The Preacher's Bride Claim

Bridegroom Brothers #1

by Laurie Kingery

Bridegroom Brothers . Book 1 For the Thornton brothers, the Oklahoma Land Rush is the perfect opportunity to finally put down some roots. A new start, a new community ? what more could preacher Elijah Thornton need after the pain of losing his fiancée. But something draws him to the pretty nurse with troubled eyes. Only by claiming a homestead can Alice Hawthorne avoid an unwanted marriage and escape her past. Yet with the reverend?s support, can she forge a loving future?

Genres: Love Inspired, Love Inspired Historical, Romance, Christian, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Christian Fiction

371 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Laurie Kingery is a central Ohio author and veteran E.R. RN who wrote 16 historical romances as Laurie Grant and now writes inspirational historicals for Steeple Hill. She won the Reader's Choice for short historicals in 1994. Her website is http://www.lauriekingery.com. Country Christmas was her first inspirational historical in Oct. '08; her next release from Steeple Hill was The Outlaw's Lady in Aug. '09. Her next release will be Marrying Milly in November 2010.

Reviews

[LaVerne George]

This book has that combination of interesting setting, well-drawn characters and conflict that puts it on my Keepers shelf. The whole circumstance of the Oklahoma Land Rush and the temporary tent cities that blossomed in response to the settlers' needs was a complete mystery to me until I read this book. The images of the city are so clear that I could see, smell and feel the location, the crowds, the hope, and the fear. Add the people. Our hero and heroine, the preacher and the well-to-do girl, are joined by other settlers, merchants cashing in, disgruntled soldiers finding new work after the War Between the States, and immigrants. The residents give the hero and heroine plenty of personalities with whom to interact, all of the by-play written with a deft hand. One type of conflict that writers use at times is the situation in which there have been sparks between our hero and heroine, but because of a dire threat to one of them, the other must suddenly deny all tender feelings in an attempt to save the beloved from harm. Both hero and heroine caught in such a threat suffer emotionally, and the author has written some wonderful scenes that show us the couple's despair and confusion. This book flows like water and ends with a great rush, a rush with as much energy as the homesteaders put into their push to claim their land and a new life.
Offered by: LaVerne St. George

[Victoria Bylin]

The Preacher’s Bride Claim is the first book in a three-book LIH continuity set against the hope and turmoil of the Oklahoma Land Rush. I love continuities! In this first book of the Bridegroom Brothers series, readers get to enjoy a full romance while getting to know Elijah Thornton’s brothers (heroes in future books) and a cast of recurring secondary characters that include a perfect mix of neighbors, villains and a boy named Dakota.

One of my favorite things about The Preacher’s Bride Claim is the mix of spirituality and romance. Elijah is a preacher who has experienced loss in his life, a fact that gives him credibility and a heart for others. Alice Hawthorne is a heroine on the run, and it’s her past that puts the romance to the test. I especially liked how the author brought out Alice’s softer side through the boy named Dakota as well as through her nursing skills. There’s plenty of authenticity here. History buffs will especially enjoy the medical details. I know I did.

Love Inspired Historical readers will find all the things they’ve come to enjoy: a sweet romance, a glimpse into history, likable characters and a reason to pick up the next two books in the series.

[Dawn]

Really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the next two.

[Jennifer]

(Native American religion, prejudice) This book was horribly slow. Alice, the main character, is a nurse, but she does things that only a doctor would normally do (stitches) and then says she hopes she can remember how to sit up with a sick person all night. She also seems to think willow bark tea is the only way to treat anyone.
The first 3/4 of the book nothing really happens. There is a lot of talk but not much story. In the last fourth, Alice's fiance shows up. He is abusive and psychotic, leaving me to wonder how he can control almost everything in America. Not to worry--he is soon out of the picture as quickly as he got in it. There was never anything to get excited about, and I didn't feel any romance. It was more like playing Oregon Trail: Got up today, took care of James because he had the flu, ate at Mary's. Got up today, took care of Mark with a broken arm, had venison for dinner.
There was also a lot of precognition and "she could tell what he was thinking by the look in his eyes."

[Debbie Sue]

I loved the characters and would like to read the other books in the series. However i did Not like the kidnap story where the ex boyfriend comes and kidnaps her to try to force her to go on the run with him. It was annoying and added nothing to the story. But I would read it again and I would recommend it

[Val]

These people had some grits💪! If I was any one of them there is NO WAY I could have done half of what they did. Settling a town, I mean there was NOTHING and dealing with Maxwell. I had a few tears 😢 but for the most part it was smiles 😊 (Dakota was pretty cute). I really hope everyone will be back in the next two books.

[Rachel]

Cute and short. Looking forward to book 2.

[Abigail Mitchell]

I loved it! Also found it cool that the land rush happened April 22nd. The day before my birthday, and just a few more than a hundred years before I was born.

[Wendy]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
Claiming Their Future
For the Thornton brothers, the Oklahoma Land Rush is the perfect opportunity to finally put down some roots. A new start, a new community--what more could preacher Elijah Thornton need? Not a wife--not after the pain of losing his fiancee. But something draws him to the pretty nurse whose eyes are clouded by trouble.

Only by claiming her own homestead can Alice Hawthorne avoid an unwanted marriage. Even Oklahoma may not be far enough away from New York to escape her past. Yet with courage--and the handsome reverend's support--can she forge a loving future?


MY REVIEW
This book started out as a nice comfortable story, two people trying to put the past behind them and doing a good job of it, until some of the people and things they are running from catch up with them. That is when the storyline takes off and I could NOT put the book down. Yes, I was up until the 'wee' hours finishing this book because I could not put it down. A wonderful job Laurie! I see there are two more books coming out in this series by two different authors, that can't happen soon enough for me.

[Jennifer]

We'll I've read another good book The Preacher's Bride Claim by Laurie Kingery the first of three books in the Bridegroom Brothers. The story takes place during the Oklahoma Land Rush and for Elijah Thorton and his brothers a new beginning. For a preacher this is where Elijah feels God wants him to be and no plans to find a bride are part of those plans since the loss of his fiancé. Thankfully God has other ideas and a beautiful nurse with sad pretty eyes draws his attention.
Alice Hawthorne is on a mission to stake a claim and never practice nursing again until she meets Elijah Thorton who has her throwing out all her plans and making new ones. When Alice's past threatens to destroy her and Elijah's future will she be able to give it all to God and trust Him to work it it out for the better?

[June]

Excellent story about the Oklahoma Land Rush and the people who were involved in it. Elijah Thornton and his two brothers are just part of the Boomer Town tent city waiting for the opening time of the rush. Elijah is a preacher and has almost daily prayer meetings with believers in preparation of this life changing event. Alice Hawthorne arrives at a meeting and upon meeting Elijah informs him of her career as a nurse. Soon the two are making daily rounds to pray for and heal the sick.

There are a few surprises along the way and the story was very interesting. There are two more in this series about Elijah's brothers and I look forward to reading them both.

[Linda]

This is a story about the Oklahoma Land Rush. It's the first one of a series of three brothers (written by three authors)settling the area. I love the history stories and it's good to be reminded and educated, in a very fun way, how our country grew and formed. Laurie Kingery gave us a lovely story and because she did, I'll be ready to read the others.

[Katy Glover]

The book lays a nice foundation for the trilogy. The characters are well developed, and the historical significance of the Land Rush is nicely woven in to the romantic plot. I would have preferred for the storyline to be more contained in the novel because it seems many plot points were left open to continue in the subsequent books.

[Ingrid]

Loved this book. I enjoyed the story and the people . liked that it was a smooth flowing ,very well thought out story that kept me wanting to read just one more page. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series and more books by this author.

[Harlequin Books]

"The first in the Bridegroom Brothers Trilogy brings to life a fascinating time in American history (RT Book Reviews)".

Miniseries: Bridegroom Brothers

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Bridegroom Brothers
Category: Inspirational Romance

[Kim]

I enjoyed this book. I am going to read more in this series.