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Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology
Around the turn of the century, matches were made for all sorts of reasons--whether to keep a family together or simply to make ends meet. But love has a way of turning up in the most unexpected places! With four historical romance stories in one, this fun anthology will sweep you from the dance floors of aristrocacy to the hearths of country living, leading to love through the most unusual circumstances.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2017
79 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Heather Chapman
9 books214 followersBeing the youngest of four sisters (and one very tolerant older brother), Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Austen, and the other staples of female moviedom. These stories inspired Heather to begin writing at an early age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and finally settled down in a small farming community in southeastern Idaho with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys time spent with family, volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and almost anything creative.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 23, 2017
What a sweet collection of novellas! I love the marriage of convenience theme since it shows how two people can grow together in an often difficult and unusual situation. I enjoyed each story equally- I wasn't able to pick a favorite, but that's a good thing ;) The individuals in the stories were well fleshed out and had depth and a unique voice. I liked seeing the variety of writing styles from the authors and the settings were interesting as well- two were set in England, one was a western, and one was in New York. The romances are clean and heartfelt, with emotion and hope in the midst of the characters' desperation. I love stories like these that offer a sweet journey to happily-ever-after.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 28, 2017
A marriage of convenience is always an intriguing premise and this compilation shows several reasons why those might have occurred. I've always wondered if I could've entered into one myself... Each of these stories has a different voice, as they are written by different authors and it's hard for me to choose a favorite because they are so unique and so much fun.
The reader is treated to a variety of reasons for such a marriage, ranging from gaining an inheritance, to gaining custody of relatives, to being protected, to joining as enemies. I always think of marriages of convenience to be made as a very last, desperate resort, and while that may be the case, things have a way of working out in interesting ways. Each of these stories is sweet and feels complete, although they are short. I really enjoyed each premise and setting--England, out West, and New York--and the characters are really easy to like, as they all inspired me to cheer them on. It's fun how some are snappy, some are gentle, and some are jumpy at the thought of marriage, yet still go through with it. I love how each of them found love and the process of how that finally comes about is so enjoyable. This is a great collection of sweet, historical stories.
Content: mild romance (kissing).
*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my opinions in any way.*
The reader is treated to a variety of reasons for such a marriage, ranging from gaining an inheritance, to gaining custody of relatives, to being protected, to joining as enemies. I always think of marriages of convenience to be made as a very last, desperate resort, and while that may be the case, things have a way of working out in interesting ways. Each of these stories is sweet and feels complete, although they are short. I really enjoyed each premise and setting--England, out West, and New York--and the characters are really easy to like, as they all inspired me to cheer them on. It's fun how some are snappy, some are gentle, and some are jumpy at the thought of marriage, yet still go through with it. I love how each of them found love and the process of how that finally comes about is so enjoyable. This is a great collection of sweet, historical stories.
Content: mild romance (kissing).
*I received a copy through the publisher, which did not affect my opinions in any way.*
March 22, 2017
I first wondered if I made the right choice to review the book. You know if you've read one marriage of convenience you've read them all. I was totally wrong. These stories have very different circumstances but all with the same ending - finding real love!
Each of the stories were so cute. I kind of enjoyed how each woman had totally different personalities that made the book so much better. Some difference in the time period as well.
I highly recommend this book to read anytime, read one story between books and then pick up the next or just hunker down and feel love growing 4 times all at once! It leaves you relaxed and with a sigh. I am kind of partial to the spit fire woman! That one was so funny! If you read it you will know exactly who I am referring too! The last one left me a little tearful as it brought together a blind man and a woman who was burned. I will be reading this book again and again!
Each of the stories were so cute. I kind of enjoyed how each woman had totally different personalities that made the book so much better. Some difference in the time period as well.
I highly recommend this book to read anytime, read one story between books and then pick up the next or just hunker down and feel love growing 4 times all at once! It leaves you relaxed and with a sigh. I am kind of partial to the spit fire woman! That one was so funny! If you read it you will know exactly who I am referring too! The last one left me a little tearful as it brought together a blind man and a woman who was burned. I will be reading this book again and again!
March 23, 2017
Desperate circumstances sometimes call for desperate measures....like a marriage of convenience. I admit that I love stories where two unlikely people come together and find happiness. In this case, there are eight, because the book contains four stories.
Usually short stories are not my preferred reading material because I like a story with character development and I become invested in the characters. I have recently read several anthologies and when they are well written, they are a lot of fun. This anthology falls into the well written category. I also loved the unique voice of the writers. While all of the books share a theme, they are very different. I highly recommend all four of the stories.
Source: I received a digital copy of the book from the publisher.
Usually short stories are not my preferred reading material because I like a story with character development and I become invested in the characters. I have recently read several anthologies and when they are well written, they are a lot of fun. This anthology falls into the well written category. I also loved the unique voice of the writers. While all of the books share a theme, they are very different. I highly recommend all four of the stories.
Source: I received a digital copy of the book from the publisher.
November 20, 2020
Unexpected Love is a nice set of novellas by authors that are first time to this reader with the exception of Ashtyn Newbold. I love marriage of convenience stories that end in HEAs. Nice short comfy reads that were enjoyable.
March 16, 2017
All of the stories were sweet in their own way. A perfect way to wind down at the end of the day without having to stay up way past bedtime. Plus I will read anything Paula Kremser writes, I love all of her work. I read it for her novella, and the others were fun bonuses. Thanks ladies!
December 11, 2020
Unfortunately I wasn't fully in the mood for this... but I did enjoy the second and the fourth stories the most. (Paula Kremser and Ashtyn Newbold's stories) Although they both have the trope of unfounded jealousy and lack of communication, those two stories also have some very sweet moments and nice character development.
The third story is a western, not really my style.
The third story is a western, not really my style.
March 23, 2017
I’m always game for a good anthology because in them I hope to find new authors to me. In these four novellas I found just that. In Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman, I liked the competition between two best friends who become adversaries as they compete to be their uncle’s heir, as our heroine makes a decision that will change her life forever.
In First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser, I thought the story of two totally different people with the same goal would never find their happily ever after, but they finally did and it was wonderful.
In The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth, I had a lot of laughs as the story developed from our heroine’s point of view and I liked following the lengths our hero would go to become a Texas Ranger.
In the last story, Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold I shed a couple of tears and thought this story such a heartwarming, slow burning romance that should have been longer.
All four stories are about marriage of convenience and all four are well written and developed, with lots of humor and heart. I highly recommend it you read.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
In First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser, I thought the story of two totally different people with the same goal would never find their happily ever after, but they finally did and it was wonderful.
In The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth, I had a lot of laughs as the story developed from our heroine’s point of view and I liked following the lengths our hero would go to become a Texas Ranger.
In the last story, Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold I shed a couple of tears and thought this story such a heartwarming, slow burning romance that should have been longer.
All four stories are about marriage of convenience and all four are well written and developed, with lots of humor and heart. I highly recommend it you read.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
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May 26, 2017This book is amazing. Each story is the best ever. These authors are so beautiful and sweet and funny and delightful and great and ... too much?
March 23, 2017
I love reading marriage of convenience stories. In this book, you get four stories by four different authors. The stories are novella in length, which is just perfect when you are looking for a quick fix. (Which I didn't do. I read one right after the other- sort of like a binge and felt oh so satisfied after!) Each of these stories are well done and I loved them all. While they are all marriage of convenience stories, each felt different and unique. The settings were varied and ranged from England to New York City and the western frontier. The characters were fantastic. I had no problem settling in with each one and letting the movies play out in my head. Sometimes marriage of convenience stories can feel rushed, especially in a novella, but I didn't feel way that with any of these. This was such a fun book and I'm so glad I had the chance to read and review it!
The book includes the following stories:
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
Content: kissing
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
The book includes the following stories:
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
Content: kissing
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 2, 2017
Authors Heather Chapman, Mandi Ellsworth, Paula Kremsler, and Ashtyn Newbold have come together and create a delightfully fun and sweet romantic novella collection in their book Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology. I love how each author has her own voice and has written an engaging, pleasant, and charmingly romantic read. Each story, as mentioned in the title, is a marriage of convenience and will leave readers with a happy warm and fuzzy feeling at the end. In each story, readers will enter a magical world of historical romance.
Genre: historical, romance, marriage, anthologies, novella
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: March 1, 2017
Number of pages: 256
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, romance, marriage, anthologies, novella
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: March 1, 2017
Number of pages: 256
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 27, 2017
This is a really fun collection! I loved the way each of the four stories focuses on a match that was made accidentally, but each of the couples involved eventually fall in love. I'm going to break them down individually because the description of the book doesn't talk about each one individually.
First Up is Ashbrook Abby by Heather Chapman. This one is about Kate, she's an orphan living with her guardian Mr Notley. Kate's parents died suddenly in a storm and she's been living without them for the last year. She'd also love to live in her cottage that she'd lived in with her parents but she can't do that until she's married. Mr Notley has a couple of nephews that he's trying to decide between to leave his own estate to. He asks them to come for a visit and that's when he tells Ambrose that there's no way he'll ever be considered to inherit Ashbrook Abby unless he marries. Ambrose quickly decides that his best chance to get Ashbrook Abby is to marry Kate, it will solve both of their problems.
I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved watching the changes in Ambrose in this one. He goes from being waited on by others to living in Kate's cottage and having to do things for himself. I really loved the ending and the choice that Ambrose makes in the end. So cute!
Next is First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser. In this one we meet Letty, she's been caring for her niece and nephew, Mae and George, since her sister and brother-in-law died. She's kind of afraid because her brother-in-law's uncle has now had himself decreed by the court as their guardian and she doesn't feel that he would be the best option. Enter her brother-in-law's brother Daniel. He got to Letty as quickly as he could from India, he also would like to care for the children, and he knows that there is no way his uncle and aunt should have them. When he discovers that the likely reason his uncle and aunt would win in a court hearing is that they are married and both Letty and Daniel are single, there's only one thing to do. Get married.
I liked this one too! I liked both Letty and John and the way they both were willing to sacrifice their futures and pretty much everything else for their niece and nephew. I liked the way they both cared for each other but were not willing to say anything to the other because of fear.
Then there's The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth. This one's set in Price, Utah in the 1890's. Faye accidentally saw something she shouldn't have and now she has criminals on her tail. Her family sends her away to Utah for her protection and they marry her off to a lawman. Geoffrey has been hoping to be a Texas Ranger, but he's deputy in Price with seemingly no chance to achieve his dream. Until Faye's uncle, a Texas Ranger, asks Geoffrey to marry his niece and protect her.
This one was so much fun! I loved Faye, I loved her spunk! Even though she has these terrible criminals after her, she wants to get married and when she falls in love with her husband, she wants him to care for her too. I loved the way she was trying to get him to hold her by withholding his pillows, these parts were so funny! Especially how Geoffrey was so clueless. I loved the ending of this one, so sweet!
And last, but not least is Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold. Blind man Percy Wellington is tricked into getting married by his cousin to Fanny Clarke. He's told how quiet and shy Fanny is and that she'd be happy to care for the blind man who has been left by all of his servants for his unkindness. Little does he know Fanny is quite the opposite.
If I had to pick a favorite out of the four stories it might be this one. I loved the way that Percy was so hardened in the beginning but under Fanny's influence he begins to change to a kinder version of himself. I loved that this one included a bit of a mystery in it that I didn't even see coming. And Fanny is such a fun character.
This whole book is so cute! I loved the whole thing!
First Up is Ashbrook Abby by Heather Chapman. This one is about Kate, she's an orphan living with her guardian Mr Notley. Kate's parents died suddenly in a storm and she's been living without them for the last year. She'd also love to live in her cottage that she'd lived in with her parents but she can't do that until she's married. Mr Notley has a couple of nephews that he's trying to decide between to leave his own estate to. He asks them to come for a visit and that's when he tells Ambrose that there's no way he'll ever be considered to inherit Ashbrook Abby unless he marries. Ambrose quickly decides that his best chance to get Ashbrook Abby is to marry Kate, it will solve both of their problems.
I really enjoyed reading this story. I loved watching the changes in Ambrose in this one. He goes from being waited on by others to living in Kate's cottage and having to do things for himself. I really loved the ending and the choice that Ambrose makes in the end. So cute!
Next is First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser. In this one we meet Letty, she's been caring for her niece and nephew, Mae and George, since her sister and brother-in-law died. She's kind of afraid because her brother-in-law's uncle has now had himself decreed by the court as their guardian and she doesn't feel that he would be the best option. Enter her brother-in-law's brother Daniel. He got to Letty as quickly as he could from India, he also would like to care for the children, and he knows that there is no way his uncle and aunt should have them. When he discovers that the likely reason his uncle and aunt would win in a court hearing is that they are married and both Letty and Daniel are single, there's only one thing to do. Get married.
I liked this one too! I liked both Letty and John and the way they both were willing to sacrifice their futures and pretty much everything else for their niece and nephew. I liked the way they both cared for each other but were not willing to say anything to the other because of fear.
Then there's The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth. This one's set in Price, Utah in the 1890's. Faye accidentally saw something she shouldn't have and now she has criminals on her tail. Her family sends her away to Utah for her protection and they marry her off to a lawman. Geoffrey has been hoping to be a Texas Ranger, but he's deputy in Price with seemingly no chance to achieve his dream. Until Faye's uncle, a Texas Ranger, asks Geoffrey to marry his niece and protect her.
This one was so much fun! I loved Faye, I loved her spunk! Even though she has these terrible criminals after her, she wants to get married and when she falls in love with her husband, she wants him to care for her too. I loved the way she was trying to get him to hold her by withholding his pillows, these parts were so funny! Especially how Geoffrey was so clueless. I loved the ending of this one, so sweet!
And last, but not least is Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold. Blind man Percy Wellington is tricked into getting married by his cousin to Fanny Clarke. He's told how quiet and shy Fanny is and that she'd be happy to care for the blind man who has been left by all of his servants for his unkindness. Little does he know Fanny is quite the opposite.
If I had to pick a favorite out of the four stories it might be this one. I loved the way that Percy was so hardened in the beginning but under Fanny's influence he begins to change to a kinder version of himself. I loved that this one included a bit of a mystery in it that I didn't even see coming. And Fanny is such a fun character.
This whole book is so cute! I loved the whole thing!
September 20, 2021
Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology features novellas by Heather Chapman, Paula Kremser, Mandi Ellsworth, and Ashtyn Newbold. I have enjoyed full-length novels by Ashtyn Newbold and gave this collection a try based on her name and my fondness for the marriage-of-convenience trope. I was pleased with the diverse subject matter and unique settings, but I wished for more character development in each story. All the stories held plenty of romantic potential and worked within the novella form constraints to produce the anticipated happily ever after.
Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology will likely appeal to fans of clean and/or Christian romance who enjoy novellas. The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth stands as my favorite story in this collection, and I’ll be looking for additional novels by that author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Unexpected Love: A Marriage of Convenience Anthology will likely appeal to fans of clean and/or Christian romance who enjoy novellas. The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth stands as my favorite story in this collection, and I’ll be looking for additional novels by that author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
March 14, 2017
Honestly, sometimes I'm just in the mood for a really good short story. When I'm not in the mood to read (gasp!) novellas will normally break me out of my funk. Sometimes I just need instant gratification. Granted, they still have to be well written and they have to feel like the whole story. I don't want to feel jipped when I read. I'm happy to report that the novellas in Unexpected Love are complete novellas, and well written.
I had my favorites out of them. Beauty and the Beholder was up there and The Price of Her Heart and First Comes Marriage were fun too. I did struggle a little with Ashbrook Abbey. I had a hard time liking Ambrose. He ended up a good character, but it took me a while to warm up to him, and lets be honest...there isn't a lot of time in a novella to warm up to characters.
Out of all of them I think I'd like to see The Price of Her Heart as a full length novel. I liked it, and it was fun, but I think it had more potential to be drawn out and explored a bit more.
I've already reread some of them, and will most likely pick this book up again and again when I need my instant gratification fix :)
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I had my favorites out of them. Beauty and the Beholder was up there and The Price of Her Heart and First Comes Marriage were fun too. I did struggle a little with Ashbrook Abbey. I had a hard time liking Ambrose. He ended up a good character, but it took me a while to warm up to him, and lets be honest...there isn't a lot of time in a novella to warm up to characters.
Out of all of them I think I'd like to see The Price of Her Heart as a full length novel. I liked it, and it was fun, but I think it had more potential to be drawn out and explored a bit more.
I've already reread some of them, and will most likely pick this book up again and again when I need my instant gratification fix :)
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book of pure romance. It features four different authors and four different short love stories all set in the 1800's.
Ashbrook Abby by Heather Chapman
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
The Price of Her Heart was my favorite, I loved the characters and the plot. I really liked the sassiness of Faye and loved the charming Geoffrey. I laughed a few times with this one.
Beauty and The Beholder is my second favorite. It kept me up until I completed reading it. Two people dealt with struggles and a lot of pain in their lives from misfortunes are forced together in marriage with clashing personalities but ultimately find love through their tragedies.
It's a little bit sad and heart warming.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Ashbrook Abby by Heather Chapman
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
The Price of Her Heart was my favorite, I loved the characters and the plot. I really liked the sassiness of Faye and loved the charming Geoffrey. I laughed a few times with this one.
Beauty and The Beholder is my second favorite. It kept me up until I completed reading it. Two people dealt with struggles and a lot of pain in their lives from misfortunes are forced together in marriage with clashing personalities but ultimately find love through their tragedies.
It's a little bit sad and heart warming.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 2, 2021
50/50
The first two were just okay for me, but the second two were delightful. I think short stories have to have a very strategic pacing in order to work well and I think the first two just didn't quite capture that. They probably would've been better if they were longer. The second two were really successful though in both premise and pacing.
The first two were just okay for me, but the second two were delightful. I think short stories have to have a very strategic pacing in order to work well and I think the first two just didn't quite capture that. They probably would've been better if they were longer. The second two were really successful though in both premise and pacing.
July 19, 2022
Super cute book! It has 4 short stories that all share a “marriage of convenience”. Each story has a different plot about it that makes each one interesting. Since there’s 4 short stories in one book, the storyline moves along. I liked some stories better than others but overall, I quite enjoyed reading this!
April 10, 2017
I love marriage of convenience stories, so I was pretty excited when I found out about this collection. My personal favorite was probably either Ashbrook Abbey or First Comes Marriage, but I really enjoyed them all a lot. Each tale was unique, even with them all being MoC stories, so that was great. I think anyone who also enjoys these types of stories will love this collection. Definitely recommend it.
4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
4.5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
March 20, 2017
This is the first collection of Novellas I have ever read. I really enjoyed these stories. They all were fun, quick reads. I appreciated the different writing styles and how they complemented each other. 3 of the authors I had never heard of but I will definitely search out their other books.
July 2, 2019
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
March 25, 2017
Unexpected Love was a fun read. It consisted of four stories all revolving around marriages of convenience. In each story, there was a good reason for the marriage (or at least, someone thought so). In some cases, it was the idea of one of the ones to be married, and in others, the idea was someone else’s. All of the marriages were meant to help the lives of those in it, or other loved ones.
In a sense, all the stories were predictable. There was going to be a marriage of two virtual strangers, and through their experiences together (for better or worse), they were going to change, grow, and fall in love. I kind of hoped that in one of them, the love wouldn’t happen, and someone else would come in to save the day. Regardless of that, all of the matches ended up being good ones, even though at first they may not have seemed so.
It was really fun to read four stories in one book. They were all so different, and the characters diverse. Each character had suffered some sort of loss, or was enduring a trial that may never go away. Through the marriages, though rocky or awkward at first, many of the characters found ways to heal or to find joy again.
The third story: The Price of Her Heart, was my favorite because it was absolutely hysterical. I laughed out loud over and over again. I must admit, though, that all of the stories were endearing in their own way, and I was always glad that the two found ways to love each other, flaws and all.
If you love love stories, this book is for you. Be prepared to giggle, blush, and even wipe a tear or two away.
ablisscomplete.com
In a sense, all the stories were predictable. There was going to be a marriage of two virtual strangers, and through their experiences together (for better or worse), they were going to change, grow, and fall in love. I kind of hoped that in one of them, the love wouldn’t happen, and someone else would come in to save the day. Regardless of that, all of the matches ended up being good ones, even though at first they may not have seemed so.
It was really fun to read four stories in one book. They were all so different, and the characters diverse. Each character had suffered some sort of loss, or was enduring a trial that may never go away. Through the marriages, though rocky or awkward at first, many of the characters found ways to heal or to find joy again.
The third story: The Price of Her Heart, was my favorite because it was absolutely hysterical. I laughed out loud over and over again. I must admit, though, that all of the stories were endearing in their own way, and I was always glad that the two found ways to love each other, flaws and all.
If you love love stories, this book is for you. Be prepared to giggle, blush, and even wipe a tear or two away.
ablisscomplete.com
August 18, 2024
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman ***
• I wish there was a little more depth or explanation for some of the characters
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser ****
• Cute story with well developed characters
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth **
• Faye’s POV was in First person, while Geoffrey’s was in Third, which was definitely different.
• If the hero acted how Faye did in some parts, he would be a total creep and off his rocker, but apparently since it was the heroine it’s ok?
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold *****
• such an adorable retelling of Beauty and the Beast! It totally didn’t feel like a novella.
• The characters each had their own history which added to their depth. I love stories that illustrate we shouldn’t judge before before we understand a person’s trials and experiences.
• I did want to roll my eyes at Fanny though for how she didn’t see anything wrong with how friendly the gardener was being to her.
• I wish there was a little more depth or explanation for some of the characters
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser ****
• Cute story with well developed characters
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth **
• Faye’s POV was in First person, while Geoffrey’s was in Third, which was definitely different.
• If the hero acted how Faye did in some parts, he would be a total creep and off his rocker, but apparently since it was the heroine it’s ok?
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold *****
• such an adorable retelling of Beauty and the Beast! It totally didn’t feel like a novella.
• The characters each had their own history which added to their depth. I love stories that illustrate we shouldn’t judge before before we understand a person’s trials and experiences.
• I did want to roll my eyes at Fanny though for how she didn’t see anything wrong with how friendly the gardener was being to her.
September 24, 2017
Ashbrook Abbey: cute characters but the story wasn't all that amazing. I am happy that love was found but Ambrose wasn't stupendously awesome as a romance character. Kind of a jerk
First Comes Marriage: tried reading this one, didn't happened. Just skipped to the end. And on the back cover it lies about the main character being Mae's sister when the characters name is Letty. And the guys name is not David but Daniel. So that was irritating.
The Price of Her Heart: this one was enjoyable, but Faith was annoying. Yes she wanted to be a real wife but she totally went about it the wrong way. Plus this was too fast, everything happens in 2-3 days.
Beauty and the Beholder: read parts of this and skipped to the end. I just didn't really want to read these.
First Comes Marriage: tried reading this one, didn't happened. Just skipped to the end. And on the back cover it lies about the main character being Mae's sister when the characters name is Letty. And the guys name is not David but Daniel. So that was irritating.
The Price of Her Heart: this one was enjoyable, but Faith was annoying. Yes she wanted to be a real wife but she totally went about it the wrong way. Plus this was too fast, everything happens in 2-3 days.
Beauty and the Beholder: read parts of this and skipped to the end. I just didn't really want to read these.
March 15, 2017
Unexpected Love is full of sweetness and growing love, which always makes me happy. These lovely authoresses have taken great care to get the historical details of their chosen time periods right. Their characters are likeable and charming by turns, and I always found myself rooting for them and their success. I especially enjoyed The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth--Faye McKinney's sassy voice breathes a massive amount of sparkle into the piece. I absolutely adored her by the end of the first page.
Gentle Reader Alert: I found nothing of concern.
Gentle Reader Alert: I found nothing of concern.
May 8, 2017
I love arranged marriage stories and short stories so I thought this would be great. The first couple stories were cute and fun to read. The last two stories were pretty awful. They were not well written and just silly. Not really one I would recommend. All the stories are clean and take place at least 100 years ago or more.
May 7, 2017
The first story, Ashbrook Abby, is the story of a young lady who has lost her parents and lives with her guardian. Her guardian is getting too old and has challenged his two nephews to show that they deserve to take over the his legacy. Kate must marry to inherit her home. Ambrose wants the legacy but he has to marry. Together Kate and Ambrose purpose to marry so they get what they both want, Kate her home and Ambrose Ashbrook Abby with its land. Ambrose has to learn how fend for himself without the luxuries he grew up with and Kate shows him how to appreciate the things he has taken for granted.
The second story, First Comes Marriage, is about Letts Cipriani and Daniel Forrester, who have lost her sister and his brother, and left behind two children. The great uncle has come to take the children and take over his dead nephews business and inheritance. Daniel knows his uncle is corrupted and decides that marrying Letts will be the only way the judge will allow the children to stay with Letts and Daniel. Once his uncle finds that he has defeated, Letts and Daniel find out that they do not want their pretend marriage becomes real.
Third story, The Price of Her Heart, is about Faye McKinney, an outspoken and determined young lady who is forced to marry Geoffrey Factory for her protection. Geoffrey is a deputy in a small town of Utah. Faye has witnessed a murder and the killers are after her and by marrying Geoffrey her name has changed and he can keep her safe. She falls for her husband, but his confidence is low since the women he has dated did not like his clean face. Her uncle told Geoffrey to keep her safe and do not hurt her, so tries to keep his distance until the time comes that they both realize their feeling for each other.
The last story, Beauty and the Beholder, is the story of Fanny Clarke, who lost her parents in a fire and her left side of her face is scarred and about Percy Wellington, who has lost his sight recently due to a fever. It is an arranged marriage, but Percy hopes to scare his wife away and leave him to his own world of self destruction, while Fanny has no place to go since her grandmother has passed. Fanny wants to make her marriage work, but Percy has found out that his wife is not quiet and is annoying. Reading about the twists and turns of the love that they find in each other was beautiful.
All four stories were beautiful in their own way. Thank you for letting me read such great stories. Read the book if you want to know what happens.
Hilda E.
The second story, First Comes Marriage, is about Letts Cipriani and Daniel Forrester, who have lost her sister and his brother, and left behind two children. The great uncle has come to take the children and take over his dead nephews business and inheritance. Daniel knows his uncle is corrupted and decides that marrying Letts will be the only way the judge will allow the children to stay with Letts and Daniel. Once his uncle finds that he has defeated, Letts and Daniel find out that they do not want their pretend marriage becomes real.
Third story, The Price of Her Heart, is about Faye McKinney, an outspoken and determined young lady who is forced to marry Geoffrey Factory for her protection. Geoffrey is a deputy in a small town of Utah. Faye has witnessed a murder and the killers are after her and by marrying Geoffrey her name has changed and he can keep her safe. She falls for her husband, but his confidence is low since the women he has dated did not like his clean face. Her uncle told Geoffrey to keep her safe and do not hurt her, so tries to keep his distance until the time comes that they both realize their feeling for each other.
The last story, Beauty and the Beholder, is the story of Fanny Clarke, who lost her parents in a fire and her left side of her face is scarred and about Percy Wellington, who has lost his sight recently due to a fever. It is an arranged marriage, but Percy hopes to scare his wife away and leave him to his own world of self destruction, while Fanny has no place to go since her grandmother has passed. Fanny wants to make her marriage work, but Percy has found out that his wife is not quiet and is annoying. Reading about the twists and turns of the love that they find in each other was beautiful.
All four stories were beautiful in their own way. Thank you for letting me read such great stories. Read the book if you want to know what happens.
Hilda E.
August 15, 2018
I enjoyed this four story anthology. Each story made me want to read more about the characters. I liked each of the authors and look forward to reading more by them.
The first story is about a competition between two nephews for their uncle's inheritance. Ambrose is decidedly against marriage, but when he discovers his uncle's ward is an orphan and that marrying her might win him the inheritance, he proposes to Kate. Kate wants to go back home, but the only way she can do this is if she marries. She agrees to Ambrose's proposal, but doesn't expect love.
The second story takes place in New York in the early 1900's. When Letty's sister and brother-in-law die suddenly, she is left to take care of their two young children. A greedy uncle threatens to take custody of the children in order to get at the children's inheritance. When Daniel arrives from India to take custody of the children as well, he and Letty propose a marriage of convenience because they both love the children and know that they will have a better chance of winning custody if they are married.
The third story takes place in Price, Utah in the 1800's. Faith McKinney witnesses a crime and in order to protect her, her family proposes that she marry a lawman far away in the west. Geoffrey wants to be a Texas ranger, but was turned down by Faith's uncle. He believes that if he can show the uncle his ability to care for Faith, he'll be accepted into the rangers.
The last story is sort of a beauty and the beast retelling however, both characters are scarred and learn to love each other.
The first story is about a competition between two nephews for their uncle's inheritance. Ambrose is decidedly against marriage, but when he discovers his uncle's ward is an orphan and that marrying her might win him the inheritance, he proposes to Kate. Kate wants to go back home, but the only way she can do this is if she marries. She agrees to Ambrose's proposal, but doesn't expect love.
The second story takes place in New York in the early 1900's. When Letty's sister and brother-in-law die suddenly, she is left to take care of their two young children. A greedy uncle threatens to take custody of the children in order to get at the children's inheritance. When Daniel arrives from India to take custody of the children as well, he and Letty propose a marriage of convenience because they both love the children and know that they will have a better chance of winning custody if they are married.
The third story takes place in Price, Utah in the 1800's. Faith McKinney witnesses a crime and in order to protect her, her family proposes that she marry a lawman far away in the west. Geoffrey wants to be a Texas ranger, but was turned down by Faith's uncle. He believes that if he can show the uncle his ability to care for Faith, he'll be accepted into the rangers.
The last story is sort of a beauty and the beast retelling however, both characters are scarred and learn to love each other.
March 10, 2021
These marriage of convenience stories are each a clean, quick read. Also, pretty cover....
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
Sweet story where the characters find what real love is and that it on its own brings happiness. The only thing I would have added was an epilogue for Ambrose to inherit something regardless of what happens.
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
These two characters are lovely people who selflessly strive to care for their siblings' children. They will do whatever it takes. It doesn't feel like insta-love but it happens really fast.
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
I enjoyed the humor in this one. The ongoing idea that Faye wants her stranger of a husband to share her pillows so she can cuddle and he is too polite to do so was just funny to me. Faye cracked me up. This one has a little violence. Also has LDS church elements but no preaching.
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
This one is sadder but hopeful. It has angst and tension. Due to the restraints of a novella length story, the changes happen pretty quickly so what seems largely unlikely quickly becomes a happily ever after.
All the stories were clean and enjoyable to read
Sex: implied marital desire
Language: no
Violence: a little
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman
Sweet story where the characters find what real love is and that it on its own brings happiness. The only thing I would have added was an epilogue for Ambrose to inherit something regardless of what happens.
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser
These two characters are lovely people who selflessly strive to care for their siblings' children. They will do whatever it takes. It doesn't feel like insta-love but it happens really fast.
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth
I enjoyed the humor in this one. The ongoing idea that Faye wants her stranger of a husband to share her pillows so she can cuddle and he is too polite to do so was just funny to me. Faye cracked me up. This one has a little violence. Also has LDS church elements but no preaching.
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold
This one is sadder but hopeful. It has angst and tension. Due to the restraints of a novella length story, the changes happen pretty quickly so what seems largely unlikely quickly becomes a happily ever after.
All the stories were clean and enjoyable to read
Sex: implied marital desire
Language: no
Violence: a little
April 9, 2022
This is good if you are looking for some quick, clean short stories. I am a fan of Ashtyn Newbold, which is how I found it in the first place.
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman - This was a good start to the collection. The characters were interesting and it made me want to read another book by this author. It was one of my favorite stories in this book.
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser - I didn’t like this one quite as much as the first one, but it was still worth reading.
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth- This one was pretty terrible. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot and some of the situations seemed forced and awkward. I would probably suggest skipping this story.
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold - This was a good way to end the collection. The characters were interesting and really had to work to get to know each other. Not this author’s best work, but it was good for a short story.
Ashbrook Abbey by Heather Chapman - This was a good start to the collection. The characters were interesting and it made me want to read another book by this author. It was one of my favorite stories in this book.
First Comes Marriage by Paula Kremser - I didn’t like this one quite as much as the first one, but it was still worth reading.
The Price of Her Heart by Mandi Ellsworth- This one was pretty terrible. I found myself rolling my eyes a lot and some of the situations seemed forced and awkward. I would probably suggest skipping this story.
Beauty and the Beholder by Ashtyn Newbold - This was a good way to end the collection. The characters were interesting and really had to work to get to know each other. Not this author’s best work, but it was good for a short story.
September 27, 2020
The last story in this Anthology is by Ashtyn Newbold. I would have loved to read this as a full length novel. The whole theme of this book of novellas is unexpected love. So of course it was unique!
Several months before, Henry caught a bad fever. He recovered but his eyes did not, leaving him blind. The happy, adventurous man is no more. He cannot focus on anything beyond how miserable his life is.
Fanny was left scarred after a fire burned her home and her parents with it. Her grandmother took her in, one of the few people who looked at her without disgust in their eyes. But when she falls ill, she arranged for Fanny to marry so she will be taken care of.
Just two weeks later, she and Henry are married. And if either of them wish to be happy, they will have to learn how to be friends, how to get along and hopefully they’ll fall in love along the way.
Several months before, Henry caught a bad fever. He recovered but his eyes did not, leaving him blind. The happy, adventurous man is no more. He cannot focus on anything beyond how miserable his life is.
Fanny was left scarred after a fire burned her home and her parents with it. Her grandmother took her in, one of the few people who looked at her without disgust in their eyes. But when she falls ill, she arranged for Fanny to marry so she will be taken care of.
Just two weeks later, she and Henry are married. And if either of them wish to be happy, they will have to learn how to be friends, how to get along and hopefully they’ll fall in love along the way.
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