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Short Straw Bride
ONE OF THEM WOULD HAVE TO MARRY
The McLain brothers were fed up and tired --- tired of the hunger in their cowboy-sized stomachs, tired of dingy curtains and dirty dishes. Tired of worrying about who to leave the ranch to when they were gone.
Luke could imagine the perfect wife --- biddable, tidy and willing --- and when he saw Eleanor Williams in church one Sunday, he thought she'd do just fine. But little did he know that the practical Eleanor had a mind of her own --- and other ideas about marriage!
The McLain brothers were fed up and tired --- tired of the hunger in their cowboy-sized stomachs, tired of dingy curtains and dirty dishes. Tired of worrying about who to leave the ranch to when they were gone.
Luke could imagine the perfect wife --- biddable, tidy and willing --- and when he saw Eleanor Williams in church one Sunday, he thought she'd do just fine. But little did he know that the practical Eleanor had a mind of her own --- and other ideas about marriage!
347 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1996
32 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Dallas Schulze
89 books69 followersBorn and raised in Colorado, Dallas Schulze now lives in California. She sold her first book in October 1983. It was published under her pseudonym Dallas Hamlin in the Candlelight Ecstasy Romance line. She loves happy ending and wrote category romances, contemporaries and historicals for Harlequin, Silhouette, Dell and Mira. Her latest title was published in 2004.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 4, 2017
Awesome story but not very original.
For me, it was just a little too much like seven brides for seven brothers (the movie) for me.
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Even the scene with the food in the kitchen.
It was almost exactly the same.
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The hero was tolerable at the end and she was awesome all the way.
However, I do wish that bitch of a cousin would have gotten jail time for almost killing the heroine.
Come on a spanking, she almost killed a person.
Holy crap on a cracker here towns people,
she was going to be run the heroine down with a team of horses here and all that bitch gets its a spanking!?
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Other than that it was a pretty good story.
Recommended for those who like sweet sexy historical type stories and don't mind a little drama filled angst!
For me, it was just a little too much like seven brides for seven brothers (the movie) for me.
[image error]
Even the scene with the food in the kitchen.
It was almost exactly the same.
[image error]
The hero was tolerable at the end and she was awesome all the way.
However, I do wish that bitch of a cousin would have gotten jail time for almost killing the heroine.
Come on a spanking, she almost killed a person.
Holy crap on a cracker here towns people,
she was going to be run the heroine down with a team of horses here and all that bitch gets its a spanking!?
[image error]
Other than that it was a pretty good story.
Recommended for those who like sweet sexy historical type stories and don't mind a little drama filled angst!
November 21, 2020
.
This was a HUGE improvement on the only other book I've read by this author (The Substitute Wife). A sweet little tale of an MOC that unfurls into true love.
Luke and his brother decide that they need a little woman to keep house and raise kids to keep the family going. SO they draw straw to see who will be saddled with a new bride. Luke draws the short straw.
And at first this seems to be bad luck but by the end of the story it was fortunate indeed.
Ellie has been forced to live with her aunt and uncle and snotty cousin, since her father died in a bar fight. They don't like her and treat her like a drudge. So there's a bit of a Cinderella thing going on in the story too.
I liked that Luke wasn't taken in by the prettier but horribly spoiled cousin. But he didn't choose Ellie over her cousin for reasons of love either...
They are married by 40% in and the rest is them getting comfortable until she finds out about the straws and starts to feel insignificant as a person.
Some say that Ellie stayed mad too long, but I thought it was more of a stalemate. Once the argument was started neither new how to end it as neither saw themselves in the wrong. But they both wanted to end the argument.
I thought Luke was a little clueless about relationships, but he was willing to make an effort to learn.
There's also a side romance between his brother and Ellie's close friend.
the story is very safe
This was a HUGE improvement on the only other book I've read by this author (The Substitute Wife). A sweet little tale of an MOC that unfurls into true love.
Luke and his brother decide that they need a little woman to keep house and raise kids to keep the family going. SO they draw straw to see who will be saddled with a new bride. Luke draws the short straw.
And at first this seems to be bad luck but by the end of the story it was fortunate indeed.
Ellie has been forced to live with her aunt and uncle and snotty cousin, since her father died in a bar fight. They don't like her and treat her like a drudge. So there's a bit of a Cinderella thing going on in the story too.
I liked that Luke wasn't taken in by the prettier but horribly spoiled cousin. But he didn't choose Ellie over her cousin for reasons of love either...
They are married by 40% in and the rest is them getting comfortable until she finds out about the straws and starts to feel insignificant as a person.
Some say that Ellie stayed mad too long, but I thought it was more of a stalemate. Once the argument was started neither new how to end it as neither saw themselves in the wrong. But they both wanted to end the argument.
I thought Luke was a little clueless about relationships, but he was willing to make an effort to learn.
There's also a side romance between his brother and Ellie's close friend.
the story is very safe
November 28, 2022
Well written marriage of convenience story. The characters could have been a bit more filled out, but it was really a fairly lighthearted story of a couple working out the kinks of a marriage of convenience. This story was not deep in introspection, not much of it took place deep in the characters' thoughts. The hero and heroine were both nice people who did a good job finding each other. One minor thing I didn't really care for.
February 19, 2016
In my quest to find a good Western HR, I stumbled on this book. It had one of the tropes I like (MOC) and I was in the mood for something heartwarming and nice. Plus, I never read this author before.
Sorry to say, the story didn’t work for me. The potential was there, including a fairly good writing, but it was not realized for the most part because of MCs. The heroine was either annoyingly naive and timid or overly dramatic. The hero was one-dimensional good man whose astuteness for some reason had an on-off switch. Their interactions left me cold maybe because I really didn’t care for them that much. There were some charming moments and, thankfully, the author didn’t take liberties with historical setting. But reading the story felt like viewing color-by-number exercise.
May 10, 2021
I loved the cover and I liked the book. It was a simple historical romance, with a sweet heroine and a nice cowboy.
The plot was cheesy and predictable but I read this in a sitting because it was a light read. Two brothers draw straws to decide how to marry because their house need a woman's touch and the family needs children. Luke is the one who has to marry and he chooses Eleanor, a shy girl, that he thinks,is going to be perfect as his wife, because she seemes to dutifuly obey her aunt.
The heroine made an unnecessary drama about how he choose to marry and the last 25% of the book were boring but I read the book without skipping.
Hea
The plot was cheesy and predictable but I read this in a sitting because it was a light read. Two brothers draw straws to decide how to marry because their house need a woman's touch and the family needs children. Luke is the one who has to marry and he chooses Eleanor, a shy girl, that he thinks,is going to be perfect as his wife, because she seemes to dutifuly obey her aunt.
The heroine made an unnecessary drama about how he choose to marry and the last 25% of the book were boring but I read the book without skipping.
Hea
December 25, 2020
Want to read about an h who was doormat one moment and a volcano the next? Then this book is for you.
Did not feel the relation between h&H develop at all. This book was a train wreck.
Did not feel the relation between h&H develop at all. This book was a train wreck.
June 6, 2024
A very cute, sweet (non-steamy) love story.
Not any frustrating misunderstandings, seemed to be a good amount of witty conversation to keep it interesting. I actually thought this book was going to be a keeper for a good part of the book.
I was happy to see Eleanor get mad and finally speak up and have a temper tantrum because it showed her acquiring a backbone. But then the whole fight carried out way too long and she started to come across as a bratty child. I wish they could have solved that fight a lot sooner and then would have had enough time left in the book to go thru other fights/learning experiences, etc. and we could have watched them continue to grow as a new couple.
But besides that, it was cute and I finished it in 24 hours (something I rarely do).
Not any frustrating misunderstandings, seemed to be a good amount of witty conversation to keep it interesting. I actually thought this book was going to be a keeper for a good part of the book.
I was happy to see Eleanor get mad and finally speak up and have a temper tantrum because it showed her acquiring a backbone. But then the whole fight carried out way too long and she started to come across as a bratty child. I wish they could have solved that fight a lot sooner and then would have had enough time left in the book to go thru other fights/learning experiences, etc. and we could have watched them continue to grow as a new couple.
But besides that, it was cute and I finished it in 24 hours (something I rarely do).
November 5, 2012
SHORT STRAW BRIDE is a Cinderella story with a twist that takes place in the 1800s American West. The McLain brothers need a wife to cook, clean and give them someone to inherit their ranch. Daniel and Luke are in a dither because neither one wants marriage so what do they do but draw straws. Luke is the loser, or is he?
Eleanor Williams lost her parents and had to come live with her Uncle Zeb, his wife and daughter. This miserable threesome makes her life uncomfortable to say the least. Not overly pretty, Eleanor shines from within. Biting her tongue at many times she is the glue that keeps this family intact. At least until Luke comes along and decides that Eleanor is everything he wants in a 'biddable' wife.
She accepts his proposal and their marriage starts them on a journey that teaches them what love truly means. Humor rescues them on several occasions. The 'road' for a successful marriage has some bumps but that doesn't stop them. It isn't often a man finds out that drawing the short straw makes him a winner. The only thing it lacked was a sequel with Daniel's story.
Eleanor Williams lost her parents and had to come live with her Uncle Zeb, his wife and daughter. This miserable threesome makes her life uncomfortable to say the least. Not overly pretty, Eleanor shines from within. Biting her tongue at many times she is the glue that keeps this family intact. At least until Luke comes along and decides that Eleanor is everything he wants in a 'biddable' wife.
She accepts his proposal and their marriage starts them on a journey that teaches them what love truly means. Humor rescues them on several occasions. The 'road' for a successful marriage has some bumps but that doesn't stop them. It isn't often a man finds out that drawing the short straw makes him a winner. The only thing it lacked was a sequel with Daniel's story.
August 15, 2018
This was a short, decent take on a MOC.
There was nothing particularly remarkable about the characters to make them stand out, though they were likeable enough - at first.
I liked the premise of the story and the hero and herione had personality but it started to lose itself halfway. I felt that the conflict created a complete reversal of their original characters in a way that just didn't work. Rather than showing a different side of them they felt completely at odds with what they were originally depicted as. If the author was trying to relay that love changes people this was way off mark.
I did finish it and I enjoyed it in the beginning so it still warrants to 2-2.5 stars.
There was nothing particularly remarkable about the characters to make them stand out, though they were likeable enough - at first.
I liked the premise of the story and the hero and herione had personality but it started to lose itself halfway. I felt that the conflict created a complete reversal of their original characters in a way that just didn't work. Rather than showing a different side of them they felt completely at odds with what they were originally depicted as. If the author was trying to relay that love changes people this was way off mark.
I did finish it and I enjoyed it in the beginning so it still warrants to 2-2.5 stars.
October 14, 2014
I liked the plot.
But the characters don't analyse their situation, and their actions are simply istinct. A marriage based on those facts can't be a happy one. Husband and wife should speak to each other!
But the characters don't analyse their situation, and their actions are simply istinct. A marriage based on those facts can't be a happy one. Husband and wife should speak to each other!
avoid
October 4, 2023Self note
Cinderella, but a plain homely one.
Cinderella, but a plain homely one.
September 29, 2013
Eleanor lives with her Uncle Zeb and Aunt Dorinda and her cousin Anabel after the death of her father 6 years ago
They took her in not out of love but because they felt it was their duty to do so. Shes made to earn her keep by cooking,cleaning,mending and more or less being her relatives servant.
And also her beautiful/spoiled rotten/vain cousin Anabel is constantly belittling her efforts and her appearance.
Eleanor would very much like to get away from them and is even considering encouraging the suit local widower,wich she feels would take her away from one unbearably situation but land her in a loveless marriage.But still...it would be a way out she resignedly thinks.
The next day there is church and people are all buzzing about the arrival of the two Mcclaine brothers come to look for a wife for the eldest brother Luke.
Luke and Daniel Mcclain had drawn straws about who of them will have to take a wife.Because their house needs cleaning really badly and there needs to have children who can inherit the prosperous ranch they have created.
So they are going around being introduced to the unmarried young women,but its not until Luke lays eyes on Eleanor that he thinks he has find a good wife candidate. She is demure and not at all badlooking so after a few more meetings,he proposes to her.
They are married quickly and he takes her back to the ranch where they have to get to know each other better.The marital relations part goes well but Eleanor cant help but wish they would talk a bit more during the day.-In the meanwhile she tries to be a good wife and not complain too much about things.
That is until she learns of the drawing-straws-to-decide-who-will have to-marry buisness...
She may be demure but she is no pushover! as Luke finds out pretty soon when she throws a book at him.
This was a sweet read,nothing too original,but good in its own way. You can really call it a Cinderella story what with the mean relatives and the heroine having to work so hard.
It was really gratifying to see them shocked speechless when Luke proposed to Eleanor,especially the spoiled Anabels reaction :P
It was also nice to see Eleanor show some temper and stand up for herself against Luke.
Just because you are shy doesnt mean you are weak,being a shy person myself I like this sort of heroine over the constantly feisty and tiresomely spirited heroines.
They took her in not out of love but because they felt it was their duty to do so. Shes made to earn her keep by cooking,cleaning,mending and more or less being her relatives servant.
And also her beautiful/spoiled rotten/vain cousin Anabel is constantly belittling her efforts and her appearance.
Eleanor would very much like to get away from them and is even considering encouraging the suit local widower,wich she feels would take her away from one unbearably situation but land her in a loveless marriage.But still...it would be a way out she resignedly thinks.
The next day there is church and people are all buzzing about the arrival of the two Mcclaine brothers come to look for a wife for the eldest brother Luke.
Luke and Daniel Mcclain had drawn straws about who of them will have to take a wife.Because their house needs cleaning really badly and there needs to have children who can inherit the prosperous ranch they have created.
So they are going around being introduced to the unmarried young women,but its not until Luke lays eyes on Eleanor that he thinks he has find a good wife candidate. She is demure and not at all badlooking so after a few more meetings,he proposes to her.
They are married quickly and he takes her back to the ranch where they have to get to know each other better.The marital relations part goes well but Eleanor cant help but wish they would talk a bit more during the day.-In the meanwhile she tries to be a good wife and not complain too much about things.
That is until she learns of the drawing-straws-to-decide-who-will have to-marry buisness...
She may be demure but she is no pushover! as Luke finds out pretty soon when she throws a book at him.
This was a sweet read,nothing too original,but good in its own way. You can really call it a Cinderella story what with the mean relatives and the heroine having to work so hard.
It was really gratifying to see them shocked speechless when Luke proposed to Eleanor,especially the spoiled Anabels reaction :P
It was also nice to see Eleanor show some temper and stand up for herself against Luke.
Just because you are shy doesnt mean you are weak,being a shy person myself I like this sort of heroine over the constantly feisty and tiresomely spirited heroines.
April 22, 2020
Boring
This book started with promise but the supposed conflict was very weak and lasted the majority of the book. The resolution of the conflict fell flat and the last few chapters were more about another couple (presumably to have a book of their own) and didn't really give an impression of the happily ever after for the main characters. Skip this one.
This book started with promise but the supposed conflict was very weak and lasted the majority of the book. The resolution of the conflict fell flat and the last few chapters were more about another couple (presumably to have a book of their own) and didn't really give an impression of the happily ever after for the main characters. Skip this one.
December 30, 2009
Lame but not horrible. Faint praise, I know. The fight between the hero and heroine seem a little contrived.
July 5, 2013
I don't know why I kept reading this after I started. OMG . . . . blah, blah, blah
July 23, 2017
Short and cute. I liked it and how awkward it would be to marry someone you met a few times. I thought the interactions were genuine and true to how people who married quickly get to know each other. I thought the end was a bit bland.
March 18, 2017
Sweet, just what I was looking for to change things up.
August 16, 2021
Rating: 4.5 / 5
A very enjoyable read that I got through quite quickly, so there's not really much to comment on in terms of what this romance is lacking. Au contraire, it is actually quite charming!
We have Luke and Daniel McLain, two brothers who are just men, which in the 1800s a la cowboy lifestyle means that they can't keep house and cook form themselves worth a darn. Naturally, a wife must be the solution to both, so they draw straws to see who'll have to get married. Luke "loses" and goes out to town to find himself a wife. For me, this was all very reminiscent of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) in terms of the setup and how the plot progresses, so I found it very sweet and was thus able to be pleasant even in some of the "of course this was bound to happen" misunderstanding portions of the book.
Anyway, Luke's choice of wife is Eleanor Williams, who's been used to a life of subservience to her cousins in a true Cinderella fashion. Of course Eleanor dreams of love though, and she's really hoping for Luke to be her Prince Charming. (This is where you cue in the misunderstandings once she finds out about the whole straw thing.) Anyway, they argue because of course they have to, only to finally make up near the end. After that, we get one more quick scene and then finally a happily ever after.
A really straightforward story, in other words, but there's nothing wrong with that sometimes. My only reason for taking off .5 stars is actually because of the ending, and only because it felt a bit rushed. Like...I really would have liked it to be drawn out more so we got more of the reconciling between Luke and Eleanor, and also it would've been nice to see Daniel get his happy ending as well.
All in all though, a 5-star read from a romance perspective, and a really sweet historical romance read for someone who doesn't want the real-life angst and difficulties of those times. Quite lovely, indeed!
A very enjoyable read that I got through quite quickly, so there's not really much to comment on in terms of what this romance is lacking. Au contraire, it is actually quite charming!
We have Luke and Daniel McLain, two brothers who are just men, which in the 1800s a la cowboy lifestyle means that they can't keep house and cook form themselves worth a darn. Naturally, a wife must be the solution to both, so they draw straws to see who'll have to get married. Luke "loses" and goes out to town to find himself a wife. For me, this was all very reminiscent of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) in terms of the setup and how the plot progresses, so I found it very sweet and was thus able to be pleasant even in some of the "of course this was bound to happen" misunderstanding portions of the book.
Anyway, Luke's choice of wife is Eleanor Williams, who's been used to a life of subservience to her cousins in a true Cinderella fashion. Of course Eleanor dreams of love though, and she's really hoping for Luke to be her Prince Charming. (This is where you cue in the misunderstandings once she finds out about the whole straw thing.) Anyway, they argue because of course they have to, only to finally make up near the end. After that, we get one more quick scene and then finally a happily ever after.
A really straightforward story, in other words, but there's nothing wrong with that sometimes. My only reason for taking off .5 stars is actually because of the ending, and only because it felt a bit rushed. Like...I really would have liked it to be drawn out more so we got more of the reconciling between Luke and Eleanor, and also it would've been nice to see Daniel get his happy ending as well.
All in all though, a 5-star read from a romance perspective, and a really sweet historical romance read for someone who doesn't want the real-life angst and difficulties of those times. Quite lovely, indeed!
September 28, 2011
Harlequin (Historical) romance. When Daniel McClain (Luke's younger brother) decides they need a woman's touch around the house, Daniel and Luke pull straws to see who's going to get a bride. Luke pulled the short straw. Then, Luke starts the search for the "perfect" bride by attending church. There he meets Eleanor who isn't a beauty, by her own perception of course, but she's just what Luke is looking for.
Eleanor is living with aunt, uncle, and her snooty, beautiful cousin, and she's more than glad to get out the house when Luke comes a'calling. Think Cinderella. When she finds out that she's a short-straw bride, well, things aren't too pretty after that.
I rarely read these type of romance books these days. That's a phase that I've moved beyond in my life. I didn't even know this was a Harlequin book until I was looking up the ASIN at Amazon.com. It doesn't read like your typical Harlequin book, and my edition has no indication on the cover that it is a Harlequin romance.
This wasn't a bad book. Like most romance that's written these days, there wasn't a lot of substance to it, but it was sweet and very cute. It's something to read on a boring day or if you're looking for something that's not too "deep".
Eleanor is living with aunt, uncle, and her snooty, beautiful cousin, and she's more than glad to get out the house when Luke comes a'calling. Think Cinderella. When she finds out that she's a short-straw bride, well, things aren't too pretty after that.
I rarely read these type of romance books these days. That's a phase that I've moved beyond in my life. I didn't even know this was a Harlequin book until I was looking up the ASIN at Amazon.com. It doesn't read like your typical Harlequin book, and my edition has no indication on the cover that it is a Harlequin romance.
This wasn't a bad book. Like most romance that's written these days, there wasn't a lot of substance to it, but it was sweet and very cute. It's something to read on a boring day or if you're looking for something that's not too "deep".
July 26, 2016
This was a generally enjoyable book. Not one I would file as a "must read" but certainly a nice story. You feel for Eleanor (especially at the beginning of the book) due to her less than happy life with her Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. Luke was a bit short sighted in his selection of a wife but I found myself rooting for him when he was "courting" Eleanor.
The only reason I didn't rate this a 5 star is because of the brevity and some frustration as they work out their marriage. This book was almost there but it felt like something was missing; I prefer books where you can slowly enjoy character development and this was more a set of brief explosive fights followed by a quick resolution. The story almost felt like it was wrapped up in a hurry - I found myself shocked when I had 10 pages left as I couldn't figure out how everything could be tied up in that length.
Overall it was fun, a bit humorous, and touching. Great for marriage of convenience readers.
The only reason I didn't rate this a 5 star is because of the brevity and some frustration as they work out their marriage. This book was almost there but it felt like something was missing; I prefer books where you can slowly enjoy character development and this was more a set of brief explosive fights followed by a quick resolution. The story almost felt like it was wrapped up in a hurry - I found myself shocked when I had 10 pages left as I couldn't figure out how everything could be tied up in that length.
Overall it was fun, a bit humorous, and touching. Great for marriage of convenience readers.
March 30, 2015
Luke and Daniel McLain think it is time to get a wife to make their ranch a home and to provide an heir. But which is to get married. They draw straws and Luke goes looking for a biddable wife. Eleanor Williams, 20, and the poor relation in her Uncle's home is ready to accept the local widowed store owner's proposal just to get out of his house. However, Luke is struck by her quiet restraint under the obvious drudgery of her life. He passes up the flighty misses who throw themselves at him and offers for Eleanor. She doesn't hesitate and accepts. Now these two have to learn how to live together and get to know their real personalities. This was a heartwarming story. Very nice.
January 18, 2023
2.5
The first half of this book was five stars and I was really enjoying it. Especially because the heroine was sweet and shy and I thought she would form her personality a little away from her family. The heroine turned into a shrewish prude and purposefully denied the Hero sex as a weapon against him. It was disgusting. She didn’t communicate at all, but expected him to be a mind-reader. It went on way too long in the end to the point that it turned me off of the rest of the book. All of their interactions were so forced and awkward and the ending didn’t feel like a HEA. Still a lot unresolved.
The first half of this book was five stars and I was really enjoying it. Especially because the heroine was sweet and shy and I thought she would form her personality a little away from her family. The heroine turned into a shrewish prude and purposefully denied the Hero sex as a weapon against him. It was disgusting. She didn’t communicate at all, but expected him to be a mind-reader. It went on way too long in the end to the point that it turned me off of the rest of the book. All of their interactions were so forced and awkward and the ending didn’t feel like a HEA. Still a lot unresolved.
December 5, 2012
I just finished reading this book and it ended up as just another one of those books. It quite disappointed me though cause it has one of my fave themes. The first part, where Luke was checking on whether Eleanor would be "the perfect biddable wife",was okay but after their marriage their promising chemistry just vanished. There's nothing remotely romantic about their love story (actually, it's more like a lust story) the characters never even had a decent conversation and I was waiting for them to talk and when they DID talk I wasn't interested anymore.
July 18, 2012
HANDSOME LUKE MCLAIN WAS LOOKING FOR A WIFE, TO KEEP HOUSE FOR HIM AND HIS BROTHER, AND GIVE HIM SONS. ELEANOR WILLIAMS WAS JUST WHAT HE WAS LOOKING FOR. SHE WANTED TO GET AWAY FROM HER UNCLE, HIS WIFE, AND THEIR SPOILED DAUGHTER. LUKE POP THE QUESTION AND SHE ACCEPTED. SHE DIDN'T THINK SHE WOULD FIND OUT, THE REAL REASON, WHY LUKE MARRIED HER, BUT SHE DID AND WAS CAUGHT OFF GUARD, WHEN SHE FELLED HEADS OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH HER HANDSOME HUBBY. LUKE FELLED JUST AS HARD FOR HER AS WELL!!!
January 11, 2013
I think this was less of a romance and more of a woman finding confidence and strength with the help of her clueless husband and new surroundings. A nice read where not much happened but still had the pull to keep you reading to find out what the heroine does next.
October 24, 2013
It was really good but I wish it was more longer and we could have seen their future and get an epilogue!
February 8, 2015
It would have been perfect with an epilogue.
September 27, 2015
Cute story, loved the plot. But the character development is a little too superficial and their fight went on just a little too long. Cute ending.
March 4, 2022
If you are looking for a light-hearted story with lots of humor, this is it. The MacLain brothers are tired of living in squalor with terrible food. Their ranch is successful but they have been unsuccessful in finding a housekeeper who would keep them clean and fed. Difficult times call for extreme measures. The guys draw straws to determine which will bite the bullet and marry. The elder brother, Luke, loses the draw and starts looking around for a likely marriage partner. They cause a near-circus at church the next Sunday. Both men are attractive and successful.
Luke's eye falls on a non-descript niece of one of the town's bankers. When he gets an invitation to the William's house, he finds that Eleanor is a modern day Cinder-girl, the workhorse of the house - a disliked niece, who was tolerated by the parents and their favored daughter. When Luke finds out Eleanor is unappreciated and a hard worker, he is prompted to ask for her hand (in marriage) in two weeks. Luke thinks he's got a quiet, biddable woman. She is thankful to escape the William's household.
However, trouble is coming. The MacLains and the other cowboys eat like pigs. When Eleanor overhears that she was chosen by a short straw, she blows a fuse. The rest of the book is how Luke and Eleanor resolve their differences. It takes a bit too long to resolve but the chuckles along the way made up for much of the excess. The pages fly by as the reader enjoys the humor and pathos.
Luke's eye falls on a non-descript niece of one of the town's bankers. When he gets an invitation to the William's house, he finds that Eleanor is a modern day Cinder-girl, the workhorse of the house - a disliked niece, who was tolerated by the parents and their favored daughter. When Luke finds out Eleanor is unappreciated and a hard worker, he is prompted to ask for her hand (in marriage) in two weeks. Luke thinks he's got a quiet, biddable woman. She is thankful to escape the William's household.
However, trouble is coming. The MacLains and the other cowboys eat like pigs. When Eleanor overhears that she was chosen by a short straw, she blows a fuse. The rest of the book is how Luke and Eleanor resolve their differences. It takes a bit too long to resolve but the chuckles along the way made up for much of the excess. The pages fly by as the reader enjoys the humor and pathos.
July 14, 2019
I enjoyed the beginning of the book so I gave it 3 stars. But then it went downhill.
Eleanor lives with her uncle, aunt and cousin for six years. They are horrid to her. They take her in out of duty but use her as a servant. Eleanor never stands up for herself.
Then she marries Luke and all of a sudden she develops a temper? She just loses it. She overhears the brothers saying that they drew straws and the loser had to marry. She freaks out and reacts in a way I hate. Her reaction is rather stupid since they weren't referring to her when they drew the straws.
Luke is a good looking jerk. For most of the book he thinks only of his own needs. He brings her home to a filthy house and then thinks "maybe I should have hired someone to clean the house before bringing her home." Duh!
Their fight is just ridiculous and ruined the book for me.
Her horrid family does not suffer just retribution.
To top it off Luke never actually tells Eleanor he loves her.
Eleanor lives with her uncle, aunt and cousin for six years. They are horrid to her. They take her in out of duty but use her as a servant. Eleanor never stands up for herself.
Then she marries Luke and all of a sudden she develops a temper? She just loses it. She overhears the brothers saying that they drew straws and the loser had to marry. She freaks out and reacts in a way I hate. Her reaction is rather stupid since they weren't referring to her when they drew the straws.
Luke is a good looking jerk. For most of the book he thinks only of his own needs. He brings her home to a filthy house and then thinks "maybe I should have hired someone to clean the house before bringing her home." Duh!
Their fight is just ridiculous and ruined the book for me.
Her horrid family does not suffer just retribution.
To top it off Luke never actually tells Eleanor he loves her.
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