The Beaches and Brides Romance Collection

by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Susan Page Davis

Venture along historic American shorelines, enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and romance. In Key West a couple collides over a child’s welfare. In Washington, a captain’s wife guards a secret. In Maine, a castaway returns from the dead. In Georgia, a woman dares to man a lighthouse alone. In Virginia, a wounded soldier recoups at a seaside cottage. Watch as God works through their challenges to bring them safely to a harbor of love.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

480 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2014

About the author

As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.

Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.

Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."

In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the seaside settings of these historical stories. They were varied enough to hold my interest, and the romance was gentle and sweet. My favorite story was The Castaway’s Bride by Susan Page Davis, because I felt more connected to the emotions of the characters. Edward had been lost at sea and presumed dead while he and some shipmates drifted, dying one by one, until a few were marooned on an island, but only Edward survived long enough to be rescued several years later. It was easy to feel for him as he returns home, but discovers his fiancee is engaged to the cousin who took over his father's company in his place. Deborah is the fiancee's little sister who idolized him, and now that she's grown, her dynamic personality is a much better fit for him. I appreciated the complex dynamics of the relationships Edward navigated as he settled back into his place in family, work, and community.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

A Time to Embrace by Lynn A Coleman - 3 stars
The Captains Wife by Mary Davis - 3 stars
The Castaway’s Bride by Susan Page Davis - 4 stars
The Lightkeeper’s Daughter by Paige Winship Dooley - 3 stars
Restoration by Cathy Marie Hake - 3 stars

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Venture along historic American shorelines, enjoying five stories that are full of adventure, challenge, and romance."

Barbour Publishers are so creative as they gather their stories together. They are one of the prime publishers for novella books. In one of their newest collections, they compiled stories focusing on future brides and the waterfront property where they live (or live nearby). I appreciated the vast locations - Florida, Washington, Maine, Georgia, Virginia. So much of America has access to beaches, it's not just the beaches in the Southern states or California. (At least, that's where my mind strays when I think of a book beaches.) I think there is a story for everyone in this collection. The authors cover many topics including love, faith, family, friends, work, survival, reconciliation, and a bunch of more interesting topics.

The time periods were a wide range as well. The earliest from 1820 (The Castaway's Bride) to the latest 1918 (Restoration) covers nearly a century. I am accustomed to reading more books in the 1800's, so when I reached Restoration I almost set down the book. I'm so glad I stuck with it! Hake wrote a beautiful story about, as the title states, restoration. It's never easy to restore something of the past, but it is well worth the time, effort, and cost in the end.

The collection's title begs for this book to be read during the beachy, summery months of the year, but these books can be enjoyed all year long.

Book 01 - A Time to Embrace by Lynn A. Coleman (2000)
Time Period: Post Civil War, 1865
Location: Key West, Florida
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents #396 in 2000 and a digital stand alone in the series Truly Yours Digital Editions in 2012.

Book 02 - The Captain's Wife by Mary Davis (2008)
Time Period: 1898
Location: Port Townsend, Washington, USA
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2008 and a digital stand alone in 2012.

Book 03 - The Castaway's Bride by Susan Page Davis (2007)
Time Period: 1820
Location: Portland, Maine
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2007, a part of the novella compilation Maine Brides in 2008, and a digital stand alone in the series Truly Yours Digital Editions in 2012.

Book 04 - The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Paige Winship Dooly (2010)
Time Period: 1867
Location: Little Cumberland Island, Georgia, USA
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2010 and a part of the novella compilation Georgia Brides (Romancing America series) in 2011.

Book 05 - Restoration by Cathy Marie Hake (2004)
Time Period: WWI, 1918
Location: Virginia, USA
Previously published as a stand alone in the series Heartsong Presents in 2004 and a digital stand alone Truly Yours Digital Editions in 2013.

Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Barbour Books!

[Larik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Collection!!!! Such unique stories.. In Key West Bea and Ellis fight a very dangerous attraction while still trying to subtitute Richie's parents for him. In Washington Vivian's sordid past even though was her survival line at some point now is a killer for her peace of mind and future happiness, but Conner's love for her is ready to fight it all. In Maine, long lost at sea Eduard returns home to find that everything- his family business his position even his fiance were all taken away from him by his beloved cousin. But lovely and with a heart bigger then ocean- Debora heals his wounded heart and gives a new definition to the word love. In Georgia, sweet but stubborn Hollan has suffered a great tragedy at the hands of her beloved fiance's relations, and now he is back making her marry him for a blind person and a woman at that isn't fit to run a light house. But now that Jacob's brother is back to do more damage can Jake save her and win her love at the same time? In Virginia Lorelei doesn't want for anything but to not be judged because of the war and her heritage until the hunky soldier come to recover in the mansion. Russel left home and went to recover at his uncle's mansion so his flashbacks wont hurt people dear to him until he realizes that one buttercup- Lorelei can take the challenge and heal him and his relatonship with the Lord.
I enjoyed each story, they all carry a message and make you meditate on the Lord and blend painful moments with some pretty intertaining ones.... you will laugh, cry, and think deep while reading these.
Enjoy!!!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Publisher, through netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star:
A Time to Embrace (Key West, FL)
The Captain's Wife (Port Townsend, WA)
The Castaway's Bride (Portland, ME)
The Lightkeeper's Daughter (Little Cumberland Island, GA)
Restoration (Virginia)

I really wanted to like this collection, but the only thing that I liked about these stories was the setting. I didn't like the stories, and I liked the characters less. I couldn't connect with any of them.

[Cas H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well organized. I loved the books in the back of the book, whereas I only liked the books in the front of the book. So keep reading it gets better. I loved the story of the German family in the midst of World War 2, that had rented a place far from town to be free of the persecution in the United States of all those who were of German decent. They had sent a soldier to war just like every other American family and just like many American families their soldier, who was the father, did not return. Russell did return from the war to his family, due to an injury. More then his leg was hurting when he returned home, and he needed a respite, to be away from his family and all those people around him. He mentions he is going to move out and his father tells him of his Uncle's Estate which Russell just inherited. He tells him it is in disrepair and needs to be fixed up, but his Uncle left him money too, so he can fix it. Russell moves out to his Uncle's house, and learns he has permanent tenants, he tries to get them to leave, but is told that they have a contract. So over time the German neighbors and Russell form an unbreakable bond that turns into a thing of beauty when The Lord is allowed into all hearts involved.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The various Christian fiction stories in this Anthology all were themed Beaches and Brides. I especially enjoyed the HEA that included children: some orphans who were adopted, and some where the heroin was expecting after having other children. The more I study, the more my heart goes out in empathy towards the Dads who unexpectedly became widowers by child birthings going wrong or the Mama being unable to heal after giving birth. So many marriages of convenience resulted. I can only imagine the heartbreaks and challenges that each person had to overcome. As I am nearing the end, Lord willing, of my own trial, I am learning to trust the Lord more because His ability to make good work out from trials is awesome! I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has five stories in it.
I would have given it four stars, except that the first story in this book really frustrated me with it use of modern terms that didn't fit the time period and setting for it.
I especially enjoyed the fifth story by Cathy Marie Hake ~ Restoration and the third story by Susan Page Davis - The Cast Away Bride.
Over all it was a nice light summer read of romance on beaches across the United States.

[Lisa Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although many of the stories are predictable I really enjoyed this collection. This is a great vacation, sit on the beach kind of read. Interestingly enough the last story in the book took place in 1918 at the beginning of the spanish flu. It was like I was reading about the Covid 19 pandemic. The Bride collection was an easy read and great after reading something heavier. Your just need a cup of coffee and a comfy chair and you are all set!

[Marie Freundl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved every moment of reading this book! This stories through short are intricate detailed and lovely. They are a delight to read and I would recommend this series to anyone who simply wants a simple straight forward romance.

[Aquilla Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of romances with a Christian influence. The best short story was the last one, 'Restoration' which seemed a bit more realistic in the romance department, not a quick whirlwind rather a steadying increase....

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Christian romance novels

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't get through this. I usually like these sorts of anthologies, because the stories are quick, fun reads, but I just couldn't get into any of the stories or connect with any of the characters. Plus, the cover really threw me. It looks like a classic contemporary cover, but all the stories were pre- or early-1900s. That's not the stories' fault, but it still was hard for me to reconcile.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 in 1--Barbour Bride Collection