Courtships and Carriages

by Janet Syas Nitsick

Courtships and Carriages, a sweet Christian romance, returns readers to the Midwest in 1893, where men who drove fancy carriages like debonair Nolan Brandford could make ladies’ hearts flutter, such as Gwen Ward’s. Her heart raced every time she saw him, especially when these rides included secret rendezvous, pretty flowers and stolen kisses. ...

Her decision could be an easy one if only her dear-childhood friend, Russ Knudson, a kindhearted, humble man, a man who works with his hands -- a farmer -- was not also vying for her hand. He may not be as refined as Nolan, but his feelings were just as sincere and Gwen’s love for him ran deep. And, if only Nolan was not the son of the corrupt mayor and her father, the publisher of a local paper, was not investigating that corruption.

The answer is in her court in Courtships and Carriages which includes intrigue and suspense when a trunkful of mayoral electoral ballots comes up missing.

220 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2014

About the author

Author Janet Syas Nitsick is the daughter of a well respected Nebraska State Senator, now deceased. He served 26 years in the Unicameral and became dean of the legislator. Janet earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 as a nontraditional student. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and has four sons (two of them autistic) and six grandchildren. Visit www.JanetSyasNitsick.com for a book list and links to her books.

Janet’s short story, “The Silver Lining,” placed tenth in the seventy-ninth Writer’s Digest competition in the mainstream/literary category. She also is the author of several historical, sweet and clean romances.

Author of historical, sweet and clean romances. Great Plains series: Courtships and Carriages, first in the series, The Bride List, second in series, When Hearts Rekindle, the third and last in the series, which was released January 13, 2018. Her first inspirational romance was Her Husband’s Secret (formerly published as Lockets and Lanterns).

Janet's first book, Seasons of the Soul includes a spattering of accounts of her two different autistic sons. It received Best Collection of Inspirational Personal Devotions in 2007.

Anthologies with Ruth Ann Nordin: Bride by Arrangement (Janet's story, She Came by Train) and A Groom’s Promise, (Janet's story, When the Whistle Blows) with Ruth Ann Nordin.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read. The author, new to me, did keep you guessing about what Gwen would do. Her mother and heart pushing her in one direction, her father and loyalty leading her the other way and her brother pushing her one way but willing to support her in whatever she chooses to do.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia read this and rated it 3.5 stars. She said it would have gotten higher if the main character didn't make such frustrating decisions! A good clean "romance"/courtship book for a teenage girl.

[Anne Evans]

I really loved the premise, one western lady, two men, both want her. Which will she choose? While it’s more nuanced than rich bad boy versus “nice guy”, there’s definitely some of that. And I loved it. Especially because it didn’t end the way I expected.
I loved the suffragette tension too. I’m an author myself and this book inspired me to pick up a pen and start writing. And considering how much writer block I’ve had recently, that’s saying something! :) Gwen’s brother was also fun and the siblings relationship was sweet, though he was a little infuriatingly “big brother-ish” at times. I enjoyed how everyone in Gwen’s family had an opinion on whom she should be with and was pushing for one suitor or the other. I think it was realistic too to the time period. Sometimes one wonders how any relationships survived back then with that much family interference. But yes, great sweet read.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet romance with some political shenanigans. Gwen is a sweet girl who has lived a life of some comfort and has the strength follow her heart. She has two men who want to marry her. Russ, a friend of the family for years, is a farmer and is her "safe" choice, although the work is something that she is not used to. Nolan, son of the mayor, makes her heart flutter but their families hate each other. While the courtships are going on, the mayor is trying to cover up the election fixing. The story popped between people, following Gwen's conflicting emotions, Nolan's confusion, Russ's desires and home life, as well as trying to prove the mayor fixed the election. There was an HEA for Gwen and resolution of the political fiasco.

[Janet Nitsick]

I cannot rate my own book. However, here is an excerpt: "Jim pushed through the turmoil and stopped in front of the three officials. 'Where you going?'
"'The press conference is over,'the mayor roared while he glared at Jim.
"Jim glimpsed to his right then spread his feet apart to keep them from advancing. 'You can't leave like this.'
"'Just watch us,' replied the police commissioner, pointing the rifle toward Jim.
"'Well, I think I've got something to say about this,' said a familiar voice. ..."

[Joann Maggio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Courtship and Carriages by Janet Syas Nitsick

A historical sweet Christian romance at its finest.
I did feel the plot needed to be a little stronger but I found it a satisfying read.

I gave it ***I think the author could have expanded this story and still remain true to the boundaries of a Christian romance.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! This book was a nice sweet easy read. You follow a young woman trying to decide which marriage proposal she should accept. One a good friend or a young man whose father is mayor. Great first book for this new series.