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Brides of Hope Hollow #1
A Glimmer of Hope
Melissa Eversoll Burgess never wanted to marry her first husband, but keeping the peace in her family seemed worth the cost at the time. Now both her husband and father are dead after they were caught up in a string of crimes, and she’s ready to start a new life with her mother in a place called Hope Hollow. But when she is introduced to handsome farmer, Garret Pearce, as his soon-to-be bride, she's reluctant to enter into a marriage agreement with him. How can she ever trust any man with her battered heart again?
Garret Pearce came to Oregon three years ago to homestead, thinking he would be bringing a new bride with him, but fate dealt him a mighty blow. Entering a marriage of convenience with Melissa isn't part of his plans, but how can he say no to his good friend who made the arrangement, especially when the young, pretty widow is expecting a baby? Keeping his heart from being torn in two is going to be the challenge of his life. One that he just might lose. Will Melissa and Garret be able to look past each other's mistakes and find their own happily every after?
Welcome to Hope Hollow, Oregon, a place where hope abounds for the downtrodden and weary, and where peace and love abide amidst life’s trials.
***Warning: sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and familial suicide are mentioned as past experiences for Melissa and her mother in the story, though the author has made every effort to keep the focus on the development of the main characters' relationship with each other in this sweet romance.
Garret Pearce came to Oregon three years ago to homestead, thinking he would be bringing a new bride with him, but fate dealt him a mighty blow. Entering a marriage of convenience with Melissa isn't part of his plans, but how can he say no to his good friend who made the arrangement, especially when the young, pretty widow is expecting a baby? Keeping his heart from being torn in two is going to be the challenge of his life. One that he just might lose. Will Melissa and Garret be able to look past each other's mistakes and find their own happily every after?
Welcome to Hope Hollow, Oregon, a place where hope abounds for the downtrodden and weary, and where peace and love abide amidst life’s trials.
***Warning: sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and familial suicide are mentioned as past experiences for Melissa and her mother in the story, though the author has made every effort to keep the focus on the development of the main characters' relationship with each other in this sweet romance.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
226 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 27, 2019
This was a nice story it just felt stiff and the writing went down hill the longer the book went on. Just no connection with the characters. This is a chaste adult christian romance.
November 12, 2019
This is such a wonderful book, with many great characters! The characters plant themselves in your heart and keep you cheering for their happiness. The romance was sweet and clean, the camaraderie between Melissa and Garret was so easy, beautiful. The relationships in this book is about love, family and loving each other through life’s curve balls. I wasn’t ready for the end of this book, I wanted this feel good story to never end!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
March 8, 2020
For the love of babes
A really good Christian based love story featuringnnot only one major love story but two mini ones plus see a love grow from nothing
A really good Christian based love story featuringnnot only one major love story but two mini ones plus see a love grow from nothing
January 7, 2020
Sweet Mail-Order Brides story
Two couples travel the mail-order bride path in this story. Susannah marries David immediately and unbeknownst to her daughter Melissa, she has arranged a marriage between Melissa and David’s friend Garret. This one took a little bit longer to cook. Garret develops a protective instinct over Melissa immediately but he has been burned in the past and is reluctant. Melissa is a widow, having lost her conman husband only one month previously.
Melissa seems to be almost helpless in the beginning of the story. While I enjoy a storyline in which the heroine needs help with regaining confidence, I was skeptical because a completely helpless heroine doesn’t work for me. I’m happy to say, Melissa finds her mettle. Garret is about a sweet as a hero can get. He overcomes his fears to marry and help Melissa. It is fun to read how the beginning of the marriage plays out.
Two couples travel the mail-order bride path in this story. Susannah marries David immediately and unbeknownst to her daughter Melissa, she has arranged a marriage between Melissa and David’s friend Garret. This one took a little bit longer to cook. Garret develops a protective instinct over Melissa immediately but he has been burned in the past and is reluctant. Melissa is a widow, having lost her conman husband only one month previously.
Melissa seems to be almost helpless in the beginning of the story. While I enjoy a storyline in which the heroine needs help with regaining confidence, I was skeptical because a completely helpless heroine doesn’t work for me. I’m happy to say, Melissa finds her mettle. Garret is about a sweet as a hero can get. He overcomes his fears to marry and help Melissa. It is fun to read how the beginning of the marriage plays out.
June 3, 2020
1881 Hope Hollow Oregon
Melissa Eversoll Burgess and her mother are traveling west to help her mother begin a new life as a mail-order bride. Garrett Pearce came to Oregon to claim land and nurse a broken heart. Will Melissa and Garret find love?
Young love. Life is messy and needs a lot of grace. The characters in A Glimmer of Hope worked out their past with a future with God. I enjoyed this book. The plot explored difficult subjects. That's good.
***Warning: sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and familial suicide are mentioned as past experiences for Melissa and her mother in the story, though the author has made every effort to keep the focus on the development of the main characters' relationship with each other in this sweet romance.
Rating: Mild+ for mild sensuality; also contains mild kissing and mild (nonsexual) violence
Melissa Eversoll Burgess and her mother are traveling west to help her mother begin a new life as a mail-order bride. Garrett Pearce came to Oregon to claim land and nurse a broken heart. Will Melissa and Garret find love?
Young love. Life is messy and needs a lot of grace. The characters in A Glimmer of Hope worked out their past with a future with God. I enjoyed this book. The plot explored difficult subjects. That's good.
***Warning: sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and familial suicide are mentioned as past experiences for Melissa and her mother in the story, though the author has made every effort to keep the focus on the development of the main characters' relationship with each other in this sweet romance.
Rating: Mild+ for mild sensuality; also contains mild kissing and mild (nonsexual) violence
November 11, 2019
(4.5 stars) - mail order bride/marriage of convenience story
Melissa's life has not been easy. She and her mother have both lost their husbands, only to discover that they had both been killed while engaged in criminal activities. The mother & daughter leave town to get away from the scandal and start over in Hope Hollow.
The story has a comfortable pace, never lagging, with a simple way of telling the story that keeps it from sounding melodramatic but instead maintains its believability all the way through. It's well done & very sweet.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: generically Christian, not preachy
Melissa's life has not been easy. She and her mother have both lost their husbands, only to discover that they had both been killed while engaged in criminal activities. The mother & daughter leave town to get away from the scandal and start over in Hope Hollow.
The story has a comfortable pace, never lagging, with a simple way of telling the story that keeps it from sounding melodramatic but instead maintains its believability all the way through. It's well done & very sweet.
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: generically Christian, not preachy
January 4, 2020
An interesting read
What I liked or found interesting:
• I was immediately drawn into the story wondering about Melissa's and Susannah's past in Wyoming.
• This was an enjoyable western mail order bride romance.
• The main characters were kind and had integrity. The author's secondary characters added depth to the storyline.
• The story was not completely predictable, which added to my reading enjoyment.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that.
There were some minor editing problems in this story, but that did not prevent me from enjoying the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
What I liked or found interesting:
• I was immediately drawn into the story wondering about Melissa's and Susannah's past in Wyoming.
• This was an enjoyable western mail order bride romance.
• The main characters were kind and had integrity. The author's secondary characters added depth to the storyline.
• The story was not completely predictable, which added to my reading enjoyment.
• This was a clean read and I appreciated that.
There were some minor editing problems in this story, but that did not prevent me from enjoying the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 4, 2020
A Glimmer of Hope
Melissa and her mother Susannah travel to Oregon for a new start after finding themselves both widows. Melissa thinks she is going to keep her mother company, not be a bride herself. What a surprise to find out her mother and soon to be stepfather have set up both Melissa and Garrett. Neither were happy with the surprise and when Melissa fainted, the two decided they weren't getting married, at least that day. But the surprises just keep coming for Melissa and she doesn't find them all that welcome. Will Melissa ever find a loving and true man to marry, especially after her latest surprise?
Melissa and her mother Susannah travel to Oregon for a new start after finding themselves both widows. Melissa thinks she is going to keep her mother company, not be a bride herself. What a surprise to find out her mother and soon to be stepfather have set up both Melissa and Garrett. Neither were happy with the surprise and when Melissa fainted, the two decided they weren't getting married, at least that day. But the surprises just keep coming for Melissa and she doesn't find them all that welcome. Will Melissa ever find a loving and true man to marry, especially after her latest surprise?
March 24, 2024
This is a clean western romance that is set in the Rogue Valley or Oregon, which is where I grew up. Hope Hollow is fictional but I can see the valley in my mind and it is beautiful. The story deals with overcoming trials from their pasts and they all seem to be succeeding in that by the end of the book. It is a quick read and despite their being references to domestic violence in a previous marriage and other horrible things, it was fairly low angst.
Christian themes
Potential triggers: references to domestic violence & suicide that occurred prior to book opening.
No sex, language or violence
Christian themes
Potential triggers: references to domestic violence & suicide that occurred prior to book opening.
No sex, language or violence
May 9, 2020
Melissa Burgess, Susannah Eversol, David Stratton, Garret Pearce
Melissa Burgess and her mother Susannah Eversol, both widows from Wyoming have taken the train to Oregon. Susannah is to meet with a widower, David Stratton as a mail order bride in the town of Hope Hollow. He has three youngsters. His daughter Bridget is grudgingly caring for the house and her younger brothers.
Melissa meets Garret Pearce, who her mother has approached for a potential husband for Melissa, who is reluctant to remarry.
Characterization and plotting are fair.
Melissa Burgess and her mother Susannah Eversol, both widows from Wyoming have taken the train to Oregon. Susannah is to meet with a widower, David Stratton as a mail order bride in the town of Hope Hollow. He has three youngsters. His daughter Bridget is grudgingly caring for the house and her younger brothers.
Melissa meets Garret Pearce, who her mother has approached for a potential husband for Melissa, who is reluctant to remarry.
Characterization and plotting are fair.
September 9, 2023
Melissa and Garret
Melissa's mom decided to wait until the last moment to spring the news that Melissa would also be getting married because she wasn't sure of the reaction it would bring. I'm sure a dead faint wasn't one she'd considered. But holding her close brought out feelings of concern for the young lady that Garret wasn't expecting.
Watching their feelings grow was a delightful part of the story. I enjoyed how they quickly worked as a team as soon as they were married, knowing that that is what a marriage should be.
Melissa's mom decided to wait until the last moment to spring the news that Melissa would also be getting married because she wasn't sure of the reaction it would bring. I'm sure a dead faint wasn't one she'd considered. But holding her close brought out feelings of concern for the young lady that Garret wasn't expecting.
Watching their feelings grow was a delightful part of the story. I enjoyed how they quickly worked as a team as soon as they were married, knowing that that is what a marriage should be.
November 14, 2019
Julia Ridgmont sets an unusual scenario for this book. Recent widow, Susannah Eversoll, has travelled to Hope Hollow, Oregon, to marry David Stratton, accompanied by her widowed daughter, Melissa. Susannah has failed to let Melissa know that they have arranged a marriage for her also. This was a surprise to Melissa and to her intended groom, Garrett. This is fun story as it all gets sorted out. I always look forward to a story from Julia Ridgmont.
February 4, 2020
Sweet Story
When Susanne becomes a mail order bride due to becoming a widow because her husband committed suicide because he was involved with some crooked dealings. They arrive in Hope Hollow and Susanne fails to tell Melissa her daughter that she was a mail order bride also. Melissa came from an abusive marriage. Her husband was a murderer and was involved with her father’s dealings which resulted in her being a widow at an age of 18. What happens when she finds out?
When Susanne becomes a mail order bride due to becoming a widow because her husband committed suicide because he was involved with some crooked dealings. They arrive in Hope Hollow and Susanne fails to tell Melissa her daughter that she was a mail order bride also. Melissa came from an abusive marriage. Her husband was a murderer and was involved with her father’s dealings which resulted in her being a widow at an age of 18. What happens when she finds out?
May 15, 2020
Happily Ever After?
Melissa 's husband began his abuse of her as soon as they married. She learned that he was involved in crime on the day he died. Her mother, Susannah, is also a widow. They travel together to Hope Hollow to become mail order brides. They arrive after traveling by train and Susannah is ready to marry right away. Melissa decides that she needs more time before the ceremony . Will things work out well for the mail order brides?
Melissa 's husband began his abuse of her as soon as they married. She learned that he was involved in crime on the day he died. Her mother, Susannah, is also a widow. They travel together to Hope Hollow to become mail order brides. They arrive after traveling by train and Susannah is ready to marry right away. Melissa decides that she needs more time before the ceremony . Will things work out well for the mail order brides?
July 1, 2020
Actually quite good!
I enjoyed this romance,and it is a romance. It's clean, but it is not so sterilized that there is zero sexual tension be cause honestly, itis okay to mention you find your spouse physically attractive, even for Christians.
The premise of the story is good even though it makes little sense why the mother behaved as she did with her daughter. I took half a star off for that, but I rounded up.
It's definitely worth trying book 2 in the series.
I enjoyed this romance,and it is a romance. It's clean, but it is not so sterilized that there is zero sexual tension be cause honestly, itis okay to mention you find your spouse physically attractive, even for Christians.
The premise of the story is good even though it makes little sense why the mother behaved as she did with her daughter. I took half a star off for that, but I rounded up.
It's definitely worth trying book 2 in the series.
August 1, 2020
A love story with benefits.
In 1881 Melissa and her mother, both widows, have come to Oregon as mail order brides. Melissa is to marry Garret Pearce which is a surprise to both of them. When Melissa finds she is with child from her dead husband, Garret has to decide if he will be able to raise the baby as his own child. Mail order brides stories often have a surprise element as the main point to build the story on.
In 1881 Melissa and her mother, both widows, have come to Oregon as mail order brides. Melissa is to marry Garret Pearce which is a surprise to both of them. When Melissa finds she is with child from her dead husband, Garret has to decide if he will be able to raise the baby as his own child. Mail order brides stories often have a surprise element as the main point to build the story on.
September 15, 2021
A Glimmer of Hope
A good Christian read. I did enjoy this book because it kept me wanting to know what was the next thing happening at Hope Hollow. Not boring, not even, classified as silly, It actually had a story with a statement about abuse, their revelation of lost time they actually acquired from hard feelings, and the lost family because not able forgive. I couldn't put the book down. J 🎈
A good Christian read. I did enjoy this book because it kept me wanting to know what was the next thing happening at Hope Hollow. Not boring, not even, classified as silly, It actually had a story with a statement about abuse, their revelation of lost time they actually acquired from hard feelings, and the lost family because not able forgive. I couldn't put the book down. J 🎈
November 15, 2019
This is truly a story of God making something beautiful in the lives of two people who had terrible things beyond their control happen to them. Garrett and Melissa's story kind of reminds me of Janette Oke's "Love Comes Softly" book where the characters fall in love through showing daily patience and kindness toward each other. A very sweet love story.
February 7, 2020
Engaging story with well developed and relatable characters! Clean romance that centers on overcoming the many difficulties and surprises of mail-order bride relationships: some common and others different. Julia Ridgmont weaves a story that wants you to keep reading to find out more. Loved it and hated to see the story end.
November 9, 2019
Garret and Melissa
This is sweet story of great sorry, the finding of new hope and love among several families. Julia Ridgmont did a great job writing this story and she put a lot of thought and love into the plot and the characters of this tale. You will enjoy this book.
This is sweet story of great sorry, the finding of new hope and love among several families. Julia Ridgmont did a great job writing this story and she put a lot of thought and love into the plot and the characters of this tale. You will enjoy this book.
November 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this very sweet story! The characters were wonderful and their love story was clean with a wonderful happy ending. I look forward to more books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
November 14, 2019
Melissa and her mother are both widows and when her mother decide to become a mail order bride Melissa goes with her. When she arrives she’s in for a surprise, but not a pleasant one. What will she do after her mother’s marriage?
Interesting book. Very likable characters, keeps you reading.
Interesting book. Very likable characters, keeps you reading.
November 18, 2019
Family Affair
Interesting mail order bride story involving a mother and daughter. Good characters, some good Christian messages, and a sweet growth of a romance in a marriage that started as one of convenience.
Interesting mail order bride story involving a mother and daughter. Good characters, some good Christian messages, and a sweet growth of a romance in a marriage that started as one of convenience.
February 14, 2020
Deception
When Susannah and her daughter Melissa come to Oregon so Susannah can marry David Stratton, both recently widowed ladies find new lives that may or may not be fully settled. Read to see how this story is woven.
When Susannah and her daughter Melissa come to Oregon so Susannah can marry David Stratton, both recently widowed ladies find new lives that may or may not be fully settled. Read to see how this story is woven.
May 5, 2020
Family
Finding their husbands were not what they thought and becoming widows all of a sudden means changing their lives..mail order brides. Mom makes her plans but doesn't tell her daughter. The challenges of learning, accepting and growing in new relationships.
Finding their husbands were not what they thought and becoming widows all of a sudden means changing their lives..mail order brides. Mom makes her plans but doesn't tell her daughter. The challenges of learning, accepting and growing in new relationships.
May 6, 2020
Good read
Susannah and Melissa, both newly widowed, were forced to leave the life they knew so Susannah could become a mail order bride. Little did Melissa know, Susannah had plans for her as well.
Susannah and Melissa, both newly widowed, were forced to leave the life they knew so Susannah could become a mail order bride. Little did Melissa know, Susannah had plans for her as well.
May 9, 2020
Two for one
I felt like I got two Mail Order Bride stories in one when a widowed mother answered an ad to marry and took her widowed daughter with her. Both have their own challenges, especially since the daughter didn’t know she was coming as a Mail Order Bride!
I felt like I got two Mail Order Bride stories in one when a widowed mother answered an ad to marry and took her widowed daughter with her. Both have their own challenges, especially since the daughter didn’t know she was coming as a Mail Order Bride!
August 9, 2020
Melissa and her mother have both been through a harrowing experience. They share a very close mother daughter relationship. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more about Susannah in the next book.
September 19, 2020
I loved this book
I love this first book in the Brides of Hope Hollow series. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. Julia Ridgmont has written a wonderful story of a mother and daughter who both become mail order brides. I recommend this book!
I love this first book in the Brides of Hope Hollow series. I am looking forward to reading more of the series. Julia Ridgmont has written a wonderful story of a mother and daughter who both become mail order brides. I recommend this book!
November 12, 2020
A delightful, easy, light, Christian-based read of a mother and daughter going West as brides. But hey, mom didn't tell the daughter!
Watch as the younger couple dance around their growing feelings.
Watch as the younger couple dance around their growing feelings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews