication between the hero and heroine, but at the time, I conceded that this was Maggie’s first novel and that her writing was sure to mature with time. Now that I’ve read her most recent novel, I’m wondering if perhaps she just isn’t the author for me. I’ve read many positive, enthusiastic reviews of Twice Promised, so it’s clear that her style of writing does suit the reading tastes of many Christian historical romance fans, but I’m afraid that I’m not one of them.
I’m a big fan of mail-order bride plots, and what initially appealed to me about Twice Promised was that it tweaked the traditional storyline in having two brides arrive on the groom’s doorstep, and both for a groom who wasn’t expecting them. This plot had the potential for some humour and a lot of confusion. Perhaps I wasn’t in the right mood when I started reading this book, but the humour never really came to the surface, and I felt that the initial confusion over both Greta and Cora arriving to marry Jess, and the revelation that it was his brother who had been writing to them all along, was resolved far too quickly. Despite the fact that they’re both competing for Jess’s affections, Greta and Cora become fast friends. Perhaps this is just my personal taste, but a bit of rivalry at the start of the novel might have made the story more interesting.
I really did want to love this story, not just because the storyline intrigued me, but also because it’s evident from the Author’s Note at the end of the book that Maggie did a lot of research into the location where the novel is set. The author also made an effort to create some entertaining and endearing secondary characters, and while I liked Granny’s role in the story, I’m afraid that I never really warmed up to Caleb or Cole. Agnes was amusing, if a bit caricatured. All of these elements should have conspired to create an enjoyable novel, but something just didn’t mesh them together properly.
One of my biggest issues with Twice Promised was simply just that I never felt like I connected with any of the characters. The novel is written in third-person, but switches between each of the four main characters: Greta, Cora, Jess and Zach. Although we’re told about Zach’s desire to build his own home and stop working for his brother’s mercantile, I never really felt like I got any insight into his motivations, besides his attraction to Cora. While Cora’s background was interesting – her parents cut her off financially when she found faith in God – her constant talk of God, reading the Bible, praying and doing good deeds didn’t always ring true, and given that this constituted the majority of the spiritual element of the novel, it felt forced or unrealistic at times. I did feel like I got to know Greta and Jess a little better, and I honestly think that the novel could have worked just from their perspectives, given how little Zach and Cora’s insight added to the novel. I’m not sure if cutting Cora and Zach’s point-of-view out of the novel would have made it easier to relate to the other characters, or if their sections needed to be expanded, but either way, I finished this novel not feeling like I’d ever made an emotional connection to any of the principal characters.
When it comes to the conflict in this novel, my issues may simply be a matter of personal taste. If you’ve read any of my reviews before, you’ll know that I simply can’t stand it when the main conflict in a novel revolves around a lack of communication or big misunderstanding between the hero and heroine. I want something more concrete to separate the characters, even if it’s just a secret that they can’t bear to share or shame from a past mistake, not the simple fact that Character A won’t confront Character B about something they’re upset about. I know that there are probably plenty of women who have trouble confronting their husbands/boyfriends about a problem, but I’m not one of them, so I struggle to relate to the situations like this.
Ultimately, all of the characters in the novel realise who they’re truly in love with around 60% of the way into Twice Promised. I won’t give away which brother falls for which bride, so as not to spoil the novel for potential readers. Pushing aside any thoughts about how unrealistic it is for them to all fall in love so quickly, especially considering how little time they’ve had to spend together alone, I almost felt like the first 60% of the novel could have been stretched out to the full-length of the novel (or maybe even shortened into a novella?), wrapping the conflict of “Which brother will marry which bride?” up in the last few pages. Instead, the characters spend the next 40% of the novel misinterpreting situations and refusing to communicate their true feelings to each other, until the novel comes to a rather unexciting climax. I’m sure that the final confrontation between Jess and Zach could have been climatic, if it weren’t for the fact that the reader knew how each of them already felt. All in all, the conflict felt like it was unnecessarily drawn out, and it was a bit frustrating for the reader who knows exactly how all the characters feel, and wishes that they’d just sit down and talk about it.
It’s evident from many reviews on GoodReads and Amazon that the majority of Christian historical romance readers enjoyed this novel. I honestly wish that I was one of them, given that I’m normally a huge fan of mail-order bride stories. I believe that, with some stronger character development and a quicker resolution to the Big Misunderstanding/Lack of Communication conflict, I might have enjoyed Twice Promised a lot more. As it is, this obviously isn’t the novel for me, but if you aren’t usually bothered by these issues, it might be worth checking out some alternative viewpoints to see if Twice Promised fits your reading tastes.
Review title provided by Revell.
June 7, 2013
Twice Promised is a unique twist on a historic romance, with two mail order brides showing up for one western fellow! Set in 1880s Colorado, a brother decides he knows what is best for his sibling, and the show begins.
What I Liked
The characters were delightful and Ms. Brendan did a wonderful job of incorporating humor into the story. I also liked characters revealing feelings for each other about halfway through. Although unusual in a romance, it was interesting change and allowed the author to explore a few other issues within the story.
What I Didn't Like
The story is told from the viewpoint of four different characters. While I think the author did a good job of keeping everything in order, at times I got confused on which perspective I was reading. I've seen this technique done quite well in other series where characters are moving about the country or the world, but all four of these people were intimately involved in one store together. And I wonder if, ultimately, hearing all four sides detracted from the story more than it added.
The other thing that I realized bother me in this book is that it felt like it dragged on too long. I think the author was trying to tie up all the loose ends, but the information conveyed in the last several pages was not anything I was left wondering about. It almost felt rushed, to get everything added, but it was all extraneous information that I was able to deduce from what I'd already been told.
The Bottom Line - 4 stars
If you enjoy historical romances, then this book may be worth giving a try. It is the second book of a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing something by not having read the first one.
What I Liked
The characters were delightful and Ms. Brendan did a wonderful job of incorporating humor into the story. I also liked characters revealing feelings for each other about halfway through. Although unusual in a romance, it was interesting change and allowed the author to explore a few other issues within the story.
What I Didn't Like
The story is told from the viewpoint of four different characters. While I think the author did a good job of keeping everything in order, at times I got confused on which perspective I was reading. I've seen this technique done quite well in other series where characters are moving about the country or the world, but all four of these people were intimately involved in one store together. And I wonder if, ultimately, hearing all four sides detracted from the story more than it added.
The other thing that I realized bother me in this book is that it felt like it dragged on too long. I think the author was trying to tie up all the loose ends, but the information conveyed in the last several pages was not anything I was left wondering about. It almost felt rushed, to get everything added, but it was all extraneous information that I was able to deduce from what I'd already been told.
The Bottom Line - 4 stars
If you enjoy historical romances, then this book may be worth giving a try. It is the second book of a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing something by not having read the first one.
October 14, 2012
Maggie Brendan knows how to write a good romance. I enjoyed the first book in the series and I loved this one as well. I've always appreciated an interesting mail order bride story and this one is as good as I expected. Once the story began I wasn't sure how it was going to work out since there were two brides rather than the one typically arranged for, and the author kept me guessing. Then once it looked like a decent resolution was possible, a few more twists were thrown in. I don't normally like a romance with a simple misunderstanding or mis-communication at the core, but the author pulled it off with this story and made it believable. I also enjoyed how she showed that love is more than a pretty face. Granny was a doll, too.
How the facts were slowly revealed about the heroine's past made sense, and that scene at the graveyard nearly broke my heart. That was well done. Of course, by then I was fully invested in the outcome for everyone involved. It's hard to say more without giving away some cool surprises, but suffice to say I enjoyed this story. There were some pulse pounding moments and I liked that there were a number of perspectives in this story rather than the typical hero/heroine perspective alone. But that was necessary to keep the reader guessing a bit. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series when it releases, but this could be read as a stand-alone novel.
How the facts were slowly revealed about the heroine's past made sense, and that scene at the graveyard nearly broke my heart. That was well done. Of course, by then I was fully invested in the outcome for everyone involved. It's hard to say more without giving away some cool surprises, but suffice to say I enjoyed this story. There were some pulse pounding moments and I liked that there were a number of perspectives in this story rather than the typical hero/heroine perspective alone. But that was necessary to keep the reader guessing a bit. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series when it releases, but this could be read as a stand-alone novel.
October 20, 2012
After reading the first in this series, Deeply Devoted, I was interested to see where the tale of the second sister, Greta, would go. I have to admit that it was pretty abrupt to find that Greta's beau from the first book was not going to be in the picture in this novel. But it did lend itself to a bit of a twist to this story.
The part of the plot that incorporated having two mail-order brides (Greta and Cora) for one guy (Jess) was cute. It was also charming when the other brother (Zach) became involved, and it became a “which bride goes with which brother” scenario.
It seemed, though, that this quandary was solved a little over halfway through the book, and while it was satisfactory, the story after that got a bit outlandish. The misunderstandings that kept occurring after the supposed resolution were too drawn out. The adults who supposedly loved each other should have just talked to each other. Right then. Without waiting. (This is one of my pet peeves about misunderstandings in books).
Read my complete review here:http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
The part of the plot that incorporated having two mail-order brides (Greta and Cora) for one guy (Jess) was cute. It was also charming when the other brother (Zach) became involved, and it became a “which bride goes with which brother” scenario.
It seemed, though, that this quandary was solved a little over halfway through the book, and while it was satisfactory, the story after that got a bit outlandish. The misunderstandings that kept occurring after the supposed resolution were too drawn out. The adults who supposedly loved each other should have just talked to each other. Right then. Without waiting. (This is one of my pet peeves about misunderstandings in books).
Read my complete review here:http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
July 6, 2015
The story was okay, I guess, but the anachronisms were quite distracting. I doubt anyone had a living room until TV was invented and a crate built for shipping merchandise would not have had a door you could use to shut a pet dog in. (and would they have had a pet dog in the house back then?) She also got the vegetation wrong for Colorado.
And to prove I am a sucker for punishment, in the first book she kept calling her sister a "free spirit" which I suspect came around in the 1960s. Now flibertygibbit I could have accepted...
These books were a gift from someone who heard me say that I had nothing fluffy to read in the house...and he fixed that for me!
And to prove I am a sucker for punishment, in the first book she kept calling her sister a "free spirit" which I suspect came around in the 1960s. Now flibertygibbit I could have accepted...
These books were a gift from someone who heard me say that I had nothing fluffy to read in the house...and he fixed that for me!
May 16, 2013
This was a good book. I really liked the characters, and the way the 2 love stories played off each other. I also appreciated the humour; but, with 2 mail-order brides arriving on the same train for 1 groom who isn't even aware that his brother has 'recruited' them, how can it help but be humourous?!?
I'm definitely looking forward to reading Anna's story next!
I'm definitely looking forward to reading Anna's story next!
November 30, 2024
Number of pages: 327
Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
Series: The Blue Willow Brides book 2
Age recommendation: 15+
Summary: When Greta arrived in Central City, she was expecting to be the only mail-order bride. So, imagine her surprise when she found out that not only was there another mail-order bride awaiting a husband, but that woman was promised to the same man she was!
My thoughts: I don’t even know where to begin with this book. I think the premise was great (I love funny books), but as always with Christian fiction (especially the historical fiction kind), the misunderstanding was too drawn out. It was painfully obvious from the start which girl should end up with each guy. For a while I didn’t mind the “who’s going with whom?” and “which girl do I like?” thing, but by the end it was extremely annoying. I also can’t decide yet whether Jess and Zachary’s fist fight over their girls is funny or annoying. I’m still kind of on the fence.
I was surprised by this book that a) there was Christian content, and b) that Cora was the preachy one. I’ve become accustomed to the lack of anything spiritual in the so-called Christian fiction genre (usually it’s just clean fiction) so it was a pleasant surprise to find someone that “wait[ed] upon the LORD.” It surprised me that it was Cora though, as she came from a very privileged home, and I wouldn’t have expected her to care much about God. Usually, it is the other way around where the rural/poorer character is close to God and trying to convince their rich friend that possessions, power and money don’t mean anything to Him.
I like how the story ends, and I also like Granny and Caleb. They’re so funny and make the book so much more fun to read.
There’s nothing spectacular about the writing/dialogue itself. My sister thought it was bad, but I didn’t really notice anything either way. (Or maybe I’m just really used to reading badly written books, which is a distinct possibility considering some of the books I’ve read).
This was a pretty funny book that I enjoyed reading and I would recommend.
My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Historical Fiction Romance
Series: The Blue Willow Brides book 2
Age recommendation: 15+
Summary: When Greta arrived in Central City, she was expecting to be the only mail-order bride. So, imagine her surprise when she found out that not only was there another mail-order bride awaiting a husband, but that woman was promised to the same man she was!
My thoughts: I don’t even know where to begin with this book. I think the premise was great (I love funny books), but as always with Christian fiction (especially the historical fiction kind), the misunderstanding was too drawn out. It was painfully obvious from the start which girl should end up with each guy. For a while I didn’t mind the “who’s going with whom?” and “which girl do I like?” thing, but by the end it was extremely annoying. I also can’t decide yet whether Jess and Zachary’s fist fight over their girls is funny or annoying. I’m still kind of on the fence.
I was surprised by this book that a) there was Christian content, and b) that Cora was the preachy one. I’ve become accustomed to the lack of anything spiritual in the so-called Christian fiction genre (usually it’s just clean fiction) so it was a pleasant surprise to find someone that “wait[ed] upon the LORD.” It surprised me that it was Cora though, as she came from a very privileged home, and I wouldn’t have expected her to care much about God. Usually, it is the other way around where the rural/poorer character is close to God and trying to convince their rich friend that possessions, power and money don’t mean anything to Him.
I like how the story ends, and I also like Granny and Caleb. They’re so funny and make the book so much more fun to read.
There’s nothing spectacular about the writing/dialogue itself. My sister thought it was bad, but I didn’t really notice anything either way. (Or maybe I’m just really used to reading badly written books, which is a distinct possibility considering some of the books I’ve read).
This was a pretty funny book that I enjoyed reading and I would recommend.
My personal rating: 3.5/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
July 26, 2020
This second book in the Blue Willow Brides series tells a complete story. It could easily stand alone, but if you are going to read others in the series, I do recommend going in order. This book starts out with s spoiler to a subplot in the first book.
Excellent twist on Mail Order Bride theme. It is an absolutely ridiculous premise, but then the whole MOB theme isn't? Things get even crazier and crazier and is worth some laughs. If you take this one too seriously it will drag badly because it goes a bit in circles.
This is a Christian book, but isn't particularly preachy. Like the first book, lack of communication is a big theme. These couples really need to talk to each other. It almost seems that physical contact (mostly just kissing and hugging) is what draws them together as reflected by the thoughts of whatever person has the POV at the time.
Mature themes: there is no sex other than some casual kissing. There is a war killing and an attempted armed robbery.
Excellent twist on Mail Order Bride theme. It is an absolutely ridiculous premise, but then the whole MOB theme isn't? Things get even crazier and crazier and is worth some laughs. If you take this one too seriously it will drag badly because it goes a bit in circles.
This is a Christian book, but isn't particularly preachy. Like the first book, lack of communication is a big theme. These couples really need to talk to each other. It almost seems that physical contact (mostly just kissing and hugging) is what draws them together as reflected by the thoughts of whatever person has the POV at the time.
Mature themes: there is no sex other than some casual kissing. There is a war killing and an attempted armed robbery.
October 18, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars Two Mail-Order Brides! Twice Promised!, October 17, 2012
By
Kathleen
This review is from: Twice Promised: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides) (Paperback)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan, ©2012 ~*~ The Blue Willow Brides series, Book 2 ~*~
~*~ The Blue Willow Brides series, Book 1 ~*~ We are introduced to Greta Olsen in Deeply Devoted. She arrives in Wyoming from Amsterdam, Holland, with her sisters as one becomes a mail-order bride.
~*~ The Blue Willow Brides series, Book 2 ~*~ In Twice Promised, Greta travels to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She immediately finds a Miss Cora Johnson also answered the Mail-Order-Bride ad for... the same man. Only he didn't place the ad!
"I'm here to pick up Jess's mail-order brides," he said. He twirled his Stetson in his hand." --Twice Promised, page 16
Both women traveling in the same rail car ~*~ arriving at the railroad depot, sitting on the same bench, waiting to be retrieved.... Shocking, indeed!
Did you catch that "s"??
They did!
Ordering for the "general store" certainly has seemed to get out of hand!
Greta gave Zach a hard look. "Cora's right. Now we both have arrived to marry a man who doesn't even know we exist!" --page 19
Lucky for Zach, "he has a plan."
"What do you say, ladies? Are you willing to give my plan consideration? Let's say in three weeks, if either of you hate it here or don't take a shine to Jess, then I'll pay your train fare back home." Greta groaned and Cora winced. "Or to wherever you'd like to travel." --page 20
I liked the light-hearted warmth of the characters as both women become friends, banding together in a fast growing mining town, Central City, Colorado, in 1888. Historical Fiction is my very favorite and I am not left behind as they begin their adventures together. They have a few surprises of their own! They are survivors. I'll agree with Greta: "This should be interesting."
Their "intended," Jess Gifford, is busy running the local Mercantile. His brother, Zach, of all people, has placed an ad to free up his time, or so it was thought. Two brothers, their Granny, and throw a third damsel-in-distress into the mix! Oh my! A third missing his attentions ~*~ and... she has a brother who wouldn't mind being chosen by either of these two lovely "eligibles," should they decide they are through with those Giffords!
Oh, dearie! Zach's plan doesn't come across exactly how he told them, when he blurts out in front of a young family also, in the store making purchases:
Jess looked sharply at him. "And just what might you have to do with these two young ladies?"
Silas and Annabelle nodded their curiosity. He might as well go on and break the news to his brother now, while he was listening for once. Zach stood between the two ladies, draping an arm around each of their shoulders. "I want you to meet two very important women in your life, Miss Greta Olsen and Miss Cora Johnson. One of which will be your future bride."
Greta smacked at his hand and Cora took a step back.
Annabelle's eyes widened, and Silas gave his wife a warning look.
Zach sighed. Nothing like having an audience. Jess would get him for this.
"Oh my ..." Sue said.
Jess pulled back with surprise. His gaze flew from Zach to the two women, who stood waiting. "My future bride?"
"Yep! Thanks to the US mail." --page 39
And then there's the explanation to his brother:
"... I took it upon myself to help you out by placing an ad for a bride--actually, two. I thought if you had two to pick from, that would make it easy." --page 42
[As you can tell, it took a little explaining to get from page 39 to 42!]
Drum roll, lol. It is not long before the two women make plans of their own. With so many transitions, they handle it all with noble courage. Apron in hand, they are the two new "hirees" of the mercantile! Maybe it was Zach's plan but, really, it is theirs now! That takes gumption. And... they fit in nicely! Think there may be a little more activity in the general store from here on out. Rearranging.
There is more to this story than I have told you. A locket clue. So well written and you will want to join them on their new excursion.
A customer returns to collect his order... Okay, the mercantile is about to fill up. It won't take long for the news to get out ~ in fact, Granny already knows when Jess goes to visit her later in the day...
"Cole," Silas offered him a handshake. "We were just inviting Jess and Zach for supper Friday, as well as Greta and Cora, two mail-order brides who just arrived yesterday. You may as well come too, unless you've got plans."
I am drawn to Blue Willow china and have collected several pieces. There are legends behind it of one woman with two men seeking her ~*~ one who has her heart, the other her father is arranging for her.
Did you notice the stamp on the back of this plate? [Holland]
Or would you choice Country Rose china?
Maggie Brendan is the author of the Heart of the West series and Deeply Devoted, which was a 2012 ICR Award finalist. A member of the Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, and Georgia Romance Writers, Maggie lives in Georgia. Visit her at her website MaggieBrendan.com.
I liked the flow of Twice Promised because it brought you into their daily lives and thoughts. Both ladies had their individual likes and giftings and were freely themselves ~ that is, after they stopped second guessing and assuming the intent of others! A very good story and one I will read again. Any age would love this book. It is universal!
Thank you to Revell Blog Tour Network Historical Fiction for this copy of Twice Promised, Book 2 in the Blue Willow Brides series, by Maggie Brendan to review in my own words.
By
Kathleen
This review is from: Twice Promised: A Novel (The Blue Willow Brides) (Paperback)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Twice Promised by Maggie Brendan, ©2012 ~*~ The Blue Willow Brides series, Book 2 ~*~
~*~ The Blue Willow Brides series, Book 1 ~*~ We are introduced to Greta Olsen in Deeply Devoted. She arrives in Wyoming from Amsterdam, Holland, with her sisters as one becomes a mail-order bride.
~*~ The Blue Willow Brides series, Book 2 ~*~ In Twice Promised, Greta travels to the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She immediately finds a Miss Cora Johnson also answered the Mail-Order-Bride ad for... the same man. Only he didn't place the ad!
"I'm here to pick up Jess's mail-order brides," he said. He twirled his Stetson in his hand." --Twice Promised, page 16
Both women traveling in the same rail car ~*~ arriving at the railroad depot, sitting on the same bench, waiting to be retrieved.... Shocking, indeed!
Did you catch that "s"??
They did!
Ordering for the "general store" certainly has seemed to get out of hand!
Greta gave Zach a hard look. "Cora's right. Now we both have arrived to marry a man who doesn't even know we exist!" --page 19
Lucky for Zach, "he has a plan."
"What do you say, ladies? Are you willing to give my plan consideration? Let's say in three weeks, if either of you hate it here or don't take a shine to Jess, then I'll pay your train fare back home." Greta groaned and Cora winced. "Or to wherever you'd like to travel." --page 20
I liked the light-hearted warmth of the characters as both women become friends, banding together in a fast growing mining town, Central City, Colorado, in 1888. Historical Fiction is my very favorite and I am not left behind as they begin their adventures together. They have a few surprises of their own! They are survivors. I'll agree with Greta: "This should be interesting."
Their "intended," Jess Gifford, is busy running the local Mercantile. His brother, Zach, of all people, has placed an ad to free up his time, or so it was thought. Two brothers, their Granny, and throw a third damsel-in-distress into the mix! Oh my! A third missing his attentions ~*~ and... she has a brother who wouldn't mind being chosen by either of these two lovely "eligibles," should they decide they are through with those Giffords!
Oh, dearie! Zach's plan doesn't come across exactly how he told them, when he blurts out in front of a young family also, in the store making purchases:
Jess looked sharply at him. "And just what might you have to do with these two young ladies?"
Silas and Annabelle nodded their curiosity. He might as well go on and break the news to his brother now, while he was listening for once. Zach stood between the two ladies, draping an arm around each of their shoulders. "I want you to meet two very important women in your life, Miss Greta Olsen and Miss Cora Johnson. One of which will be your future bride."
Greta smacked at his hand and Cora took a step back.
Annabelle's eyes widened, and Silas gave his wife a warning look.
Zach sighed. Nothing like having an audience. Jess would get him for this.
"Oh my ..." Sue said.
Jess pulled back with surprise. His gaze flew from Zach to the two women, who stood waiting. "My future bride?"
"Yep! Thanks to the US mail." --page 39
And then there's the explanation to his brother:
"... I took it upon myself to help you out by placing an ad for a bride--actually, two. I thought if you had two to pick from, that would make it easy." --page 42
[As you can tell, it took a little explaining to get from page 39 to 42!]
Drum roll, lol. It is not long before the two women make plans of their own. With so many transitions, they handle it all with noble courage. Apron in hand, they are the two new "hirees" of the mercantile! Maybe it was Zach's plan but, really, it is theirs now! That takes gumption. And... they fit in nicely! Think there may be a little more activity in the general store from here on out. Rearranging.
There is more to this story than I have told you. A locket clue. So well written and you will want to join them on their new excursion.
A customer returns to collect his order... Okay, the mercantile is about to fill up. It won't take long for the news to get out ~ in fact, Granny already knows when Jess goes to visit her later in the day...
"Cole," Silas offered him a handshake. "We were just inviting Jess and Zach for supper Friday, as well as Greta and Cora, two mail-order brides who just arrived yesterday. You may as well come too, unless you've got plans."
I am drawn to Blue Willow china and have collected several pieces. There are legends behind it of one woman with two men seeking her ~*~ one who has her heart, the other her father is arranging for her.
Did you notice the stamp on the back of this plate? [Holland]
Or would you choice Country Rose china?
Maggie Brendan is the author of the Heart of the West series and Deeply Devoted, which was a 2012 ICR Award finalist. A member of the Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, and Georgia Romance Writers, Maggie lives in Georgia. Visit her at her website MaggieBrendan.com.
I liked the flow of Twice Promised because it brought you into their daily lives and thoughts. Both ladies had their individual likes and giftings and were freely themselves ~ that is, after they stopped second guessing and assuming the intent of others! A very good story and one I will read again. Any age would love this book. It is universal!
Thank you to Revell Blog Tour Network Historical Fiction for this copy of Twice Promised, Book 2 in the Blue Willow Brides series, by Maggie Brendan to review in my own words.
Read
April 3, 2021REVIEW: As a teen, I think my fascination with prairie fiction is all due to Janette Oke’s historical stories, but also because the writing is unfussy. Though I always intend to read relative newcomer, Maggie Brendan’s novels, this is the first one I got around to. Reading the synopsis wasn’t all that enticing but did try not to be a pessimist and went ahead with this “Blue Willow Brides” series. Though I hate to be negative, I don’t plan to re-visit this book. Read the review in full on Finding Wonderland.
With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes
With thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes
September 3, 2025
This book was pretty disappointing. The plot was incredibly contrived, beyond believability. While a single plot contrivance for the point of setting up a story can be forgiven, the plot contrivances continue throughout the story. Then the author makes a million inane excuses for the characters not communicating.
Furthermore the speech and actions of the characters are robotic, and she has them reacting in strange, unbelievable ways to events, like giggling at the start of a fight. The book needed a better editor, but the author also needs to work on writing mere believable dialogue, and more complex believable characters. Overall, I do not recommend this book. A
Furthermore the speech and actions of the characters are robotic, and she has them reacting in strange, unbelievable ways to events, like giggling at the start of a fight. The book needed a better editor, but the author also needs to work on writing mere believable dialogue, and more complex believable characters. Overall, I do not recommend this book. A
August 5, 2018
Although it was a nice idea and well written, the story fell short after the second half. The author tried to drag the story and damaged it. There was no need for the long misunderstanding of the brothers and the anger between them.
There is character growth so I appreciated that. But at times felt a little cheesy and that took away my interest. The last 80 pages were difficult to finish. The plot was interesting but the book needed to finish about 100 pages prior to it's end.
There is character growth so I appreciated that. But at times felt a little cheesy and that took away my interest. The last 80 pages were difficult to finish. The plot was interesting but the book needed to finish about 100 pages prior to it's end.
April 26, 2019
Another great book!
I read this book right after her first one. This one didn’t catch me as quick as the first one, but maybe that is because I read them so close together. I enjoyed the story line and I could see each character as she developed them. I loved that it was Christian and I could read without worry of language or other inappropriate things. I enjoyed the story of faith and service!
I read this book right after her first one. This one didn’t catch me as quick as the first one, but maybe that is because I read them so close together. I enjoyed the story line and I could see each character as she developed them. I loved that it was Christian and I could read without worry of language or other inappropriate things. I enjoyed the story of faith and service!
June 7, 2019
An enjoyable conundrum with two mail order brides and one groom who knows nothing about the coming brides. This story is filled with life in uncertaint circumstances and misunderstanding. It is also filled with unknown joint mourning over a lost loved one. This is a story about strangers going for competitors to close friends to family. We have several stories of redemption and reconciliation woven throughout. Twice Promised is a delight to read.
September 3, 2019
Fresh mail order bride plot
What an interesting twist on the traditional mail order bride storyline! Not one, but two brides await for Jess Gifford...and he did not even write the advertisement for them in the first place!
I really enjoyed the way this story developed into two wonderful young women finding their soulmates.
What an interesting twist on the traditional mail order bride storyline! Not one, but two brides await for Jess Gifford...and he did not even write the advertisement for them in the first place!
I really enjoyed the way this story developed into two wonderful young women finding their soulmates.
November 12, 2016
This book was pretty good. I liked all the characters and the concept was good. I just felt it was more about the store than the story. It was good, but I wish there was more to it. It could have been beefed up a little.
March 8, 2022
Actual rating - 2.5
I enjoyed the plot of this book a little more than the first book, but I still have the same comment - way too intimate.... It really frustrates me, to be honest. I won't be reading the third book.
I enjoyed the plot of this book a little more than the first book, but I still have the same comment - way too intimate.... It really frustrates me, to be honest. I won't be reading the third book.
November 29, 2023
4.5 ⭐
I really enjoyed book #2 of this trilogy as well... actually I think I liked this one better! Great story, little twists, little suspense, etc. I am so glad I opened myself up to a new genre... Christian Historical Romance. I will finish the trilogy...if I can find book #3. Nice fast read!
I really enjoyed book #2 of this trilogy as well... actually I think I liked this one better! Great story, little twists, little suspense, etc. I am so glad I opened myself up to a new genre... Christian Historical Romance. I will finish the trilogy...if I can find book #3. Nice fast read!
May 25, 2017
The writing was decent, but the story was a little slow for my tastes. Characters were good.
May 8, 2018
Book #2 in the trilogy. While it can stand on its own, it mentions people from the previous book and I always enjoy that. A nice read.
October 1, 2018
Another great book.
August 6, 2019
What a unique plot - TWO mail-order brides for ONE man! This was a delightful story. I'm now starting book 3 in the series.
March 26, 2020
Unique, even for a mail-order bride book. I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2022
very good
June 23, 2023
I loved the friendship between Greta and Cora in this book. But a lack of communication when there is no real barrier for it is always frustrating to me in books.
July 14, 2025
I don't like love triangles or squares. I really don't like them thinking they were cheating on the original coupling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2012
Maggie Brendan in her new book “Twice Promised” Book Two in The Blue Willow Brides series published by Revell Books takes us into the life of Greta Olsen in 1888.
From the back cover: Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.
Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she’s come to know through his tender letters. But when she meets Cora Johnson, she discovers she’s not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess.
Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess’s affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station–and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?
Filled with surprises, misunderstandings, and tender romance, Twice Promised is the story of how two unlikely women become twice blessed.
I can’t imagine packing up everything I own, saying goodbye to my family, probably for the last time, and moving to a different City and State to marry someone I did not know nor had yet to meet. Then, when I got there, to find out that this person was not even aware that I was coming, didn’t know that we were going to be married and that I was only one of two choices for the marriage I think that would be too much for me. So let me say that I think that “Twice Promised” is a winner and may be Maggie Brendan’s best story to date. This book is a lot of fun and winds up having two romances in it hence the title. “Twice Promised” is a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I liked it a lot and look forward to the next book in the series!!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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.”
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
From the back cover: Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.
Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she’s come to know through his tender letters. But when she meets Cora Johnson, she discovers she’s not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess.
Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess’s affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station–and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?
Filled with surprises, misunderstandings, and tender romance, Twice Promised is the story of how two unlikely women become twice blessed.
I can’t imagine packing up everything I own, saying goodbye to my family, probably for the last time, and moving to a different City and State to marry someone I did not know nor had yet to meet. Then, when I got there, to find out that this person was not even aware that I was coming, didn’t know that we were going to be married and that I was only one of two choices for the marriage I think that would be too much for me. So let me say that I think that “Twice Promised” is a winner and may be Maggie Brendan’s best story to date. This book is a lot of fun and winds up having two romances in it hence the title. “Twice Promised” is a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I liked it a lot and look forward to the next book in the series!!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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.”
Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
September 30, 2012
The second in Maggie Brendan’s The Blue Willow Brides series is a sweet romance story set in Central City, Colorado amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains in the late 1800s. It is fun, easy read with some interesting twists. I found myself giggling a bit toward the end.
Meet the characters:
Greta Olsen, a tall blonde with big blue eyes, came from Holland and lived with her brother and sister-in-law in Cheyenne, Wyoming before answering an ad for a mail-order bride. Upon arriving in Central City, Colorado, not only did she find that she wasn’t the only “bride” there to marry Jess, he knew nothing of the arrangement. Outspoken, headstrong, and not afraid of work, she’s a personality to be reckoned with.
Cora Johnson was the daughter of a banker, accustomed to having servants take care of her and consequently had no domestic skills except for quilting. After her parents rejected her new-found faith, she answered the ad for the mail-order bride. She was accustomed to much finer living than she found herself in when Zach provided a miner’s cabin for the ladies to stay in when they arrived. Although more demure than Greta, Cora would speak her mind when she needed to.
Jess Gifford took over the mercantile business when his parents died of influenza a year ago. Although her was perfectly satisfied living alone and running the business, his brother, Zach, had other ideas. It took more than a little of Zach’s persuasion to get Jess to agree to hire the two ladies to work in the store and choose one of them as his bride.
Zach Gifford had an ulterior motive for finding a bride for his brother. He wouldn’t leave Jess to run the mercantile alone, but his dream was to be a rancher, a goal he couldn’t pursue as long as he was tied to the store.
"Granny" had her own ideas about how to decide which of her grandsons should be courting each lady. The spry seventy-year-old woman doted on her grandsons, the only family she had left. The brides-to-be immediately loved her, and she them.
Agnes Cartwright had been courted by Jess in the past, and nothing would please her more than for his attention once again.
Cole Cartwright, Agnes’ brother and a good-looking rancher, waited in the wings, should one of the two brides decline her betrothed and become available.
Meet the characters:
Greta Olsen, a tall blonde with big blue eyes, came from Holland and lived with her brother and sister-in-law in Cheyenne, Wyoming before answering an ad for a mail-order bride. Upon arriving in Central City, Colorado, not only did she find that she wasn’t the only “bride” there to marry Jess, he knew nothing of the arrangement. Outspoken, headstrong, and not afraid of work, she’s a personality to be reckoned with.
Cora Johnson was the daughter of a banker, accustomed to having servants take care of her and consequently had no domestic skills except for quilting. After her parents rejected her new-found faith, she answered the ad for the mail-order bride. She was accustomed to much finer living than she found herself in when Zach provided a miner’s cabin for the ladies to stay in when they arrived. Although more demure than Greta, Cora would speak her mind when she needed to.
Jess Gifford took over the mercantile business when his parents died of influenza a year ago. Although her was perfectly satisfied living alone and running the business, his brother, Zach, had other ideas. It took more than a little of Zach’s persuasion to get Jess to agree to hire the two ladies to work in the store and choose one of them as his bride.
Zach Gifford had an ulterior motive for finding a bride for his brother. He wouldn’t leave Jess to run the mercantile alone, but his dream was to be a rancher, a goal he couldn’t pursue as long as he was tied to the store.
"Granny" had her own ideas about how to decide which of her grandsons should be courting each lady. The spry seventy-year-old woman doted on her grandsons, the only family she had left. The brides-to-be immediately loved her, and she them.
Agnes Cartwright had been courted by Jess in the past, and nothing would please her more than for his attention once again.
Cole Cartwright, Agnes’ brother and a good-looking rancher, waited in the wings, should one of the two brides decline her betrothed and become available.
October 15, 2012
If a mail-order bride (MOB) story comes along chances are I'll read it, that doesn't mean I'm not picky about what I read because I am but MOB stories just so happen to be my very favorites! In just a few short years Maggie Brendan has made her way onto my must read romance author list and this series has cemented her position as one of my favorite Christian romance writers. Twice Promised continues the Blue Willow Brides series that started with Deeply Devoted and reintroduces us to Greta who we first met in book one. When all is said and done her story is just as entertaining and romantic as her sisters and I cannot wait to see how this series concludes.
If you've read the book synopsis you know that this is a bit different from your average MOB story. There aren't one but two MOB's who Zach, Jess Gifford's well meaning brother, sent for in hopes that one would catch his brother's heart. Let's face it when you put two women in the same house and let them know that they both are meant for one man you'd think things would get ugly between them but luckily both Greta and Cora learn to get along--no cat fights in this book. However that doesn't mean that things went smoothly for the ladies or for Zach and Jess. Jess's life was somewhat chaotic to start with so it was interesting to say the least reading how he dealt with such an unexpected surprise. He's a bit different than you average romance hero but you'll have to read the story to find out why, no spoilers here!
If you have the chance be sure to pick up this wonderfully romantic tale of misunderstandings and the mysteries of love. Blue Willow Brides is a fun, quick series that will definitely please all of you readers who are true romantics. If you enjoyed Deeply Devoted you will love this, Maggie Brendan sure knows how to write a love story!
~ My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ~
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. 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.*
If you've read the book synopsis you know that this is a bit different from your average MOB story. There aren't one but two MOB's who Zach, Jess Gifford's well meaning brother, sent for in hopes that one would catch his brother's heart. Let's face it when you put two women in the same house and let them know that they both are meant for one man you'd think things would get ugly between them but luckily both Greta and Cora learn to get along--no cat fights in this book. However that doesn't mean that things went smoothly for the ladies or for Zach and Jess. Jess's life was somewhat chaotic to start with so it was interesting to say the least reading how he dealt with such an unexpected surprise. He's a bit different than you average romance hero but you'll have to read the story to find out why, no spoilers here!
If you have the chance be sure to pick up this wonderfully romantic tale of misunderstandings and the mysteries of love. Blue Willow Brides is a fun, quick series that will definitely please all of you readers who are true romantics. If you enjoyed Deeply Devoted you will love this, Maggie Brendan sure knows how to write a love story!
~ My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ~
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. 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.*
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