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Kansas Brides #3
Bittersweet Bride
The one suitor Mara Lawton cannot add to her collection is the one she wants most—Clay Stedman. Clay has just arrived in Cedar Springs to work the Stedman ranch. His widowed aunt is leaving to visit family back East, and Clay must find someone to care for his little sister and perform the household chores—like cooking for fourteen cowboys, doing the laundry, and feeding the hogs. Mara offers Clay her services, despite having never cooked a meal, washed a garment, or gone near a hog in her life. Clay is taken with Mara's looks, but a recent heartbreak makes him wary—that and the fact she doesn't share his faith in God. For Mara, whose self-worth is based on her family's wealth and royal lineage, obstacles and reverses create a terrible inner turmoil. Will she cling to her own ways or allow God to move in her life?
285 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
41 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
85 books4,789 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.
Denise gives away books and gifts cards in every monthly newsletter! Subscribe here to be eligible: https://www.denisehunterbooks.com
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.
Denise gives away books and gifts cards in every monthly newsletter! Subscribe here to be eligible: https://www.denisehunterbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 5, 2017
3.5 stars
Until now I've only read Denise Hunter's contemporary novels, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I found this to be an engaging story and a quick read. At first I was put off by Mara's attitude, but once she started getting to know Clay and his darling sister Beth, the story picked up.
I really appreciated that the romance wasn't sensual at all, and I loved how heroically Clay resisted kissing Mara until he knew she was a fellow believer. You don't see that much in Christian fiction. Also, I loved how Beth shared the Gospel so clearly.
Until now I've only read Denise Hunter's contemporary novels, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I found this to be an engaging story and a quick read. At first I was put off by Mara's attitude, but once she started getting to know Clay and his darling sister Beth, the story picked up.
I really appreciated that the romance wasn't sensual at all, and I loved how heroically Clay resisted kissing Mara until he knew she was a fellow believer. You don't see that much in Christian fiction. Also, I loved how Beth shared the Gospel so clearly.
November 21, 2016
This is my favorite in the Kansas Bride's series!
January 22, 2025
This one started out slow but picked up in the last half.
January 1, 2018
The most amazing results come to past with belief and faith in God, which was pictured perfectly in this tale.
November 7, 2020
Great read
This book was great read as is all of Denise Hunter 's books are. She's an awesome writer and I'll read anything she writes
This book was great read as is all of Denise Hunter 's books are. She's an awesome writer and I'll read anything she writes
December 20, 2020
Honestly, I love everything that Denise Hunter has written.
February 7, 2021
Mara Lawton wants Clay Stedman. Clay arrives in Cedar Springs to work at the Stedman ranch and to find someone to care for his little sister and perform the household chores--like cooking for fourteen cowboys, doing the laundry, and feeding the hogs. Mara offers Clay her services, despite having never cooked a meal, washed a garment, or gone near a hog in her life. Clay is taken with Mara's looks. He's wary about the fact she doesn't share his faith in God. For Mara, whose self-worth is based on her family's wealth and royal lineage, obstacles and reverses create a terrible inner turmoil.
An interesting story with good characters. I enjoyed it.
An interesting story with good characters. I enjoyed it.
July 20, 2025
Set in the 1880s, Mara Lawton had been brought up in high class always having everything she wanted. She loved parties and flirting with men, but she had never found one that she considered "the man." When she met Clay Stedman at a barn raising party, she knew that she had found her love, but would Clay's strong faith and her wealthy life keep them apart?
Denise Hunter did a great job with this novella showing the slow but important changes in Mara's life, faith, and attitude that made her the "just right" woman for Clay.
Denise Hunter did a great job with this novella showing the slow but important changes in Mara's life, faith, and attitude that made her the "just right" woman for Clay.
August 15, 2020
A Wonderful Story
I loved the message within the story. As Christians, we need to follow God's word and His direction for our lives.
This story was sweet and original. We've all know people who were maybe pretty or rich or both. Some who had those attributes, were judgemental of those who didn't. It was so nice to see the change in a person once God works in their lives.
Denise Hunter always has a great message to deliver with each story she writes.
I loved the message within the story. As Christians, we need to follow God's word and His direction for our lives.
This story was sweet and original. We've all know people who were maybe pretty or rich or both. Some who had those attributes, were judgemental of those who didn't. It was so nice to see the change in a person once God works in their lives.
Denise Hunter always has a great message to deliver with each story she writes.
August 8, 2025
Mara was rich, beautiful, and spoiled. She was also not a very nice person. She does, however, have plenty of spunk. When she sets her sights on Clay, she goes to extreme lengths to win his heart. Though he is attracted to her, he doesn't like her manner, and most important, she isn't a Christian so she's off limits for him. This couple goes through a lot before there can be a happily ever after. I enjoyed the story and even ended up liking Mara.
July 1, 2018
Simplistic writing, preachy and unrelatable characters. Even some of the scenes were poorly described and left me wondering what the heck was happening. Good moral, but .... meh.
December 16, 2019
Liked this book, wasn’t sure when I saw it was about Mara. Quick, easy read. First two in series were just a tad better in my opinion.
May 1, 2020
Great story of a self centered lady who meets someone who will forever change her life. As Denise Hunter tells this story, the reader will be captured by her writing.
January 26, 2022
God is good
Life is not easy but with God always good. Submitting to Gods word is always rewarding. No one is better then the other. We all need God
Life is not easy but with God always good. Submitting to Gods word is always rewarding. No one is better then the other. We all need God
October 26, 2024
This book was so good! I loved it and give it 5++ stars!
September 21, 2016
3.7 stars
Bittersweet Bride was a good book, an improvement definitely on the previous ones. I loved the setting and plot line, as well as the characters (even if some were a little too shallow). Mara, at first I hated and I could not sympathize with at all and then she became likable by falling in love and doing the stupidest things ever. I suffered a lot of second hand embarrassment from her, but also a lot of laughs. This book was definitely more adventurous and extreme in an awesome way than the others. I loved Clay and his devotion to God. My only problem is: Too preachy, insta-lovey, and the characters (which I loved) were more as a source of entertainment than real people.
Final opinion: Mixed feelings occurred. Yet still worth the read.
Bittersweet Bride was a good book, an improvement definitely on the previous ones. I loved the setting and plot line, as well as the characters (even if some were a little too shallow). Mara, at first I hated and I could not sympathize with at all and then she became likable by falling in love and doing the stupidest things ever. I suffered a lot of second hand embarrassment from her, but also a lot of laughs. This book was definitely more adventurous and extreme in an awesome way than the others. I loved Clay and his devotion to God. My only problem is: Too preachy, insta-lovey, and the characters (which I loved) were more as a source of entertainment than real people.
Final opinion: Mixed feelings occurred. Yet still worth the read.
February 9, 2017
My feelings about this book are all over the place. The characters development could've used a little more work, especially on the secondary characters. They just didn't feel genuine to me. I really disliked Mara during the first half of the book, finding her very self-centered, arrogant and shallow. Then I felt sorry for her when she got a good look in the mirror - courtesy of the town gossips - leaving her isolated and friendless. What goes around comes around, but this was pretty brutal. Women can be so mean to each other!
On the upside, Mara is a tough character. She's stubborn and strong, which can be good traits in this particular era. I did like the spiritual growth the book revealed in Mara's life, even if some of the presentation wasn't as smoothly embedded into the story as it could've been. The scriptures came across as forced and awkward, giving it a bit of a preachy/judgmental type of feeling in some places. I am familiar with Denise Hunter's work and I know how talented she is, so I'm sure this is just an example of early work. I normally LOVE her books!
Clay was a real sweetheart and I couldn't help but like him more as the book moved along. The ending is exciting and makes all the other shortcomings worthwhile. Bittersweet Bride is a decent book for times when you are looking for a short romantic fix!
On the upside, Mara is a tough character. She's stubborn and strong, which can be good traits in this particular era. I did like the spiritual growth the book revealed in Mara's life, even if some of the presentation wasn't as smoothly embedded into the story as it could've been. The scriptures came across as forced and awkward, giving it a bit of a preachy/judgmental type of feeling in some places. I am familiar with Denise Hunter's work and I know how talented she is, so I'm sure this is just an example of early work. I normally LOVE her books!
Clay was a real sweetheart and I couldn't help but like him more as the book moved along. The ending is exciting and makes all the other shortcomings worthwhile. Bittersweet Bride is a decent book for times when you are looking for a short romantic fix!
February 12, 2016
What a wonderful (and clean) love story! I loved the action near the end of the book that kept me on the edge of my seat, and of course the ending was beautiful.
September 16, 2013
Denise Hunter is among my favorite authors. I'm still discovering titles I've missed along the way. Bittersweet Bride is a quick read with a powerful Christian witness.
June 16, 2016
Had to borrow thru interlibrary loan... .but just wasn't into the time era right now.... maybe someday.
September 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this book in the series. Just the right balance of romance and religion for me.
June 26, 2014
Still a five star little book; it's the third . . .. or maybe even fourth time I have read it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews