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MacPherson Brides #1
The Rose and The Thorn
She didn’t trust any man. He didn’t trust himself. The death of Sarah Greer’s husband granted her two things—freedom from his abuse and his large estate. In hopes of freeing her younger brother from their controlling grandfather, the pair travels to the new mining town of Central City, only Sarah finds herself caught up in scheme that forces her to marry again. The last thing widower Mac MacPherson wants is a marriage of convenience. Haunted by the past, the only reason he left his family’s Colorado ranch is to hunt down the last man to see his wife alive. But when he finds himself hitched to Sarah, he can’t ignore the woman who gets under his skin—or the sparks that fly when they’re together. Can Sarah and Mac put the past behind them and find a future together? This edgy historical romance is Book 1 in the MacPherson Brides series. Book 2: The Scar and The Star Book 3: The Hawk and The Eagle
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
829 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Mischelle Creager
12 books10 followersMischelle Creager writes inspirational historical romances set in the mid-1800s. She’s not sure which she loves more—researching or writing. When she’s not doing one of those two things, she can probably be found reading or baking.
She is a wife whose wonderful husband told her, when he retired several years ago, that he wanted to support her in her writing and took over all the household chores, including sweeping, dusting, and laundry. He even cleans up for her after she bakes! Her son and daughter are always available to help with social media questions.
Mischelle loves to share her historical research and has a website, Under The Attic Eaves, filled with tidbits she’s found in books written in the 19th Century. She also “reprints” a historical magazine, Worbly’s Family Monthly Magazine, filled with items from books and magazines published in the middle of the 1800s.
She is a wife whose wonderful husband told her, when he retired several years ago, that he wanted to support her in her writing and took over all the household chores, including sweeping, dusting, and laundry. He even cleans up for her after she bakes! Her son and daughter are always available to help with social media questions.
Mischelle loves to share her historical research and has a website, Under The Attic Eaves, filled with tidbits she’s found in books written in the 19th Century. She also “reprints” a historical magazine, Worbly’s Family Monthly Magazine, filled with items from books and magazines published in the middle of the 1800s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 18, 2016
Beautiful cover illustration. Enjoyable read, with a touch of Christianity. Heart-warming story. Sarah reminds me a little bit of Alma Garret in the TV series, Deadwood, which helps me in picturing the frontier life in a mining town.
November 6, 2017
Violent
For being a book that wants to express a faith and trust to God n the story, there sure was a lot of violence to drag our imagination through the mud. Rose suffered from a violent, abusive husband that made her lose babies. Her brother fell and broke a leg and was out for awhile. Helen got bloodied when attacked with a knife. Mac nearly lost his life recovering for days from wounds received while helping a family who was attacked and the daughter raped, and the father died. Mac's first wife was raped and then died by hanging. The evil character had people beat up, and finally ended up shot himself. Dependence on an evil character to make a story is bad enough, but dependence on sympathy when all the main characters plus a few more get broken bodies makes it worse. My sympathy buttons got wore out early on. I don't know why I finished. One always hopes it will improve. When Sarah found out Mac had 3 kids she didn't even ask about them or think in terms of caring for them.
For being a book that wants to express a faith and trust to God n the story, there sure was a lot of violence to drag our imagination through the mud. Rose suffered from a violent, abusive husband that made her lose babies. Her brother fell and broke a leg and was out for awhile. Helen got bloodied when attacked with a knife. Mac nearly lost his life recovering for days from wounds received while helping a family who was attacked and the daughter raped, and the father died. Mac's first wife was raped and then died by hanging. The evil character had people beat up, and finally ended up shot himself. Dependence on an evil character to make a story is bad enough, but dependence on sympathy when all the main characters plus a few more get broken bodies makes it worse. My sympathy buttons got wore out early on. I don't know why I finished. One always hopes it will improve. When Sarah found out Mac had 3 kids she didn't even ask about them or think in terms of caring for them.
January 18, 2016
Wonderful read! Ms. Creager did a marvelous job depicting Rose as a woman who survived an abusive marriage arranged at the hands of her power-hungry grandfather. She is nothing to her husband or grandfather. When her husband dies, she leaves with her adopted daughter for a new life out west. It's a life-changing experience in so many ways.
Thorn MacPhearson has a painful past as well, but he knows a woman who needs help when he sees one. A innocent night together forces them to marry. Neither one really seems ready for this step, but it has to be done.
What starts off as a marriage of convenience soon brings about all sorts of changes, but it's a while before they truly realize that the marriage they had originally agreed to isn't what they want anymore. They want more. Love slowly blossoms between them. And it's beautiful.
Thorn MacPhearson has a painful past as well, but he knows a woman who needs help when he sees one. A innocent night together forces them to marry. Neither one really seems ready for this step, but it has to be done.
What starts off as a marriage of convenience soon brings about all sorts of changes, but it's a while before they truly realize that the marriage they had originally agreed to isn't what they want anymore. They want more. Love slowly blossoms between them. And it's beautiful.
January 29, 2016
I really liked this book! I chose to read it because the cover caught my attention, and then the book quickly drew me in. I was impressed by Sarah, Drew, Helen, and Thorn. They were all characters who suffered much and dealt with it in various ways. I liked the religious element to the book. I felt this book had good depth and a good story line that pulled me along. I am glad I read this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Content: Clean - some violence, talk of abuse, rape, etc.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Content: Clean - some violence, talk of abuse, rape, etc.
January 23, 2016
This was an enjoyable read. The second half was kinda predictable, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I really enjoy these type of books. I didn't know it was in the Christian genre until after I started reading it. I will most definitely be getting The Scar and The Star.
February 24, 2016
This story was okay. The development of the characters was well done. The ending was lacking for me. It left everything too happy. Everything was not realistic enough for the fact that both Rose and Thorn had gone through so much abuse/pain.
May 9, 2016
Not finished
This is a well written book, however, I did not finish. I loved the characters and most of their story. I had to quit reading when pages of the book became sermons. This was not choose under a Christian romance title nor did it say so in the description.
This is a well written book, however, I did not finish. I loved the characters and most of their story. I had to quit reading when pages of the book became sermons. This was not choose under a Christian romance title nor did it say so in the description.
November 14, 2017
Inspirational...
At first I got confused. In the beginning I couldn't understand what the writer meant by brother and her husband's son. It wasn't till I was further in the story I figured it out. I'm a Christian, but it seemed to me prayers were used more as filler. I mean there is some excitement and action but it seems just as it's getting good a paragraph or more of prayer is thrown in, over and over and over... I was getting frustrated, I just wanted to get to the end. I like inspirational books but this was more of a message type story. Forgiveness of those who'd hurt you for yourself. Otherwise the storyline was a good one. It was why I chose it. I won't be reading anymore from this Author. I don't like the frustration. I was reading it and the story was going along well, didn't even know this was inspirational till more than halfway through the book! I did love the characters tho. Warm, engaging and funny. Especially Emma. Sad situations tho. The author does write well. If it's your thing? You'll enjoy this.
At first I got confused. In the beginning I couldn't understand what the writer meant by brother and her husband's son. It wasn't till I was further in the story I figured it out. I'm a Christian, but it seemed to me prayers were used more as filler. I mean there is some excitement and action but it seems just as it's getting good a paragraph or more of prayer is thrown in, over and over and over... I was getting frustrated, I just wanted to get to the end. I like inspirational books but this was more of a message type story. Forgiveness of those who'd hurt you for yourself. Otherwise the storyline was a good one. It was why I chose it. I won't be reading anymore from this Author. I don't like the frustration. I was reading it and the story was going along well, didn't even know this was inspirational till more than halfway through the book! I did love the characters tho. Warm, engaging and funny. Especially Emma. Sad situations tho. The author does write well. If it's your thing? You'll enjoy this.
October 6, 2019
The Rose and The Thorn
Sarah and her brother were orphaned and moved in with their grandfather. He was a greedy man. He forced Emma to wed a man just as bad as him only this one abused her. He would cause her to fall down stairs and loosing babies, she believes she is never to have children, her husband took his pleasure with the cooks daughter, when the girl has a child and dies the cook feeds Sarah’s husband his last meal. Sarah adopts Emma and moves out and buys a home for her small family, her daughter and her brother.
Thorn is a freight driver, he thinks he has done something to cause his wife to take her own life. He must find his brother in-law to find out the whole story.
Sarah isn’t interested in getting married, she flinches even when her brother touches her. Thorn has only one thing on his mind and it’s not getting married.
But wedding it will be to save a family.
I enjoyed reading this book. Well done.
Sarah and her brother were orphaned and moved in with their grandfather. He was a greedy man. He forced Emma to wed a man just as bad as him only this one abused her. He would cause her to fall down stairs and loosing babies, she believes she is never to have children, her husband took his pleasure with the cooks daughter, when the girl has a child and dies the cook feeds Sarah’s husband his last meal. Sarah adopts Emma and moves out and buys a home for her small family, her daughter and her brother.
Thorn is a freight driver, he thinks he has done something to cause his wife to take her own life. He must find his brother in-law to find out the whole story.
Sarah isn’t interested in getting married, she flinches even when her brother touches her. Thorn has only one thing on his mind and it’s not getting married.
But wedding it will be to save a family.
I enjoyed reading this book. Well done.
May 1, 2020
Overall I thought this was a good first book in a series, it set the stage for what the MacPherson clan was as well as displayed some of the realistic nature of how women lived in that time. It takes you also through the struggles that Rose has because of her abusive first marriage and her grandfathers manipulation, and Thorn's struggles with his own needs for answers to his first wife's death. I thought the characters struggle with faith, their circumstances and understanding God's role in their life was realistic. I would have liked to have seen Thorn show more emotion over his first wife after he finds out the truth of what happened to her. I understand that two years has passed; however, it just seems that he lets her go immediately after hearing what happened and what happened was pretty brutal so I needed something more from him. My favorite character was Helen because just like Rose I can truly feel the peace surrounding her, it just seeps into the writing and her faith is truly inspiring.
August 15, 2019
Totally enjoyed this inspiring full-length Christian Western romance. Very in-depth story of strong Colorado women, who must overcome hardships, to start over. Some Christian excerpts to mainly support the theme of "forgiveness", but not overwhelming or preachy. Depicts the ruggedness of mining towns and those who reside in or around them and how it is difficult to trust both past family, friends, and strangers. The healing process of "past lives" is slow, but eventually love overcomes all. The only suggestion about the novel is the double names of both the main characters (Sarah and Rose) and (Mac and Thorn) inter-exchanged, sometimes becomes confusing among all the other characters within this otherwise excellent historical novel.
June 17, 2017
I don't understand - she was told she couldn't have kids (or at least, it was stated enough times in such a way that presumably a physician told her this); why ?
This book made me want to know what happened to Lizzie. That's mainly the reason I kept reading. It wasn't bad, per se, but the religious/spiritual/church aspect of it was really thick towards the end (entire chapters concerning the doubts and fears and forgiveness of God, etc). I really can't think of anything else to say about the book.
This book made me want to know what happened to Lizzie. That's mainly the reason I kept reading. It wasn't bad, per se, but the religious/spiritual/church aspect of it was really thick towards the end (entire chapters concerning the doubts and fears and forgiveness of God, etc). I really can't think of anything else to say about the book.
October 29, 2017
This book is very good. I Loved the characters in this book. The only thing I didn't like is every few paragraphs the author said how bad she was abused. Now I understand how this is a huge part of main character's issue...but as a reader i do not need to be told 100 times that she was abused... I didn't mind her flashbacks or nightmares...and that stuff but stop telling me every few paragraphs that she was abused! A reader will remember after the first few times! Especially after an example, or multiple examples!
April 26, 2020
Good clean read with strong woman and plenty of secrets
I chose 4 stars simply because the backstory of Sarah needed some work. It was repeated a lot but not really elaborated on. Thorns backstory however was very complete and well written. I wish the three girls were more prominent and he made more visits to them to show he did love them but I guess I understand why. Not to much imagery was included which is a let down but for what it is, it was still a good read. Good word usage and of course an amazing ending.
I chose 4 stars simply because the backstory of Sarah needed some work. It was repeated a lot but not really elaborated on. Thorns backstory however was very complete and well written. I wish the three girls were more prominent and he made more visits to them to show he did love them but I guess I understand why. Not to much imagery was included which is a let down but for what it is, it was still a good read. Good word usage and of course an amazing ending.
November 8, 2020
Sarah's Husband
Sarah had been orphaned, sold as a bride to an older man, widowed, and finally escaped into the West to live her life as she wanted. Never would she have thought that she's wed again and raise several children who weren't her own. Happy ever after just didn't seem to be for her.
Sarah had been orphaned, sold as a bride to an older man, widowed, and finally escaped into the West to live her life as she wanted. Never would she have thought that she's wed again and raise several children who weren't her own. Happy ever after just didn't seem to be for her.
March 3, 2022
(1½ stars) It started out well enough but then the church/religious aspect took over, and it became more and more religious the further it went. I finished it but I have to say I skimmed over it at a certain point...
I didn’t like the book and that’s reflected in my rating. Ah well, at least it was free 😉.
I didn’t like the book and that’s reflected in my rating. Ah well, at least it was free 😉.
September 18, 2019
A good story, with a lot more to it than romance. It does become very religious just after the halfway point, yet this is not sickly sweet Christian Lit. There is a far bit of violence.
I am interested in reading more of Creager’s writing.
I am interested in reading more of Creager’s writing.
October 7, 2019
Wonderful clean book.
Scars of the past often make it so difficult to live in the present. This is a very good story of how two people learn to heal, love, and forgive by embracing God's grace. This is a great read!
Scars of the past often make it so difficult to live in the present. This is a very good story of how two people learn to heal, love, and forgive by embracing God's grace. This is a great read!
April 8, 2021
Christian historical novel
I really enjoyed this drama, the history was great and the love of the Lord threaded through out the book. I recommend the book& the author. No sexual content or cursing thank you so much.
I really enjoyed this drama, the history was great and the love of the Lord threaded through out the book. I recommend the book& the author. No sexual content or cursing thank you so much.
February 12, 2022
Strong and likable main characters
I enjoy this book! The character development was written well and most of them were likable. The plot, although what might be expected, had twists & turns that told a great story of forgiveness & redemption.
I enjoy this book! The character development was written well and most of them were likable. The plot, although what might be expected, had twists & turns that told a great story of forgiveness & redemption.
July 30, 2022
Absolutely wonderful story
Full of excitement, moments of suspense a well written novel. I liked how faith and belief is revealed and explained. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian believer. I look forward to Book 2.
Full of excitement, moments of suspense a well written novel. I liked how faith and belief is revealed and explained. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian believer. I look forward to Book 2.
March 10, 2018
Iearn to trust
Excellent book & clean book. Enjoyed the characters in this book. I would enjoy more books by this author. Thank you for writing the book.
Excellent book & clean book. Enjoyed the characters in this book. I would enjoy more books by this author. Thank you for writing the book.
March 20, 2018
2.5 Story could have been okay, writing was terrible.
November 16, 2018
A wonderful read.
March 1, 2019
She didn’t trust any man. He didn’t trust himself.
The death of Sarah Greer’s husband granted her two things—freedom from his abuse and his large estate.
The death of Sarah Greer’s husband granted her two things—freedom from his abuse and his large estate.
May 13, 2019
A wonderful story
Great read. Had a great story line. Can not wait for the rest of the series.I couldn't put it down.
Great read. Had a great story line. Can not wait for the rest of the series.I couldn't put it down.
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October 30, 2019Interesting!
A superbly created story of Sarah's and Thorn's difficult road to marriage and then love. The severe pain suffered by both seemed real.
A superbly created story of Sarah's and Thorn's difficult road to marriage and then love. The severe pain suffered by both seemed real.
October 7, 2020
This is not a genre that I delve into very often but I am really glad that I picked up this book. It was highly entertaining and the author dealt with the serious topic of violence against women very well.
October 27, 2020
Romance with a twist of mayhe
Read
March 2, 2021Good, easy read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews