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The Reluctant Brides Collection
Take an adventurous ride along on the bumpy trail to love as six independent women of yesteryear are cautiously courted into matrimony by men they have both intrigued and hurt. Angie thinks she can pick a bride for her brother-in-law. Isabel tells her new boss how to do his job. Percy keeps secrets from the lumber camp doctor. Christa tries to help a man in a predicament. Meredith disputes the school superintendent. Rose pries into a homesteader’s mysterious history. Will troubles douse the sparks of love before anyone can become a bride?
446 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2014
18 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Marie Hake
92 books622 followersAs 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 7, 2019
Barbour Romance Collections always rate at the top of my reading list.
They are so much fun to read and the collections are a number of novella length stories revolving around one subject told by various authors. In this case the subject is reluctant brides in this delightful historical collection.
In this collection the brides of yesteryear are fiercely independent and love is not the first thing on their minds.
I love how faith and goodwill fill these stories.
These brides do come around to love through a little coaxing,forgiveness and redemption.
Lovely stories and they really kept my attention.
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019 .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
They are so much fun to read and the collections are a number of novella length stories revolving around one subject told by various authors. In this case the subject is reluctant brides in this delightful historical collection.
In this collection the brides of yesteryear are fiercely independent and love is not the first thing on their minds.
I love how faith and goodwill fill these stories.
These brides do come around to love through a little coaxing,forgiveness and redemption.
Lovely stories and they really kept my attention.
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019 .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 18, 2019
A sextet of historical stories featuring women uncertain of love, with faith an important element, fully engages the reader in this latest offering by Barbour. 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
#TheReluctantBridesCollection #NetGalley
Pub Date 01 Jul 2019.
Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.
#TheReluctantBridesCollection #NetGalley
October 31, 2014
Six different authors came together to write a collection of novellas about woman reluctant to marry. Each story is a stand-alone. The only connection is the theme of wounded women. All of the stories are set during the late 1800s to early 1900s.
I really enjoyed these stories. They were short enough that I could finish each one in a short period of time. But the book is large with all six stories, so gives you plenty of romance and sweetness. Each author infused faith, humor, and grace into the story to create a wonderfully romantic story with an uplifting ending. For novellas, I felt each one was well written and entertaining.
I received this book free of charge from Barbour in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed these stories. They were short enough that I could finish each one in a short period of time. But the book is large with all six stories, so gives you plenty of romance and sweetness. Each author infused faith, humor, and grace into the story to create a wonderfully romantic story with an uplifting ending. For novellas, I felt each one was well written and entertaining.
I received this book free of charge from Barbour in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2019
This was such a fun collection of surprising bumpy love stories. Six different tales written by some of my favorite authors. Each strong willed independent lady takes us on an adventurous ride. With some of the twist and turns you will wonder if they will ever find there perfect match after all. You will get well crafted characters and stories you will want to read again and again. I chose to read one a night and I couldn't put it down. I would recommend The Reluctant Bride Collection, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a complementary copy from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 4, 2019
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. This is the first Barbour Publishing collection that missed the mark for me, which is really disappointing. Not only were the stories a reach in terms of “reluctant brides,” they were also too simply written. Each story had an interesting premise, but I felt they could have been handle better with stronger writers. Except for the final story, Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth. It grabbed my attention from the start and held my interest until the end.
I received a copy of book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2020
Each of the stories is a little different and an imaginary visit into their lives.
Boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl is the overview of each story. Nonetheless it's fun to see the details about how that actually happens. From well intentioned family ghost writing for a mail order bride, to an abused woman hiding as a cook in a lumber camp and a young woman visiting family being mistaken for a resident's fiancee and the new school marm.
Newer authors to well seasoned authors and motivational speakers, the stories show perseverance, loyalty, faith and women willing to take a chance for a better life.
Under different circumstances, would I be so adventurous? Would I be so willing to leave the familiar for such a journey, not sure who is on the other end?
Join these women in the late 1800s for excitement, challenge, peace from the past and just maybe a love like none other.
Boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl is the overview of each story. Nonetheless it's fun to see the details about how that actually happens. From well intentioned family ghost writing for a mail order bride, to an abused woman hiding as a cook in a lumber camp and a young woman visiting family being mistaken for a resident's fiancee and the new school marm.
Newer authors to well seasoned authors and motivational speakers, the stories show perseverance, loyalty, faith and women willing to take a chance for a better life.
Under different circumstances, would I be so adventurous? Would I be so willing to leave the familiar for such a journey, not sure who is on the other end?
Join these women in the late 1800s for excitement, challenge, peace from the past and just maybe a love like none other.
May 14, 2019
In “The Reluctant Brides Collection”, we are treated to six stories by different authors who have provided many lovely short novels to enjoy. We can read about a female journalist, a school teacher, a lumber camp cook, a cloth weaver, and a mail-order bride. These stories, although short provide the reader with warmth, mayhem, friendship, and devotion. I enjoyed each and every story. I think this is a great book to read if you just need a few minutes to unwind and enjoy a good story.
I was able to download a Kindle copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-xR. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
I was able to download a Kindle copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-xR. Other reviews can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
July 3, 2019
This was such a fun collection of surprising bumpy love stories. Six different tales written by some of my favorite authors. Each strong willed independent lady takes us on an adventurous ride. With some of the twist and turns you will wonder if they will ever find there perfect match after all. You will get well crafted characters and stories you will want to read again and again. I chose to read one a night and I couldn't put it down. I would recommend The Reluctant Bride Collection, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a complementary copy from Barbour Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 17, 2019
The Reluctant Brides series is a collection of six (fiercely) independent women who probably thought getting married at some point in their lifetime...However, life's circumstances, their own insecurities and God's timing to make them doubt whether they would get married well before they became 'old maids' at the ripe age of 25. Readers will be eager to find out how they end up (or not) with their love-interests when they act of capriciousness and care. I believe that this one of those novella collections that should be read slowly especially when you need a mood boost.
September 9, 2023
I read several other books while I read these 6 novellas. The stories were unique and mostly predictable.
I liked them in order from most to least. The book would have been a 1 if it hadn't been for the first 2 in my list below that changed my mind. They have the best plots and twists.
1 Rose Kelly (I think another name would have been more intriguing for the novella)
2 Light Beckons the Dawn
3 Ribbon of Gold
4 School Bells....
5An Unexpected Surprise (I figured out the surprise quickly)
6 The Reluctant Schoolmarm
I liked them in order from most to least. The book would have been a 1 if it hadn't been for the first 2 in my list below that changed my mind. They have the best plots and twists.
1 Rose Kelly (I think another name would have been more intriguing for the novella)
2 Light Beckons the Dawn
3 Ribbon of Gold
4 School Bells....
5An Unexpected Surprise (I figured out the surprise quickly)
6 The Reluctant Schoolmarm
June 13, 2019
The Reluctant Brides Collection is a collection of six stories. These stories include:
An Unexpected Surprise by Rosey Dow
Ribbon of God by Cathy Marie Hake
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden
Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L Reece
Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth
Most of these authors I have not heard of before and enjoyed their tales.
I give The Reluctant Bride Collection four and a half stars.
An Unexpected Surprise by Rosey Dow
Ribbon of God by Cathy Marie Hake
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden
Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L Reece
Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth
Most of these authors I have not heard of before and enjoyed their tales.
I give The Reluctant Bride Collection four and a half stars.
June 16, 2019
This set of novellas was enjoyable, but none of the stories really seemed to include a RELUCTANT bride. I took my time and enjoyed this set. I especially liked Ribbon of Gold by Cathy Marie Hake, Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden, and Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman. The characters were true to life and these stories took enough time to develop. The description of certain characters as "weird" was, shall we say, weird for a written work of this nature. Recommended reading.
September 16, 2025
An anthology of clean historical romances set during the westward expansion time frame of the United States. Each story is a standalone romance and provides a glimpse of life on the prairie. I enjoyed each story tremendously and highly recommend them!
January 5, 2018
Wonderful collection!! 😊😍
January 12, 2018
Short stories, all Christian based. Predictable, but quick reads to enjoy when you want to relax.
April 9, 2020
Fast paced but I love how the stories all come together by the end!
April 25, 2023
6 books in 1. Each was a simple, sweet story. I probably would not reread, but would certainly recommend as my daughters get older if/when the want to try a bit of a romance.
May 9, 2016
“An Unexpected Surprise”
by Rosey Dow
Angie and Judy are up to something good – in spirit. Unfortunately, they've been deceptive to both parties involved. In order for Angie to leave her widowed brother-in-law's home to start her own married life, she must find a suitable mother for her niece Judy. That means a husband for her brother-in-law Lane. Enter Saundra, whom Angie's “pen pal.” Will Angie's plan work if it's built of deception? Will she come to regret it?
I wanted to like this story, but as someone studying German language and culture, I couldn't. One of my good friends is first generation American. Her parents are from Berlin. Neither she nor her parents have ever heard of the “Christmas pickle.” After some research, we found out it was an idea invented by Woolworth's to sell vegetable mercury glass Christmas ornaments. The story was cute, but details count. I would rate this story 2.75/5 stars.
“Ribbon of Gold”
by Cathy Marie Hake
This was a lovely, quick story about a textile factory near Lowell, Massachusetts. Considering the history and horror of the treatment of women in textile factories like the ones in Lowell and the Triangle Shirt Waist in NYC, it was refreshing to read a positive story where a mill owner actually cared.
The romance was cute, and I fell in love with the male lead a little. Something about him reminded me of Edward Rochester in Jane Eyre. I think it was the tall, handsome, squared jaw thing. Anyway, it was also good to see a man reach below “his class level” to find true love. (Also like Jane Eyre.) Overall, I rate this story 3.5/5 stars.
“Light Beckons the Dawn”
by Susannah Hayden
A lumber camp is expecting Percy to show up as the lumber camp cook. They can't wait for him to arrive. Unfortunately, when “he” arrives – he's a she. Is a woman a proper cook for a rough and tumble lumber camp?
This was a really good story. I could see it being made into a TV movie. Could be worked very well into a Hallmark movie or such. I think I fell in love with Josh a little. He's such a good man. A good doctor. 4/5 stars.
“The Reluctant Schoolmarm”
by Yvonne Lehman
Ahhhh! Adorable. Gave me the giggles. Very short story. (about 50 pages) The story starts out with a misunderstanding that is spread around as the truth and then eventually becomes the truth. Yet another doctor in a small place, but the quaint settings sometimes make the best stories because of the obstacles. Very good story; I really enjoyed it. 4/5 stars.
“School Bells and Weddings Bells”
by Colleen L. Reece
After being jilted and financially ruined, a young Bostonia woman follows her twin brother on his missionary journey to be a preacher to a town out west.
This was a wonderful and very short story about how God is working even when we can't see Him doing so and especially when we think He has no idea what He's done. He does; we just have to wait. About 40 pages, and well worth the read. This one has a villain, and he made my skin crawl, even in that short amount of space. *shudders* 3.5/5 stars.
“Rose Kelly”
by Janet Spaeth
Can a female reporter from Chicago handle the Dakota territory? The setting is primitive, and the land can be cruel. Can love save the day? Will her mouth and investigative skills get her into trouble?
This one turned out to be my favorite. They saved the best for last. Another that could be a good Hallmark movie. It's a little longer than some of the others and could probably be a short book on its own, though it fits perfectly with this collection. I found myself frustrated at both of the charcters in this one, and that made the story all the better. 5/5 stars.
Overall
Average rating for the stories equals 3.79167/5 stars. I guess I'll round that up to 4/5 stars.
After getting a slow start by only reading one story last year (that first one with the Christmas pickle really put me off), I ended up devouring most of these stories in one day. I really enjoyed them. I really think “Light Beckons the Dawn” should be turned into a Hallmark movie. It's very good.
These inspirational romances are just what I need when I'm feeling down to make me believe in love again and that God has the right person out there for each of us. We just have to listen and wait for Him.
June 9, 2019
The Reluctant Brides Collection – 6 Historical Stories of Love that Takes Persuasion by Rosey Dow; Cathy Marie Hake; Susannah Hayden; Yvonne Legman; Collen L. Reece; Janet Spaeth
The Reluctant Brides Collection – 6 Historical Stories of Love that Takes Persuasion by Rosey Dow; Cathy Marie Hake; Susannah Hayden; Yvonne Legman; Collen L. Reece; Janet Spaeth
Christian Historical Romance
I so enjoyed reading these stories of women who were put into the position of mail order bride, in this Christian historical romance collection of stories. Each one was well written and an easy enjoyable read. They were well thought out, well researched, and fun to read. Each story was very different than the last as each was written by a different author. If you like this type of romance, these stories will transport you to a different time and place.
I received this collection of stories from NetGalley. I willingly am writing a review as I believe these stories are well written enjoyable and wish to help the authors by writing a review in my own words. #TheReluctantBridesCollection #NetGalley.
Description
Six Historical Stories of Love That Takes Persuasion
Take an adventurous ride along on the bumpy trail to love as six independent women of yesteryear are cautiously courted into matrimony by men, they have both intrigued and hurt. Will troubles douse the sparks of love before anyone can become a bride?
An Unexpected Surprise by Rosey Dow, a writer and motivational speaker from Delaware.
Angie McDonald has placed an ad for a mail-order bride—for her widowed brother-in-law and his motherless daughter. But when the beautiful Saundra arrives, Angie wonders if she’s made a mistake and woven a very tangled web. When will Angie learn to leave matters in the hand of God?
Ribbon of Gold by Cathy Marie Hake, a retired nurse and bestselling author from Southern California.
Carter Steadman recently inherited ownership of the Steadman Mills. He is shamed when Isabel Shelly, one of his workers, boldly informs him of the inhuman working conditions at his mill. Carter is inexplicably drawn to this woman who has so little, yet gives so much. Her mere presence is forcing him to make a decision beyond his wildest imaginings.
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden, a writer and editor from Colorado.
Percy Morgan has hidden her past and stifled her future with a gruff exterior and immersed herself in work at a remote lumber camp. Faced with friendships offered by the few women in camp and the attentions of the camp doctor, Percy must decide if she can take a risk and reopen the pain of the past so that healing can begin.
Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman, a multi-published author and writers’ conference speaker from North Carolina.
When Christa Walsh steps off a train in the backwoods of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and reluctantly into the role of teacher, she finds the job more rewarding than she expected, winning the hearts of the children—and along the way, warming the heart of the man whose deception landed her the position.
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L. Reece, an author from Washington state with over six million books in print.
Freshly jilted and ready to take on the world, Meredith Rose Macrae enters an isolated Idaho hamlet with the force of a tornado. Neither she nor Last Chance will ever be the same. And Brit Farley, rugged head of the local school board, faces the challenge of exchanging the new teacher’s school bells for wedding bells.
Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth, a bestselling author from North Dakota.
Rose believes a woman can do any job just as well as a man. But moving to Dakota Territory for six months to write articles on the homesteaders, she suddenly realizes that she may have taken on more than she can handle when trampling upon Eric Johansen private past.
The Reluctant Brides Collection – 6 Historical Stories of Love that Takes Persuasion by Rosey Dow; Cathy Marie Hake; Susannah Hayden; Yvonne Legman; Collen L. Reece; Janet Spaeth
Christian Historical Romance
I so enjoyed reading these stories of women who were put into the position of mail order bride, in this Christian historical romance collection of stories. Each one was well written and an easy enjoyable read. They were well thought out, well researched, and fun to read. Each story was very different than the last as each was written by a different author. If you like this type of romance, these stories will transport you to a different time and place.
I received this collection of stories from NetGalley. I willingly am writing a review as I believe these stories are well written enjoyable and wish to help the authors by writing a review in my own words. #TheReluctantBridesCollection #NetGalley.
Description
Six Historical Stories of Love That Takes Persuasion
Take an adventurous ride along on the bumpy trail to love as six independent women of yesteryear are cautiously courted into matrimony by men, they have both intrigued and hurt. Will troubles douse the sparks of love before anyone can become a bride?
An Unexpected Surprise by Rosey Dow, a writer and motivational speaker from Delaware.
Angie McDonald has placed an ad for a mail-order bride—for her widowed brother-in-law and his motherless daughter. But when the beautiful Saundra arrives, Angie wonders if she’s made a mistake and woven a very tangled web. When will Angie learn to leave matters in the hand of God?
Ribbon of Gold by Cathy Marie Hake, a retired nurse and bestselling author from Southern California.
Carter Steadman recently inherited ownership of the Steadman Mills. He is shamed when Isabel Shelly, one of his workers, boldly informs him of the inhuman working conditions at his mill. Carter is inexplicably drawn to this woman who has so little, yet gives so much. Her mere presence is forcing him to make a decision beyond his wildest imaginings.
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden, a writer and editor from Colorado.
Percy Morgan has hidden her past and stifled her future with a gruff exterior and immersed herself in work at a remote lumber camp. Faced with friendships offered by the few women in camp and the attentions of the camp doctor, Percy must decide if she can take a risk and reopen the pain of the past so that healing can begin.
Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman, a multi-published author and writers’ conference speaker from North Carolina.
When Christa Walsh steps off a train in the backwoods of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and reluctantly into the role of teacher, she finds the job more rewarding than she expected, winning the hearts of the children—and along the way, warming the heart of the man whose deception landed her the position.
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L. Reece, an author from Washington state with over six million books in print.
Freshly jilted and ready to take on the world, Meredith Rose Macrae enters an isolated Idaho hamlet with the force of a tornado. Neither she nor Last Chance will ever be the same. And Brit Farley, rugged head of the local school board, faces the challenge of exchanging the new teacher’s school bells for wedding bells.
Rose Kelly by Janet Spaeth, a bestselling author from North Dakota.
Rose believes a woman can do any job just as well as a man. But moving to Dakota Territory for six months to write articles on the homesteaders, she suddenly realizes that she may have taken on more than she can handle when trampling upon Eric Johansen private past.
July 1, 2016
The Reluctant Brides Collection
Ribbon of Gold by Cathy Marie Hake - 3.5 stars - I'm wondering if this story is a part of another, original, collection of stories, I feel like the other girls mentioned should have their own tales. I can be hopeful :) I liked this story! I thought learning about life working in a fabric mill was very interesting. The romance got a little sappy at the end but overall I enjoyed this little peek very much. I wish it were longer! I also wish there was an epilogue!
**UPDATE:** It is from another collection of stories! I sincerely wish Barbour publishing would give a list of connecting books at the beginning of these large collections of stories!
After some thorough searching, here's the link to the collection of stories about the other girls working in the mill: Woven Hearts: Ribbon of Gold/Run of the Mill/The Caretaker/A Second Glance
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden -3.5 stars - This one was good. I enjoyed reading about life in rural, logging country Wisconsin at that time. You really grew close to Percy, the heroine, as the story went on. I just wish there would've been more of Josh, the hero, he was barely in the story at all. Because of that, the romance, and focus on their relationship was very, very light, and even though this story is "stand-alone" it felt like I was missing things from other, previous stories. I wish they would list connecting stories somewhere at the beginning or end of these collections. In general there was just too much other stuff going on to focus on the reason I was swayed to read this story in the first place.
The Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman - 4.5 stars - This story was a delight to read! I appreciated that even though there was a mix up, there was no open deception being perpetuated, it put me at ease while reading. I was also happy that there were no villainous men or women in the story. The H&H were very admirable individuals and I'm happy everything worked out. An epilogue would've been amazing!
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L. Reece - 3 stars - This story wasn't really my cup of tea. I thought it was an interesting choice to tell the story from their present day, almost in memories. I didn't like the lackluster attempt at a villain. If he was a legit threat than the way the townspeople, and the Hero handled him was too laissez-faire to be admirable. If he wasn't a threat, than why was the heroine literally hiding from him? I don't know. It was okay, but not my taste.
*These four stories, out of the six, intrigued me the most
Ribbon of Gold by Cathy Marie Hake - 3.5 stars - I'm wondering if this story is a part of another, original, collection of stories, I feel like the other girls mentioned should have their own tales. I can be hopeful :) I liked this story! I thought learning about life working in a fabric mill was very interesting. The romance got a little sappy at the end but overall I enjoyed this little peek very much. I wish it were longer! I also wish there was an epilogue!
**UPDATE:** It is from another collection of stories! I sincerely wish Barbour publishing would give a list of connecting books at the beginning of these large collections of stories!
After some thorough searching, here's the link to the collection of stories about the other girls working in the mill: Woven Hearts: Ribbon of Gold/Run of the Mill/The Caretaker/A Second Glance
Light Beckons the Dawn by Susannah Hayden -3.5 stars - This one was good. I enjoyed reading about life in rural, logging country Wisconsin at that time. You really grew close to Percy, the heroine, as the story went on. I just wish there would've been more of Josh, the hero, he was barely in the story at all. Because of that, the romance, and focus on their relationship was very, very light, and even though this story is "stand-alone" it felt like I was missing things from other, previous stories. I wish they would list connecting stories somewhere at the beginning or end of these collections. In general there was just too much other stuff going on to focus on the reason I was swayed to read this story in the first place.
The Reluctant Schoolmarm by Yvonne Lehman - 4.5 stars - This story was a delight to read! I appreciated that even though there was a mix up, there was no open deception being perpetuated, it put me at ease while reading. I was also happy that there were no villainous men or women in the story. The H&H were very admirable individuals and I'm happy everything worked out. An epilogue would've been amazing!
School Bells and Wedding Bells by Colleen L. Reece - 3 stars - This story wasn't really my cup of tea. I thought it was an interesting choice to tell the story from their present day, almost in memories. I didn't like the lackluster attempt at a villain. If he was a legit threat than the way the townspeople, and the Hero handled him was too laissez-faire to be admirable. If he wasn't a threat, than why was the heroine literally hiding from him? I don't know. It was okay, but not my taste.
*These four stories, out of the six, intrigued me the most
July 3, 2019
The Reluctant Brides
By Rosey Dow, Cathy Marie Hake, Susannah Hayden, Yvonne Lehman, Colleen L. Reece, and Janet Spaeth
This collection follows six reluctant brides as they discover themselves and find love. Unexpected, bold, broken, hurt, jilted, and independent these ladies find that if they trust the Lord he will provide. Each story shared a similar theme but was each uniquely it's own.
I enjoyed each story and found them to each be quite different. The characters swept me up and took me to a different situation to settle in for a short time. Each tale was enjoyable, easy to read and fun.
Here are some quotes that I enjoyed:
“You accepted His pardon; I’d love to see you experience His peace.”
“We are but vessels of the One who bears your burden. God brought you to us, and we’re grateful.”
“When we are weak and powerless, that is when God is strong and mighty. You must not give up hope, but you must hope in the right thing.”
“We don’t always like what God does, but we need to remember this: God loved us so much, He sent His Son to die on the cross so all who believe in Him and invite Jesus to live in their hearts can live with Him. Your mama can’t come back to us, but someday we’ll go to her. She will be waiting for us in a place so beautiful the Bible says we can’t even imagine it.”
“And son, she could never be unhappy in the presence if God. The wonderful thing is, we can have that presence with us too. All we have to do is ask for it.”
“He doesn’t forget me. Why should I forget Him?”
“My job is letting people know that when the burden is too big, they don’t have to bear it alone. You know that, don’t you?”
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more book reviews visit: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
By Rosey Dow, Cathy Marie Hake, Susannah Hayden, Yvonne Lehman, Colleen L. Reece, and Janet Spaeth
This collection follows six reluctant brides as they discover themselves and find love. Unexpected, bold, broken, hurt, jilted, and independent these ladies find that if they trust the Lord he will provide. Each story shared a similar theme but was each uniquely it's own.
I enjoyed each story and found them to each be quite different. The characters swept me up and took me to a different situation to settle in for a short time. Each tale was enjoyable, easy to read and fun.
Here are some quotes that I enjoyed:
“You accepted His pardon; I’d love to see you experience His peace.”
“We are but vessels of the One who bears your burden. God brought you to us, and we’re grateful.”
“When we are weak and powerless, that is when God is strong and mighty. You must not give up hope, but you must hope in the right thing.”
“We don’t always like what God does, but we need to remember this: God loved us so much, He sent His Son to die on the cross so all who believe in Him and invite Jesus to live in their hearts can live with Him. Your mama can’t come back to us, but someday we’ll go to her. She will be waiting for us in a place so beautiful the Bible says we can’t even imagine it.”
“And son, she could never be unhappy in the presence if God. The wonderful thing is, we can have that presence with us too. All we have to do is ask for it.”
“He doesn’t forget me. Why should I forget Him?”
“My job is letting people know that when the burden is too big, they don’t have to bear it alone. You know that, don’t you?”
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more book reviews visit: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com
August 17, 2019
Barbour Books has a reputation for producing anthologies that are always entertaining and great reading for an afternoon of leisure. The Reluctant Brides Collection has a novella by one of my favorite authors, which is why I chose to read it. As I read through the book, these stories seemed awfully familiar. I felt like I'd read them before. It's possible I have, but they are still entertaining for a lazy afternoon with a glass of iced tea.
These stories are all about women who want to be independent, who don't want to get married, but somehow get bitten by the love bug. They are also about men who truly understand the women they love and strive to help them achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles in front of them.
It's a solid four star olio that is great for rainy afternoon reading.
I thank Barbour Books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley for me to read and review.
These stories are all about women who want to be independent, who don't want to get married, but somehow get bitten by the love bug. They are also about men who truly understand the women they love and strive to help them achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles in front of them.
It's a solid four star olio that is great for rainy afternoon reading.
I thank Barbour Books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley for me to read and review.
August 21, 2019
I DNF any of the stories and not for lack of perseverance and trying. I found the writing to be tedious, overly descriptive, the plots uninspiring, and the characters lacking.
As such this is the first collection of stories I have not been able to complete, in two decades of reading.
As such I can only conclude that I was not the target audience for these novels, and I am sure, given the glowing reviews of my fellow reviewers, that there is an audience for this book, so my best advice would be, download a sample (if you are an ebook reader), and if it grabs you, buy it. If it doesn't, it won't.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
As such this is the first collection of stories I have not been able to complete, in two decades of reading.
As such I can only conclude that I was not the target audience for these novels, and I am sure, given the glowing reviews of my fellow reviewers, that there is an audience for this book, so my best advice would be, download a sample (if you are an ebook reader), and if it grabs you, buy it. If it doesn't, it won't.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2020
I did enjoy this book. 6 historical Christian romance stories, each by a different author as seen by the unique characters and fun, thought provoking plots. Though God and faith are important to the characters and weigh on their actions, it doesn't overshadow the plot and relationship development between characters. If anything, it adds depth to the decisions made and actions taken.
While, this isn't a book I necessarily see myself rereading, I did have fun reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys either historical romance or Christian fiction. It's a fun, relaxing read that I think many would enjoy. 😊
While, this isn't a book I necessarily see myself rereading, I did have fun reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys either historical romance or Christian fiction. It's a fun, relaxing read that I think many would enjoy. 😊
May 15, 2019
This is a wonderful set of stories by six different authors. Each book is very well written and holds your attention. This is the perfect book to just relax with and forget your troubles for a little while. I enjoyed every story and found a couple of new-to-me authors. If you like historical christian romance grab this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 12, 2015
I'm not normally a huge short story fan, but I do love several of the authors in this collection so I picked it up anyway. It sat on my shelf for awhile, but while I was laid up in bed sick this week, I pulled it down. This was perfect. Each story was sweet and just long enough to be entertaining when I was feeling awful. I'm very glad I read it.
April 14, 2016
This book isn't as good as the others of this series. I wish that you could have written most of the stories differently. I really wanted to have a look in both the characters thoughts, but one of the stories they had the thoughts of two of the characters, (Though not the ones I wanted:P).
March 7, 2016
As always these are great short stories, sweet and heartfelt, and of course they are historical so it is always a favorite genre of mine to read. You get several authors in this collection, so you find some you really like and wish to read more of their writings!
July 19, 2019
A fun collection of historical romance stories. I found each selection to be well written and enjoyed each one. I recommend to fans of historical romance. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is my unbiased review.
October 28, 2014
6 in 1--Barbour Bride Collection
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