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His Convenient Wife
Harriett Larson has been in love with Stan Craftsman for years, but he’s never paid any attention to her. Instead, his focus has always been on her twin sister. So when Stan proposes to Harriett, she knows it’s only because he needs a mother for the little girl he recently adopted.And while her first reaction is to turn him down, she can’t bring herself to turn her back on an innocent child who needs her. So it is with reluctance she agrees to marry him. But only on one condition. Theirs will never be anything more than a marriage of convenience. She will not be vulnerable to him ever again.But as soon as Stan marries her, he regrets the deal he made. She’s not the wallflower he thought her to be. In fact, she’s much more appealing than her sister. The problem is, how can he convince her of that so they can turn their marriage of convenience into something much more?
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First published November 16, 2014
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About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books714 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 24, 2017
It was truly hard to look past the fact that hero never noticed heroine as a person herself until she had some use for him.
Even harder to forgive that then he fell in love with her and wanted a real marriage because she's much more desirable than her sister as a person.
Sorry. I don't feel the love. I don't feel that's romantic. It's selfish and love borne out of necessity.
He asks her why she's surprised that he or any other man will find her desirable! Funny, because he never did until she proved to be useful around his house and definitely not until her sister whom he always found desirable was married to someone else.
Look, hero was honourable. No cheating, not even emotional. But I just can't forget the past like he's been demanding in the book.
Hero was very caring. A loving husband. A wonderful partner. But I just can't forgive him.
Even harder to forgive that then he fell in love with her and wanted a real marriage because she's much more desirable than her sister as a person.
Sorry. I don't feel the love. I don't feel that's romantic. It's selfish and love borne out of necessity.
He asks her why she's surprised that he or any other man will find her desirable! Funny, because he never did until she proved to be useful around his house and definitely not until her sister whom he always found desirable was married to someone else.
Look, hero was honourable. No cheating, not even emotional. But I just can't forget the past like he's been demanding in the book.
Hero was very caring. A loving husband. A wonderful partner. But I just can't forgive him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2018
Shy Harriet and oblivious Stan.
Harriet has a twin sister, Rose who is the outgoing bundle of energy twin and forever leaves Harriet languishing in her shadow. Now Harriet loves Rose like no other, but Rose is feckless and much less likely to think of others and consequences than Harriet.
The story starts after Rose marries Kent (see Catching Kent). I did not read this one and really have no desire to as I didn't like Rose much. But anyways, in that book, you get more backstory on Stan's pursuit of Rose to be his wife. Harriet has loved Stan since she was 13, but he only has eyes for Rose.
But circumstances change and now Stan has a 4 year old to care for who he can't seem to control. He believes his best option is to marry... and so the book starts with his asking Harriet to marry him a year after her sister, Rose turned his proposal down. Harriet rightly turns him down. But later sees him loose control of the little girl on a busy street and decides she must help. Perhaps in the back of her mind, she hoped that after they married he would learn to love her?
The story was pretty realistic about Harriet's wounded heart and her difficulty lowering her guard to allow Stan to love her. I wish Stan had seen the light sooner, or even more hints of glimmers of his falling in love. It takes ages and so when he finally starts to fall, I felt like it wasn't enough. He keeps thinking that Harriet suits him better than Rose ever would.... Well isn't that just so romantic??? Don't get me wrong, he's a swell guy, but pretty damn obtuse when it came to Harriet. It didn't help the story that Rose, supposedly Harriet's bff from birth was also obtuse.
Anyways, it was a nice story but ultimately I felt like Harriet deserved more... a better husband AND a better sister.
Harriet has a twin sister, Rose who is the outgoing bundle of energy twin and forever leaves Harriet languishing in her shadow. Now Harriet loves Rose like no other, but Rose is feckless and much less likely to think of others and consequences than Harriet.
The story starts after Rose marries Kent (see Catching Kent). I did not read this one and really have no desire to as I didn't like Rose much. But anyways, in that book, you get more backstory on Stan's pursuit of Rose to be his wife. Harriet has loved Stan since she was 13, but he only has eyes for Rose.
But circumstances change and now Stan has a 4 year old to care for who he can't seem to control. He believes his best option is to marry... and so the book starts with his asking Harriet to marry him a year after her sister, Rose turned his proposal down. Harriet rightly turns him down. But later sees him loose control of the little girl on a busy street and decides she must help. Perhaps in the back of her mind, she hoped that after they married he would learn to love her?
The story was pretty realistic about Harriet's wounded heart and her difficulty lowering her guard to allow Stan to love her. I wish Stan had seen the light sooner, or even more hints of glimmers of his falling in love. It takes ages and so when he finally starts to fall, I felt like it wasn't enough. He keeps thinking that Harriet suits him better than Rose ever would.... Well isn't that just so romantic??? Don't get me wrong, he's a swell guy, but pretty damn obtuse when it came to Harriet. It didn't help the story that Rose, supposedly Harriet's bff from birth was also obtuse.
Anyways, it was a nice story but ultimately I felt like Harriet deserved more... a better husband AND a better sister.
January 9, 2015
Harriette lived in her twin sister Rose's shadow. She had loved Stan since 13 but to shy & when she made a move his concern was for her sister.
Stan needed a mother for his unruly adopted daughter. Harriette was his second choice after her twin. After initial refusal Harriette eventually accepts after a near miss for the child but a marriage of convenience was her terms.
It's a sweet story of Stan learning to appreciate his wife, falling in love & trying to convince her. For Harriette it's overcoming insecurity & acceptance.
BTW Rose 's story Catching Kent comes first.
Stan needed a mother for his unruly adopted daughter. Harriette was his second choice after her twin. After initial refusal Harriette eventually accepts after a near miss for the child but a marriage of convenience was her terms.
It's a sweet story of Stan learning to appreciate his wife, falling in love & trying to convince her. For Harriette it's overcoming insecurity & acceptance.
BTW Rose 's story Catching Kent comes first.
January 31, 2015
Another terrific book by Ruth. Ruth's previous book Catching Kent shows a very painful scene between Stan and Harriett. In this one he had a lot to make up for in order to gain Harriett's trust let alone her heart. Harriett has spent so many years in her sister's shadow that believing anyone could favor her is almost impossible. I liked that these two didn't just keep going when they were lost. Each sought out help and guidance from others who were wiser than they were.
Adult read
Adult read
March 4, 2023
Rotten heroines aren't as thick on the ground as rotten heroes, but they tend to stand out all the more when you get one.
Heroine is miffed that the H preferred her identical twin sister to her. Nothing creepy or gross happened, the H was just very attracted to the flightier sister who is now married. H ends up with his friend's fairly spoiled plot moppet and needs a wife. He asks the heroine who is pretty angry he asked as she knows she is second best. When she sees what a pathetic if loving job he's doing with the little girl she tells him or words to that effect. She doesn't even invite her own mother to the wedding to make her point. He, at least, puts on his Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes.
I only managed to finish with Olympic grade skimming. Don't bother. Tepid characters. Petty, half glass full heroine.
Heroine is miffed that the H preferred her identical twin sister to her. Nothing creepy or gross happened, the H was just very attracted to the flightier sister who is now married. H ends up with his friend's fairly spoiled plot moppet and needs a wife. He asks the heroine who is pretty angry he asked as she knows she is second best. When she sees what a pathetic if loving job he's doing with the little girl she tells him or words to that effect. She doesn't even invite her own mother to the wedding to make her point. He, at least, puts on his Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes.
I only managed to finish with Olympic grade skimming. Don't bother. Tepid characters. Petty, half glass full heroine.
July 20, 2020
Harriet might be a twin but Rose got the charisma and the prettier name. Rose also had the interest of Stan earlier on even though the feeling wasn't mutual. Harriet agreeing to the marriage of convenience in order to take care of Stan's daughter, Maggie, must have been hard. She loves Stan and has for years but won't believe he could care for her and not wish it was Rose in her place. Waiting while the two of them sorted out their relationship and co-parenting responsibilities wasn't easy. I understand why Harriet felt like she did but can't understand why she would say yes to the marriage if it meant seeing what she couldn't have on a daily basis. It sounded like punishment even though she did it for a good reason because if anybody needed a firm motherly hand, it's Maggie.
July 6, 2020
Sister
This was a good book written by Ruth Ann Gordon and I really enjoyed reading it. Twin sisters, a young farmer, a young daughter, needing help, proposing and refusing, need help, uncontrollable, marriage, rules, almost wild, tantrums, saying no, still loving him, substitute?, being a family, will there be a happy ever after? Will he realize loving her? I would recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoyed reading it because so much going on. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
This was a good book written by Ruth Ann Gordon and I really enjoyed reading it. Twin sisters, a young farmer, a young daughter, needing help, proposing and refusing, need help, uncontrollable, marriage, rules, almost wild, tantrums, saying no, still loving him, substitute?, being a family, will there be a happy ever after? Will he realize loving her? I would recommend this book to everyone. I really enjoyed reading it because so much going on. Buy the book and enjoy reading it.
December 9, 2019
Concept is good, but i found the writing to be little hurried. Also would have loved more insights into stan and Harriet relationship growing
July 19, 2020
Set in 1908 and well written in this author's very simple and easy to read style. I really enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.
October 11, 2021
It was a bit rushed in my opinion, and a little forgetable
April 15, 2024
Another Mary Sue albeit with a temper and wee bitta spine. But I don't mind spending my day reading it. MMC isn't nothing too special.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2024
Love Ruth Ann Nordin books. I have a whole bunch on my ereader. I enjoy reading her books as they are feel good and always brighten up my day. This one was sweet.
May 10, 2025
Harriett, prime example that we are our own worst enemies
January 5, 2015
His Convenient Wife by Ruth Ann Nordin
Harriett Larson has always been the quiet, invisible twin. Even the one man she loved since she was thirteen looked past her to only see Rose. Had even proposed to her sister while Kent Ashton has been seriously courting her. And now that he can’t have Rose, he turns to her. No way. Well maybe.
Stanley Craftman feels responsible for the death of his friend and promised he would adopt Randy’s daughter and raise her as his own. Who knew a two, almost three, year old could be so busy? And he was twenty-one and tired of depending on his folks to help him. He needed a mother for Maggie.
Poor Harriett...she looks identical to her sister on the outside but completely different on the inside. Can this marriage ever be more than just a convenience? Another heartwarming story by Ruth Ann Nordin. This isn’t part of the Nebraska Series, but has many of the old friends from that series.
**Sexual content within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Harriett Larson has always been the quiet, invisible twin. Even the one man she loved since she was thirteen looked past her to only see Rose. Had even proposed to her sister while Kent Ashton has been seriously courting her. And now that he can’t have Rose, he turns to her. No way. Well maybe.
Stanley Craftman feels responsible for the death of his friend and promised he would adopt Randy’s daughter and raise her as his own. Who knew a two, almost three, year old could be so busy? And he was twenty-one and tired of depending on his folks to help him. He needed a mother for Maggie.
Poor Harriett...she looks identical to her sister on the outside but completely different on the inside. Can this marriage ever be more than just a convenience? Another heartwarming story by Ruth Ann Nordin. This isn’t part of the Nebraska Series, but has many of the old friends from that series.
**Sexual content within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
January 11, 2015
Love this author & love how this was another story with one of my favorite families: Dave & Mary Larson's daughter, Harriet, and Craftsman son, Stan. We saw this story begin in the Catching Kent book...
Okay, let's see if I have them all in order (using the back of this book this time)..
Her Heart's Desire - older sister, Sally's story
A Bride for Tom - yep, Tom's story
A Husband for Margret - Jessica's best friend (Tom's wife)
Eye of the beholder - Dave & Mary's story (Rose's parents)
The Wrong Husband - Jenny's story
Shotgun Groom - Joel's story
To Have and to Hold - Dave & Mary again
His Redeeming Bride - Neil Craftsman & Sarah's story (Stan's parents) - thought there was another Neil one, but maybe just Eye of the Beholder
Isaac's Decision - Mary & Dave's oldest, Isaac, and Neil's oldest, Emily
Catching Kent - Harriet's twin, Rose (should read before this one)
kent's backstory would be good to read, too
Enjoy!!!!
Okay, let's see if I have them all in order (using the back of this book this time)..
Her Heart's Desire - older sister, Sally's story
A Bride for Tom - yep, Tom's story
A Husband for Margret - Jessica's best friend (Tom's wife)
Eye of the beholder - Dave & Mary's story (Rose's parents)
The Wrong Husband - Jenny's story
Shotgun Groom - Joel's story
To Have and to Hold - Dave & Mary again
His Redeeming Bride - Neil Craftsman & Sarah's story (Stan's parents) - thought there was another Neil one, but maybe just Eye of the Beholder
Isaac's Decision - Mary & Dave's oldest, Isaac, and Neil's oldest, Emily
Catching Kent - Harriet's twin, Rose (should read before this one)
kent's backstory would be good to read, too
Enjoy!!!!
March 15, 2015
This was a cute little book about two people Harriet Larson and Stan Craftsman. One who knows who she loves and will only love. Trying to convince herself not to love him any longer and is failing at it. Then there is Stan who believed he loved Hariet's twin sister Rose. Once he spent time with Harriet he realizes that he was not sure why he loved Rose when Harriet is perfect for him. A marriage of convince for the sake of a little girl turns into real love by two people who found each other. :) What a cute little story. I really enjoyed reading this.
May 3, 2015
It's been a while since I've read a book by Ms Nordin and I'm wondering why I've waited so long. She's an incredibly good author and I always enjoy her books. I really enjoyed "His Convenient Wife" and read it in one afternoon. I thought Stan was sweet, Harriett was a little too stubborn at times, but she and Stan were perfect for each other. I have a soft spot for children as secondary characters and I thought Maggie's character was well written. The storyline held my interest from start to finish and I plan to read more books by Ms Nordin soon.
January 5, 2015
Worth the wait!
It seems like it's been ages waiting for Ruth Ann Nordin's next book to come out, but it was definitely worth the wait. It begins as a tale about unrequited love. Throw in a marriage of convenience and an unholy terror of a step-child, and you've got the beginnings of one of her best stories yet. As if that weren't enough, the heroine is a Larson (one of Dave Larson's kids) so we get to revisit many beloved characters from her Nebraska series.
It seems like it's been ages waiting for Ruth Ann Nordin's next book to come out, but it was definitely worth the wait. It begins as a tale about unrequited love. Throw in a marriage of convenience and an unholy terror of a step-child, and you've got the beginnings of one of her best stories yet. As if that weren't enough, the heroine is a Larson (one of Dave Larson's kids) so we get to revisit many beloved characters from her Nebraska series.
January 5, 2015
This is one of my favorites of Ruth's books. I think it IS my favorite of her historical westerns. The interaction between the hero and heroine is so intense, and even though I know romance is supposed to have a happy ending, I still stayed on the edge of my seat, hoping for a happy outcome. There was a lot of conflict in this story, and that's part of what makes it so good. I highly recommend this book!
January 4, 2015
Another wonderful read.
Stan and Harriet embark in a marriage of convenience to help him raise his adopted daughter. She can't forget he used to love her sister, and he can't believe he never saw her as the beautiful woman she really is. Together they overcome their insecurities and past mistakes to become the family Maggie needs. Another wonderful book by Mrs Nordin.
Stan and Harriet embark in a marriage of convenience to help him raise his adopted daughter. She can't forget he used to love her sister, and he can't believe he never saw her as the beautiful woman she really is. Together they overcome their insecurities and past mistakes to become the family Maggie needs. Another wonderful book by Mrs Nordin.
January 21, 2015
It has been awhile since I last read one of Ms Nordin's stories. I am reminded how much I enjoy them. This story is no different. Revisiting past characters (although this story stands on its own). I loved Harriet and Stan. Their stumbling beginning to starting a family if at times funny, frustrating and touching.
I highly recommend this delightful story.
I highly recommend this delightful story.
January 4, 2015
There were quite a bit of typos and some parts that weren't really that thought out. I didn't enjoy this book as much as others. I love reading about the Larson family, but I didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would.t
March 4, 2015
Torn between 3 & 4 stars. I got really frustrated with Harriett sometimes. I could understand not wanting to be vulnerable but not to the point that she tries to completely separate herself from Stan at all times. To where she couldn't even attempt friendship until a good ways into the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2015
Reading Challenge 2015: A book that made you cry
I loved this book. I've read most Ruth's books and I have to say this is my favorite one. I cried when Harriet thought that Stan was with her because he settled for her since her sister was already taken.
I loved this book. I've read most Ruth's books and I have to say this is my favorite one. I cried when Harriet thought that Stan was with her because he settled for her since her sister was already taken.
May 3, 2015
3.5 stars
June 21, 2015
Harriet Larson ans Stan Craftsman try for a marriage of convenience for Meggie but have alot of insecurities to deal with. Rose, Harriet's twin and Kent Ashton play big parts in this story.
March 31, 2020
- Harriett and Stan-
Loved this story that is well written with charismatic characters and witty dialogue. Their story has a lovely HEA.
Loved this story that is well written with charismatic characters and witty dialogue. Their story has a lovely HEA.
June 14, 2016
Not for me
Second book by this author I haven't finished - just not for me. I think the dialogue doesn't ring true.
Second book by this author I haven't finished - just not for me. I think the dialogue doesn't ring true.
October 11, 2016
Interesting story
I loved this book because it held my Interest. I was so anxious to see what would happen next. I recommend this book to older teens
and young women.
I loved this book because it held my Interest. I was so anxious to see what would happen next. I recommend this book to older teens
and young women.
April 22, 2017
.75 stars; Harriet was one of the most annoying heroines ever!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews