The Unexpected Bride

by Winnie Griggs

Fleeing an arranged marriage, socialite Elthia Sinclare accepts a governess position halfway across the country. But when she arrives in Texas she finds more than she bargained for - more children, more work and more demands. Because Caleb Tanner wants a bride, not a governess. But marrying this unrefined stranger is better than what awaits her back home, so Elthia strikes a deal for a temporary marriage. She says I do and goes to work—botching the housework, butting heads with her new spouse, loving the children. Caleb isn’t sure what to make of this woman who isn’t at all what he contracted for—she’s spoiled, unskilled and lavishes her affection on a lap dog that seems to be little more than a useless ball of fluff. But to his surprise she gets along well with the children, works hard to acquire domestic skills and is able to hold her own with the town matriarchs. Could the mistake that landed him with this unexpected bride be the best thing that ever happened to him?

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2019

About the author

Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of two siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.

Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.

Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.

Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness what a delightful story. I would give it more than five stars. But first, this cover is fabulous. Elthia is a lovely and shy and helpful and loves children and a sassy lady. Caleb is a handsome and honest and helpful and strong and “stay on your side” kinda man. And her little dog, Poppy is so much of a comedic part of this story. They both have a lot to learn about relationships, but first “we need to talk”. Ms Griggs did such a fantastic job of keeping me, the reader, enthralled and laughing. There is passion, hurt feelings, fun, seriousness, love and passion, misunderstandings and of course make up times. I had a hard time putting the book down. Where was this relationship going and how was it going to be straightened out? I really don’t want to tell too much. This is a book that you just need to pick up and enjoy.

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great Historical Christian fiction book. The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. Parent Guide: due to some married couple situations/subjects, I would encourage you to pre read this book before sharing with your older teens and above. I was provided with a physical copy of this book by the author as a result of being a Winner of her book giveaway, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Can two stubborn, hardheaded, broken people get it together for the sake of some little ones? I love how believable the story is, how human the characters are. I highly recommend and look forward to the next in the series.

[Lea & Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing story!

This is a well written story covering not only a romance but the complexity of bringing a family together after tragedy. In my opinion, don't miss out on reading this book.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What a delight and emotionally charged romance with engaging characters and a great plot. I loved the touch of insecurity in go the the MCs. Poppy stole the show along with little Josie. I am so glad I found this book on KU. Happy ☺reading 📚!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Second time reading this story. I enjoyed it very much. Ending is good.
Lucky she had a brother. I would have liked to hear more about the father.
Hoping to find the brothers story.

[GERALYN MORALES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light fun loving romance

I loved the way the story started, it made you want the happily ever after ending . The story kept you intrigued on how all of this could possibly work out. I could not put the book down. Great job!

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unext Bride ( The Unexpected Sinclares Book 1)

This is a very good story about a young woman that travels to be a governess and finds she is the mail order bride with a man with his six nieces and nephews

[elaine m. suda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Job Offer After All

Thank you for this lovely and heartwarming story. I found that emotionally the characters had me laughing and then sometimes crying. Your story was very moving. I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Raylene Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full family

Finally he got a full loving family that was not split up. Two nieces and four nephews. A loving wife and a baby named Grace