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Brides of Blessings #1

The Blessed Bride

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Leaving Ireland for America, Patience “Pati” O'Connor has followed the trail of her heartbroken father west, to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With no money and a missing father, Pati has no choice but to settle down in a small, gold mining town of Blessings, California. Maybe the rough and tumble place could use a skilled seamstress…

Pete Jones has spent a lifetime fighting. Wounded in battle during the Mexican War, Pete is left with shaking hands, nightmares, and a sour disposition—but his new job protecting gold claims in Blessings just might be what he needs to kick the anguish of his past.

When Pati’s new business is robbed, she seeks help from the ornery yet honorable Pete, who doesn’t seem too keen on sticking his nose into her business. But Pete can’t seem to say no to the vibrant, fiery, oh so beautiful lass, which may spell trouble for his plans to stay lonely and single.

As the town begins to grow around them, and as trouble starts to slither in, Pati and Pete are desperate to find a love more valuable than all the gold in the mountain.

But can Pete be a man worthy of Pati’s love, and can Pati convince Pete she is destined to be his blessed bride?

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2018

173 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Lynn Winchester

25 books233 followers
Lynn Winchester is the pseudonym of a hardworking California-born conservative, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

Lynn writes charming, romantic romance that focuses on the growth of the relationship and the power of true love. Lynn's historical western Dry Bayou Brides series is a highly acclaimed, bestselling sweet romance series. Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases.

When Lynn isn't writing, she is running a successful editing business, reading whatever she can get her hands on, raising her four children, making sure her husband is happy, and binge watching shows on Netflix.

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5 stars
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55 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
September 17, 2019

..
The Blessed Bride was the introductory story for Brides of Blessings series. It focuses on Patience “Pati” O'Connor and Pete Jone. This was an entertaining adventure into the wild west but lacked the captivation I would have hoped for. It encompassed adventures, friendships, hardships, love, blessings, struggles, and healings.

Leaving Ireland for America, Patience “Pati” O'Connor has followed the trail of her heartbroken father going west in America, to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With no money and a missing father, Pati has no choice but to settle down in a small, gold mining town of Blessings, California. Maybe the rough and tumble place could use a skilled seamstress

The Blessed Bride was an entertaining story filled with hardship, compassion, friendship, love, and healing. Pati O'Connor followed her goal of finding her father through thick and thin and was blessed to land in the wonderful little town of Blessings in California

Pete Jones has spent a lifetime fighting. Wounded in battle during the Mexican War, Pete is left with shaking hands, nightmares, and a sour disposition—but his new job protecting gold claims in Blessings just might be what he needs to kick the anguish of his past.

When Pati’s new business is robbed, she seeks help from the ornery yet honorable Pete, who doesn’t seem too keen on sticking his nose into her business. But Pete can’t seem to say no to the vibrant, fiery, oh so beautiful lass, which may spell trouble for his plans to stay lonely and single.


This story reflects some of the hardships and struggles the pioneers in early America were faced with, without focusing on the underbelly of negativity. I often wonder where they find all these tall, broad-shouldered men in that era. But it is fiction and it seems it was a dream physique for our heroine, Pati.

Pete was enamored with her beauty, fire, and everything about her even though he didn't feel worthy of her affection. Shame on those that caused him to doubt himself so strongly.

As the town begins to grow around them, and as trouble starts to slither in, Pati and Pete are desperate to find a love more valuable to them than all the gold in the mountain.

But can Pete be a man worthy of Pati’s love, and can Pati convince Pete she is destined to be his blessed bride?


This is definitely a clean and wholesome read, is able to stand on its own, and concludes, albeit abruptly, with a much expected H.E.A.

This book is currently available through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. If you enjoy clean, historical romance, pick it up and give it a go!
..
Profile Image for Candace N.
318 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2018
I really love how this story flows. It moves at a great pace, it’s easy to follow, and it has an interesting storyline! It was beautifully written and I was able to visualize everything and capture all the emotions. I adored the heroine, she was full of determination, independence and a whole lot of fire. Pati is exactly what I like in a heroine. I really liked the hero too... I felt for Pete and would have liked to get to know more about him. I read this story from beginning to end in one sitting, it definitely captivated me. Over all a wonderful read!
Profile Image for &#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth.
3,254 reviews113 followers
December 29, 2017
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Patti has left everything behind to start a new life , but after her business being robbed she needs help .
Pete is the grumpy, self proclaimed single man who helps and protects her , not entirely his own decision.
This is a great story , had me sniggering in places , she’s such a strong character, and he reminds me of my dad , but in a good way .
This is my first by Lynn , and it was great .
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Debbie.
237 reviews19 followers
August 23, 2018
The Blessed Bride is the first book in the Brides of Blessings series penned by several different authors. This one was written by Lynn Winchester and she is a new-to-me author. I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of her books.

This is a story about a woman, Patience “Pati” O'Connor, coming to America in search of her father, who came to America looking to make his fortune in gold. Pati made it all the way to Blessings, California before hitting a dead end and was running low on funds. But, with the help of the locals, Pati was able to come up with a way to make more money by sewing and mending the miner's clothes, no matter how much the Mining company's head of security was against it.

Pete Jones finds himself attracted to the newcomer no matter how much he doesn't want to be. He has no place in his life for women and enjoys his solitary life. Pete fought in the Mexican war and was left with shaking hands, nightmares, and a sour disposition, not to mention a mangled ear and scar from being shot in the head. He believes his job as security might be what he needs to end the nightmares and shaking hands.

Will Pati ever find her father? Will Pete stop fighting his attraction for Pati? I guess you will have to pick up the book and start reading to find the answers to these and other questions. The story is well rounded and the characters are well developed. If you like historical fiction with action and passion, but on the clean side, you will like this book. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,667 reviews1,225 followers
January 29, 2021
Locations:
Ireland, across the ocean, across America, then settled in a Northern California mining town, 1848

The story was an interesting one about an Irish woman whose father left their home after her mother died, heading for America to find a new life. But Pati felt her "da"needed her. So she sold everything, caught a boat westward, then looked all over America for him, from the east coast to the west coast, literally (which seemed more than a little far fetched). Everywhere she asked about him people said he left a while back heading to this or that city.

She finally was down to her last two dollars in a Northern California mining town. There she met a mining guard and there was instant dislike between the two. But circumstances kept throwing them together and, well, you can guess the rest.

The relationship between Pati and Pete was a bit fun except the constant thoughts about the others physical attributes, and the constant, "He doesn’t really like me" or "I’m not worthy of her" thoughts in every chapter. I was rolling my eyes the whole last half of the book. Good grief, just say what you think already!

Words I don’t care to read in Christian fiction kept cropping up and it threw me for a loop each time. There was a sweet faith storyline, but it was completely ruined by worldly talk. Sad.

I had high hopes for this book.

Ah well.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
June 4, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (6/4/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Leaving Ireland for America, Patience “Pati” O'Connor has followed the trail of her heartbroken father west, to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With no money and a missing father, Pati has no choice but to settle down in a small, gold mining town of Blessings, California. Maybe the rough and tumble place could use a skilled seamstress…

Pete Jones has spent a lifetime fighting. Wounded in battle during the Mexican War, Pete is left with shaking hands, nightmares, and a sour disposition—but his new job protecting gold claims in Blessings just might be what he needs to kick the anguish of his past.

When Pati’s new business is robbed, she seeks help from the ornery yet honorable Pete, who doesn’t seem too keen on sticking his nose into her business. But Pete can’t seem to say no to the vibrant, fiery, oh so beautiful lass, which may spell trouble for his plans to stay lonely and single.

As the town begins to grow around them, and as trouble starts to slither in, Pati and Pete are desperate to find a love more valuable than all the gold in the mountain.

But can Pete be a man worthy of Pati’s love, and can Pati convince Pete she is destined to be his blessed bride?
Profile Image for Kelly Marie.
429 reviews24 followers
January 10, 2018
An amazing start to a new series! This is one of those where the writing lets you picture every detail like a movie in your mind. I love ones with a matchmaker especially when it's not a person you would think of doing the matching. I loved the back and forth between them and wondering what was going to happen next and they always caught me by surprise. I did not expect the twist with her father or how the ending would happen. I can't wait to read the next one!

Pati is a strong and stubborn woman determined to take care of herself. I loved how she slowly became more accepting of help from people and found her way. She realized that her heart was going to lead her no matter what she planned. I loved when her accent came out and when she was mad.

Pete is also a stubborn and determined man, but for different reasons. He tried so hard to stay away from people and to hide his scar, but he met his match with Pati. I loved him right away because I knew there was more to him and it slowly came out. He just needed a push.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
February 25, 2018
The Blessed Bride was an exciting story filled with hardship, compassion, friendship, love, and healing. I loved the spunkiness and fire of Patti O'Connor. I admired her courage traveling alone from Ireland to California during the 1800's to try to find her father. Her determination and ability to overcome roughing it on the trail were inspiring.

The characters of Atherton and his wife, Millie were outstanding people who truly loved helping people fulfill their dreams. Atherton's, faith in God came through in the story. I also found myself rooting for the relationship between Pete & Patti. Two people wrestling with their own frustrations and overcoming hurts from their past.

There were a few surprises throughout the story and I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next. Excellent writing with vivid descriptions that placed me right there with the characters.

I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Cindy Cooke.
523 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2018
A new town's first romance?

Imagine a new town built around a gold mine. Image e that town was built by a benevolent miner who was fair to everyone. Imagine that his wife was as kind and gentle as her husband. Now add in a young Irish woman who had come all the way to America, searching for her father, even traveling to the gold mine towns of California. A missing father, a brooding ex-cavalry officer, theft, and a budding romance all stream together to make this first in series book a delight to read. I highly recommend Ms Winchester's book. I really enjoyed being introduced to the town of Blessing, CA, and its residents. Thanks for a good sweet read.
I received this book in a mass giveaway and am freely offering my opinion to help others choose their reading material wisely.
Profile Image for Teri.
617 reviews
July 2, 2018
It just took me a peek to fall in love with the growing mining town of Blessings CA! First we meet a very unlikely matchmaker & get to watch as he wields his power for good. It’s there that we meet Peter, a broken security man who thinks he doesn’t deserve love, and Patience, who wound up in Blessings by accident & thinks herself insignificant & destined for loneliness. Somehow, the two of them manage to dance around their growing feelings, but when circumstances change, they must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts by being vulnerable. Wonderful introduction to this lovely little town, and loved seeing folks from Dry Bayou make an appearance.
33 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2018
Family thicker then gold fever

Amazing way to start a new romance series. The premises behind this series is beautiful, old west, gold rush & blessed
Iove. Characters are unforgettable, down to earth solid people that i can see in a old mining town. I'm from Sacramento, CA & know the history. This new series with a town full of enchanting, funny people is a wholesome read. I very much look forward to the next story & the wonderful author's that will bring the town of Blessings to life!



Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
January 4, 2018
What a beautiful story to a wonderful new series. The story is full of real people with real emotions going through their day to day life trying to get through life. They have trials and issues just like normal people. This is a very well written believable story with deep true emotions as these characters learn to overcome issues that could break them. It is a touching love story that really touches the reader. Peter is wounded feeling like half a man and just wants to find a place where he can lose his self. Pati looking for her father who has disappears. Two hearts broken in different ways come together to help each other overcome the issue that keep them running.

I really enjoyed the characters, the romance moves a nice pace, the issues they have to deal with adds a lot to the story. It was easy to relate to this story and its characters. I feel people will really enjoy this taking away with them a touching read that will stay with them.
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762 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2018
A beautiful story. Lynn Winchester does not disappoint. Wonderful characters with trials of their own who must learn to accept them first before they can become immersed into a beautiful relationship. Patience “Pati” O'Connor and Pete Jones have work ahead of them. As this story shows love can be the most beautiful Blessing of all. You will not be disappointed with this book and it will hold your interest all the way until the last page is turned.
Profile Image for Karen Chubb mink.
55 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2018
The Brides of Blessings

The first book of the Brides of Blessings by Lynn Winchester is a beautiful story. As Pati crosses the country looking for her da she faces challenges that she never dreamed about. The last town that she comes to is Blessings Cal. Here she finds more than she hoped for. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
June 9, 2018
A wonderful read!

Such a great read. I loved the characters of Blessings especially the Winslets. The relationship between Pete and Pati was so good kept me reading. I would recommend reading.
Profile Image for Sarah.
607 reviews42 followers
June 10, 2018
Pati has been all over trying to track down her father. Leaving her country, she lands in Blessings, California. Hot on his trail, she is out of money and tired. She takes on a job sewing for mining men. Pete is a mysterious man who thinks Pati is trouble from the start. Will these two mend their differences?
Profile Image for gary c lehn.
1,724 reviews7 followers
June 17, 2018
Nice story....

I found that the author spent a lot of the story talking about this and the scenery and people's apertures. I like more action and talk, the story was fun to read though.
Profile Image for Sandy.
2,492 reviews10 followers
June 18, 2018
Loving this series from the first book

This book shows what hope and determination for In the old West. The people who settled our country had grit, both the men and the women. This book was very well written with humor.
Author 131 books386 followers
January 18, 2019
I loved the story of how Blessings began and how Pati and Pete became a couple. Ms Winchester is a gifted storyteller and writes wonderful, emotional scenes so well. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good western story!
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
January 12, 2018
Lovely

This was a lovely tale, full or romance, Pati is a very strong character, and the perfect match for serious and stubborn Peter.
57 reviews
January 21, 2018
Sweet story

I enjoyed this story. It was a sweet romantic story that kept me coming back to each new moment. Although I knew what was coming, I enjoyed seeing how it happened.
Profile Image for Lynne Pearson.
Author 2 books8 followers
May 27, 2018
A sweet romance with all the feels and great characters.
37 reviews
June 10, 2018
Life Unexpected

A wonderful story about life having a mind of it's own! You just go about doing what you think you want or need and life fills in the blanks !
559 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2018
this story shows the true strength of a young woman when she decides to follow her father across the ocean then the country to unite her only family. she finds her place and love.
Profile Image for Catherine.
218 reviews
January 9, 2018
Yay

Loved this story, really looking forward to this new series! New stories! New authors! New adventures and excitement! Great job
714 reviews14 followers
September 18, 2019
This was a very sweet story about love and trust. It was easy to see why Peter Jones felt the way that he did about himself. Pati O’Connor is the type of woman you would envision going across the country to the west back in the days of the pioneers. Blessing CA is one of those towns that would be heaven to live in. This was just a nice, relaxing, fun story to read.
Profile Image for Margie Vickers.
100 reviews38 followers
January 15, 2018
A scared war veteran and an Irish lass meet, will love follow.

The main characters were both strong and stubborn. I loved the way they were to stubborn to admit their feelings because of things in their past and present problems.
A five star read any western genre reader would love. A real page turner.
Profile Image for Cissie Breland.
332 reviews2 followers
January 7, 2018
Interesting read

Bedraggled, exhausted, weary, lonely lady drags into Blessings, California looking for her Da. She faces many troubles that keeps a reader engaged.
Profile Image for Tommie Morris.
206 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2018
I loved this book! All of the Blessing series , that I have read have been very well written ! What can I say, they are supposed to be mail order Brides... I love these stories... I should have rated this one a 5, it was that good !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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