Spring Thaw

by Tammy Fish

When an unforeseen accident tramples her dreams, Selena trudges through a desert of loneliness caring for an invalid husband. Finding herself a widow at twenty-eight, she grasps at the chance to experience a new life. Answering an advertisement for a marriage of convenience, she agrees to the platonic arrangement in order to care for the man’s young son. Leaving her home in Illinois, she travels by train to Oregon to discover a very different world from the one she left behind. Mesmerized by the beauty of this new land, she finds faith and fulfillment, but she never expects to find love.


Dirk lost his wife long before his son’s birth. Bitterness and pain solidified his emotions like the snowpack on Mt. Hood. He needs a mother for his son, but nothing more, so he places his request: No pictures necessary, references only. Selena agrees to the arrangement, but her heart interferes. Will Selena’s patient endurance be enough to melt her husband’s frozen heart?

Genres: Fiction

ebook

Published December 21, 2015

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always a sucker for a good mail-order bride story! I felt like this one really touched on the difficulties of life and the situations that would lead people to make the choice of both requesting a bride through mail and becoming one. Selena is desperate for some hope in her life for a change as well as a new purpose, and is blessed not only by Dirk's protection, but most especially by her new relationship with his young son. The joy of motherhood is sweet and treasured by Selena since she lost hope of it long ago. The friendship and partnership between she and Dirk develops naturally over time. While Selena welcomes love, Dirk is conflicted over feeling more for Selena than he is prepared to and his stubbornness in avoiding a deeper relationship was frustrating. It takes as long as the spring thaw for Dirk's frozen heart to melt and reward Selena's patience. The author wonderfully describes the landscape of the Pacific Northwest, and I was fortunate to be on a road trip through the area as I read the book so it was easy to visualize the setting. The secondary cast of friends and neighbors are delightful and make the story well-rounded. I look forward to reading more by the author in the future.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Valicity Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually a really good and a really emotional romance. I’m really not a fan of romance at all, especially Christian romance because it can be really dull but boy did Fish prove me wrong! I went into this with a positive mindset because the author is a fellow Christian so I was ready to give a biased review, admittedly. But I’ll be happy to say that there was no bribing necessary, Fish’s story was great all on its own.

The protagonist is such a downer. That might sound insulting but you have to get to know Selena to appreciate the beauty behind her character. In some ways I could see myself, and many women, in her shoes. Just drifting through life, ready to settle because you’re tired from the lack and the struggle. But little did Selena know, her hard times were a blessing in disguise.

The development in this story was great. It read like a gentle romance, whispering sweet dreams to you in your sleep. This book is romantic without being raunchy. Its passionate without being X-rated steamy. It is something that all women—and even men—could read and enjoy, at any age, of any belief system.

I liked the transition in Selena’s faith. How she stayed strong and lived through her troubles. There was a time where she began to doubt and feel angry but that only seemed natural in her situation. As a reader, I got to watch her grow and sit back watching her pray her way through. Even through her doubt and anger, she became stronger as the pages turned and I think that complimented the story in a very positive way.

I’ve read books about arranged marriages before but never between two consenting adults. So this was a story that was different for me right from the start. It reminded me of the old movie ‘Original Sin’ with Angelina Jolie. It’s a similar story in which a man is simply seeking a wife to keep his house from being empty but they end up falling in love. Here we have a man looking for a mother for his son. I really thought that would complicate things, having a child involved, but it only made way for more story progression and character development. Not to mention a good chance to incorporate the author’s faith.

All in all, I loved this book and I highly recommend it to readers of all ages. Fans of romance will definitely love this story but Christian readers will appreciate it the most.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Karen R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender heartfelt story of two emotionally injured people who join together in a marriage of convenience, for the sake of a child, but slowly grow into a new little family.
I especially liked the character of Selena, with her sincere, kind, humble spirit, thankful heart, and eventual faith in God. Couldn't help but hope for a happier future for her given what she'd endured. Her appreciation for her standoffish husband was convicting, as she was thankful for so many things he did to provide a good home for her and sweet little Wade, patiently waiting for him to work through his own emotional trauma. The interjection of faith in both their lives, and the difference it made, especially in the area of forgiveness, was an inspirational pivot point in the story.
Liked the descriptions of the country dance, and the beautiful Oregon landscape. The rainy weather and blue skies are still the same today.
Recommend to fans of historical Christian romances.
(Thank you to the author for the book provided; this is my honest, unsolicited review.)

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovers of Janette Oke books will definitely enjoy this one. I liked the simple, every day life portrayed. The story is slow and simple, but one worth reading. The romance and Christianity portrayed was perfect and never inappropriate.

Personally I would have liked to see more of Selena as she settled in with living with Dirk. It passed over a lot of that beginning quicker than I liked. There were a few paragraphs that I thought were a bit long in length. Also, I was disappointed that Dirk and Selena's transition from angry at God to content with His plans was not shown as strongly as I hoped.

All in all I liked this and pleased with how clean it was.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I began reading, I had to gear up my lazy brain to focus on the strong verbs and vocabulary she used. The story began to flow and I fell in love with Selena and her broken yet determined spirit.

I'm not usually a fan of romance stories, but this tale went much deeper and rose above the typical love story. At times I questioned whether the deep conversations between male characters were historically accurate. They seemed to touch on very modern themes that resounded with current psychological ideas. It could be accurate, but it felt strange to read about such rugged men being so candid about feelings.

The tender way the author milked the relationship and took the reader through the thick walls of bitterness kept me engaged through the end. Things culminated quickly and left me wanting more. I missed the well developed heroine when I was done reading and thought of her for many days as if she were a long lost friend.

I will recommend this story to my family and friends.

[Stella Potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even describe how much I enjoyed this book. When you see one that is a Mail Order Bride book you expect the same old story. This one is very different and a good example of two people who have suffered in a previous marriage battling the feelings of fear and rejection. So much good Bible teaching woven in that really touched me. Selena and Dirk not only find God but find a beautiful ending. Tammy Fish has done an excellent job of writing this historical fiction. I recommend it highly. This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by mail order brides - I can't imagine being brave enough to join my future to someone I've not had a chance to know!

I enjoyed reading the copy gifted to me by the author and will watch for her books in the future as well.

The author's use of description is wonderful, it is very easy to picture everyone and become involved in the story. However, at times her language seems almost too formal for the time period and education of the characters.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Thaw By Tammy Fish
I had just finished another book from a different author about the Oregon Trail where talk of the railroad was being built when the author asked if I'd read and review her book. Scanned through the summary and it starts with the railroad has been built from the east to the west coast.
Selena had left her family home where there are many in the family that the father has to support. usually females were sent elsewhere to earn a living to send back home.
She left and got married and they had a child. We learn of her struggles, hardships and loss. She lives above the mercantile store and works there til she overhears one contemplating about heading west to be a bride. When Seleena reads the ads she finds one that might suit her.
Dirk wants just a marriage of convenience, someone able to care for his two year old son and live in Oregon. She travels there after sending a letter finding the arrangements agreeable. Julia meets her at the station and takes her under her wing til she recovers from the days long trip on the railroad.
Julia is a widow and had hired Dirk many years ago and she has 3 boys that she's raising. Selena learns more about the child and his father til she's able to meet them at dinner the next night. Loved hearing of the nature (Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and other areas we have visited) along with learning about tree cutting and other new things described about the trip. Also the day to day life on the farm and what it entails is very well detailed. They agree to allow 30 days for each of them to change their minds...
Selena gets to spend time with Julia and they talk of similar backgrounds and she also gets to learn more about Dirk and Wade. Love hearing of the preserving of food, hunting and fishing excursions.
She wants to make a better life for Wade and they attend church where they both find something new that revives them and learn the value of granting forgiveness. Misunderstandings and they finally talk to one another to clear the air....
Scriptures are quoted as they relate to the problems they are experiencing. Unexpected holiday treasures appear. Love the story behind how this book was created.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Emily-Jane Orford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life can be difficult at times. In fact, there are times when it feels downright unfair. Selena ran away from home with her one true love, or so she thought. An accident leaves her with a child in what was once her husband until illness takes his life. Widowed at a young age, Selena looks for something else and answers an ad by a widower seeking someone to care for his son. It would be a marriage in name only, Dirk insists in the letter and when he first meets Selena, as all he wants is a mother for his son, Wade.

In responding to the ad, Selena finds herself growing to love the people around her and the land where she was once a stranger. Struggling to come to terms with the life God dealt her and the unfairness that has plagued her, Selena finds love where she least expects it. Can a mail-order marriage arrangement become a true love much? If so, whose heart will thaw first when there’s so much bitterness left in both Selena and Dirk, bitterness for the life fate dealt them.

Tammy Fish’s novel, “Spring Thaw”, is a touching story about a woman in the late nineteenth century responding to an ad requesting a wife. There were many mail order brides in the nineteenth century, as the men who went ahead to carve a life in the frontier soon discovered that there weren’t many women available to take on the role of wife and mother. Not all mail order bride stories ended happily, but some did. Using some stories from her husband’s grandmother’s and her own experiences traveling along the Columbia River to a new home (much like Selena), Tammy has created a very realistic story with heartwarming characters and lessons from which we can all learn. After all, life doesn’t always turn out the way we think it should, but, with God’s guidance we can find our way on this earth. A very touching story.

Reviewed for https://readersfavorite.com

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely beautifully written. This is a new author but you couldn't tell it because the story flowed seamlessly and I felt such a connection with both the hero and heroine. The premise if the story intrigued me and I was fully invested in the story after the first chapter. The pain and heartache Dirk (hero) and Selena (heroine) have been through enriches this story and I couldn't wait to see how this deserving couple found their HEA. I loved the meaning of the title "Spring Thaw"! You will have to read it to find out what it is. The secondary characters are relatable and add so much texture to the story. This is a mail order bride/marriage of convenience story that had some interesting twists and turns. I was so enthralled in the last half of the book that I stayed up way too late reading it last night. So, as I sit here bleary eyed writing this review, all I can say is the lack of sleep was worth the sweet HEA. This is a Christian romance that is not preachy, but shows the themes of love and forgiveness in a meaningful way. I highly recommend this historical romance! I am already bugging the author about a sequel ;). I received a free copy of this book from the author through smashwords for an honest review which I have given.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what would motivate a woman to answer an advertisement for a mail-order bride during the days of the Wild West?

Spring Thaw answers that question in spades, offering lots of adventure to keep readers turning the pages. Tammy Fish unfolds the early life of Selena, and what took her from Illinois across the country to Oregon to seek something new.

Meanwhile Dirk (her husband to be) is facing his own challenges that keep him from sharing love and emotional intimacy.

Spring Thaw is an engaging and satisfying tale of two broken people finding each other. It's a story of redemption. And ultimately it shows how God heals the heart.

Spring Thaw will completely enthrall you!

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammy Fish is a new to me author and I really didn't know what to expect when I first started reading her book. I am a huge fan of historical romance and I thought It sounded like a good read. Well, it was more than a good read, it was a wonderful read that kept me turning the pages. The hero, Dirk was a little hard to like at first, but yet the more I read the more I began to understand where he was coming from. The heroine, Selena, is a beautiful lady inside and out and she loved deeply. She was patient and hard working and showed her love through her actions. She had a huge heart because of the life she had been dealt. My heart really went out to her. I felt that the author did a great job of pulling the story together at the end for a beautiful Happily Ever After.

[Michael Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring Thaw by Tammy Fish tells the story of one man's heart of stone slowly melting away so he might better love those God's placed in his life. If you enjoy historical narratives, and you like romances, you'll love this book.

I usually read nonfiction only. Still, the descriptions of the landscape, hunting, fishing, and the slow, ever so slow, awakening of one man's heart toward love, kept me turning the pages. I found the characters believable, the setting true, and the plot delightful.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I received an e-copy of this book for review from the author. It reminded me of an adult version of the novel Sarah Plain and Tall. The story itself was very interesting and I liked the characters. They definitely grew throughout the story. I kind of wish I'd waited to read this around Christmas time rather than at the beginning of summer. I'm very much a seasonal reader. But nonetheless I still really liked it and would pick it up for a re-read.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I really liked how the characters' struggled with their faith throughout the book and kept searching. The relationship between Selena and Dirk was real but hopeful and sweet. I also liked how it kept at a nice pace and kept my interest. Plenty of details to capture the story without getting slow. I would love to see a sequel to this book with another mail order bride story. *I received this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Karen Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books especially by my favorite authors and by new authors that I didn't know about. Tammy Fish has written a mail-order bride novel that is refreshing, different and interesting. It is a great read. Little Wade will steal your heart as his dad and mail order bride struggle to keep themselves from truly committing to one another and deal with the pain of their pasts. You won't want to miss this sweet novel. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Terressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic writing. Strong Christian genre. I loved the connections to the characters and their resolve of emotional scars through their faith. Faith. Love. Hope. Dreams. Wonderful story!

Received book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary]

I loved this book. hated to see it end. Hope there will be a part 2

[Trixi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to life's harsh circumstances beyond her control, Selena Lewis finds herself responding to a mail-order bride ad in the paper. Dirk Johnson, only wanting a mother for his young son Wade, placed the advertisement as a means to fill a role in his son's life. While they've closed themselves off to a real marriage, what will it take for God to thaw their hearts to open up to love again?

This was not your typical mail-order bride story! While it did have its happily-ever-after ending, the journey to get there was full of heartache, hardships and overcoming past hurts!
I could easily relate to Selena in many ways. I too, left Illinois to move to Oregon to be with my future husband. The many emotions she felt at seeing the beauty surrounding her & the vast differences in the landscape had both of us in complete awe! This truly is God’s country. I’ve seen many of the places mentioned in the book & could easily picture them once again in my mind due to the author’s vivid descriptions. Back to Selena, I can feel her trepidation at starting over in a life yet known. An unknown future can be a frightening thing! Her only goal is to love & be loved by a precarious 2 year old little boy and to provide the nurturing only a mother can. Upon her arrival, she stays with Julia, a local widow raising 4 boys of her own, for a one month period. Upon meeting young Wade, Selena immediately falls in love with the little bundle of joy and laughter. Life is good, as long as both Dirk and Selena close themselves off to love. But it seems God has other plans as He moves them beyond their past to a brighter future together!

I also loved seeing the transformation as they each eventually give their hearts to the Lord. God placed people in their lives throughout the story to help them heal. The wisdom of a true friend (Julia), the example of a good & Godly marriage (Walt & Cynthia) & the spiritual insight of a pastor (Pastor Wells), all play vital roles to help them heal and find the One true love in Christ and each other. This was much more than I expected! I loved the depth of character, the simple faith of friends, vivid scenery, real life struggles, hearts transformed and of course, the happy ending! The journey to get there was full of adventure; this is a story not to be missed! I would highly recommend this to fans of Christian fiction, mail-order bride & historical romance stories.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review which I have provided here. Thank you Tammy for a wonderfully rich, emotionally gripping story!*

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spring Thaw by Tammy Fish is just a wonderful, exciting story. It’s not the same old stories you read about mail order brides. It is an uniquely different kind of story.
This is the first book I’ve read of Tammy Fish and I must say it is fantastic. I would love to see this book become a series.
Dirk’s first wife left him and their son. Selena’s husband was in a horrible accident and never was himself again. After both of their mates died Dirk wants a mother for his young son, but not a real marriage.
Dirk and Selena both want a marriage so they can raise his son, but nothing more. They have both been hurt and just don’t know if they can ever trust another person again.
Follow these two as they go through many trials and seasons. Will they find out about trust and love that only comes from God and will they find the love for each other that they really need?
I truly did enjoy this book. So glad I read it. I highly recommend this book Spring Thaw. Excellent!


Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Mikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The story of Selena moving across the country to marry and make a new life with someone she didn't know was very touching.

The process that she and Dirk had to go through and grow to finally realize that they cared for and loved each other was very emotional for both of them. I think that the different people who came in and out of their lives through the story were very helpful in getting Selena and Dirk to come together and make their marriage in name only more than just that in the end.

It took heartache and turned it into growth and love that would be the kind that lasts, especially since they both discovered their new found faith together.

And the fact that Selena never backed down from a task that presented itself was also something that drew Dirk to her. She always gave unconditional love to his young son Wade. Originally, that was the only reason that Dirk wanted to marry again too. He wanted a mother for his son, with no additional attachment from Selena.

But their agreement changed as time passed, and as the title says Dirk's heart had a Spring Thaw.
I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Kristin Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine you have been through unbearable grief, and have to start your life over again from nothing. That is the position that Selena, the protagonist from Spring Thaw, finds herself in. This is the sweet story of forgiveness and restoration amongst the scars that bitterness and anger have a tendency to penetrate into our hearts. Follow Dirk, Selena, and Dirk’s young son Wade, as they try to figure out who Jesus is, what His forgiveness means for their lives personally, and how God can use even the most difficult times in our lives to prepare us to serve Him in the future. I loved this book so much. It was well written, and there were times when I felt so strongly for each of the different characters. This book will make you laugh and cry. Thank you Tammy Fish, for all your diligence in writing this story. It is a wonderful novel that will encourage many.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on my book review blog.

[Ashley Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book about love and forgiveness! Characters were great! Awesome author with amazing talent!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a beautiful story. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect when I was asked to read this book. To my knowledge, there has not been any of the normal chatter about this author and her book. However, I found this to be a lovely story.

Tammy Fish has created a wonderful cast of characters in this mail-order bride story in 1898 Oregon. Selena and Dirk have both suffered through hardships that have marked them spiritually and emotionally. Dirk seeks a wife in name only to care for his young son, Wade. Selena hopes this child will help to fill the void in her life. As they each seek to create a caring home for Wade, can Dirk and Selena learn to trust and care for each other?

When one reads a marriage of convenience story, the end result is usually predictable....but reading about the journey towards happiness is touching and delightful. The author masterfully allows her reader to empathize, feeling the heart-wrenching emotions of pain, frustration and rejection. She skillfully allows us to experience Dirk's soul-searching as he learns to forgive, then to love.

As Selena discovers the beauty of her new home in Oregon, Fish paints a beautiful tapestry for the reader. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.