Married In Black

by Christina Cordaire

An unlikely mail-order bride...
When Virginia Davenport married William, they were both starry-eyed with the prospect of going west, away from the rigid Boston society where they grew up. But William joined the Union army instead. As the Civil War draws to an end, Virginia - like so many women - finds herself swathed in widow's weeds and praying for a way out of the stifling mourning that has painted Boston in a sea of black. A newspaper ad from a Texas rancher seeking a wife might just be the answer to her prayers.
David Norris has acquired quite a bit of land and cattle. He's hard-working and he has ambitions to be governor of Texas one day. What he needs to make his dreams complete is a good Chrisitian girl who can be a proper wife. When he receives Virginia's responce to his ad, he envisions her as the perfect mistress to reign over his household. In her letter, Virginia says that her mourning won't be over for another six months, but David is eager to collect his bride before someone else can claim her - even if he has to marry her while she is still dressed in black.
Virginia is charmed by the tall, handsome Texan and she takes a leap of faith when she marries him and heads west. David is proving to be a good man and all she had hoped for - until the day she sees David's ambitious side take over. And then he tells her that he's not a Christian. Now, Virginia must reach into her faith for guidance to help her come to terms with her new husband.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance

312 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Patricia Taylor Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting. I really liked that the sexual relationship limited it's use of vulgaritys. This book is one that I could easily give to my 11 year old daughter and not worry about the message.

[Sherry Jolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, but it ended up just being ok.

This is a story that has been told before, and unfortunately, it's been told better.

There wasn't enough in the story to really get to know the characters well enough in my opinion. There wasn't enough description about the ranch, the house, or the supporting characters. I'm a woman who likes very descriptive writing!

Overall, it wasn't bad, but I was slightly disappointed.

[Linda Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very relaxing book to read. Get a cup of tea, sit in a nice fluffy chair and enjoy the charm, the characters, and the ongoing life of family and foes in the big state of Texas a long, long time ago. So if you like wagon trails and love on the range this story is for you. It's a delightful mix of married lovers trying to figure themselves out and what to do with each other. In the end they get it right.

[Natalie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Christian romance. Strong message to convert to christianity or else! Virginia, the main character, was constantly berating and chastising herself all in the name of the Lord. A painful read.

[Dawn Cummings · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not impressed. I should have paid attention to the flags. Written in 2008 and brand new at thrift shop. Started reading because some ancestors lived in Texas during that time period. My take on book, very churchy. The husband was so moody. Everyone lived happily ever after and no one went to hell. Who knows what happened to the villain. He just disappeared or maybe I just skipped that part. Interesting that a person would become a “Christian” because of fear of going to hell. Would definitely not recommend this book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia, born into stiff upper crust Boston, married and lost her husband on the heels of her honeymoon to the Civil War. They had talked of going West and Virginia had dreams of adventure. But the post war left many young widows in limbo. Then Virginia answered an ad to be a bride for a Texas rancher and her adventures begin. Was a fun read.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

For once the conflict wasn’t primarily between the couple, but I felt the conflict (which had so much potential) was underdeveloped, making the book an easy read. Though there are elements I enjoyed, I found pieces of it rushed and confusing. Overall, it was just “okay”.

[Emma Kauffman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really like these type of christian books.

[Ashly Dollar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a western romance but not smutty and was pleasantly surprised to find this was a Christian romance. It had just enough romance and all the western I was looking for.

[Cari Piatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

If western mail order bride romances are your thing, you’ll enjoy this.
They’re not my thing but I tried something new 😜

[Kimberly Westrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a wonderful mail-order-bride, historical romance. I love the way the hero/heroine make the effort to get to know one another, but she doesn’t really like to be told what to do, so there is some friction. And all the emotion towards the end. What a beautiful story of faith and forgiveness. I loved it and will definitely want to read more by this author.

[Tessa Ramos · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot caught my attention, but lost it just as quickly in an ocean of weak characters and micro-cliches. The stereotypes used border on offensive, and the author does her best to speak as an expert on topics she has researched very poorly. However, it is an entertaining way to spend an hour, if you're looking for something brainless.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Married in Black is what most would call a "historical romance," but it is a very "clean" read. There is some "romance" but it doesn't go into details as most are apt to do.

The story focuses not only on the romantic aspect of Virgina's life, but also on the spiritual aspect of her relationships.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd be happy if a sequel would be written for this book. :)

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was what I needed to read at the time.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm...needed better editing with the writing. Some things got confusing, and there were some mistakes.

[Joan Schenking · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a christian slant, odd. For me anyway...thrift store buy.

[Kate Wise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Something different to read than I am used too.

[Elaine Robledo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mostly bought this book because I liked the cover, I thought the dress was really pretty. I didn't know it was a christian romance, if I had known it was I wouldn't have bought it.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, good. Ending was a bit too abrupt, but still enjoyable.

[Gill Schell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, interesting storyline but the protagonist is a little too good to be true ... Ending very predictable.