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Mint River #2
A Problem Like Maria
When spunky, fun-loving Maria Karlovna Zima travels West to avoid a marriage arranged by her immigrant parents, she falls head over heels for a mysterious Army captain with ghosts in his eyes. Maria only has one long Wyoming winter to convince him to take a chance on her—and himself—or she'll be going home in the spring with a broken heart.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 18, 2023
What I enjoyed most about this story was the way the author was able to convey the Russian character in her dialogue and nuances. She made you understand the reluctance with which Luka fell in love with Mari and used the proverbs to make up a big part of Maria;s voice. It was a different and very entertaining read.
October 21, 2023
Maria has gone West, as she refused to marry the man her mother had chosen for her. There she meets up with Stella (Stella Star of the Plains ), she starts working at the boarding house, looking after the children. She takes them to the shore one day, to get cool and paddle, there she meets a dishevelled man, she's immediately attracted to him.
Later she meets him officially, he's a friend of Adam and Baird, knowing them in the war.
Maria tries to become friends with Luke, but he's decided he's too old for her, he has grey hair although a young frame. Time passes, Luke becomes the schoolmaster and they grow closer but he still won't commit to anything.
Then Maria finds out some information and she's unsure how to proceed. She's very fiery!
Another great read from Blue Jade
Later she meets him officially, he's a friend of Adam and Baird, knowing them in the war.
Maria tries to become friends with Luke, but he's decided he's too old for her, he has grey hair although a young frame. Time passes, Luke becomes the schoolmaster and they grow closer but he still won't commit to anything.
Then Maria finds out some information and she's unsure how to proceed. She's very fiery!
Another great read from Blue Jade
October 15, 2023
I loved this book so much! I couldn’t put it down!
I loved the characters from the beginning. Maria was so fun and spunky. I appreciated how forthcoming she is throughout the book. I liked Luke a lot at first but I grew to like him even more as the book progressed. He was very determined from the beginning and I liked that he wasn’t swayed easily by anyone. I enjoyed watching their journey to get to know each other but also their own personal growth. I do think it would’ve been helpful to read the previous book as I didn’t know all of the characters in the town but I learned who they were quickly enough.
It was a sweet, clean read and perfect for historical romance fans! Definitely worth the read!
I loved the characters from the beginning. Maria was so fun and spunky. I appreciated how forthcoming she is throughout the book. I liked Luke a lot at first but I grew to like him even more as the book progressed. He was very determined from the beginning and I liked that he wasn’t swayed easily by anyone. I enjoyed watching their journey to get to know each other but also their own personal growth. I do think it would’ve been helpful to read the previous book as I didn’t know all of the characters in the town but I learned who they were quickly enough.
It was a sweet, clean read and perfect for historical romance fans! Definitely worth the read!
October 16, 2023
This story was nothing like I had anticipated. By 1/3 of the way through, I knew I wasn’t getting out of bed until I was finished. 🤣
Maria is outspoken, admittedly young, but knows what she wants.
Luka has a soul aged by war and hardship. As hard as he tries, he cannot resist the life and light that Maria brings to his life.
This is a lovely grumpy/sunshine story. ❤️
I especially l loved all the Russian proverbs and the connection the Luka and Maria indulge in over a book.
Worth the read!
Maria is outspoken, admittedly young, but knows what she wants.
Luka has a soul aged by war and hardship. As hard as he tries, he cannot resist the life and light that Maria brings to his life.
This is a lovely grumpy/sunshine story. ❤️
I especially l loved all the Russian proverbs and the connection the Luka and Maria indulge in over a book.
Worth the read!
November 16, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving a review of my thoughts voluntarily.
This book follows the story of Maria Karlovna, who escapes an arranged marriage orchestrated by her immigrant parents. She finds herself in Mint River, Wyoming and it is here that she meets the mysterious and hardened captain—I mean mister-Luke Andrews.
I wouldn’t say that it was love at first sight for Maria and Luke, but more like intrigued at first sight, which I absolutely loved! But it eventually does turn into love. A “chase you to the ends of the earth” kind of love.
I personally felt connected to Maria and her witty, bubbly, and joyous outlook on life. As the oldest daughter in her family, you could see and feel the love that she had for those entrusted to her care. I thoroughly enjoyed both the banter and reflective moments of conversation with Luke Andrews, and how she took care of him when he didn’t quite know how to take care of himself. Luke starts out as a mysterious, hardened man who doesn’t really want to have a problem like Maria, but throughout the story, he finds himself constantly drawn to her.
I found myself smiling, laughing, and crying as I watched Maria and Luke’s love story unfold. It was so refreshing to see two main characters who truly wanted to work on themselves to be the best version of themselves for each other, while also pushing each other, in love, to learn and grow and be better the next day than they were today.
This book gave me all the humor and wit found in a Georgette Heyer historical novel, with the ins and outs of Western life that is present in My Antonia by Willa Cather.
Overall, this was a fantastic, heartwarming read and I am looking forward to reading other stories by these two authors 💙
This book follows the story of Maria Karlovna, who escapes an arranged marriage orchestrated by her immigrant parents. She finds herself in Mint River, Wyoming and it is here that she meets the mysterious and hardened captain—I mean mister-Luke Andrews.
I wouldn’t say that it was love at first sight for Maria and Luke, but more like intrigued at first sight, which I absolutely loved! But it eventually does turn into love. A “chase you to the ends of the earth” kind of love.
I personally felt connected to Maria and her witty, bubbly, and joyous outlook on life. As the oldest daughter in her family, you could see and feel the love that she had for those entrusted to her care. I thoroughly enjoyed both the banter and reflective moments of conversation with Luke Andrews, and how she took care of him when he didn’t quite know how to take care of himself. Luke starts out as a mysterious, hardened man who doesn’t really want to have a problem like Maria, but throughout the story, he finds himself constantly drawn to her.
I found myself smiling, laughing, and crying as I watched Maria and Luke’s love story unfold. It was so refreshing to see two main characters who truly wanted to work on themselves to be the best version of themselves for each other, while also pushing each other, in love, to learn and grow and be better the next day than they were today.
This book gave me all the humor and wit found in a Georgette Heyer historical novel, with the ins and outs of Western life that is present in My Antonia by Willa Cather.
Overall, this was a fantastic, heartwarming read and I am looking forward to reading other stories by these two authors 💙
November 16, 2023
I don't quite know what to write for this review, just as I didn't really know what I thought about it while reading it. What I can say for sure is that the book wasn't what I expected.
I've read my fair share of sweet, Western romances, and they all look similar in their writing style, characters, plots, settings, relationships, etc. so I thought "A Problem Like Maria" would be just the same, despite the cover hinting at a slightly different style. Well, as beautiful as the cover looks, I don't think it reflects the spirit of the novel at all. Indeed, the writing style and plot reminded me a lof of older (let's say 19th century) books, and the style and colours of the cover don't reflect it at all. Rather, it seems to be hinting at a rom-com or Western romance with a contemporary flair, which I don't think was the case. It rather felt like I was reading a book written decades ago.
I had a hard time diving into the story at first. Maria seemed pretty childish, the "Captain" seemed way to old for her, and I got confused between different characters. However, as the story progressed, I enjoyed it more. I started to understand the protagonists better, to get the side characters' straight, and to see another facet of Maria, namely her hidden wisdom that develops with each of her Russian sayings.
I wish there'd be more information about the settings, the town, the way things worked at the time, to better understand why people emigrated, how they considered travelling far away, how strangers were considered, etc. Instead, the sole focus was really on Maria's quest to flirt with Luka—which first was a bit uncomfortable, as Maria is very young, very single-minded, and very much doesn't care about what Luka thinks. Then, as he starts to return her feeling, it became sweeter and I then started to root for them—and then, of course, bloom, plot twist. The resolution of the plot was sweet, but it happened too quickly, the characters' feelings and decisions could have been explored in more detail.
Spoiler section: An interesting aspect of this book is how Luka writes down his memoirs. I nearly wish these sections were more developed, a story within the story. Or at least the extracts presented could have been more in depth (as it seems like he sums up his life in a few paragraphs).
Overall, while it wasn't what I expected, I did enjoy this book. I'd give it a good 3.5 stars.
*Thank you to the authors for the eARC. All opinions are my own.*
I've read my fair share of sweet, Western romances, and they all look similar in their writing style, characters, plots, settings, relationships, etc. so I thought "A Problem Like Maria" would be just the same, despite the cover hinting at a slightly different style. Well, as beautiful as the cover looks, I don't think it reflects the spirit of the novel at all. Indeed, the writing style and plot reminded me a lof of older (let's say 19th century) books, and the style and colours of the cover don't reflect it at all. Rather, it seems to be hinting at a rom-com or Western romance with a contemporary flair, which I don't think was the case. It rather felt like I was reading a book written decades ago.
I had a hard time diving into the story at first. Maria seemed pretty childish, the "Captain" seemed way to old for her, and I got confused between different characters. However, as the story progressed, I enjoyed it more. I started to understand the protagonists better, to get the side characters' straight, and to see another facet of Maria, namely her hidden wisdom that develops with each of her Russian sayings.
I wish there'd be more information about the settings, the town, the way things worked at the time, to better understand why people emigrated, how they considered travelling far away, how strangers were considered, etc. Instead, the sole focus was really on Maria's quest to flirt with Luka—which first was a bit uncomfortable, as Maria is very young, very single-minded, and very much doesn't care about what Luka thinks. Then, as he starts to return her feeling, it became sweeter and I then started to root for them—and then, of course, bloom, plot twist. The resolution of the plot was sweet, but it happened too quickly, the characters' feelings and decisions could have been explored in more detail.
Spoiler section: An interesting aspect of this book is how Luka writes down his memoirs. I nearly wish these sections were more developed, a story within the story. Or at least the extracts presented could have been more in depth (as it seems like he sums up his life in a few paragraphs).
Overall, while it wasn't what I expected, I did enjoy this book. I'd give it a good 3.5 stars.
*Thank you to the authors for the eARC. All opinions are my own.*
February 4, 2025
a problem like maria
4 ✨
overview: a delight!! I think the romantic pacing kept me from fully being obsessed.
characters: I simply cannot get over Maria — she is forward and witty and knows what she wants.
Luka is also a character that’s stands out. He’s blunt, a bit closed-off and mysterious.
Ruth can fly a kite BUT I love Lena.
I loved seeing all the past characters from Stella Star of the Plains!!
romance: Now, you may think that Maria acts waaaay too desperate and down bad for Luka…but I fear I would also be attracted to a curmudgeonly older man with tattoos and trauma. Every single time she looks at him with hearts in her eyes, or does something outlandish for him to notice, I don’t judge; I completely get it, girl.
✨ insta-attraction/love
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ age gap
She was far too interested in him, but he was more disturbed by his own heightened awareness of her, and set out to ignore her entirely.
“And anyway, he doesn’t look at you the way someone watches a crazy person. When you’re reading that book he looks at you like you’re the only woman on earth.” “That’s just how he looks at books,” she said modestly, but she was thrilled by Mrs. Hendricks’ words, and fully intended to moon over them for several days.
His gaze traveled over her upturned face, and then he whispered, “Don’t love me.” “It’s too late,” she whispered back, for once as serious as he.
writing: engaging, honest, humorous.
atmosphere: a wolf named Bianca, a fur muffler, reading lessons by the fire, surrounded by friends, dark, intense eyes.
Halfway through October, the weather finally turned crisp and Maria was enchanted by the touches of autumn she began to see everywhere.
season: late fall — early spring
———
content: language (n/a). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (some mentions and scenes of war + non detailed injuries/deaths).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
4 ✨
overview: a delight!! I think the romantic pacing kept me from fully being obsessed.
characters: I simply cannot get over Maria — she is forward and witty and knows what she wants.
Luka is also a character that’s stands out. He’s blunt, a bit closed-off and mysterious.
Ruth can fly a kite BUT I love Lena.
I loved seeing all the past characters from Stella Star of the Plains!!
romance: Now, you may think that Maria acts waaaay too desperate and down bad for Luka…but I fear I would also be attracted to a curmudgeonly older man with tattoos and trauma. Every single time she looks at him with hearts in her eyes, or does something outlandish for him to notice, I don’t judge; I completely get it, girl.
✨ insta-attraction/love
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ age gap
She was far too interested in him, but he was more disturbed by his own heightened awareness of her, and set out to ignore her entirely.
“And anyway, he doesn’t look at you the way someone watches a crazy person. When you’re reading that book he looks at you like you’re the only woman on earth.” “That’s just how he looks at books,” she said modestly, but she was thrilled by Mrs. Hendricks’ words, and fully intended to moon over them for several days.
His gaze traveled over her upturned face, and then he whispered, “Don’t love me.” “It’s too late,” she whispered back, for once as serious as he.
writing: engaging, honest, humorous.
atmosphere: a wolf named Bianca, a fur muffler, reading lessons by the fire, surrounded by friends, dark, intense eyes.
Halfway through October, the weather finally turned crisp and Maria was enchanted by the touches of autumn she began to see everywhere.
season: late fall — early spring
———
content: language (n/a). sexual (innocent touches and kisses, NO SPICE). other (some mentions and scenes of war + non detailed injuries/deaths).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
November 28, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 2 in the Mint River Series and can be read as a standalone. The book's blurb is straightforward, though be aware the book briefly mentions war violence. A Problem Like Maria is mostly told through Maria's pov and is a good opposites attract romance.
While Maria may be naïve, in terms of her experiences, she's determined once she sets her mind to something. Avoiding and arranged marriage isn't something she hesitates to do, even if meant leaving her family and home behind. Her outgoing and friendly nature makes it easy for her to settle down in her new job of helping around the boarding house that she's staying at. When she meets Luke, a retired army captain with some mystery surrounding him, she can't help but to be drawn to him. Although Luke can't deny that he finds her charming, what he's experienced during war has made him believe that he's better off alone. Yet, the more Maria pushes to learn about him, the harder he finds it to keep her at an arms length.
While Maria was instantly attracted to Luke, the age gap between them - among other things- made Luke not want to act on any attraction they shared. Their romance was a clean slow burn consisting of only kissing and no foul language. Readers will enjoy the pull between Maria and Luke but seeing Maria find a place for herself is just as interesting to read. She was strong willed but kind and it was nice to see her care about others and be cared about in return. Overall, this was a great sequel that readers will enjoy whether they've read the first book or not.
While Maria may be naïve, in terms of her experiences, she's determined once she sets her mind to something. Avoiding and arranged marriage isn't something she hesitates to do, even if meant leaving her family and home behind. Her outgoing and friendly nature makes it easy for her to settle down in her new job of helping around the boarding house that she's staying at. When she meets Luke, a retired army captain with some mystery surrounding him, she can't help but to be drawn to him. Although Luke can't deny that he finds her charming, what he's experienced during war has made him believe that he's better off alone. Yet, the more Maria pushes to learn about him, the harder he finds it to keep her at an arms length.
While Maria was instantly attracted to Luke, the age gap between them - among other things- made Luke not want to act on any attraction they shared. Their romance was a clean slow burn consisting of only kissing and no foul language. Readers will enjoy the pull between Maria and Luke but seeing Maria find a place for herself is just as interesting to read. She was strong willed but kind and it was nice to see her care about others and be cared about in return. Overall, this was a great sequel that readers will enjoy whether they've read the first book or not.
October 26, 2023
Be still my beating heart!! This book was absolutely beautiful (I read it in a couple of days) and I know I've just found my new favorite couple of authors!! 😍
Maria and her captain, Luka, absolutely have my heart! Their story was simply delicious: it has the most fun, witty banter I've read in a while, and it also features the most delicious, sweet, clean, swoony romance. 🥰 Seriously, I was looking forward to every single interaction between these two, and they never disappointed! I loved the descriptions, the fact that they come from Russian families (and thus their culture and sayings are incorporated), and Maria's love for life, children, and helping others. But my favorite may have been the way the authors portrayed the Captain's past and his struggle with PTSD (real, touching, and with a thread of hope) along with the growth and healing for both MCs. The secondary characters took me a bit to get straight, but since the story sucked me in from the start, it wasn't that long. I really enjoyed the community and friendships, they certainly felt like family. I look forward to reading more from this series (yes, I'll be catching up on Stella's story), and I'll be waiting for whatever the authors come up with next! Completely recommended to anyone looking for a fast-paced, Sweet/Clean Western Romance with a Russian flavor and the "age gap" trope. :) ~ 5+ stars!
Maria and her captain, Luka, absolutely have my heart! Their story was simply delicious: it has the most fun, witty banter I've read in a while, and it also features the most delicious, sweet, clean, swoony romance. 🥰 Seriously, I was looking forward to every single interaction between these two, and they never disappointed! I loved the descriptions, the fact that they come from Russian families (and thus their culture and sayings are incorporated), and Maria's love for life, children, and helping others. But my favorite may have been the way the authors portrayed the Captain's past and his struggle with PTSD (real, touching, and with a thread of hope) along with the growth and healing for both MCs. The secondary characters took me a bit to get straight, but since the story sucked me in from the start, it wasn't that long. I really enjoyed the community and friendships, they certainly felt like family. I look forward to reading more from this series (yes, I'll be catching up on Stella's story), and I'll be waiting for whatever the authors come up with next! Completely recommended to anyone looking for a fast-paced, Sweet/Clean Western Romance with a Russian flavor and the "age gap" trope. :) ~ 5+ stars!
March 22, 2026
I love it when books surprise me and this one managed to do it twice! 😁 Old West meets Russian immigrant in a tale that is full of heart.
Maria comes out west to escape an unwanted wedding. She ends up getting a job helping with children at a boarding house where she meets Captain Luke. Maria sets her cap for the captain and he is doing everything in his power to dissuade her.
Highlights:
Thanksgiving party and dance
Snow play
Snow kisses
I love Maria for being friendly and curious. I love that she is not easily offended and very tenacious.
I love Luke for being smart and caring. I love how he thinks things through.
““And anyway, he doesn’t look at you the way someone watches a crazy person. When you’re reading that book he looks at you like you’re the only woman on earth.”
Maria comes out west to escape an unwanted wedding. She ends up getting a job helping with children at a boarding house where she meets Captain Luke. Maria sets her cap for the captain and he is doing everything in his power to dissuade her.
Highlights:
Thanksgiving party and dance
Snow play
Snow kisses
I love Maria for being friendly and curious. I love that she is not easily offended and very tenacious.
I love Luke for being smart and caring. I love how he thinks things through.
““And anyway, he doesn’t look at you the way someone watches a crazy person. When you’re reading that book he looks at you like you’re the only woman on earth.”
October 31, 2023
What a sweet story! There were so many things I appreciated about it. Maria is feisty and I kept looking forward to what was going to come out of her mouth next–especially when she was flirting with Luka! There is also a great cast of side characters supporting Maria and adding to the fun. Getting to know the captain through his memoirs was so creative and interesting. I also enjoyed watching him soften as time went on. As a bibliophile, I appreciated all the book references woven throughout the story! If you enjoy historical romances where she falls first (and they bond over books), then this is the story for you! (second in a series)
October 21, 2023
This book was a delight to read! If you’re a fan of Jane Austen, you need to pick this up. The dialogue is incredibly well written and very “Austen-like” in its form. Picture this…Jane Austen meets Gone with the Wind…sprinkle in a little bit of Laura Ingalls Wilder and The Sound of Music and voila! – I give you, “A Problem Like Maria”. You can’t tell me those comparisons don’t leave you at least slightly intrigued!?
Visit me on Bookstagram at aliciasbooksanctuary for a more comprehensive review.
Visit me on Bookstagram at aliciasbooksanctuary for a more comprehensive review.
June 3, 2025
4.5 stars
This book was so fun and sweet! I loved Maria from the moment we met her. She is so spunky! And Captain Andrews was the perfect reluctant hero.
Getting to know them, and the twists their romance journey took, was fun. I love the little Mint River community and cast of characters and I hope more stories take place there someday. I'd love to keep reading about them but for now I'm going to enjoy the perfect twists of Maria and Luke's journey.
This book was so fun and sweet! I loved Maria from the moment we met her. She is so spunky! And Captain Andrews was the perfect reluctant hero.
Getting to know them, and the twists their romance journey took, was fun. I love the little Mint River community and cast of characters and I hope more stories take place there someday. I'd love to keep reading about them but for now I'm going to enjoy the perfect twists of Maria and Luke's journey.
December 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I loved the characters and it had an interesting setting and plot. The characters were complex and interesting and the banter was top notch, which it always is from these authors! The romance didn’t feel like the main storyline necessarily, and I typically prefer that it is, but a worthy, entertaining read nonetheless.
I loved the characters and it had an interesting setting and plot. The characters were complex and interesting and the banter was top notch, which it always is from these authors! The romance didn’t feel like the main storyline necessarily, and I typically prefer that it is, but a worthy, entertaining read nonetheless.
November 25, 2024
I don't think I have read a "historical Western romance" before, but I really enjoyed this one. I liked the characters and didn't realize until the end that Stella, Star of the Plains came first, but it didn't take away anything from the story. I will read that next!
March 22, 2026
Oh, that was marvelous. My favorite Blue+Jade book yet, no contest. (And I've read six of their nine books so far.) Oh, that was so good.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews