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Buttons & Bobbins #1
Gingham Bride
Fiona O'Rourke doesn't believe in love-- certainly not in a marriage arranged by her cruel father. even if her unexpected betrothed seems honorable kind, can she trust his motives. . . or the attraction between them?Ian McPherson came to Montana to salvage his family's dwindling fortune, not to take a wife. But he's instantly drawn to Fiona. He wants to protect her--even if that means pretending that they're engaged. In a season of surprises miracles, there's nothing he won't give to show Fiona his love is for always.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hart
192 books599 followersJillian Hart grew up on her family's homestead in Washington state, where she raised cattle, rode horses and scribbled stories in her spare time.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
July 19, 2025
This was a good read, so much snow though.
February 11, 2016
I got this book as I had won it from one my Goodreads groups. This was my very first 'anything I ever won' and so getting it in the mail to read was doubly exciting for me. And I just love Jillian Hart, so very exciting indeed.
I had to laugh to myself when I saw the name of the heroine for that was what my Dad wanted to name me! But my mom won out with Melody, and I have to say I like my name, so it's good. :)
She was a great Fiona, and I loved her from the start. The relationship development was real and believable, and I found myself laughing and crying. :)
I had to laugh to myself when I saw the name of the heroine for that was what my Dad wanted to name me! But my mom won out with Melody, and I have to say I like my name, so it's good. :)
She was a great Fiona, and I loved her from the start. The relationship development was real and believable, and I found myself laughing and crying. :)
March 17, 2010
I’ve been a fan of Jillian Hart’s writing for some time now. Once again, Hart had me pulled into her story from the very beginning and kept me there through the entire book. I felt as I was living right alongside her characters. I didn’t want to put her book down.
***
Fiona thinks her life can’t get any worse and dreams and plans for the day that she can escape the control of her abusive father and defeated, angry mother. Since her brother died, she has lived in a house completely void of kindness, caring, or love of any sort. Her only respite is when she finds solace in the barn with the animals and at school or church with her friends. She lives in fear that one false move will send her drunken father into a fit of rage and invite yet another beating from him.
Just when she thinks life can get no worse, she finds that Ian, the man who her father had "arranged” for her to marry someday, shows up. Does he really want her or just her father’s land? When terms cannot be met and he leaves, her father finds someone else for her to marry. Will she be forced to live in a worse place with a horrendous man even more abusive than her father? Ian comes to the rescue, but with terms she can’t seem to understand. She tries to keep her heart uninvolved and out of harm’s way. Will she keep her vow to never marry and let a man have control over her?
This is a wonderful holiday love story showing how God’s love works through a patient man who lives as the Lord leads him and puts those he loves first before himself and his own dreams. This story is woven beautifully to show how God can heal the broken heart of a young girl who’s lived a lifetime of pain and rejection, helping her learn to trust and even love a man who seems too good to be true.
In fact, I want to be a part of Fiona’s sewing circle. I would love to read more love stories of the characters in this book, as well as see more into the married life of Fiona and Ian. The characters are so likable that you don’t want their stories to end. I’m late getting this review out, but if you can get your hands on this book – read it - you won’t regret it! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
***
Fiona thinks her life can’t get any worse and dreams and plans for the day that she can escape the control of her abusive father and defeated, angry mother. Since her brother died, she has lived in a house completely void of kindness, caring, or love of any sort. Her only respite is when she finds solace in the barn with the animals and at school or church with her friends. She lives in fear that one false move will send her drunken father into a fit of rage and invite yet another beating from him.
Just when she thinks life can get no worse, she finds that Ian, the man who her father had "arranged” for her to marry someday, shows up. Does he really want her or just her father’s land? When terms cannot be met and he leaves, her father finds someone else for her to marry. Will she be forced to live in a worse place with a horrendous man even more abusive than her father? Ian comes to the rescue, but with terms she can’t seem to understand. She tries to keep her heart uninvolved and out of harm’s way. Will she keep her vow to never marry and let a man have control over her?
This is a wonderful holiday love story showing how God’s love works through a patient man who lives as the Lord leads him and puts those he loves first before himself and his own dreams. This story is woven beautifully to show how God can heal the broken heart of a young girl who’s lived a lifetime of pain and rejection, helping her learn to trust and even love a man who seems too good to be true.
In fact, I want to be a part of Fiona’s sewing circle. I would love to read more love stories of the characters in this book, as well as see more into the married life of Fiona and Ian. The characters are so likable that you don’t want their stories to end. I’m late getting this review out, but if you can get your hands on this book – read it - you won’t regret it! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 21, 2023
#1 in the Buttons and Bobbins romance series
This was a nice story from a new-to-me Love Inspired Historical romance author. I particularly liked the characters. Fiona is a strong young woman, having grown up on a failing farm with God-fearing and cruel parents, and expected to do most of the work, especially after the death of her brother. Ian McPherson comes to town at the request of his grandmother, who arranged a betrothal with her friend, Fiona's grandmother. Each expected the other family to be wealthy (as they used to be), but both are disappointed, and the betrothal doesn't really work out (since Fiona's father is driving a hard bargain for money). As they get to know each other, they begin to have feelings for each other, but it's all very sweet because the time period is the 1800's and they are both Christian (although there's really a fairly minimal talk of God throughout the book). Fiona's dream is for freedom from the drudgery she lives with, and Ian wants to regain his fortune and settle down on a horse ranch, but they're still attracted to each other despite their obvious differences. A nice happy ending. Good supporting characters of Fiona's friends, as well as the miserable parents who definitely add some spice. Sweet, but not overly so.
This was a nice story from a new-to-me Love Inspired Historical romance author. I particularly liked the characters. Fiona is a strong young woman, having grown up on a failing farm with God-fearing and cruel parents, and expected to do most of the work, especially after the death of her brother. Ian McPherson comes to town at the request of his grandmother, who arranged a betrothal with her friend, Fiona's grandmother. Each expected the other family to be wealthy (as they used to be), but both are disappointed, and the betrothal doesn't really work out (since Fiona's father is driving a hard bargain for money). As they get to know each other, they begin to have feelings for each other, but it's all very sweet because the time period is the 1800's and they are both Christian (although there's really a fairly minimal talk of God throughout the book). Fiona's dream is for freedom from the drudgery she lives with, and Ian wants to regain his fortune and settle down on a horse ranch, but they're still attracted to each other despite their obvious differences. A nice happy ending. Good supporting characters of Fiona's friends, as well as the miserable parents who definitely add some spice. Sweet, but not overly so.
November 17, 2009
I love this new series! Sad circumstances that the main characters experienced, but you see the difference one growing up in a loving home with no money, versus one who grew up in a bitter and harsh environment for a home. Jillian Hart's Characters are lovable and she makes them realistic and believable. She knows how to grab your attention and speaks right to the heart. Hitting the difficult issue of abuse in this one was probably a tough task, but she also showed that there are men out there who aren't out to get whatever they want, just like Fiona's Father. Ian is the exact opposite of what Fiona has known all her life and she doesn't know whether to believe his sincerity or the bitterness of her mother's words. In the end she knows whom she can trust and whom she can't. Can't wait for the next one!
November 25, 2014
#1 Buttons & Bobbins
A lovely read, set during the Christmas season, and a nice introduction to the friends we meet in this series.
#1
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A lovely read, set during the Christmas season, and a nice introduction to the friends we meet in this series.
#1
#2
#3
#4
December 1, 2014
I enjoyed this story of 2 people finding each other thru a situation from their Family, they have endured alot but, they are both hoping to find true love some day.
The descriptions of the countryside and the snow are lovely in this book!
March 5, 2010
An excellent story. And there are more to come from this one about Fiona's friends.
Fiona has a terrible loveless life with cruel parents.
Ian is her promised from their grandmothers.
They give up what each treasures to help the other.
Happily ever after ending.
Fiona has a terrible loveless life with cruel parents.
Ian is her promised from their grandmothers.
They give up what each treasures to help the other.
Happily ever after ending.
June 24, 2011
The main male character in this novel was awfully dashing!! He certainly was my favorite character! But this book also had a really heartwarming plot and themese. Once you open it, I think it will be hard for you to put it down!!
January 2, 2012
I loved this book, and I am not a huge fan of histoical books.
June 23, 2022
I am loving the 'Buttons & Bobbins' series. I just... accidentally read them ENTIRELY out of order, that's all. It doesn't matter *much*, but since I own it, I'll do it right, next time.
In this book, Ian is betrothed to a girl who's grandparents were besties with his grandparents. His dad was crap, and her dad is crap, but because of dire financial straits, Granny is calling on him to go out west where she lives and hitch up in order to save the family horse ranch.
It doesn't work that way. The girl is badly abused (verbally, physically, and emotionally), and Ian finds himself absolutely *SMITTEN* with her. To the point where - even though there's not a dime to be had - he can't leave her. He sells every single thing, down to his coat, to pay enough to her broke daddy to get the man to allow him to stay and work and be with her/protect her.
As for Fiona, she hates men because of her daddy. She's certain marriage is torture, and she is NOT going to marry. Not Ian, not anyone. Except that he protects her. Gives up everything for her. Gentles her, takes her load off her shoulders, companions her...
It's beautiful. And you can't help but love Ian, and want him for Fiona. Want her to change her mind and fall for him the way he has for her.
LOVE this story.
In this book, Ian is betrothed to a girl who's grandparents were besties with his grandparents. His dad was crap, and her dad is crap, but because of dire financial straits, Granny is calling on him to go out west where she lives and hitch up in order to save the family horse ranch.
It doesn't work that way. The girl is badly abused (verbally, physically, and emotionally), and Ian finds himself absolutely *SMITTEN* with her. To the point where - even though there's not a dime to be had - he can't leave her. He sells every single thing, down to his coat, to pay enough to her broke daddy to get the man to allow him to stay and work and be with her/protect her.
As for Fiona, she hates men because of her daddy. She's certain marriage is torture, and she is NOT going to marry. Not Ian, not anyone. Except that he protects her. Gives up everything for her. Gentles her, takes her load off her shoulders, companions her...
It's beautiful. And you can't help but love Ian, and want him for Fiona. Want her to change her mind and fall for him the way he has for her.
LOVE this story.
March 24, 2018
Usually I only read one book at a time, but this month I found myself traveling a lot so Audible had me listening to many other books, and I didn’t find myself reading as much as usual — so it seems this book almost got lost in the fray - I enjoyed it, but feel like it didn’t hold my interest to the point that I wanted to read at night. I usually like Jillian Hart’s books so I’m disappointed that I didn’t get into this book as I normally would. I might try reading it again at a later date when I have less going on and can concentrate on it more.
September 6, 2020
This book is incredibly depressing. The author tries to make Ian out to be some hero but even after he pays the abusive dads asking price he forces fiona to stay with the parents that abuse her physically mentally and verbally and when she has a chance to escape her stops her and forces her to remain in a horrible situation. Will Not read it again and do Not recommend it
August 1, 2023
This was not the story for me. It focused the majority of the book on "should she/shouldn't she," "does he/doesn't he," "I'll do anything for this girl who I've never met before even if she hates me because I've fallen in love with her, but I'll freely send her away so she can be happy."
September 5, 2017
Omg. So unbelievably SWEET! Clean romance and sweetness abound! Highly recommended.
December 2, 2018
A wonderful story of love, second chances, and Christmas. There's not at much about Christmas as I'd like, but it's a great read, and one that makes the heart swell.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
December 3, 2025
sweet story
This is a sweet story , glad I wasn’t born back then! I wouldn’t have survived the way they treated women!
This is a sweet story , glad I wasn’t born back then! I wouldn’t have survived the way they treated women!
March 12, 2017
Exasperating
September 23, 2012
Fiona and Ian, the main characters in this book, are very down-to-earth and believable, and the plot development was at just the right pace to keep the reader's interest. Parts of the story were hard to read as they dealt with an extremely hard home life, but I couldn't wait to discover where God was leading different individuals and what would take place in the end. Jillian Hart shows an excellent understanding of how difficult it is for someone to trust a person for the first time in their life when so many other people close to them have been untrustworthy, and also the value that good, supportive friendships can have in our lives.
December 7, 2020
Fiona O'Rourke has been promised in marriage to Ian McPherson since birth. Both families have fallen on hard times. Each family thinks the marriage of Ian and Fiona will bring financial help.
When Ian meets Fiona it is love at first sight but not on her part. The unhappiness Fiona has suffered
and the physical abuse at her fathers hand does not make marriage a choice she wants. She wants freedom. When Ian realizes Fiona doesn't want marriage he calls it off. Thinking he has freed her but her Da just starts hunting another buyer for Fiona. There is a lot a anger and mistrust to find a happy ending.
This was just as good as the first time I read it.
When Ian meets Fiona it is love at first sight but not on her part. The unhappiness Fiona has suffered
and the physical abuse at her fathers hand does not make marriage a choice she wants. She wants freedom. When Ian realizes Fiona doesn't want marriage he calls it off. Thinking he has freed her but her Da just starts hunting another buyer for Fiona. There is a lot a anger and mistrust to find a happy ending.
This was just as good as the first time I read it.
February 13, 2016
I wasn't too fond of the way the book was paced, it was a beginning and a middle with an end barely the size of a paragraph. The main character was trying to make up her mind throughout the ENTIRE book.
August 15, 2016
It was so nice to read a clean, uplifting romance. Although I think the writing could have been a bit more polished--and maybe toned down--I loved it. I recognize Fiona's mental battle to protect herself and the fight to discover what is right on the part of Fiona and Ian both. Wonderful read.
March 23, 2010
Loved this book. When I got to reading it, it was hard to put down. Fiona was such a devoted daughter to go through what she did. And Ian was the perfect gentleman. A great story!
August 3, 2010
Absolutely LOVED this book :o) *sigh* Amazing story & wonderful characters, I didn't want it to end.
October 21, 2010
Jillian Hart is a great writer. I could not put the book down and stayed up rather late to finish it. A fun read!
July 9, 2011
I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. ~ Psalms 52:8
Time Period: Western, 1880's
Location: Montana
Time Period: Western, 1880's
Location: Montana
August 10, 2011
Recommend this highly
December 1, 2011
Sometimes people are just too "good" to be believed.
August 31, 2016
This was a nice, light romance. While it was a little repetitive and not very deep it was just what I was in the mood for. A good choice for a light romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews