The Preacher's Bride Collection

by DiAnn Mills, Kimberley Comeaux, Colleen L. Reece

Meet six men who are dedicated to preaching God’s Word—and six women who wonder if they are cut out to support that calling. Being a helpmate to a pastor is no easy task. They must step out in a special kind of faith and love to become preachers’ brides…. This collection of historical stories will capture, inspire, and entertain readers—and remind them of God’s unique way of weaving great joy and blessing into the lives of those who love Him and follow His will.

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

480 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who invites her readers to step into stories where suspense meets adventure and romance warms the heart. Known for crafting unforgettable characters tangled in unpredictable plots, DiAnn believes every breath we take unfolds a story waiting to be told—so why not make it thrilling?

Her novels have consistently landed on bestseller lists including CBA, ECPA, and Publishers Weekly, and have won prestigious awards such as the Christy, Selah, Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol awards.

DiAnn is a founding board member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Conference Advisor for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers. She actively participates in Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, International Thriller Writers, Outliers Writing University, and The Christian Pen. DiAnn passionately invests in helping fellow authors succeed through mentoring, book coaching, and editing. She travels nationwide speaking and teaching engaging writing workshops.

A proud coffee snob who roasts her own beans, DiAnn also enjoys diving into good books, experimenting in the kitchen, and unabashedly spoiling her grandchildren—whom she insists are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband make their home under the sunny skies of Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn online for behind-the-scenes glimpses, writing tips, and lively discussions on any of the following social media platforms:

Website: https://diannmills.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/diann...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannmillsa...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
X: https://twitter.com/diannmills

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson]

I really do love these collection stories. This on focuses on preachers. Six old-fashioned stories of preachers, some long time established, some new to the calling all looking for love. Some stories are funny, some dramatic,a mistaken identity in one, a very sweet mannered gentleman in another. All faith-filled stories I'll be sure to read again!
Publish date April 1,2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book form Barbour Books through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Literary Redhead]

I sure do adore Barbour’s romance collections and THE PREACHER’S BRIDE does not disappoint as it explores faith and amour through six of the most creative story configurations. Amen! 5/5

Pub Date 01 Apr 2019.

Thanks to the authors, Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinion are mine.

#ThePreachersBrideCollection #NetGalley

[Elizabeth]

The Preacher's Brides Collection
By: Kimberley Comeaux, Kristy Dykes, Darlene Franklin, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Colleen L. Reece
The Preacher's Brides Collection, We have six authors who have brought us six old fashion romance about six men who are dedicated to preaching God's word. These men all need good wives for them.
Remember Me
By: Kimberley Comeaux
I loved this story and it was well written. A young man, North, who was in an accident and loses his memory. Now everyone is calling him Pastor. Helen, a farmers daughter hopes that North will notice her and like her even though she thinks he is to good for her.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy
By: Kristy Dykes
Shirley, a young lady who has not known much till she meets the new Parson at her country church. Will Parson Forrest Townsend be the one to change her mind?

Miss Bliss and the Bear
By: Darlene Franklin
I loved this sweet story. I have read a couple of books by Darlene Franklin and I like her writing. Will be reading more by this author. Miss Bliss loves to knit gloves and scarves for the men at the fort. She meets the Bear Chaplain Jeremiah at the fort. He barks orders at everyone around. My goodness is he as bad as they all say.

A Bride For The Preacher
By: Sally Laity
Would you take a chance like Emma did? She has always dreamed of doctoring the needy. Will her dreams come true as she travels out west or will meeting the young Minister Jesse change her mind?

Renegade Husband
By: DiAnn Miller
I loved this story. You are drawn in at the first and don't let up till the end. Audra, a young lady travels wet to marry a preacher she does not know. Her travel ends up rough when the stage coach is stopped and robbed, and someone is killed.

Silence of the Sage
By: Colleen L. Reece
You are going to love Silence of the Sage. Colleen Reece grabs you at the start and holds on till the end. Reverend Gideon has always wanted to be a preacher. The Reverend marries in name only . He has to clear his name.
I was given a copy of this book by one of the authors for my honest review, which I have given.

[Jessica]

I read this through Net Galley
A great collection of stories!

[Tina]

The Preacher's Bride Collection****
by Kimberley Comeaux, Kristy Dykes, Darlene Franklin, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills and Colleen L. Reese

The Preacher's Bride Collection is a collection of six romance novellas by six different authors. There are six men who have dedicated their lives to preaching God's Word and all are in need of wives. Each story has a faith-based theme with a pastor in need of a wife, bringing unique circumstance from a different locations. Of course, their romances don't always go as planned or as they had envisioned. Six old-fashioned romances built on faith and love:

-Remember Me by Kimberley Comeaux
A cute novella with a young man, North, who loses his memory in an accident. He believes he is a Scottish pastor, so everyone calls him Pastor. A farmer's young daughter, Helen, feels she is not good enough for North but hopes that he will fall in love with her. I enjoyed the interaction between North and Helen and the interesting struggles they both had. Noah, wanting to know who he really is but is a little fearful of what he will learn. Helen, so wanting Noah to fall in love with her but also fearful of what will happen once-if-Noah's memory returns.

-Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy by Kristy Dykes
Shirley is a young lady who feels she has not really known much beyond the little town and church where she lives and longs for adventure. The new Parson, Forrest, just might fill that adventure. I enjoyed the way Shirley tried to bring about the adventure she so longed for and the way Forrest tried to not fall in love with her. It is interesting how Shirley's parents came up with her name.

-Miss Bliss and the Bear by Darlene Franklin
Miss Ann Bliss loves to knit gloves and scarves for the men at the fort. She meets the “Bear” Chaplain Jeremiah at the fort. He certainly sounds like a bear when he barks orders at everyone. However, Jeremiah really has a soft heart as Ann soon discovers. But will she be able to “tame” the bear? I really enjoyed this novella, the humor and surprises in the story making it a favorite of the six novellas in this book.

-A Bride for the Preacher by Sally Laity
Emma's one dream is to doctor the needy and to that end travels to the new territory out west. She is not looking for a husband, but she just might change her mind after meeting and nursing preacher Jesse's fever. I enjoyed how Emma kept at her dream despite obstacles. A fun story.

-Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills
Audra is assured she will find adventure as she moves to the Colorado frontier to marry the local pastor. But she never dreamed of just how much adventure until the stagecoach she is traveling on is robbed. It appears her intended husband just may be one of the robbers! This story captures you from the first to last page. I really enjoyed Audra and her courage in an unsettling situation, and what her intended husband went through to convince her he truly is trustworthy and honest.
A fun story.

-Silence of the Sage by Colleen L. Reece
Reverend Gideon Scott has married—in name only. He leaves his family and church behind to uncover the truth that will clear his name. This story caught me from the first page. I really enjoyed the way the characters faced their challenges.

~I received a PDF copy of this book by one of the authors for my honest review~

[Chris]

Remember Me Is a cute story about a person with amnesia and not knowing what his profession is You will thoroughly enjoy it

Shirley, Goodness and Mercy You need to understand what you are called to do And do it to honor Our Lord A super neat story

Miss Bliss and Bear The world can hurt but we have to get past the hurt, and do what honors our Lord
A thoroughly enjoyable book

A bride for a Preacher A really neat story of life on the Oregon Trail and how tough that life can be

Renegade Husband Blamed for what you didnt do........lots of excitement and a neat ending.........you will enjoy it

Silence in the Sage A wonderful story One should not make your children some kind of God, interesting woven story with a neat ending.

[Heidi Morrell]

Each author brought her God given talents into their stories. The one where there was a good and evil twin, resonated with me because I am married to a twin!
I really enjoyed all of these, but I think the last one touched me more deeply, as we daily pray for our very much loved prodigal. The thought of never seeing him turn to the Lord is hard. Yet, as long as the Lord tarries, I have hope that he is "building his testimony".
The compilation of brides for preachers was believable, and I enjoyed each one.

[Amy]

The Preacher's Bride Collection consists of six stories. These stories include:
Remember Me by Kimberley Comeaux.
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy by Kristy Dykes
Miss Bliss and the Bear by Darlene Franklin
A Bride for the Preacher by Sally Laity
Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills
Silence in the Sage by Colleen L. Reece
I enjoyed these every one of these, especially Sally Laity's A Bride for the Preacher. I give this collection four and a half stars.

[Wendy]

BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
It Takes and Extra Special Woman to Be a Preacher's Bride
Six men are dedicated to proclaiming God's Word--and six women wonder if they're cut out to support that calling. Being a helpmate to a pastor is no easy task. They must step out in a special kind of faith and love to become preachers' brides....

In this exclusive collection, readers will delight in six old-fashioned romance stories.

Remember Me by Kimberley Comeaux
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy by Kristy Dykes
Miss Bliss and the Bear by Darlene Franklin
A Bride for the Preacher by Sally Laity
Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills
Silence in the Sage by Colleen L. Reece

Spanning a variety of historical times and places, these stories will capture, inspire, and entertain readers--and remind them of God's unique way of weaving great joy and blessing into the lives of those who love Him and follow His will.



MY REVIEW
I always enjoy the 'collections' books because they usually have stories by authors I really like and most of the time you find at least one and many two or three new authors you like. This book did not fail me in that area and as usual I enjoyed the stories also. There were at least a couple that took me a 'while' (as long as a while can be in a short story, lol) to get into but the stories ended up being very good. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, historical christian fiction or mail-order bride books should find that they will like this book.

[Robin Willson]

What an interesting collection. Creativity abounds! Good long stories, taking you all over and to different kinds of people and situations in the early days of our country. Such deep stories it doesn't really feel like a collection type book. I was fascinated by the wagon train story. It had a way that seemed close to my heart. God has a way of taking us, as we start out in our young lives going in the way we are set on, and gently (or not) curving our path in unexpected ways. Especially in these stories, making the way an interesting one, and anything but boring. There's no way to choose a favorite here. Each is so deep and special, the only thing in common being Preachers and Brides. Some of these authors were new to me - I'm a fan now! It would be neat if there were continuing stories off of these, series style.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#ThePreachersBrideCollection #NetGalley

[Marvy Herrera]

I received an ARC of this book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.


On this collection, we have six-story. In each one of this story, we have women and men with dreams. In the case of Helen her was to be notice by North, since she was in love with him for many years. Shirley wants to be a writer and be able to live beyond her small town. Annie wants to bless other soldiers with her kniting in a practical and useful way. Emma wants to be a doctor, Audra leaves her home to get married the son of a pastor. But there is something with her groom. And finally we have Gideon, this story is somewhat a prodigal son story.


Faith, family, second chance, redemption, and unexpected situations. What all this story have in my opinion in common is the fact all do we may have many plans and dreams, God always knows what is best for us.

[Abigail Harris]

You know you've found something wonderful when you hook two of your four sisters on every book collection they can get their hands on.

Now all I have to do is get them a copy of this set.

I normally am not as interested in a collection of novellas but this one kept me on my tops, sandwiched between two spectacularly sweet novellas you will find several romances set around preachers and the women they love, or don't yet love as they navigate their feelings, the people who may try keeping them apart.

Each of these are perfect for an evening reading time on the porch as the sun goes down.

[Cassandra]

The rating is more like 3.5 stars. Anywho, this a collection of short stories (different authors, setting, writing and more) of preachers While I enjoyed reading the collection, certain things rubbed me the wrong way such as the Native American stereotypes and animosity. I had two favorites but my fave one was Diann Mills story. Excellent story, characters, pacing and the spiritual thread was inspirational.

I received this complimentary copy of this book from Barbour books via NetGalley. This review is my own opinions.

[Mary Malko]

God Centered Romance

The stories were uplifting but feel almost unbelievable to see characters always so religiously centered. I wish in this day and age we could find people like that. The book made me aware of my own shortcoming. Each story however always ended with the feeling that left it unfinished

[Marg]

It was ok. Some of the endings left me wanting a little more -- seemed incomplete

[Ann's Reading Corner]

6 sweet love stories with great action!! You guys did a marvelous job on making the story feel complete even though most stories ran at about 75-100 pages each!!!

[Doreen Nicolet]

Didn't like.

[Trixi]

Love this collection! Why did I wait so long to read it, lol? :-)

[Cassandra]

The rating is more like 3.5 stars. Anywho, this a collection of short stories (different authors, setting, writing and more) of preachers While I enjoyed reading the collection, certain things rubbed me the wrong way such as the Native American stereotypes and animosity. I had two favorites but my fave one was Diann Mills story. Excellent story, characters, pacing and the spiritual thread was inspirational.

I received this complimentary copy of this book from Barbour books via NetGalley. This review is my own opinions.

[Melissa]

the preacher's bride collection is a sweet and easy read

[Mechthild]

For lovers of old-fashioned romances
"The Preacher's Bride collection: 6 Old-Fashioned Romances Built on Faith and Love" was published by Barbour Publishing. Kimberley Comeaux's "Remember Me" talks about Trevor "North" Kent, Duke of Northingshire who travels in 1815 to America. In a storm he is swept overboard and consequently suffers of amnesia. Helen Nichols, previously in love with him, confirms that he is supposed to be the Scottish pastor Hamish Campbell. Will their love have a chance after North recovers his memory or will Sam Youngblood, a Choctaw Indian, win Helen's hand?
Kristy Dykes' "Shirley, Goodness and Mercy" takes place in Hickory Hollow, Missouri in 1894. Shirley Campbell dreams of being the next Luisa Mae Alcott. Reverend Forrest Townsend plans to refuse Reverend Hodges request to take over the church in Hickory Hollow. He considers himself called to better things. What will the interaction of Shirley and Forrest bring?
"Miss bliss and the Bear" was written by Darlene Franklin. Annie Bliss encounters chaplain Jeremiah Arnold (Bear) at Fort Blunt and he does not leave a good impression. Jeremiah swore on chastity but Annie leads him to question his resolve.
In Sally Laity's "A Bride for the Preacher" Emma Harris is traveling with her parents in a wagon train to Oregon. She is not really interested in marrying. Single young preacher Jesse Brewster is also part of the wagon train. When Jesse is bitten by a snake Emma takes care of him. Will this influence their relationship?
DiAnn Mill's "Renegade Husband" talks about Andra Lender who travels from Nebraska to Colorado in spring 1885. She survives a stage robbery supposedly done by Caleb Windsor, twin of her future husband, Christopher. But are things really as they seem?
In Coleen L. Reece's "Silence of the Sage" after having trained as a preacher, Gideon Scott is on the way back to San Scipio. It's the town closest to the Circle S ranch where he grew up and was never really acknowledged as the younger son. He has also issues with his older brother Cyrus. Judith butler lives a hard live with her nephew Joel in New Orleans. When her means run out he travels to the Circle S because Gideon is supposedly Joel's father. What will she discover there?
These well-written, clean and wholesome stories are historical romance novels of various length. They contain nice characters and have been written by well-known authors. They are recommended for readers who love this type of novels. It is to note that they all have been published previously, either as single volumes or in collections, "Silence of the Sage" under a slightly different title (Silence in the Sage), but it is nice to have them together in one volume.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#The PreachersBrideCollection #NetGalley

[Janelle]

This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wor...

I am going to do the same thing I did for The Texas Brides Collection, write a review on each story and then give an overall review at the end of this post. Let's get started.

Remember Me by Kimberley Comeaux:
This story was pretty predictable on what would happen and it was pretty anti-climatic. I did like that both the main characters were from England. 2.5/5 Stars.

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy by Kristy Dykes:
I liked that there was a lot of humor in this story, and it was very sweet. However, it was also predictable what would happen in the end. 3/5 Stars.

Miss Bliss and Bear by Darlene Franklin:
I didn't really like this story, even though it had an interesting premise for the plot. It was really choppy in some places and that threw me off. 2/5 Stars.

A Bride for the Preacher by Sally Laity:
I also didn't enjoy this one. It was really quick, and the main plot point happened near the end, making it feel rushed. 2/5 Stars.

Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills:
This was one of the longer stories in the collection. It was good, except I expected there to be more action than there was and the romance seemed to all be one-sided. 3/5 Stars.

Silence in the Sage by Colleen L. Reece:
I liked this story, but I felt like it could have been shorter and the plot twist was just okay. 3/5 Stars.

Overall I preferred The Texas Brides Collection, even though there were more stories in it, they were shorter and I just enjoyed them a bit better. Most of the stories in this collection were too long and were really predictable - I like having some surprises along the way. Therefore I am giving this collection 2.5/5 Stars. However, I will still read a few more of these collections even though this one was kind of disappointing.

[Becky]

Barbour Publishing knows how to pull authors together to make an entertaining book of individual novellas that capture the reader's imagination for an hour or two. This is the one book that is easy to put down, after you finish reading the novella you are on.

Each of these stories takes the reader back in time to lives that were simpler except for finding a husband. It seemed to be the most important thing a woman needed to do with her life. Every young bride in this book uses a different method for lassoing her future husband, but they are all successful in their quest. One knits scarves and mittens for the soldiers stationed nearby, one exposes a crook for who he really is, one keeps a preacher from dying of snakebite on the Oregon trail, and there are more stories for reading and enjoying on a cold, rainy day.

This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a blanket for cuddling up while you read.

My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book. I keep a book like this in my TBR pile to lighten up after reading a book with a heavy plot.

[Britney]

The Preacher’s Bride Collection shares six inspirational novellas, each with its own charm. I love reading historical fiction and enjoyed the various times and places that were detailed, as well as the love and romance of each of these unique stories. Encouraging and entertaining, The Preacher’s Bride Collection is a lovely collection and a recommended read!

Six old-fashioned romances built on faith and love:
Remember Me by Kimberley Comeaux
Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy by Kristy Dykes
Miss Bliss and the Bear by Darlene Franklin
A Bride for the Preacher by Sally Laity
Renegade Husband by DiAnn Mills
Silence of the Sage by Colleen L. Reece

I received a complimentary copy of The Preacher’s Bride Collection. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

[Tima]

Six separate authors tell historical romance stories about young women who meet preachers that might some day become their husband. Each story is tied together with the theme, but otherwise stands alone. Novellas are a great way of checking out new authors to see what their writing style is like.

I enjoyed these stories. As with every collection I enjoyed some more than others, but all of them were sweet, romantic, and faith based. Some of them even had a little bit of drama. Each story fit well with the theme. The spiritual lessons that the authors brought out in the stories added depth. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, but doesn't have a lot of time, or to someone searching for a new author to fall in love with.

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Marvy Herrera]

On this collection, we have six-story. In each one of this story, we have women and men with dreams. In the case of Helen her was to be notice by North, since she was in love with him for many years. Shirley wants to be a writer and be able to live beyond her small town. Annie wants to bless other soldiers with her kniting in a practical and useful way. Emma wants to be a doctor, Audra leaves her home to get married the son of a pastor. But there is something with her groom. And finally we have Gideon, this story is somewhat a prodigal son story.


Faith, family, second chance, redemption, and unexpected situations. What all this story have in my opinion in common is the fact all do we may have many plans and dreams, God always knows what is best for us.

[Kimmie]

I loved these stories !
I especially was excited to read this book because some of my favorite authors are involved. I want to thank Barbour for having the creative foresight to know that sometimes I just want to read about a certain subject or location. It makes it that much easier to satisfy my craving :)
The stories in this book were great :) I loved all the various different ways the authors used to imagine preachers getting their brides. It was wonderful. I highly recommend this book and have actually bought a physical copy for myself.
I volunteered to read this book from Barbour Publishing Group in return for my honest feedback. the thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.

[Donna]

This book has a wonderful collection of romantic short stories that are both heart-warming and uplifting! I loved these sweet stories about preachers and their love stories! Thank you to Barbour Publishing for all their wonderful books that are so engaging and heartfelt.

This book will be available April 1, 2019 from Barbour Publishing. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

[R.j.]

This was a very nice collection. They were all previously published works, but worked nicely together in this collection. I had read some before, and others were new to me. They were nice, solid novellas. Worth the time to read them.
I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

[Holly Senecal]

Such a wonderful collection... It is so nice to have a refreshing, clean romance that can still sweep you off your feet! I enjoyed reading each story and have already told my Mom and friends about it so on publication day expect a lot of response! Thank you for the opportunity to read it ahead of time.