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The Brides #1
Tennessee Bride
The first of a sweeping trilogy, the award-winning author’s frontier love story is “extraordinary . . . [Her] characters spring to life” (Publishers Weekly).
Raised in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee in the 1820s, sixteen-year-old Emma Simms dreams of the day she’ll escape her life of poverty to start over in the big city of Knoxville. But when her mother dies, she’s left with no one but her drunk, abusive stepfather, Luke Simms, and her dream abruptly becomes a nightmare. Luke plans to literally sell Emma down the river—to a notorious brothel in Knoxville.
River Joe, the mysterious Cherokee-raised frontiersman, knew from the first time he set eyes on the beautiful Emma that he had to have her as his own. And one glimpse of the handsome, buckskin-clad stranger they call the “white Indian” ignites the flame of dangerous desire in Emma’s heart.
Their passion could consume them both, but their love may be the one thing that can save Emma from a fate worse than death.
Raised in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee in the 1820s, sixteen-year-old Emma Simms dreams of the day she’ll escape her life of poverty to start over in the big city of Knoxville. But when her mother dies, she’s left with no one but her drunk, abusive stepfather, Luke Simms, and her dream abruptly becomes a nightmare. Luke plans to literally sell Emma down the river—to a notorious brothel in Knoxville.
River Joe, the mysterious Cherokee-raised frontiersman, knew from the first time he set eyes on the beautiful Emma that he had to have her as his own. And one glimpse of the handsome, buckskin-clad stranger they call the “white Indian” ignites the flame of dangerous desire in Emma’s heart.
Their passion could consume them both, but their love may be the one thing that can save Emma from a fate worse than death.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1988
179 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
84 books623 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 27, 2011
The hero and heroine fall in love almost immediately, and the first love scene really skeeved me out. It was perilously close to force:
"No, River Joe," she whispered. "I'm not ready. I hardly know you."
"You know all you need to know." He continues on.
"Please don't," she whimpered. "I'm scared." He continues undressing her.
"Wait!" she squeaked.
"There can be no waiting now. It must be done." He continues and finishes what he started.
Afterwards he tells her that according to Cherokee tradition, she's his wife now. Well gee, buddy, what if she didn't want to be your wife? You didn't ask her if she wanted to be your wife, didn't listen to her protests. How heroic.
And afterwards, she wonders: "Had she just been raped without even knowing it? Were there ways to force a woman without physically beating her?" I'd say so.
But then a minute later, she decides she loves him, so it's all okay. Blech.
"No, River Joe," she whispered. "I'm not ready. I hardly know you."
"You know all you need to know." He continues on.
"Please don't," she whimpered. "I'm scared." He continues undressing her.
"Wait!" she squeaked.
"There can be no waiting now. It must be done." He continues and finishes what he started.
Afterwards he tells her that according to Cherokee tradition, she's his wife now. Well gee, buddy, what if she didn't want to be your wife? You didn't ask her if she wanted to be your wife, didn't listen to her protests. How heroic.
And afterwards, she wonders: "Had she just been raped without even knowing it? Were there ways to force a woman without physically beating her?" I'd say so.
But then a minute later, she decides she loves him, so it's all okay. Blech.
April 12, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Emma Sims, was raised in the hills of Tennessee, by her mother and stepfather. Her real father passed away when she was but a girl. When her mother married her stepfather, their lives changed drastically. Emma aches for the day when she can find freedom away from her stepfather who is abusive. But when her mother dies from a miscarriage gone wrong, Emma is overwrought with grief. Having no clue what will happen to her now. But then, while in her secret hideout by the river, she meets the mysterious River Joe, a white man who was raised by Indians. The most handsome looking men she has ever seen, but she is wary of him. But after one meeting, she knows that she can trust him with her very life. A chemistry builds between Emma and River, and in one wild night...they mate in the ways of the Cherokee. All Emma wants is to be able to be with River Joe. He is handsome, tender and loving. But while off meeting with the trader for the animal skins, to help provide for his family for the winter. Emma is sold, to the river boat captain. When River finds her gone, he seeks her out and rescues her. But that is not the end of their trials. There is two men working together to find Emma, and to kill River Joe. They go into hiding in the mountains with River's people, they share some beautiful years together, but will their love be enough to fight their enemies who seek to destroy them at all costs?
The Hero
River Joe, was raised by the Cherokee when he was only four years old after his parents were killed. He was raised into a loving family, and learned the wonderful ways of the Indians. Even though he is technically a white man, he doesn't consider himself so....he views himself as a real Cherokee. He honors the ways of his people. But then one summer, he spies Emma, a most gracious and beautiful girl who blossoms into a woman. River knows that she has only known sadness and pain, never the loving touch of a man. He seeks to show her what true love is and that he will fight for her with his dying breath. River is a hero you just want to sigh over. Throughout the story, we see how creative and talented he is. He is judged as an Indian even though he is white. He loves his people, is a warrior and a hunter and a lover. He protects his own. What I found really remarkable about his character, is how much he fights for Emma. Not only in protecting her, but by showing her not to be afraid or anxious. To believe in herself. He is a rock solid hero to love.
The Heroine
Emma Sims didn't grow up with tender love or protection. All she knew was hard work like a slave on the small farm her stepfather forced her to work alongside her mother. She only knows the pain of his beatings when he is displeased. He wants her to marry a man, she knows would be just as cruel to her. But her mother has been able to protect her. Until she dies in a most horrible way. Emma has never known true confidence in herself because she has practically been beaten into submission. She fears everything surrounding her, until River joe. He shows her true strength of character. This is where we see true growth from Emma. Emma starts out as a fearful sixteen year old girl who grows into a fighter. This journey is what I admired the most in this story. Seeing her come into herself, and the various ways she blossoms. She has spine, courage and passion.
Plot and Story Line
Tennessee Bride is the first book in the bride series, where this trilogy focuses on the River family. Our first book, we are introduced to the parents of this strong and vital family. Now I love a great native american romance...but I can tell you, this beats any that I have read. I have read quite a few, since I have always been fascinated with this culture. But Bittner adds a curious twist that I didn't see. I loved River and Emma together. Even from the beginning, you sense how strong their chemistry is.
But they also share a friendship and emotional ties to one another. Fate isn't kind to them, both are tested in some brutal ways. This story totally had me teary eyed many times. Mostly because, I wanted these two to have their HEA without the fear of being attacked or killed just for loving each other. This story shows a aspect of history of America that isn't pleasant. We see that evil roams everywhere, and will use people as they see fit. We see seeds of sexual slavery, of young girls (sometimes very young) who had no guardians, where neighbors would sell them to the sex trade for a little bit of cash. This part of the story is very realistic, and the way that Bittner tells it, it just about breaks your heart. She writes truly compelling characters, that fight those that would do horrible things, and fight for freedom and love and to raise a family in peace. We see the beauty of the Cherokee, their strength, and fighting spirit to never give up on finding a place of their own. This village of the Cherokee that this pair becomes a part of, was truly one of my favorite part of the story. Seeing them build a family, having Emma find love in River's adopted family was so poignant at times. There are some moments toward the end, that you fall in love with our heroine even more!! She shows her true colors towards the end, and even though there were heartbreaking parts....we also get to see the joys and triumphs this couple wins!!
The Narration
What a narrator, I fell in love with her voice instantly. She does historical so well, and since we see couple of plot lines from different POV from various characters, she handles the inner voices of the characters SO well. It flowed so smoothly, and I was always eager to be listening to her. This definitely won't be the last time I pick this narrator up!!! She is on my list for future books for sure.
Cover
What a beautiful scene we have pictured here. I love the river boat, and the river!!! SO pretty. I could look at this cover all day.
Overall View
Tennessee Bride is a truly heartwarming romance that takes you through a journey of struggle, pain, strife, grief, but also passion, joy, laughs and a love that never dies!!! MAGICAL.
[foogallery id="20863"]
Summary
Emma Sims, was raised in the hills of Tennessee, by her mother and stepfather. Her real father passed away when she was but a girl. When her mother married her stepfather, their lives changed drastically. Emma aches for the day when she can find freedom away from her stepfather who is abusive. But when her mother dies from a miscarriage gone wrong, Emma is overwrought with grief. Having no clue what will happen to her now. But then, while in her secret hideout by the river, she meets the mysterious River Joe, a white man who was raised by Indians. The most handsome looking men she has ever seen, but she is wary of him. But after one meeting, she knows that she can trust him with her very life. A chemistry builds between Emma and River, and in one wild night...they mate in the ways of the Cherokee. All Emma wants is to be able to be with River Joe. He is handsome, tender and loving. But while off meeting with the trader for the animal skins, to help provide for his family for the winter. Emma is sold, to the river boat captain. When River finds her gone, he seeks her out and rescues her. But that is not the end of their trials. There is two men working together to find Emma, and to kill River Joe. They go into hiding in the mountains with River's people, they share some beautiful years together, but will their love be enough to fight their enemies who seek to destroy them at all costs?
The Hero
River Joe, was raised by the Cherokee when he was only four years old after his parents were killed. He was raised into a loving family, and learned the wonderful ways of the Indians. Even though he is technically a white man, he doesn't consider himself so....he views himself as a real Cherokee. He honors the ways of his people. But then one summer, he spies Emma, a most gracious and beautiful girl who blossoms into a woman. River knows that she has only known sadness and pain, never the loving touch of a man. He seeks to show her what true love is and that he will fight for her with his dying breath. River is a hero you just want to sigh over. Throughout the story, we see how creative and talented he is. He is judged as an Indian even though he is white. He loves his people, is a warrior and a hunter and a lover. He protects his own. What I found really remarkable about his character, is how much he fights for Emma. Not only in protecting her, but by showing her not to be afraid or anxious. To believe in herself. He is a rock solid hero to love.
The Heroine
Emma Sims didn't grow up with tender love or protection. All she knew was hard work like a slave on the small farm her stepfather forced her to work alongside her mother. She only knows the pain of his beatings when he is displeased. He wants her to marry a man, she knows would be just as cruel to her. But her mother has been able to protect her. Until she dies in a most horrible way. Emma has never known true confidence in herself because she has practically been beaten into submission. She fears everything surrounding her, until River joe. He shows her true strength of character. This is where we see true growth from Emma. Emma starts out as a fearful sixteen year old girl who grows into a fighter. This journey is what I admired the most in this story. Seeing her come into herself, and the various ways she blossoms. She has spine, courage and passion.
Plot and Story Line
Tennessee Bride is the first book in the bride series, where this trilogy focuses on the River family. Our first book, we are introduced to the parents of this strong and vital family. Now I love a great native american romance...but I can tell you, this beats any that I have read. I have read quite a few, since I have always been fascinated with this culture. But Bittner adds a curious twist that I didn't see. I loved River and Emma together. Even from the beginning, you sense how strong their chemistry is.
"That is what you call instinct. You feel the trust. You know by instinct that you can trust me, and the same instinct tells you that you cannot trust Tommy Decker. Animals have the best instincts.”
But they also share a friendship and emotional ties to one another. Fate isn't kind to them, both are tested in some brutal ways. This story totally had me teary eyed many times. Mostly because, I wanted these two to have their HEA without the fear of being attacked or killed just for loving each other. This story shows a aspect of history of America that isn't pleasant. We see that evil roams everywhere, and will use people as they see fit. We see seeds of sexual slavery, of young girls (sometimes very young) who had no guardians, where neighbors would sell them to the sex trade for a little bit of cash. This part of the story is very realistic, and the way that Bittner tells it, it just about breaks your heart. She writes truly compelling characters, that fight those that would do horrible things, and fight for freedom and love and to raise a family in peace. We see the beauty of the Cherokee, their strength, and fighting spirit to never give up on finding a place of their own. This village of the Cherokee that this pair becomes a part of, was truly one of my favorite part of the story. Seeing them build a family, having Emma find love in River's adopted family was so poignant at times. There are some moments toward the end, that you fall in love with our heroine even more!! She shows her true colors towards the end, and even though there were heartbreaking parts....we also get to see the joys and triumphs this couple wins!!
The Narration
What a narrator, I fell in love with her voice instantly. She does historical so well, and since we see couple of plot lines from different POV from various characters, she handles the inner voices of the characters SO well. It flowed so smoothly, and I was always eager to be listening to her. This definitely won't be the last time I pick this narrator up!!! She is on my list for future books for sure.
Cover
What a beautiful scene we have pictured here. I love the river boat, and the river!!! SO pretty. I could look at this cover all day.
Overall View
Tennessee Bride is a truly heartwarming romance that takes you through a journey of struggle, pain, strife, grief, but also passion, joy, laughs and a love that never dies!!! MAGICAL.
[foogallery id="20863"]
October 30, 2014
The hairs of your love nest are also the color of cornsilk.
At the tender age of sixteen, Emma Simms has the unholy power to compel absolutely every male on the face of the planet to want to rape her.
Abusive stepfather Luke wanted to until he learned he could get more money out of selling her virginity.
Neighbor and serial rapist Tommy is obsessed with her.
Family friend Hank has watched Emma grow up. Now she's ripe enough for him.
Brothel owner Sam wants to put Emma to work in his place of business.
River Joe has his hands full protecting Emma's genitals from the rest of the world.
(Oh, and by the way, Miss Bittner: Amelia Bloomer didn't give her name to a certain piece of clothing until around 1851; 27 years after this story is set. Nor was there any need to use the word nineteen friggin' times. Just sayin'.)
At the tender age of sixteen, Emma Simms has the unholy power to compel absolutely every male on the face of the planet to want to rape her.
Abusive stepfather Luke wanted to until he learned he could get more money out of selling her virginity.
Neighbor and serial rapist Tommy is obsessed with her.
Family friend Hank has watched Emma grow up. Now she's ripe enough for him.
Brothel owner Sam wants to put Emma to work in his place of business.
River Joe has his hands full protecting Emma's genitals from the rest of the world.
(Oh, and by the way, Miss Bittner: Amelia Bloomer didn't give her name to a certain piece of clothing until around 1851; 27 years after this story is set. Nor was there any need to use the word nineteen friggin' times. Just sayin'.)
March 14, 2019
Loved the characters and the plot! Suspense is excellent. The narrator is awesome. Happy reading/listening!
May 17, 2014
Historical romance.
As soon as I found this book I started reading it even though I was nearly half way through another book at the time, something about the blurb really appealed to me.
Emma Simms may be only sixteen but they've been a hard sixteen years, after the death of her father when she was only four her mother married Luke Simms who turned out to be a hard, mean man who turns meaner when he's been drinking, which is often. Life was difficult for both Emma and her Mother, Emma living without any real love or affection and her mother striving to please Luke and in the process losing several children along with her own life. After the death of her mother life becomes uncertain for Emma and she has no idea that Luke plans on selling her to a brothel in Knoxville. The only bright thing in Emma's life is the occasional strange meetings she has with a White Indian known as River Joe.
This book reminded me in places of the T'on Ma trilogy by Magnolia Belle which I absolutely loved, it took longer for me to settle in and start to enjoy this book and I'm not really sure why, I liked the story and the characters, especially Rivers family I can't put my finger on what didn't really work for me, some of the dialogue between Emma and River seemed a bit stilted, maybe I'm being unfair since they're strangers getting to know each other and Emma has lived a very isolated life but the conversations seemed too rigid for me, it just didn't seem to flow, also there's a bit early on where River Joe and Emma are in the shed and it's more than a little creepy and just not right. The other thing I didn't really like was everything was black and white, people were good or bad and while some people fall into this category most I would imagine fall somewhere in between. This said the more I read the more I enjoyed it but for me it's only 3 stars.
As soon as I found this book I started reading it even though I was nearly half way through another book at the time, something about the blurb really appealed to me.
Emma Simms may be only sixteen but they've been a hard sixteen years, after the death of her father when she was only four her mother married Luke Simms who turned out to be a hard, mean man who turns meaner when he's been drinking, which is often. Life was difficult for both Emma and her Mother, Emma living without any real love or affection and her mother striving to please Luke and in the process losing several children along with her own life. After the death of her mother life becomes uncertain for Emma and she has no idea that Luke plans on selling her to a brothel in Knoxville. The only bright thing in Emma's life is the occasional strange meetings she has with a White Indian known as River Joe.
This book reminded me in places of the T'on Ma trilogy by Magnolia Belle which I absolutely loved, it took longer for me to settle in and start to enjoy this book and I'm not really sure why, I liked the story and the characters, especially Rivers family I can't put my finger on what didn't really work for me, some of the dialogue between Emma and River seemed a bit stilted, maybe I'm being unfair since they're strangers getting to know each other and Emma has lived a very isolated life but the conversations seemed too rigid for me, it just didn't seem to flow, also there's a bit early on where River Joe and Emma are in the shed and it's more than a little creepy and just not right. The other thing I didn't really like was everything was black and white, people were good or bad and while some people fall into this category most I would imagine fall somewhere in between. This said the more I read the more I enjoyed it but for me it's only 3 stars.
December 2, 2021
What a story! It is hard to imagine how the times were so hard then especially in the mountains away from towns. I really felt for the characters, especially Emma Simms. Her step-father, Luke, was very abusive towards Emma's mother and her and never showed any kind of love. He over worked them and beat them all the time. Her mother dies in childbirth and was left with her monstrous step-father. Luke plans on selling Emma down the river to another evil man who owns a brothel in Knoxville. Before this happens, fate steps in as River Joe, a white man raised as Cherokee. He first comes upon Emma the summer before. Emma sees him and they stare at each other before he leaves again. Realizing Emma is not ready to be married yet, River Joe decides to come back the following year just as Emma's mother dies. He decides she is ready to marry and he claims her as his wife. He then leaves to sell his furs and promises her, he will return and take her away. She has secretly packed her meager belongings to wait for River Joe. However, it has been raining for days and the Hiwassee River floods causing a disaster. Will River Joe make it back to Emma in time? Will Luke sell her to the evil man before River Joe can come back for her? In order to find the answers, you need to read the story and find the answers. It is a great read. Author, Rosanne Bittner, is phenomenal and all her novels are excellent!
February 8, 2017
I really enjoyed Emma and River Joe's story. Emma is sweetly innocent and vulnerable. Definitely the kind of girl a man wants and needs to protect. She's also got a very quiet strength that shines through. River Joe is manly, strong, protective, possessive, caring, and yes, still has a vulnerability in Emma. Loved seeing them together and Joe's determination to rescue and protect his girl.
December 28, 2022
Just too many beatings, rapes, and attempted rapes for me. Also, heroine falls in instalove after forced sex. Big DNF.
December 5, 2014
Not as good as others by this author. Review to come at AudioGals.
September 4, 2024
I read the third book in the series ("Oregon Bride") and enjoyed it well enough to try the others in the series. Emma and River Joe were mentioned in the third book and their story sounded interesting so I gave "Tennessee Bride" a shot. I wish I had read the reviews first before wasting my time.
Women weren't always seen as people in the past, so there is always some expectation that the heroines will have to deal with some unsavory stuff. (And older historical romances often toy with this line even when dealing with the relationship between the hero/heroine, "Tennessee Bride" was written in the late 1980s)
I couldn't read much more past this before giving up on the novel.
Book 3 is much better, so just skip this one and read #3.
Women weren't always seen as people in the past, so there is always some expectation that the heroines will have to deal with some unsavory stuff. (And older historical romances often toy with this line even when dealing with the relationship between the hero/heroine, "Tennessee Bride" was written in the late 1980s)
I couldn't read much more past this before giving up on the novel.
Book 3 is much better, so just skip this one and read #3.
January 2, 2023
Emma was an abused stepdaughter: unloved, unwanted and sold into captivity of the worst sort. River Joe was a white raised by Indians and found Emma along the shore of a river, alone and curious. The story moves from there and I loved it. I’m reading this as part of a trilogy series and look forward to the next books.
September 22, 2023
I really enjoyed, read the series completely backwards and still really enjoyed it you don't need to read them in order. The main character Emma is a little whiney for the first half but you really see her grow into this strong women as she becomes a wife and mother so stick with it!
April 3, 2018
Great character building as the story unfolded, engaging plot, and a page turner. Thanks for a great read!
May 24, 2021
The love story of Emma and River Joe with the drama what they face is breathtaking. I totally loved it!!
September 11, 2021
Narration was good. However story is just one depressing event after another. DNF at 67%.
November 22, 2022
I loved this book.A great story .Hardship and love and passion is in this book.I recommend this book.If I like a book I read it a gain
August 20, 2023
A good book but sad what Emma went through. I’m reading the next book.
March 25, 2025
I’m still trying to figure out the plot because I really don’t think there was one
April 20, 2025
Very interesting!
Like how strong and determined she was. Found it interesting to read how it was living to live with the Indians. Suspense definitely in this one.
Like how strong and determined she was. Found it interesting to read how it was living to live with the Indians. Suspense definitely in this one.
June 22, 2020
I bought this book because of the colouring on it's cover! I absolutely love it!
I liked the storyline in this book but unfortunately the writing style didn't quite sit well with me. It dragged on a bit and kept repeating the same thing, just from different characters perspectives. I found it a bit predictable but I appreciated the history in this novel.
I liked the storyline in this book but unfortunately the writing style didn't quite sit well with me. It dragged on a bit and kept repeating the same thing, just from different characters perspectives. I found it a bit predictable but I appreciated the history in this novel.
September 2, 2014
Tennessee Bride is by Rosanne Bittner. It is an adventure romance set in Georgia prior to 1830. The Indian inhabitants of Georgia are being encouraged and eventually forced to go to Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. The forced march has not occurred yet and John Ross and others are trying to persuade the Government to allow them to stay. Meanwhile, many Cherokee have gone up into the Tennessee Mountains to live and are living peacefully. If their camps are raided, they do not fight back because if they did, it would be called an act of war and the WAR would really be on. Rosanne does an excellent job of describing the mountains in which the Indians live and the areas the White men live in. She gives a good picture of the camps the Indians set up and how they interacted with White men and among themselves. You almost believe the story is real. She did an excellent job on this book which is the first in a series of three.
Emma Simms watches as her mother dies and wonders what will happen to her. She knows she can’t keep the farm running even as badly as it is now. She knows that her stepfather, Luke, does not like her and does not want her around. He is also thinking of selling the farm. Where she will go and what she will do is a mystery to her. Tommy Decker from a neighboring farm wants to marry her at first and then just wants her; but she can’t stand him. She fought him off one day with a fence board and dislocated his jaw. Now he wants revenge. The only place she feels safe is on a raft that is caught on trees by the river. She goes there to be alone and think. She is deathly afraid of the river but on the raft, she is safe. However, her safe place is invaded by a mysterious man known as River Joe. He comes and watches her then talks with her and eventually saves her with the raft breaks away from the river bank. She just knows he will never hurt her. River Joe promises to come get her and take her away from Luke and Tommy to live among the Cherokee as he does. However, he needs to trade with Hank O’Toole for supplies for the winter. He does to a site upstream to trade so no one knows he is around. Then one day, her stepfather sells her to Hank O’Toole, the river captain. He is to take her to Knoxville to Sam Gates. Here she will be placed in his brothel. Now Luke will not have to worry about her at all. Before Hank takes her, he goes upstream to finish his trading. Trouble occurs for River Joe and he is placed under watch and can’t leave as soon as he needs to. Therefore, he gets to Luke’s place after Hank has taken Emma. A roaring flood, caused by the rain they have been having, wipes out most of the nearby town, Tommy’s farm, and Luke’s farm. Only by luck does Tommy survive. He sees his chance now to get to Emma; but she is gone. He finds she is going to be taken to Knoxville and heads after her. He is determined to get her.
The story continues with Emma and River Joe trying to get away from White men and create a life for themselves among the Cherokee. Tommy is determined to find Emma and teach her a lesson for refusing him. Sam Gates is determines to find Emma because she represents an investment for him. From the mountains of Tennessee to Knoxville to a coal mining camp, Emma’s adventures continue. Her adventures show how strong an individual she is, although she doesn’t look like it.
Emma Simms watches as her mother dies and wonders what will happen to her. She knows she can’t keep the farm running even as badly as it is now. She knows that her stepfather, Luke, does not like her and does not want her around. He is also thinking of selling the farm. Where she will go and what she will do is a mystery to her. Tommy Decker from a neighboring farm wants to marry her at first and then just wants her; but she can’t stand him. She fought him off one day with a fence board and dislocated his jaw. Now he wants revenge. The only place she feels safe is on a raft that is caught on trees by the river. She goes there to be alone and think. She is deathly afraid of the river but on the raft, she is safe. However, her safe place is invaded by a mysterious man known as River Joe. He comes and watches her then talks with her and eventually saves her with the raft breaks away from the river bank. She just knows he will never hurt her. River Joe promises to come get her and take her away from Luke and Tommy to live among the Cherokee as he does. However, he needs to trade with Hank O’Toole for supplies for the winter. He does to a site upstream to trade so no one knows he is around. Then one day, her stepfather sells her to Hank O’Toole, the river captain. He is to take her to Knoxville to Sam Gates. Here she will be placed in his brothel. Now Luke will not have to worry about her at all. Before Hank takes her, he goes upstream to finish his trading. Trouble occurs for River Joe and he is placed under watch and can’t leave as soon as he needs to. Therefore, he gets to Luke’s place after Hank has taken Emma. A roaring flood, caused by the rain they have been having, wipes out most of the nearby town, Tommy’s farm, and Luke’s farm. Only by luck does Tommy survive. He sees his chance now to get to Emma; but she is gone. He finds she is going to be taken to Knoxville and heads after her. He is determined to get her.
The story continues with Emma and River Joe trying to get away from White men and create a life for themselves among the Cherokee. Tommy is determined to find Emma and teach her a lesson for refusing him. Sam Gates is determines to find Emma because she represents an investment for him. From the mountains of Tennessee to Knoxville to a coal mining camp, Emma’s adventures continue. Her adventures show how strong an individual she is, although she doesn’t look like it.
May 1, 2015
Emma Simms was raised on a poor farm in Tennessee by her abusive step-father and fearful mother until she meets River Joe in the woods by the river and makes a friend. Joe River was raised by the Cherokee and sometimes called Indian Joe by the white settlers that want all Indians to leave Tennessee permanently. River Joe makes Emma his Tennessee Bride; he takes her to live with his people.
Others want Emma too and want to control her fate. Her step-father sells her to a man in Knoxville. Tommy Decker tires to have his way with her but a fence board and tiny Emma leave him bitter and looking for revenge. The Cherokee live high in the Tennessee mountains but are still subject to raids by the white man and their history from this time period is woven into the story. This only touches a few of the exciting things that happen to Emma and River in this exciting frontier romance.
Others want Emma too and want to control her fate. Her step-father sells her to a man in Knoxville. Tommy Decker tires to have his way with her but a fence board and tiny Emma leave him bitter and looking for revenge. The Cherokee live high in the Tennessee mountains but are still subject to raids by the white man and their history from this time period is woven into the story. This only touches a few of the exciting things that happen to Emma and River in this exciting frontier romance.
August 9, 2014
Abused grieving young woman living on Hiwassee River, Tennessee is fearful of everything until a white man raised as a Cherokee, gently tricks her into marriage then rescues, cares for & encourages her to be brave. All the while being relentlessly pursued by a vindictive bully and a ruthless white sex slaver slyly buying young girls.
The contrasts between the whites & Cherokee are startling & unfathomable in the modern world one would hope.
Good tale but a little stilted & I'd have liked more info on Cherokee customs. I loved the marriage custom.
The contrasts between the whites & Cherokee are startling & unfathomable in the modern world one would hope.
Good tale but a little stilted & I'd have liked more info on Cherokee customs. I loved the marriage custom.
April 16, 2015
After falling nearly instantly in love, the hero and heroine are in for a long line of successively awful circumstances. I can handle awful things in these older re-releases, as it seems that the prettier the heroine, the worse her travails. What honestly made it difficult to read was the writing. The heroine would think about something happening, then think it couldn't be so, then say to the hero that it was so, after she had the thought that she shouldn't say so. Confusing? Yes.
Trigger warnings for rape and physical abuse.
Trigger warnings for rape and physical abuse.
July 23, 2015
I enjoyed this book. There were some parts you knew were going to happen, but also some surprises too. It takes place in the early 1800's. Emma's mother had just passed away in childbirth and her step-father had plans to sell her into female slavery in a prostitution bar. River Joe, an orphaned white man who was adopted by Cherokee Indians, fell in love with her and saved her. There is some violence, but mild. It's worth a read to see how it all plays out.
August 19, 2014
Fast moving .hard to put down easy to become involved with the Caracas
Fast moving .hard to put down easy to become involved with the Caracas
easy to become with chara terms. emotions and hardships. it was difficult to. put down. I enjoyed reading this book and author.
Fast moving .hard to put down easy to become involved with the Caracas
easy to become with chara terms. emotions and hardships. it was difficult to. put down. I enjoyed reading this book and author.
May 25, 2014
Tennessee Bride
Tennessee Bride
was a good book. I don't usually read this kind of book. It takes.place in the 1800's. I am more a modern romance. Glad that I read it.
Tennessee Bride
was a good book. I don't usually read this kind of book. It takes.place in the 1800's. I am more a modern romance. Glad that I read it.
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October 27, 2014The story itself could have been good, but the writing was horrible. Repeat repeat repeat. Same words, same info, dragged on. This book could have been have the length and it probably would have been at least 2 stars. I couldn't even rate it. Sorry. I won't read another one.
September 12, 2016
Did not work for me. This girl was just tortured.
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