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Smoky Mountain Matches #2
The Bridal Swap
In this inspirational historical romance, a woman who must tell her sister’s fiancé that the wedding is off falls for the jilted groom.The heiress Josh O’Malley has courted by mail is on her way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to become his wife. His dreams are coming true, and together, they’ll create the family he’s always wanted. But when the stagecoach arrives, it’s not his intended who exits, but her sister, Kate!She came to end her sister’s engagement, but with her duty completed, Kate Morgan is in no hurry to leave. She can’t help but like the beautiful mountain town . . . and her sister’s would-be groom. If only Josh would realize that his dream can still come true—and love can be found where least expected.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
49 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Karen Kirst
77 books255 followersKaren Kirst was born and raised in East Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains. A lifelong lover of books, it wasn't until after college that she had the grand idea to write one herself. The pursuit of her dream would take longer than she first anticipated...years, in fact. In the fall of 2010, she got the happy news that Harlequin Love Inspired Historical wanted to publish her manuscript-a true blessing from God. Now she divides her time between being a wife, homeschooling mom, and romance writer. She enjoys reading, hosting tea parties and spending time with friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 27, 2015
3 1/2 stars, really, but I'll mark it at 4.
I really liked the story and how it turned out. There were some things, though, -- mostly dialogue, I think -- that just felt misplaced in a historical book.
I really liked the story and how it turned out. There were some things, though, -- mostly dialogue, I think -- that just felt misplaced in a historical book.
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June 29, 2024Going to put a pin on it at 60% Right away enjoyed the protective hero. It might be a mood thing that his hot and cold tactics and his constantly comparing her with her sister is making me skim. Also not looking forward to the heroine’s secret reveal. Liked that each have their own individual motivations and their faith in common.
July 22, 2018
Sweet
At moments this sweet stpry portrayed hard to swallow clichés. Still a pleasant read that reminds one of simpler times.
At moments this sweet stpry portrayed hard to swallow clichés. Still a pleasant read that reminds one of simpler times.
March 1, 2021
One thing I'm coming to find out about Karen Kirst's stories is that she doesn't shy away from having her characters and stories reflect Christian principles, and the need to follow Christ in their lives. Sometimes the Christian message of the 'Love Inspired' line of books gets diluted by the love stories, but not in this case. I really appreciate that!
I liked both Josh and Kate, and how their story evolved naturally from when they met to when they realised they had grown to love each other. Though they were both Christians from the start, they were not portrayed as perfect people, but real people who had real issues of needing to feel loved and learning how to trust. Sometimes, they got it 'wrong', but when they were humble, God was able to teach them to be the best versions of themselves.
I also thought that the additional obstacle they needed to face, one that showed up at the very beginning of their acquaintance (trying to avoid spoilers) was intriguing, though the ultimate resolution of that obstacle did feel almost anticlimactic.
Still, an enjoyable 3.5 star read.
I liked both Josh and Kate, and how their story evolved naturally from when they met to when they realised they had grown to love each other. Though they were both Christians from the start, they were not portrayed as perfect people, but real people who had real issues of needing to feel loved and learning how to trust. Sometimes, they got it 'wrong', but when they were humble, God was able to teach them to be the best versions of themselves.
I also thought that the additional obstacle they needed to face, one that showed up at the very beginning of their acquaintance (trying to avoid spoilers) was intriguing, though the ultimate resolution of that obstacle did feel almost anticlimactic.
Still, an enjoyable 3.5 star read.
November 5, 2017
Amazing. I never wanted to put it down. I felt I was right there with the characters and feeling what they feel.
February 19, 2012
Not as good as it's predecessor, still a nice story with main characters trying to put their past behind them.
April 17, 2013
Not well written and very predictable
March 25, 2014
Loved this sooo much.
Still waiting for my Josh P.S please hurry up if you can! xxx
Still waiting for my Josh P.S please hurry up if you can! xxx
January 3, 2015
Not a bad story, but I had some serious misgivings about the heroine's need for forgiveness. I wanted a much more definitive message that she had NOTHING to be ashamed of.
November 17, 2024
A young woman travels to tell a hopeful suitor that her shallow, materialistic sister will not be coming to marry him, as she has already married another man. This book has a very familiar theme, similar to one I read this summer.
Some modern ideas…
…On guns:
“she was holding an instrument of death”
“the only weapons I’ve seen up close are the ones behind glass displays at the museum. I never imagined I’d be holding one, much less learning how to shoot someone.”
Learning how to shoot does not equal learning how to shoot some ‘one.’
…On marriage:
“You’re an adult. Surely they don’t plan to choose your husband for you?” This was common in those days.
Some editing errors, with misuse of vocabulary words, or people teleporting, or behaving out of character:
“To Kate’s surprise, Mrs. O’Malley clasped her hands in hers. “I’m so pleased to meet you!” Then, a paragraph later, “His mother approached,…” She had not backed away in surprise, and cannot approach if she’s holding both Kate’s hands already.
“Though hot from working in many layers of clothing, she [Kate] was satisfied with her efforts.” Kate would not have considered her many layers of clothing to be such. She would have considered it to be the normal amount of clothing, and that she was hot because of the weather.
“She didn’t see Josh until she was almost upon him. “Kate?” “Josh!” she gasped. Seeing her distress, he ran to intercept her.” How can he run to intercept her if she is almost upon him?
Josh doctors the soles of Kate’s scraped feet, and Kate “panicked,” strongly objected, and was “Mortified,” with both of them awkward and embarrassed. Moments later Josh sits next to her, his arm around her, cups her cheek and kisses her with none of the previously noted symptoms!
Between bits of conversation, Josh, going to visit a neighbor with Nathan, emerged from the trees on horseback, then Nathan came to stand beside him, and Josh scanned their surroundings. Then Josh was pounding on the door with Nathan at the bottom of the steps.
Josh “moved to peer through the single window. It was coated with grime to the point of being opaque. He could only make out bulky shapes.” “Opaque” means that you can’t see through it at all.
Josh “stuffed his hands in his pockets” while he was presumably holding a lantern.
Kate held Josh’s hand as he helped her over a log, then “Immediately he curled his free hand around her waist and swung her to the ground.” It sounds like she has a 12” waist, if he can lift her down with one hand!
“A shutter descended over his expression.” A camera shutter, perhaps? Window shutters do not descend. I’m not sure how camera shutters work.
A corset is described as “tortuous,” which means “full of twists and turns” or “excessively lengthy and complex.” The intended word for this context is “torturous,” which means “causing agonized suffering,” but I consider it a bit strong, since I don’t think wearing a corset is truly comparable to being drawn and quartered!
Josh played the fiddle for an hour to comfort himself after a physical fight. Is it really possible to play the fiddle with bruised/broken ribs?
On care with horses:
Josh and Nathan left the drunk neighbor’s horse, presumably saddled, loose in front of his house when they left for home.
Josh was surprised, and “Yanking on the reins, [Josh] guided the team to the side of the street.”
Worried, upon reaching his destination on horseback, “Jerking to a stop, he slid to the ground,”
Josh keeps appearing out of nowhere just in time to rescue Kate from the drunken neighbor.
I keep having trouble figuring which man is surprising Kate by appearing and speaking.
Includes a list of clothing items worn by high-class ladies.
Christian.
Contains: Pemarital kissing, former premarital intimacy, stalking, rough treatment of horses, former child abuse.
Some modern ideas…
…On guns:
“she was holding an instrument of death”
“the only weapons I’ve seen up close are the ones behind glass displays at the museum. I never imagined I’d be holding one, much less learning how to shoot someone.”
Learning how to shoot does not equal learning how to shoot some ‘one.’
…On marriage:
“You’re an adult. Surely they don’t plan to choose your husband for you?” This was common in those days.
Some editing errors, with misuse of vocabulary words, or people teleporting, or behaving out of character:
“To Kate’s surprise, Mrs. O’Malley clasped her hands in hers. “I’m so pleased to meet you!” Then, a paragraph later, “His mother approached,…” She had not backed away in surprise, and cannot approach if she’s holding both Kate’s hands already.
“Though hot from working in many layers of clothing, she [Kate] was satisfied with her efforts.” Kate would not have considered her many layers of clothing to be such. She would have considered it to be the normal amount of clothing, and that she was hot because of the weather.
“She didn’t see Josh until she was almost upon him. “Kate?” “Josh!” she gasped. Seeing her distress, he ran to intercept her.” How can he run to intercept her if she is almost upon him?
Josh doctors the soles of Kate’s scraped feet, and Kate “panicked,” strongly objected, and was “Mortified,” with both of them awkward and embarrassed. Moments later Josh sits next to her, his arm around her, cups her cheek and kisses her with none of the previously noted symptoms!
Between bits of conversation, Josh, going to visit a neighbor with Nathan, emerged from the trees on horseback, then Nathan came to stand beside him, and Josh scanned their surroundings. Then Josh was pounding on the door with Nathan at the bottom of the steps.
Josh “moved to peer through the single window. It was coated with grime to the point of being opaque. He could only make out bulky shapes.” “Opaque” means that you can’t see through it at all.
Josh “stuffed his hands in his pockets” while he was presumably holding a lantern.
Kate held Josh’s hand as he helped her over a log, then “Immediately he curled his free hand around her waist and swung her to the ground.” It sounds like she has a 12” waist, if he can lift her down with one hand!
“A shutter descended over his expression.” A camera shutter, perhaps? Window shutters do not descend. I’m not sure how camera shutters work.
A corset is described as “tortuous,” which means “full of twists and turns” or “excessively lengthy and complex.” The intended word for this context is “torturous,” which means “causing agonized suffering,” but I consider it a bit strong, since I don’t think wearing a corset is truly comparable to being drawn and quartered!
Josh played the fiddle for an hour to comfort himself after a physical fight. Is it really possible to play the fiddle with bruised/broken ribs?
On care with horses:
Josh and Nathan left the drunk neighbor’s horse, presumably saddled, loose in front of his house when they left for home.
Josh was surprised, and “Yanking on the reins, [Josh] guided the team to the side of the street.”
Worried, upon reaching his destination on horseback, “Jerking to a stop, he slid to the ground,”
Josh keeps appearing out of nowhere just in time to rescue Kate from the drunken neighbor.
I keep having trouble figuring which man is surprising Kate by appearing and speaking.
Includes a list of clothing items worn by high-class ladies.
Christian.
Contains: Pemarital kissing, former premarital intimacy, stalking, rough treatment of horses, former child abuse.
July 23, 2024
This was a story that rang true on so many levels: the incredibly high standards and expectations of morality, purity, understanding of social etiquette and behavior of the "elite", the strong determination to keep money within the upper class, and the difficulty within a family when there is a "favorite" child. Kate's loneliness and feelings of not fitting in anywhere are totally understandable with her parents' preferring her older sister. Her desire to do the right thing in communicating the broken engagement to Josh was commendable, as well as follow God's leading in her life. Josh also demonstrates a strong commitment to doing the right thing and following the leading of the Lord. The story is realistic in its handling of traumatic events in the past and people working to overcome them. While God may forgive us and we should not feel guilty or responsible, so often we can't seem to forgive ourselves! Kate and Josh both seem to struggle with their inability to not see people's real intentions (or their true personalities) before they get hurt. I think that is true in real life too. Great story!
January 7, 2022
Forever Love
Josh was so surprised when he met the stage that was suppose to have his future bride in it and it turned out to be her sister, Kate and not Francisco. Francisco had jilted him and married someone else. Kate had always been the sister that was not quite good enough or loved as much, or was as pretty and it had affected her life in many ways. With the help of God she had become the better person and one Josh could not live without. Read this story, you may find yourself in it.
Josh was so surprised when he met the stage that was suppose to have his future bride in it and it turned out to be her sister, Kate and not Francisco. Francisco had jilted him and married someone else. Kate had always been the sister that was not quite good enough or loved as much, or was as pretty and it had affected her life in many ways. With the help of God she had become the better person and one Josh could not live without. Read this story, you may find yourself in it.
September 17, 2025
Potentially offensive items: (premarital sex, referenced rape, drug/alcohol, violence, mature themes, lying)
So the last book I read where the sisters switched places was awful. This book did the switch well. Although there is lying about the past on her part, the two characters get to know each other for who they are.
The book did drag a little in places, and some of the plot was a little contrived. I wouldn't read this a second time, but it was average as far as Love Inspired Historical goes.
So the last book I read where the sisters switched places was awful. This book did the switch well. Although there is lying about the past on her part, the two characters get to know each other for who they are.
The book did drag a little in places, and some of the plot was a little contrived. I wouldn't read this a second time, but it was average as far as Love Inspired Historical goes.
July 15, 2019
Another wonderful story by Karen Kirst. This is Book 2 of 12 (!) in the "Smoky Mountain Matches" series.
Kate and Josh's story was rather emotional for a variety of different reasons. The story also included several plot lines one wouldn't really associate with an "inspiration" read. "The Bridal Swap" is a heartfelt page turner.
I am enjoying this series and I am looking forward to reading "His Mountain Miss" (Book 3)... this evening :D
Kate and Josh's story was rather emotional for a variety of different reasons. The story also included several plot lines one wouldn't really associate with an "inspiration" read. "The Bridal Swap" is a heartfelt page turner.
I am enjoying this series and I am looking forward to reading "His Mountain Miss" (Book 3)... this evening :D
July 21, 2024
Pretty good read! Josh O’Malley thought he’s was meeting his new bride but instead he was met by her sister Kate Morgan. Though things were fairly rocky between Josh and Kate because of resentment on how Kate’s sister had treated him so terribly but over time their feelings for one another grew. Now with the help of Josh’s family hopefully they’ll both figure out that they’re meant for each other!
August 23, 2024
Kept Me Reading
The author certainly did a good job with the plot and characters. I enjoyed both of those. But in spots, the story felt a little draggy. I loved the scriptures shared in the story. There wasn’t any technical issue which stood out. Overall, this clean, sweet, historical romance was a solid 4-star read for me. If you enjoy the genre, check it out!
The author certainly did a good job with the plot and characters. I enjoyed both of those. But in spots, the story felt a little draggy. I loved the scriptures shared in the story. There wasn’t any technical issue which stood out. Overall, this clean, sweet, historical romance was a solid 4-star read for me. If you enjoy the genre, check it out!
May 4, 2022
Not my normal genre, I really enjoyed this little romance. It was sweet and endearing. I am planning on reading the first one in the series just to see what I feel about that one. I enjoyed the O’Malley family.
August 5, 2023
Sweet Christian Love Story
Kate and Josh both make mistakes looking for their life partners. They both discover that just as God forgives us, we must find the ability to forgive each other.
Kate and Josh both make mistakes looking for their life partners. They both discover that just as God forgives us, we must find the ability to forgive each other.
August 6, 2023
Kate comes to Gatlinburg to tell Josh her sister is already married and will not be marrying him. Josh is angry and humiliated but is kind and gentle with Kate. After a month Josh discovers he's in love with Kate but Kate has a past she's worried about
July 9, 2017
loved it.
June 29, 2021
Loved this book and author.
November 13, 2023
I’m enjoying this series. The premise is good and kept me involved. I really like the O’Malley cousins and am excited for more of their stories.
August 8, 2024
It was clean, I didn’t really like it. Characters were whiney, and it just didn’t appeal to me.
November 26, 2024
Sweet and well written
Having spent time in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I enjoyed “seeing” the characters in that location. Kate and Josh’s story is a sweet read.
Having spent time in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I enjoyed “seeing” the characters in that location. Kate and Josh’s story is a sweet read.
December 1, 2024
1 Star
First time reading anything by this author. I did not enjoy this. I keep shaking my head as I went along.
First time reading anything by this author. I did not enjoy this. I keep shaking my head as I went along.
April 19, 2013
Loved this 2nd book in the Smoky Mountain Matches Series.
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May 31, 2012
This is a sweet, clean romance. Kate Morgan travels from New York City to Tennessee to inform her sister's fiance that she is already wed to someone else. Of course, love blossoms between Kate and Josh, the jilted fiance. I liked that Kate had made mistakes, errors of judgement in her past. She felt unworthy of a good, upright man. She sought forgiveness from God and then had to become courageous enough to tell her secret and put the outcome in the Lord's hands. The book isn't preachy, but the characters are God fearing people. The Lord is important to them, much as He is to us today.
February 29, 2012
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
This was my first Harlequin and pure romance novel. It was okay... A little too instant love for me, but I did finish it in two days.
I did like that both people had issues and eventually fall in love because I'm cheesy like that, but this isn't a story I would've picked out myself. 2.5 to 3 stars.
This was my first Harlequin and pure romance novel. It was okay... A little too instant love for me, but I did finish it in two days.
I did like that both people had issues and eventually fall in love because I'm cheesy like that, but this isn't a story I would've picked out myself. 2.5 to 3 stars.
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: Smoky Mountain Matches
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
May 15, 2012
Time Period: 1880
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the orning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. ~ Isaiah 44:22
Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee, USA
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the orning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. ~ Isaiah 44:22
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews