Virginia Brides: Homespun Love Warms Hearts in Three Complete Novels

by Cathy Marie Hake, Vickie McDonough, Susan Page Davis

Love is woven through the generations

Three yarns are spun around a family's spinning wheel in the Shenandoah Valley. When threads of love begin to form, will life's complications break them?

- Widower Samuel Walsh's compassion leads him to buy indentured servant Garnet Wheelock in 1750. But have their lives been too broken for love to bind them?

- In 1803 Micah Walsh returns home to find his wife dead and a strange woman, Amy Rogers, caring for his children. Can these strangers learn to trust each other?

- Sadie McEwan falls for horse trader Harry Cooper in 1848, but she hides a harmful secret. Can Harry forgive Sadie?

As lives spin out of control, God intervenes to weave a beautiful legacy in this family saga.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

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

[Sana · Rating 2 out of 5]

VIRGINIA

This book is a collection of three "Thanksgiving" novels. The heartwarming stories focus on romance, friendship and finding peace in prayer. I liked "Spoke of Love" the most of them. These short-novels seem like a product of a writer's workshop. All three of them include the same elements: woman experiencing hardship in her life, eligible single man looking for a wife, and return to deep contemplation of God's plan for their lives resulting in lifetime of happiness... something light to read over Thanksgiving break, nothing earth-shattering.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a compilation of short stories. I had read the first one before and it was very good. The others were good also.

[Deborah Hecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these three stories just because I'm a romantic. Some of the situations seems silly or nonsensical however. I can't imagine really questioning myself over the most trivial things as they do in these books. But, oh well.

[Neva Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set of three books in one, each one a delightful romantic story that warms the heart.

[Sandy Carmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian romance stories set before the Civil War.

[Gina Shupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three great stories in one book. Great read

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 short stories in one book. Rmomance with strong religious undertones. The 3rd story was the best, followed by the 2nd. I took a break between each story, assuming they were all different stories. I probably could have read one after the other. Though, can be difficult when gong between authors.

1st - set in Virginia in 1750. Okay story. Awkward writing & parts weren't well described, so I had to re-read to verify what was going on. And a few places, a bit jumpy.

2nd story - Virginia 1803 - although written by a different author, appears to be a continuation of the Walsh family. Very good.

3rd story - Virginia 1848 - much later & another generation. This one was the best of them.

[Kathy McCullough · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read 2 of the short novels. I usually like this type of story and I really like Cathy Marie Hake's other books, but this one quoted scripture as conversation in the characters head and I don't care for that.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite is the story by vickie mcdonough
need to look up more of her books

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories, good for the soul. Not very substantial but enjoyable, light reading.

[Terry Yaceyko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the first story in this book. One of my absolute favorites.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three love stories set in Virginia in 1750, 1803, 1848.

[Stephany G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little collection of stories.