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The 12 Brides of Summer - Novella Collection #1
Love Is Buzzing in the Good Old Summertime! Spend the sunny days of summer relaxing with an ice cold glass of lemonade and revel in the dreams of twelve brides who are a bit surprised by how the men of their dreams come into their lives. Journey to the Old West, stay on the prairie, and visit quaint small town. . .without leaving the comfort of your own front porch!
Summer has started and so has new chances for love in Novella Collection #1:
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
Ava Neal hopes moving west will be a new start, then she meets handsome Joe Logan who helps her hide her valuables when the train is robbed. Might their paths cross again?
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule
After a grasshopper plague descends, Sally Martin is faced with a choice to marry a banker who wants to buy out ruined farmers or a teamster willing to give all his money to God’s work.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
Grace Sinclair would never dream of leaving her Ozarks, so when Ian MacGregor visits for a wedding, she ignores her sudden romantic thoughts. Can Ian make her see the way of love?
Don’t miss the four collections that inspirational romance readers will be swooning over:
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #1 – Releases June 1
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #2 – Releases July 1
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #3 – Releases August 1
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #4 – Releases September 1
Summer has started and so has new chances for love in Novella Collection #1:
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
Ava Neal hopes moving west will be a new start, then she meets handsome Joe Logan who helps her hide her valuables when the train is robbed. Might their paths cross again?
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule
After a grasshopper plague descends, Sally Martin is faced with a choice to marry a banker who wants to buy out ruined farmers or a teamster willing to give all his money to God’s work.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
Grace Sinclair would never dream of leaving her Ozarks, so when Ian MacGregor visits for a wedding, she ignores her sudden romantic thoughts. Can Ian make her see the way of love?
Don’t miss the four collections that inspirational romance readers will be swooning over:
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #1 – Releases June 1
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #2 – Releases July 1
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #3 – Releases August 1
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #4 – Releases September 1
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
5 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Susan Page Davis
176 books527 followersFROM AUTHOR'S WEBSITE: I'm a native of central Maine, and grew up on a small farm with a wonderful mom and dad, three sisters and a brother. Most of my books take place in small towns, many of them in Maine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
My husband, Jim, and I moved to his birth state, Oregon, for a while after we were married, but decided to move back to Maine and be near my family. It allowed our six children to grow up feeling close to their cousins and grandparents, and some of Jim's family have even moved to Maine!
Our children are all home-schooled. When Jim retired from his vocation as an editor at a daily newspaper, we moved from Maine to Kentucky.
I've always loved reading, history, and horses. These things come together in several of my historical books.
Another longtime hobby of mine is genealogy, which has led me down many fascinating paths. I'm proud to be a DAR member! Some of Jim's and my quirkier ancestors have inspired fictional characters.
For many years I worked for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel as a freelancer. This experience was a great help in developing fictional characters and writing realistic scenes. I also published nonfiction articles in several magazines and had several short stories appear in Woman's World, Grit, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 2, 2025
#1 Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
4 stars
This train heist novella was sweet but wrapped up much too quickly. I think it needed another two chapters to grow the romance before the proposal. But it was charming.
#2 The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
5 stars
This was my first Michelle Ule book, but it won’t be my last. What a charmer! It was neat to see a love triangle story involving cleanup from a tornado. So unique!
#3 The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
1 star DNF
This one was a miss for me. Chapter 1: Insta-love without swapping words. Chapter 2: Declared love for one another. Chapter 3: A “you should sleep with me” oopsie statement when a gal invited a guy to stay with her father and her on a flimsy excuse. The first three chapters were much too immature for my taste.
4 stars
This train heist novella was sweet but wrapped up much too quickly. I think it needed another two chapters to grow the romance before the proposal. But it was charming.
#2 The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
5 stars
This was my first Michelle Ule book, but it won’t be my last. What a charmer! It was neat to see a love triangle story involving cleanup from a tornado. So unique!
#3 The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
1 star DNF
This one was a miss for me. Chapter 1: Insta-love without swapping words. Chapter 2: Declared love for one another. Chapter 3: A “you should sleep with me” oopsie statement when a gal invited a guy to stay with her father and her on a flimsy excuse. The first three chapters were much too immature for my taste.
January 21, 2016
Review Title: A Season of Brides (review of 12 Brides of Summer, Collection #1, by Susan Page Davis, Amy Lillard, and Michelle Ule)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars
For those who enjoy Christian romance novels, you will find 12 Brides of Summer series to be a joy! I love the novella format which allows development of characters and plot in a shorter format for those who have less time for reading, but still want the pleasure of a good story. Since there are twelve bride stories, there will be one to enjoy for each week of the summer. Clever thinking on the part of the editor!
I just finished reading the first story I chose, The Sunbonnet Bride, by Michelle Ule. It is an engaging story because of its historical facts surrounding several areas I had never considered before. The design of hats, the sunbonnet in particular, along with the beginning of a business in that market, and how the women were able to help by such endeavors when farming disasters prevented the men from producing income for a year. This aspect of the story makes it relevant for today because many find themselves either unemployed or underemployed. This story encourages resourcefulness and hard work to overcome difficult financial situations.
The romantic aspect of the story involves a competition for the heart of a lady. The author, Michelle Ule, knows how to keep the reader in suspense over who will be the heart winner without resorting to standards used in secular stories. Her story also engages with humor at points which I enjoyed. Throughout the story the question arises if the offer of security will override the heart’s desire for genuine love.
I wanted to go ahead and post the review before reading the other stories because I trust the others are equally as good as this one. I bought this book in e-book format, but I think it is one I would like to have on my shelf for future reading (the cover is beautiful). Also, it would be nice to place in my church media center.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars
For those who enjoy Christian romance novels, you will find 12 Brides of Summer series to be a joy! I love the novella format which allows development of characters and plot in a shorter format for those who have less time for reading, but still want the pleasure of a good story. Since there are twelve bride stories, there will be one to enjoy for each week of the summer. Clever thinking on the part of the editor!
I just finished reading the first story I chose, The Sunbonnet Bride, by Michelle Ule. It is an engaging story because of its historical facts surrounding several areas I had never considered before. The design of hats, the sunbonnet in particular, along with the beginning of a business in that market, and how the women were able to help by such endeavors when farming disasters prevented the men from producing income for a year. This aspect of the story makes it relevant for today because many find themselves either unemployed or underemployed. This story encourages resourcefulness and hard work to overcome difficult financial situations.
The romantic aspect of the story involves a competition for the heart of a lady. The author, Michelle Ule, knows how to keep the reader in suspense over who will be the heart winner without resorting to standards used in secular stories. Her story also engages with humor at points which I enjoyed. Throughout the story the question arises if the offer of security will override the heart’s desire for genuine love.
I wanted to go ahead and post the review before reading the other stories because I trust the others are equally as good as this one. I bought this book in e-book format, but I think it is one I would like to have on my shelf for future reading (the cover is beautiful). Also, it would be nice to place in my church media center.
September 7, 2015
Blue Moon Bride:
Ava goes to Cheyenne to visit her friend Polly. She meets Joe who is on his way to San Francisco. When the train is robbed, Joe helps her to save a brooch intended for Polly.
Because Joe was delivering a package to San Francisco that was stolen by the outlaws, he hangs around Cheyenne and gets a job so he is still able to visit with Ava. Good things happen on the day that ends with a blue moon.
Sun Bonnet Bride:
Malcolm is in love with Sally, but when a tornado goes through and destroys her father's farm along with others, he spends his time helping and getting dirty. Meanwhile, the banker is offering reduced interest rate loans until the farmers can get back on their feet or lose their farmers. He's got plenty of time to sweet talk Sally into falling for him and the grand things he can provide her. What's a girl to do? Sally and her sister make bonnets for a fund raiser. When the banker profits from that also, Sally doesn't even have to think about who she wants any more.
Wildflower Bride:
When Maddie and Harlan get married, Grace and Ian meet. It seems to be love at first sight for both of them. But he's a city boy with a church waiting for him to pastor it and she's a country girl who needs to stay with her father to help him with his church. The feelings between Ian and Grace are very strong so they are torn as to what they should do. Just being friends doesn't seem to be enough.
Ava goes to Cheyenne to visit her friend Polly. She meets Joe who is on his way to San Francisco. When the train is robbed, Joe helps her to save a brooch intended for Polly.
Because Joe was delivering a package to San Francisco that was stolen by the outlaws, he hangs around Cheyenne and gets a job so he is still able to visit with Ava. Good things happen on the day that ends with a blue moon.
Sun Bonnet Bride:
Malcolm is in love with Sally, but when a tornado goes through and destroys her father's farm along with others, he spends his time helping and getting dirty. Meanwhile, the banker is offering reduced interest rate loans until the farmers can get back on their feet or lose their farmers. He's got plenty of time to sweet talk Sally into falling for him and the grand things he can provide her. What's a girl to do? Sally and her sister make bonnets for a fund raiser. When the banker profits from that also, Sally doesn't even have to think about who she wants any more.
Wildflower Bride:
When Maddie and Harlan get married, Grace and Ian meet. It seems to be love at first sight for both of them. But he's a city boy with a church waiting for him to pastor it and she's a country girl who needs to stay with her father to help him with his church. The feelings between Ian and Grace are very strong so they are torn as to what they should do. Just being friends doesn't seem to be enough.
January 6, 2016
This is a wonderful collection of three novellas.
First is Blue Moon by Susan Page Davis an intriguing novel that had me turning pages. Now that I have finished I am going through withdrawl. Wonderfully written.
Next was The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule a fantastic story showing the importance of a godly character of generosity to others. I found this story difficult to put down.
Third is the Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard another wonderful Novella which had my attention from the start. I would love to read more of these awesome characters.
A great collection I will want to read again.
First is Blue Moon by Susan Page Davis an intriguing novel that had me turning pages. Now that I have finished I am going through withdrawl. Wonderfully written.
Next was The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule a fantastic story showing the importance of a godly character of generosity to others. I found this story difficult to put down.
Third is the Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard another wonderful Novella which had my attention from the start. I would love to read more of these awesome characters.
A great collection I will want to read again.
June 11, 2016
This book is a collection of three different novellas. The different novellas are sweet love stories and even though the book is considered Christian fiction the stories are not too preachy though the books have a sweet love story. The timing of the stories though is too fast for a true love story, but that is due to the shortness of the stories. I received a copy of this book in return for a review from NetGalley.
October 12, 2015
As soon as I finished reading 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #4, I knew I wanted to read the rest of the collection. There is something about the quick nature of these stories that pulls me in and keeps me wanting to read more of them. So I figured that it would make sense to go back to the beginning and start with Collection #1 (although, they don’t really go in any sort of order, so you can read whichever you want).
Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis left me with mixed feelings. The first few scenes start out with Ava’s sister and her impending marriage. This felt a little out of place for me as a first scene in the way it was written. While this sort of event could lead very well into a romance, it fell a little flat for me. But don’t be down for too long, shortly thereafter Ava is whisking away on a train ride west to visit friends where she encounters quite the dramatic turn (for one of these types of stories) in a train robbery. There is a good deal of action and adventure here for sure on the part of Joe Logan. I enjoyed the action scenes, but somehow didn’t love this story. I think the fact that I had a hard time getting into the story had something to do with it. I think I would have led with the train sequences and then introduced the sister’s wedding in some type of flashback or work it into a conversation.
The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule was different from many of the other stories in these collections that I have read so far in that you aren’t 100% sure who Sally will end up with. There are two VERY different men at play here and she struggles with the choice. I wasn’t in love with either of the men as leading men, but there was a favorite to be sure. I really liked the choice of the tornado aftermath as a storytelling devise. I have lived through the destruction of a tornado to my apartment complex and surrounding community, so I could truly buy into the response of the neighbors and towns to the destruction and the families (and I’m from the North East where you are not all the friendly with neighbors in apartments!). I found the story very sweet and endearing, and appreciated that she did not obviously have her mind made up from the beginning regarding who to choose (if anyone!).
However, just like last time, the final story was my favorite, and that was The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard. While these stories always end happily (the nature of the genre), there was a lot of soul searching regarding the decision that Grace would make at the end here. One of the character types that I have come to enjoy from these romance novellas is the secretly intervening parent. It is true that sometimes your parents know you better than you know yourself and that at times you just need help getting out of your own way to see more clearly. The father here was really cute and I think he stole the show! Super sweet, and in a few places sad, story that I loved.
As a whole, this collection was strong and left me craving more (the only reason why I did not immediately jump into Collection #2 was due to some downloading issues). I would probably place this book more in the solid 4-4.5 star category, just because I didn’t fall in love with the lead off story, which could potentially turn some pickier readers off. Good thing is, they are short stories, so you can finish one story that you may not particularly love in quick time so it will not feel like a time waste or anything of that nature. The Christian aspect I thought was well integrated and again natural to the characters and their circumstances without hitting you over the head with it.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog.
Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis left me with mixed feelings. The first few scenes start out with Ava’s sister and her impending marriage. This felt a little out of place for me as a first scene in the way it was written. While this sort of event could lead very well into a romance, it fell a little flat for me. But don’t be down for too long, shortly thereafter Ava is whisking away on a train ride west to visit friends where she encounters quite the dramatic turn (for one of these types of stories) in a train robbery. There is a good deal of action and adventure here for sure on the part of Joe Logan. I enjoyed the action scenes, but somehow didn’t love this story. I think the fact that I had a hard time getting into the story had something to do with it. I think I would have led with the train sequences and then introduced the sister’s wedding in some type of flashback or work it into a conversation.
The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule was different from many of the other stories in these collections that I have read so far in that you aren’t 100% sure who Sally will end up with. There are two VERY different men at play here and she struggles with the choice. I wasn’t in love with either of the men as leading men, but there was a favorite to be sure. I really liked the choice of the tornado aftermath as a storytelling devise. I have lived through the destruction of a tornado to my apartment complex and surrounding community, so I could truly buy into the response of the neighbors and towns to the destruction and the families (and I’m from the North East where you are not all the friendly with neighbors in apartments!). I found the story very sweet and endearing, and appreciated that she did not obviously have her mind made up from the beginning regarding who to choose (if anyone!).
However, just like last time, the final story was my favorite, and that was The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard. While these stories always end happily (the nature of the genre), there was a lot of soul searching regarding the decision that Grace would make at the end here. One of the character types that I have come to enjoy from these romance novellas is the secretly intervening parent. It is true that sometimes your parents know you better than you know yourself and that at times you just need help getting out of your own way to see more clearly. The father here was really cute and I think he stole the show! Super sweet, and in a few places sad, story that I loved.
As a whole, this collection was strong and left me craving more (the only reason why I did not immediately jump into Collection #2 was due to some downloading issues). I would probably place this book more in the solid 4-4.5 star category, just because I didn’t fall in love with the lead off story, which could potentially turn some pickier readers off. Good thing is, they are short stories, so you can finish one story that you may not particularly love in quick time so it will not feel like a time waste or anything of that nature. The Christian aspect I thought was well integrated and again natural to the characters and their circumstances without hitting you over the head with it.
This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog.
May 10, 2016
The 12 Brides of Summer Collection #1 is the first of four The 12 Brides of Summer collections published by Barbour. Three novellas are included, with offerings from Susan Page Davis, Michelle Ule, and Amy Lillard.
I give this collection 4 stars (slightly rounded up).
#1: Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
Set in Wyoming Territory
4 1/2 Stars
Ava Neal, 22, was disappointed in love when her sweetheart died six years ago. Now her younger sister Sarah is getting married, and Ava wants to travel to Wyoming Territory to visit her friend after the wedding.
Joe Logan would like to be an illustrator someday, but for now he is eking out a living by doing courier jobs for a lawyer. His current job is to transport some jewelry and legal papers to San Francisco. He hasn’t given much thought to courting because his job provides barely enough income to support himself. For part of their journeys, Ava and Joe are on the same train headed west. They end up as seatmates and talk for hours, enjoying each other’s company… until their train is held up!
I’ve read this author’s Prarie Dreams trilogy and enjoyed it very much. This short story was also wonderful! I stopped short of giving it 5 stars because there were a couple of times that I felt confused about something.
#2: The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
Set in Fairhope, Nebraska in 1874
4 Stars
Malcom MacDougall delivers cargo for Fairhope’s general store. Sally Martin works across the street as a seamstress and hat maker. A “funnel cloud” has gone by, and Sally is concerned about her father and her sister out on the farm. Malcom and Sally already like each other very much, unbeknownst to each other. Sally feels comfortable asking Malcom for a ride, and they go together to check on her family.
Malcom helps others again and again, and I think he exemplifies how to be a servant of Christ. I liked him very much. The four star rating is because I didn’t like Sally’s second suitor and how he fit into the story.
#3:The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
Set in the Ozark Mountains in Calico Falls, Arkansas in 1871
3 Stars
Grace Sinclair’s younger sister Maddie is getting married. Grace is convinced she is destined to be an old maid, continuing to help her father with his church. Ian McGruer, a kilt-wearing Scotsman and a newly-hired pastor, has come to town for the wedding to stand up with Maddie’s fiance.
Ian feels that Grace is his true love before he has even spoken to her. This is a severe case of instalove, and I just can’t accept it. One of the characters indicates a similar skepticism - “the nonsense of love at first sight” - but I still just cannot believe in the possibility of this. And for me, that colors the whole story negatively. “Never before had words not been necessary in getting to know another.” Really?!? Again, I just cannot swallow that. There were some humorous moments that I enjoyed, but overall, I found the story frustrating.
I’d recommend this collection to fans of historical Christian romances or sweet historical romances. Thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of all twelve stories for review.
I give this collection 4 stars (slightly rounded up).
#1: Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
Set in Wyoming Territory
4 1/2 Stars
Ava Neal, 22, was disappointed in love when her sweetheart died six years ago. Now her younger sister Sarah is getting married, and Ava wants to travel to Wyoming Territory to visit her friend after the wedding.
Joe Logan would like to be an illustrator someday, but for now he is eking out a living by doing courier jobs for a lawyer. His current job is to transport some jewelry and legal papers to San Francisco. He hasn’t given much thought to courting because his job provides barely enough income to support himself. For part of their journeys, Ava and Joe are on the same train headed west. They end up as seatmates and talk for hours, enjoying each other’s company… until their train is held up!
I’ve read this author’s Prarie Dreams trilogy and enjoyed it very much. This short story was also wonderful! I stopped short of giving it 5 stars because there were a couple of times that I felt confused about something.
#2: The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
Set in Fairhope, Nebraska in 1874
4 Stars
Malcom MacDougall delivers cargo for Fairhope’s general store. Sally Martin works across the street as a seamstress and hat maker. A “funnel cloud” has gone by, and Sally is concerned about her father and her sister out on the farm. Malcom and Sally already like each other very much, unbeknownst to each other. Sally feels comfortable asking Malcom for a ride, and they go together to check on her family.
Malcom helps others again and again, and I think he exemplifies how to be a servant of Christ. I liked him very much. The four star rating is because I didn’t like Sally’s second suitor and how he fit into the story.
#3:The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
Set in the Ozark Mountains in Calico Falls, Arkansas in 1871
3 Stars
Grace Sinclair’s younger sister Maddie is getting married. Grace is convinced she is destined to be an old maid, continuing to help her father with his church. Ian McGruer, a kilt-wearing Scotsman and a newly-hired pastor, has come to town for the wedding to stand up with Maddie’s fiance.
Ian feels that Grace is his true love before he has even spoken to her. This is a severe case of instalove, and I just can’t accept it. One of the characters indicates a similar skepticism - “the nonsense of love at first sight” - but I still just cannot believe in the possibility of this. And for me, that colors the whole story negatively. “Never before had words not been necessary in getting to know another.” Really?!? Again, I just cannot swallow that. There were some humorous moments that I enjoyed, but overall, I found the story frustrating.
I’d recommend this collection to fans of historical Christian romances or sweet historical romances. Thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of all twelve stories for review.
July 11, 2015
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
Ava Neal hopes moving west will be a new start, then she meets handsome Joe Logan who helps her hide her valuables when the train is robbed. Might their paths cross again?
MY REVIEW: This is a sweet novella set in the 1800's in Wyoming. A train robbery leads to a job on the railroad for Joe Logan and this gives he and Ava Neal time to pursue the spark of interest that developed when they met and traveled together on the train. This is a 5 star romantic novella. It makes a quick read for summer or any time of the year.
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule
After a grasshopper plague descends, Sally Martin is faced with a choice to marry a banker who wants to buy out ruined farmers or a teamster willing to give all his money to God’s work.
MY REVIEW: What a precious novella ! Sally Martin creates lovely sunbonnets that have an ingenious design that are fast becoming popular in the local shops. She has two ardent suitors: the rich young banker, Josiah, and Malcolm, the hardworking teamster. She has a choice to make and the town as well as her own family are trying to recover from the loss of homes and crops during the recent tornado. I rated this novella 5 stars and think readers of historical fiction will enjoy this romance set in the 1870's.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
Grace Sinclair would never dream of leaving her Ozarks, so when Ian MacGregor visits for a wedding, she ignores her sudden romantic thoughts. Can Ian make her see the way of love?
MY REVIEW of The Wildflower Bride: Do you believe in love at first sight? Grace and Ian are certainly experiencing it after meeting at her sister, Maddie's wedding. Grace had resigned herself to being an old maid and helping her father with his church in Arkansas, but now???? she really wants to be wherever Ian will be. He will be returning in New York in a few short days to accept his first church pastor position and she will be staying behind in Arkansas. What will they do? How will they resolve the issue? Readers are sure to love this 5-star romantic novella by Amy Lillard.
MY OVERALL Review of Collection #1: 5 star romantic novella set in the 1800's which is certain to be a lovely way to spend a summer day reading !
I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Reviews have been posted to my blog, amazon, goodreads, christianfiction, shelfari, deepershopping and booksamillion.
June 8, 2015
Blue Moon Bride: While traveling by train to visit an old friend in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ava Neal comes face-to-face with train robbers, something she definitely did not plan on. Will she find that a blessing can come out of it though when a kind gentleman assists her?
Sunbonnet Bride: Hardworking Malcolm wants Sally to know how he feels about her, but can't seem to find the right words. When disaster strikes the town of Fairhope, Nebraska, he reaches out to demonstrate what real love looks like instead. Will she see it in time to choose him over the rich banker?
Wildflower Bride: Grace has given up on finding a love of her own until she encounters Ian at her sister's wedding. Can she leave her family and Arkansas hometown for someone who lives in New York?
This sweet collection of three short historical romances is set around the later 1800's America. Well-rounded determined characters who find themselves in some interesting dilemmas, and come face-to-face with love unexpectedly, make these all fun little stories.
My favorite is the second one by Michele Ule, as it continues on with familiar characters from the Yuletide Bride in the Christmas collection. Have to confess, I had a soft spot for shy hardworking Malcolm and how he gets tongue-tied around sweet Sally. Admired Joe Logan in the first story too, with his hopeful determination to do the right thing. However, Ian McGruer in the last one gets the dreamy award. Who can resist a man in a kilt who picks wildflowers? Really liked them all though, especially as the characters all seemed to prayerfully consider their decisions, and the insertion of Scripture that sets these stories apart from other clean reads. They make a great read for a summer afternoon or anytime of the year.
Recommend to any Christian historical romance fans!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book provided in exchange for this, my unsolicited honest review.)
Sunbonnet Bride: Hardworking Malcolm wants Sally to know how he feels about her, but can't seem to find the right words. When disaster strikes the town of Fairhope, Nebraska, he reaches out to demonstrate what real love looks like instead. Will she see it in time to choose him over the rich banker?
Wildflower Bride: Grace has given up on finding a love of her own until she encounters Ian at her sister's wedding. Can she leave her family and Arkansas hometown for someone who lives in New York?
This sweet collection of three short historical romances is set around the later 1800's America. Well-rounded determined characters who find themselves in some interesting dilemmas, and come face-to-face with love unexpectedly, make these all fun little stories.
My favorite is the second one by Michele Ule, as it continues on with familiar characters from the Yuletide Bride in the Christmas collection. Have to confess, I had a soft spot for shy hardworking Malcolm and how he gets tongue-tied around sweet Sally. Admired Joe Logan in the first story too, with his hopeful determination to do the right thing. However, Ian McGruer in the last one gets the dreamy award. Who can resist a man in a kilt who picks wildflowers? Really liked them all though, especially as the characters all seemed to prayerfully consider their decisions, and the insertion of Scripture that sets these stories apart from other clean reads. They make a great read for a summer afternoon or anytime of the year.
Recommend to any Christian historical romance fans!
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book provided in exchange for this, my unsolicited honest review.)
June 20, 2015
When the blurb of this book mentioned never leaving your front porch while reading this selection of stories I took the advise of the writer and did just that. As I swung on my porch swing I was instantly transported into the lives of the these women and into the arms of the men that they love.
Once again I found myself both loving and enjoying these timeless love stories. I have always found such lighter romances to be favorable because the romance is allowed to blossom. There's no room for explicit content or language within these stories, it's simply beautiful romance that is why I think I love such collections the most.
As in usual fashion each group of these collections features women who are looking not only for love but also to better their loves. These stories I think make the modern-day women relatable to such women as we are all still looking such things as love and learning to how properly to change our lives. So the characters within this book are certainly worth having their story.
What I think is the best part about these collections is that each one is different than before. Each author brings something new and inviting into the stories and I never feel as if I am reading the same stories over and over again as sometimes I do feel with more modern romances.
I would highly encourage any reader to give these collections a chance. It doesn't matter if you consider yourself to be religious or not as I think these books would make a great addition to any shelf.
-This review was submitted to all respectful parties PRIOR to posting it to GoodReads.
Once again I found myself both loving and enjoying these timeless love stories. I have always found such lighter romances to be favorable because the romance is allowed to blossom. There's no room for explicit content or language within these stories, it's simply beautiful romance that is why I think I love such collections the most.
As in usual fashion each group of these collections features women who are looking not only for love but also to better their loves. These stories I think make the modern-day women relatable to such women as we are all still looking such things as love and learning to how properly to change our lives. So the characters within this book are certainly worth having their story.
What I think is the best part about these collections is that each one is different than before. Each author brings something new and inviting into the stories and I never feel as if I am reading the same stories over and over again as sometimes I do feel with more modern romances.
I would highly encourage any reader to give these collections a chance. It doesn't matter if you consider yourself to be religious or not as I think these books would make a great addition to any shelf.
-This review was submitted to all respectful parties PRIOR to posting it to GoodReads.
June 26, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like the book quite well. Its perfect for summer time. Each story is complete in its own right and doesn't take a lot of time to read. You can enjoy the pure romance without the carrying ons that happen in some stories.
There are 3 stories in each of the books. The first story is Blue Moon Bride and I love how they work in the blue moon references. Just one of those casual things you say that can have hidden meaning for romance. Ava is a sweet woman who just hasn't found love and doesn't think she is going to so after her sister gets married she goes to visit a friend to get away for a bit. On her journey, the train she is on gets robbed and a fellow traveler helps her out. I like how this story line was from both points of view. You knew what each person was doing when they were away. Naturally true love prevails but would you want to read if it didn't.
The second book is Sally and Malcolm. Malcolm loves Sally but is too shy to find the words to say. Josiah also wants Sally for his bride. There is a tornado that destroys Sally's father's homestead and this crisis is how Sally is able to see the true self of each man and which one is right for her.
Book three is Wildflower Bride and my least favorite in this set. I don't believe in love at first sight and think that since Grace's father is a minister he would have been a bit more reticent about lying and pushing Grace and Ian together. I just found this one to be too unbelievable and contrived.
I like the book quite well. Its perfect for summer time. Each story is complete in its own right and doesn't take a lot of time to read. You can enjoy the pure romance without the carrying ons that happen in some stories.
There are 3 stories in each of the books. The first story is Blue Moon Bride and I love how they work in the blue moon references. Just one of those casual things you say that can have hidden meaning for romance. Ava is a sweet woman who just hasn't found love and doesn't think she is going to so after her sister gets married she goes to visit a friend to get away for a bit. On her journey, the train she is on gets robbed and a fellow traveler helps her out. I like how this story line was from both points of view. You knew what each person was doing when they were away. Naturally true love prevails but would you want to read if it didn't.
The second book is Sally and Malcolm. Malcolm loves Sally but is too shy to find the words to say. Josiah also wants Sally for his bride. There is a tornado that destroys Sally's father's homestead and this crisis is how Sally is able to see the true self of each man and which one is right for her.
Book three is Wildflower Bride and my least favorite in this set. I don't believe in love at first sight and think that since Grace's father is a minister he would have been a bit more reticent about lying and pushing Grace and Ian together. I just found this one to be too unbelievable and contrived.
April 20, 2016
3.5 stars overall...
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis - 4 stars
Ava meets Joe on a train ride heading West. Little did she know that this meeting would change her life... This was a sweet novella. I liked the mystery regarding the train robbers intertwined with the romance story. Being married to a police officer, I understood Ava's worry for Joe all too well. I enjoyed this novella, although I think it ended abruptly. I liked Ava and Joe and wouldn't mind reading more about them in the future. :)
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule - 3.5 stars
After a tornado destroys a farming community, Sally is able to see the true colors of the 2 men who want her hand. To me, the choice wad obvious. But when one man basically courts you and the other is too shy to express his feelings, it can make the choice hard. I liked this story. I thought the character development was well done and I loved seeing the community come together to help each other out.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard - 3 stars
Ian is a sweet Scottish preacher destined to preach in New York. Grace is a preacher's daughter who has decided her "call" is to help in her dad's work and never marry. But when Ian and Grace meet they seem to know they are destined for each other- but how can that work when Grace is in the Ozarks and Ian is suppose to return to NY in a couple days?? This story was cute. Not my favorite, but an ok quick read.
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis - 4 stars
Ava meets Joe on a train ride heading West. Little did she know that this meeting would change her life... This was a sweet novella. I liked the mystery regarding the train robbers intertwined with the romance story. Being married to a police officer, I understood Ava's worry for Joe all too well. I enjoyed this novella, although I think it ended abruptly. I liked Ava and Joe and wouldn't mind reading more about them in the future. :)
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule - 3.5 stars
After a tornado destroys a farming community, Sally is able to see the true colors of the 2 men who want her hand. To me, the choice wad obvious. But when one man basically courts you and the other is too shy to express his feelings, it can make the choice hard. I liked this story. I thought the character development was well done and I loved seeing the community come together to help each other out.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard - 3 stars
Ian is a sweet Scottish preacher destined to preach in New York. Grace is a preacher's daughter who has decided her "call" is to help in her dad's work and never marry. But when Ian and Grace meet they seem to know they are destined for each other- but how can that work when Grace is in the Ozarks and Ian is suppose to return to NY in a couple days?? This story was cute. Not my favorite, but an ok quick read.
July 4, 2015
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
When reading ebooks, I find it difficult to gauge length and often find that they feel much longer than print books. This collection is an exception to this. Though classified as novellas, these three stories were such quick reads that they feel like short stories.
This is the first of four collections, each containing the stories of 3 different brides, adding up to the 12 of the title (though technically, there are at least 2 additional brides, but they were secondary characters in this first collection).
I read this ebook courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My full review can be read on my Wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-3q
3.5 stars
The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
When reading ebooks, I find it difficult to gauge length and often find that they feel much longer than print books. This collection is an exception to this. Though classified as novellas, these three stories were such quick reads that they feel like short stories.
This is the first of four collections, each containing the stories of 3 different brides, adding up to the 12 of the title (though technically, there are at least 2 additional brides, but they were secondary characters in this first collection).
I read this ebook courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My full review can be read on my Wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-3q
3.5 stars
June 6, 2015
Michelle Ule did a wonderful job in The Sunbonnet Bride. A great, summer read that will have you rooting for Malcolm ,the shy,hard working, gentle man over Josiah Finch. Sally is the sweet,caring women with the kindest heart. She is always willing to help those in need. And with her sister Lena's help after a Tornado hits their hometown both of these strong women surprise the town. And of course Melt a shy man's heart:) Pick this up and read! You will love it.
September 20, 2015
The 12 Brides of Summer is an excellent series of short stories. I love being able to sit down and finish a short novella and get a wonderful feeling. These books and authors provide that wonderful feeling. If you have never read anything by these authors, this is a good way to try out their writing style. If you like what you read, get another book by that author. If you don't like what you read, move onto the next story.
Excellent short stories.
Excellent short stories.
August 6, 2015
I really loved this collection! I think it was another wonderful idea (like the Advent Christmas novellas) but this one, so far, has surpassed in content. I loved the stories. I loved how none felt rushed. I ESPECIALLY loved getting to see Madie and Harland again (thanks Amy!) as their story was tied for my tope favorite of the Christmas season! I loved it!
August 7, 2015
The 12 Brides of Summer - Novella Collection #1 is a collection of three stories. The stories include:
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
I enjoyed all of these historical novellas. They are short, clean, sweet, and romantic. I enjoyed The Blue Moon Bride the most of the three.
Great collection! Five stars
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
I enjoyed all of these historical novellas. They are short, clean, sweet, and romantic. I enjoyed The Blue Moon Bride the most of the three.
Great collection! Five stars
August 31, 2016
This is a great book for trying out new authors. Each story is a short, clean romance. Some of the authors were familiar to me and I enjoy their books. But many were new. It was fun getting to read a sample of each authors writing. I will be checking several of them out for full novels. Great for someone who is busy and only has time to read a short novella.
October 11, 2015
Good read. Short stories. Based in the olden days. They were pretty accurate in the time frames.
June 6, 2020
It has been an enjoyable journey reading the volumes in this series, and I'm only half way through. There has been a great deal of variety by a multitude of authors. Sweet stories that put a smile on the reader's face. Love reading the many collections put out by this publisher.
May 11, 2019
3 quick stories set in the 1870's+ Romance which writer's can put on paper. The reality is different but a quirky story makes light reading. (plus in Mother's day tomorrow here in Australia)
January 7, 2026
This is a sweet collection of stories that show us how God has chosen "The One" He has chosen for us.
March 23, 2018
This is my second time reading this first collection of 12 novellas (3 per book) and it's just as good as I remembered it to be. Each Christian, historical, western romance novella contains fully developed characters and keeps your imagination busy with breathtaking scenery.
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis is about Ava and Joe. They meet on a train heading out west; she to visit her best friend who moved away with her family and was now married with two little ones, he to deliver a package for his boss. I absolutely loved this novella and was rooting for Joe and Ava to fall in love at first sight on the train. I hope that Ms. Davis will visit Ava and Joe again in another collection or a book of their own (yes, please, to the last one).
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule is about Sally and Malcolm. The blurb listed on Goodreads is only partially right; Sally does have two men who would like to court her, but there wasn't a grasshopper plague. Instead, a tornado touched down in the farming community of Sterling; Sally's father and sister managed to escape harm by hiding in the storm cellar, like almost all of their neighbors had. Josiah, the banker, isn't exactly sympathetic to the plight of the farmers who lost nearly everything thanks to the tornado damage, while Malcolm is willing to do just about everything to help them restore their farms and feed them. I disliked Josiah, adored sweet Joe, and hope that we meet Lena again in a future book.
I am a HUGE fan of Amy Lillard's and was entranced by her story, The Wildflower Bride, so much that I had it finished in 20 minutes and wished there was more! I adore love at first sight books, especially as my husband (of nearly 22 years!!) and I fell in love the moment we met.
Another thing that had me glued to Ms. Lillard's story is that Ian's new church was set in Albany, New York...which is about 40 minutes south of the sleepy upstate village that I grew up in (and lived in until we moved to Pennsylvania two years ago!). Grace's dad had me giggling so much as he was so sassy and a sneak! I also enjoyed the hint of romance between Grace's father and their housekeeper; during that time period it was downright forbidden for a white male and a black woman to have a romance.
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis is about Ava and Joe. They meet on a train heading out west; she to visit her best friend who moved away with her family and was now married with two little ones, he to deliver a package for his boss. I absolutely loved this novella and was rooting for Joe and Ava to fall in love at first sight on the train. I hope that Ms. Davis will visit Ava and Joe again in another collection or a book of their own (yes, please, to the last one).
The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule is about Sally and Malcolm. The blurb listed on Goodreads is only partially right; Sally does have two men who would like to court her, but there wasn't a grasshopper plague. Instead, a tornado touched down in the farming community of Sterling; Sally's father and sister managed to escape harm by hiding in the storm cellar, like almost all of their neighbors had. Josiah, the banker, isn't exactly sympathetic to the plight of the farmers who lost nearly everything thanks to the tornado damage, while Malcolm is willing to do just about everything to help them restore their farms and feed them. I disliked Josiah, adored sweet Joe, and hope that we meet Lena again in a future book.
I am a HUGE fan of Amy Lillard's and was entranced by her story, The Wildflower Bride, so much that I had it finished in 20 minutes and wished there was more! I adore love at first sight books, especially as my husband (of nearly 22 years!!) and I fell in love the moment we met.
Another thing that had me glued to Ms. Lillard's story is that Ian's new church was set in Albany, New York...which is about 40 minutes south of the sleepy upstate village that I grew up in (and lived in until we moved to Pennsylvania two years ago!). Grace's dad had me giggling so much as he was so sassy and a sneak! I also enjoyed the hint of romance between Grace's father and their housekeeper; during that time period it was downright forbidden for a white male and a black woman to have a romance.
July 10, 2015
The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis
This was by far my favorite story of the three. The story was interesting and I also found it to be very unexpected. The characters stood out to me as strong individuals with interesting traits and characteristics. This story alone made it worth picking this collection up.
The Sunnbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
Overall, I found this little story by Michelle Ule to be a cute read. I thought the characters were interesting and I loved the setting and community within the story. My complaint would be that it felt like too much was going on for the length of the story. But, I guess that meant that it was an interesting story. I also found that this story was extremely unique and I enjoyed it.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
This story of the collection left a lot to be desired for me. In fact, I only read a couple of chapters of it. The author of the story just asked me to suspend too much belief that a relationship between the pairing of this story would work. To describe it, this story took "look of at first sight" to a new level--and I for one just didn't enjoy it. Perhaps if I had found the characters a bit more developed or even a bit more of a plot that was formed earlier in the story, I might have enjoyed it a bit more.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
This was by far my favorite story of the three. The story was interesting and I also found it to be very unexpected. The characters stood out to me as strong individuals with interesting traits and characteristics. This story alone made it worth picking this collection up.
The Sunnbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule
Overall, I found this little story by Michelle Ule to be a cute read. I thought the characters were interesting and I loved the setting and community within the story. My complaint would be that it felt like too much was going on for the length of the story. But, I guess that meant that it was an interesting story. I also found that this story was extremely unique and I enjoyed it.
The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard
This story of the collection left a lot to be desired for me. In fact, I only read a couple of chapters of it. The author of the story just asked me to suspend too much belief that a relationship between the pairing of this story would work. To describe it, this story took "look of at first sight" to a new level--and I for one just didn't enjoy it. Perhaps if I had found the characters a bit more developed or even a bit more of a plot that was formed earlier in the story, I might have enjoyed it a bit more.
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
July 7, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Three short stories, that accomplish the indented, quickly and without too much fluff. However, aside from the last story, that just seemed a little far fetched, they had a good basis for a much fuller story. Great characters, location, and pull you into the story. But the sudden endings, and the lack of development of the story, makes these books, while a quick easy read, extremely lacking for me. I'm obviously not a short story fan, but if you are, I imagine you would like this first of a series of 4 books very much. Each of these stories would have benefitted from a few more chapters, and not so much abrupt endings.
March 20, 2016
I really love these Christian historical short stories. The 12 brides of summer are divided into 4 collections, with each 3 stories at about 50 pages each and with each collection costing a mere $2.99, it works out to $1 a story. Highly worth it! I think the length was just right to know the characters and their romance, without dragging on with too many details or requiring too much time to read them. The historical details, time period mannerisms/customs and richly described characters really made this series enjoyable! I do recommend!
January 29, 2017
This was an anthology of short stories in a series of stories set in the Summer. These particular stories were short and sweet, with a nice Christian theme. They were just enough to give a complete story for each and give you a taste of each author’s writing style. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
June 15, 2015
This novella is the first of a series dealing with love and romance. The stories are sweet and well written. I enjoyed them all and look forward to the next collection.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2015
The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Series are fantastic stories. With a wide variety of authors, characters and settings there is a story for everyone. I loved reading these short stories and escaping to another time and place for a quick read. I would definitely recommend these books to others.
July 22, 2016
Another wonderful set of perfectly sweet historical western romances! This whole 12 book series is amazing and filled with favorite authors and a few new to me authors! I highly recommend this entire series!!
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