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Small Town Swains #1
Heaven Sent
From a USA Today Bestselling Author, Heaven Sent is an RT Reviewer's Choice Award, First Historical Romance Winner.
Hannah Bunch, the preacher's spinster daughter, wants to help heaven along by hatching a plan to bring a shy suitor up to the point of a proposal. The Bible had Ruth meeting Boaz on the threshing field. If that worked for Ruth, couldn't it work for Hannah? It did. It all went perfectly, except the wrong man got snared.
Henry Lee Watson likes his life—without a wife. He makes the finest corn liquor in the territory. A good business on Saturday night, does not always make a good marriage to a Sunday morning kind of woman. But it's a shotgun wedding and he's thinking that the starchy preacher's daughter is maybe she's not so starchy after all.
Book 2: Something Shady
Book 3: No Ordinary Princess
Book 4: Sealed With a Kiss
Book 5: Garters
Book 6: The Love Charm
Hannah Bunch, the preacher's spinster daughter, wants to help heaven along by hatching a plan to bring a shy suitor up to the point of a proposal. The Bible had Ruth meeting Boaz on the threshing field. If that worked for Ruth, couldn't it work for Hannah? It did. It all went perfectly, except the wrong man got snared.
Henry Lee Watson likes his life—without a wife. He makes the finest corn liquor in the territory. A good business on Saturday night, does not always make a good marriage to a Sunday morning kind of woman. But it's a shotgun wedding and he's thinking that the starchy preacher's daughter is maybe she's not so starchy after all.
Pamela Morsi writes with great tenderness and insight. — Luanne Rice, NYTimes Bestselling Author
Read all the Small Town Swains!
Book 2: Something Shady
Book 3: No Ordinary Princess
Book 4: Sealed With a Kiss
Book 5: Garters
Book 6: The Love Charm
590 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
1373 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Morsi
61 books451 followersPamela Morsi was an American writer. She was the author of 29 romance novels, beginning in 1991.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
March 27, 2017
Come and listen to a story about a book named Heaven Sent
The heroine is a doormat and the hero is a dumbshit
A stupid misunderstanding is central to the theme
To make this book readable you’ll need a bottle of Jim Beam
LAME, IT WAS. A SNOOZE-O-RAMA. AN EPIC FAIL.
On the plus side I now make moonshine like a pro
Kinfolk say: “That’s a handy skill to know!”
Say: “Your place on Friday, is the place we wanna be”
So I’m off to make mash outa corn & barley
DRUNK, WE’LL BE. TRASHED BY 8. IN BED BY 10.
One more thing 'bout this book I just read
If it’s on your TBR list, save your hard earned bread
The advice is free, so you don’t owe me nuthin
If you enjoyed my review, please hit the “LIKE” button
THE WHITE ONE, THAT IS. BOTTOM OF REVIEW. ‘PRECIATE IT!
Heaven Sent, by Pamela Morsi: 1 "Bottle of Beam" Star
For information about my rating system, see my profile page.
July 7, 2014
The nerve of this hero. To judge, what he thinks is the heroine's affair, while he himself was no blushing virgin. I hated how he found it funny that his wife didn't know about his illegal business while she was ignorantly defending him in the public. Of course later on he didn't find it so funny, but that still didn't make him explain his secrets to her.
I thought this book was very poorly resolved. The hero is such an asshole and foolishly proud. There wasn't any grovelling at all, the heroine's family urged her to forgive him because that is what good wives do and voila everything was magically resolved.
I thought this book was very poorly resolved. The hero is such an asshole and foolishly proud. There wasn't any grovelling at all, the heroine's family urged her to forgive him because that is what good wives do and voila everything was magically resolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2010
I really liked this. I just read it again for probably the 4th time. I am really fond of historicals set in America somewhere other than the Old West. The book is not fast paced shoot em up adventure. No spys or gunslingers. Just 2 fairly ordinary people falling in love. Morsi does a superlative job illustrating the history of middle America at the end of 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. She has a very good handle onthe societal mores of the time. The romances are sweet. The heros are good and kind even if they are moonshiners and the women are strong, usually plain, but are kind women not strident or silly.
Good books.
Good books.
April 8, 2025
That was entertaining, although I didn’t care much for the moonshine and the marshall’s and the subplot. The romance was quite slow and frustrating at times, but the baby idea made me chuckle a few times.
All things considered… I’m still glad I read it.
All things considered… I’m still glad I read it.
July 1, 2009
I am very biased because I read "Simple Jess" first and I absolutely loved it. In all fairness, I probably would have given this book four stars if I hadn't read the other first. This is one of those cute mistaken identity novels where the unfortunate coincidence of the blunder is a shot gun wedding. A good example of how you can learn to love and trust a person you don't really even know. Likeable characters and storyline. Another plus, this one has a great sappy line where the mother tells the daughter that she and her husband just fit together. That was definitely an "Ahh" moment.
One negative. I don't really like books where there is a secret that one of the characters keeps avoiding telling the other. It just seems ridiculous because the other person always finds out and is madder than they would have been if they had known the truth earlier.
Good solid American historical novel.
One negative. I don't really like books where there is a secret that one of the characters keeps avoiding telling the other. It just seems ridiculous because the other person always finds out and is madder than they would have been if they had known the truth earlier.
Good solid American historical novel.
December 26, 2023
I finished this book a month ago probably but obviously forgot to rate it.
The result is that I don't remember much so I will give it this average rating.
I remember a marriage trap in the night, some big misunderstanding, a boring preacher, furniture making for the church and a secret profitable whiskey businnes.
I don't remember much about the romance part with Henry Lee and our heroine whose name slipped from my mind already so it wasn't probably beliavable in a way I find endearing and swoonworthy.
The result is that I don't remember much so I will give it this average rating.
I remember a marriage trap in the night, some big misunderstanding, a boring preacher, furniture making for the church and a secret profitable whiskey businnes.
I don't remember much about the romance part with Henry Lee and our heroine whose name slipped from my mind already so it wasn't probably beliavable in a way I find endearing and swoonworthy.
August 29, 2014
You see this, gentlemen? My daddy always told me when you're thinking to marry a woman, it should be one who still knows how to blush.
Why Ms. Morsi, this is what I've thought all my life ;)
It was such a brilliant read I can't imagine I've not read it sooner. Love like Henry Lee & Hannah makes me believe that in the end love truly shines through. The falling in love one day at a time & then falling in love some more as time passes through. To experience each moment & re-live it when you're alone. To think about all the things & see the good even in the worst times, this is what love is.
Marriage as sacred as it already is, really becomes b'ful when you get to know your partner everyday a lil more. May be I should write more about the book rather than the emotion it has made me to feel. But then I rarely do. Henry & Hannah both had felt love slowly & even though theirs were not a traditional start but it sure was a great love story.
He was a moonshiner, a guy who did bad things acc to society norms those days & she was a preacher's daughter. Though I found her father a lil selfish as he never took care of her daughter as a father should. He let her handle all the household responsibilities on her own when her mother died & never thought about marrying her. But like they say all's well that ends well.
Once when you're on your own and ppl try to judge you, you become impervious to their judgments. Once in a life you find someone who'd turn your world around & though you never want to hurt 'em but certain actions tend to do so. But then one day you realize in a long run it'd hurt 'em even more. So you do one thing you don't think of your own. You no longer remain the 'I' you become the world the other person want you to be for 'em. You give up everything to hear their laugh and grow old with 'em.
This is one of those reads which makes me believe in love. And also that in the end everythig will be perfect & if it is not, it is not the end, you should keep reading. Love, always, will find a way.
Why Ms. Morsi, this is what I've thought all my life ;)
It was such a brilliant read I can't imagine I've not read it sooner. Love like Henry Lee & Hannah makes me believe that in the end love truly shines through. The falling in love one day at a time & then falling in love some more as time passes through. To experience each moment & re-live it when you're alone. To think about all the things & see the good even in the worst times, this is what love is.
Marriage as sacred as it already is, really becomes b'ful when you get to know your partner everyday a lil more. May be I should write more about the book rather than the emotion it has made me to feel. But then I rarely do. Henry & Hannah both had felt love slowly & even though theirs were not a traditional start but it sure was a great love story.
He was a moonshiner, a guy who did bad things acc to society norms those days & she was a preacher's daughter. Though I found her father a lil selfish as he never took care of her daughter as a father should. He let her handle all the household responsibilities on her own when her mother died & never thought about marrying her. But like they say all's well that ends well.
Once when you're on your own and ppl try to judge you, you become impervious to their judgments. Once in a life you find someone who'd turn your world around & though you never want to hurt 'em but certain actions tend to do so. But then one day you realize in a long run it'd hurt 'em even more. So you do one thing you don't think of your own. You no longer remain the 'I' you become the world the other person want you to be for 'em. You give up everything to hear their laugh and grow old with 'em.
This is one of those reads which makes me believe in love. And also that in the end everythig will be perfect & if it is not, it is not the end, you should keep reading. Love, always, will find a way.
June 27, 2020
Frankly I never get young healthy married people who are living together and attracted to each other who don't have sex until the last chapter. Boring and unbelievable. Also I'm not a fan of the BIG MISUNDERSTANDING. You're adults. One of you open your mouth and either say "Why are you mad at me" or Let me tell you why I'm mad at you". So a dnf and good riddance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2016
Reread an old title by a favorite author. It didn't stand up, sadly - but it was her first book. There were glimmers of the writer she would become. Was disappointed with all of the editing errors in the digital book.
May 31, 2020
Um western divertido de Pamela Morsi. Aqui, a heroína teve a ideia surreal de casar colocando em prática o plano de Ruth quando esta conquistou Boaz (mais detalhes, melhor dá uma olhada no livro de Ruth, Bíblia). Ela organizou tudo, escolheu o pretendente ao qual desejava comprometer e assim finalmente realizar o seu sonho. Ocorre que ela acorda nos braços de um estranho, um completo desconhecido, e para piorar eles foram flagrados pelo próprio pai da moça, simplesmente o pastor do povoado. Logo, a heroína se vê obrigada a casar com o atraente forasteiro, um homem que ganha a vida vendendo whisky clandestinamente, o que é irônico, considerando que a moça é de família religiosa. A história é criativa, os protagonistas são carismáticos e mais uma vez lições de vida são extraídas do cotidiano, especialmente da união conjugal. Eu gostei, mas achei que a autora enrolou muito para o casal se entender e por isso em alguns momentos ficou um pouco cansativo. Mesmo assim foi uma leitura agradável e me fez passar o tempo rapidamente. 3.5/5 estrelas.
June 22, 2020
Hannah is a preacher’s daughter. Her family is changing and she has made a plan. She will trap a young man she knows. He will be forced to marry her, and they will live happily ever after.
Things do not always go as we plan.
In the dark, Hannah finds the wrong man. And then her preacher father finds the two of them. The situation goes down hill from there.
There is a wedding and Hannah finds herself married to a man she considers to be frivolous. She does not realize he is a moonshiner. He believes that she has trapped him because there is a secret baby on the way.
It takes a long time for their misunderstandings to be resolved.
Hannah is a hard worker and a devoted young woman. She has cared for her father and sister and step - mother. Now she is caring for Henry Lee. She is prettier than she believes herself to be. She has a kind heart and the knowledge of what it takes to manage a household.
Henry Lee is intelligent. He knows how to deal with people and is proud of his skill at whiskey making. He is a good person even though he does not realize that. His terrible childhood has given him a strong inner strength. His humor and charm have gotten him far in life.
The early days of this marriage give both of them a new understanding about the other.
This story has humor and tenderness and affection and a strong sense of inevitability.
I am a fan of Ms Morsi. This is not a favorite story of mine. At times, I felt that there were too many words of description.
I liked both Hannah and Henry Lee. The secondary characters were well defined. Hannah’s family and Henry Lee’s friends add a great deal to the story.
The plot was an interesting one and is well developed.
I am a fan of Ms Morsi and I look forward to reading many more of her well written books.
Things do not always go as we plan.
In the dark, Hannah finds the wrong man. And then her preacher father finds the two of them. The situation goes down hill from there.
There is a wedding and Hannah finds herself married to a man she considers to be frivolous. She does not realize he is a moonshiner. He believes that she has trapped him because there is a secret baby on the way.
It takes a long time for their misunderstandings to be resolved.
Hannah is a hard worker and a devoted young woman. She has cared for her father and sister and step - mother. Now she is caring for Henry Lee. She is prettier than she believes herself to be. She has a kind heart and the knowledge of what it takes to manage a household.
Henry Lee is intelligent. He knows how to deal with people and is proud of his skill at whiskey making. He is a good person even though he does not realize that. His terrible childhood has given him a strong inner strength. His humor and charm have gotten him far in life.
The early days of this marriage give both of them a new understanding about the other.
This story has humor and tenderness and affection and a strong sense of inevitability.
I am a fan of Ms Morsi. This is not a favorite story of mine. At times, I felt that there were too many words of description.
I liked both Hannah and Henry Lee. The secondary characters were well defined. Hannah’s family and Henry Lee’s friends add a great deal to the story.
The plot was an interesting one and is well developed.
I am a fan of Ms Morsi and I look forward to reading many more of her well written books.
October 3, 2024
This is Pamela Morsi's first published work. This story teems with hallmarks of Pamela Morsi's books: small towns, strong heroines, and memorable characters.
Rereading one of Pamela Morsi's gentle stories from her SMALL TOWN SWAINS series was delightful. At twenty-six, Hannah has decided it is time to get married. However, she has few men to choose from as a preacher's daughter. She likes one man and wants to get him to the point of proposal. She concocts a plan using the Bible. Unfortunately, she snares the wrong man.
Henry Lee Watson is happily unmarried and has a thriving corn liquor business. He is horrified that he must marry the preacher's elder daughter, especially when he has no intention of settling down. This is an engaging page-turner, watching what Henry Lee and Hannah do next in their quest for a happy marriage despite their conflicting desires.
Pamela Morsi is one of my favorite authors. She writes with such understanding and insight.
Rereading one of Pamela Morsi's gentle stories from her SMALL TOWN SWAINS series was delightful. At twenty-six, Hannah has decided it is time to get married. However, she has few men to choose from as a preacher's daughter. She likes one man and wants to get him to the point of proposal. She concocts a plan using the Bible. Unfortunately, she snares the wrong man.
Henry Lee Watson is happily unmarried and has a thriving corn liquor business. He is horrified that he must marry the preacher's elder daughter, especially when he has no intention of settling down. This is an engaging page-turner, watching what Henry Lee and Hannah do next in their quest for a happy marriage despite their conflicting desires.
Pamela Morsi is one of my favorite authors. She writes with such understanding and insight.
October 29, 2021
from Bootlegger to furniture maker
A wonderful story about a preachers spinster daughter who planned to trap a man into marriage and as it turned out another man took his place and she was caught with a bootlegger and forced into marriage with him. That began their adventures. Such likable characters and a plot that will keep you turning the pages. A little Spicy so my advice is only read it if you ate over 18 .
A wonderful story about a preachers spinster daughter who planned to trap a man into marriage and as it turned out another man took his place and she was caught with a bootlegger and forced into marriage with him. That began their adventures. Such likable characters and a plot that will keep you turning the pages. A little Spicy so my advice is only read it if you ate over 18 .
March 28, 2025
Maybe 2.5 stars.
Great set up but didn’t like the romance. Morsi’s first book. At least this one didn’t have any silly side character plots.
Great set up but didn’t like the romance. Morsi’s first book. At least this one didn’t have any silly side character plots.
June 24, 2025
I got this book for a dollar from a bookstore bathtub just because it looked oh so trashy. It was.
November 14, 2014
Heartwarming and charming romance with many humorous moments. After death of her mother, young Hannah Bunch became a pillar of strength to her family: running household for her preacher father and raising her younger siblings. This was then and now her father remarried and most of her siblings married and left home. Hannah, at the age of 26, finds herself in a way and decided that what she needs is a husband, a nice man who she can grow to love, have children with and who can appreciate her competence in running a household. She even has this man in mind, Will, the owner of dry goods store. He appears to like her as well but his shyness gets in a way. Hannah decided to take charge and designed a plan that would prompt Will to declare himself and they would leave happily ever after. But the full proof plan backfires and she finds herself married to Henry Lee Watson, who is known by almost everybody but her as the Whisky Man- local moonshiner. There are few misunderstandings that only got resolved towards the end of the story. I normally don’t care for such a ploy but in this book it worked as well as it could thanks to both strength and goodness of the characters and the gentle appeal of the story.
November 7, 2021
Wow. Full 5 stars for this gem!
Tbh I did not expect how wonderful this book would be. The synopsis reads like a typical sort of troupe of mistaken identity, some big misunderstanding and then the final reunion of lovers.
But this book was so much more!
We get the big misunderstanding out of the way at like the 50-60% point, and thats when this novel gets REAL.
No spoilers but it was refreshing to read about real arguments and problems for once in a romance novel. Many may not agree with the eventual outcome perhaps, me being one of the biggest sceptics, except that as you get to know the hero and the heroine you understand its not all black and white. People are not just good and bad. And even good people find themselves in professions or situations that are not so great.
I also really liked the character of the heroine's father - so wise and yet empathic enough to know how to bring the couple together.
I never do this but here is one of my favorite passages from the book:
"A woman can't change a man. She can't make him what he's not. But if she can see the good in him, she can nuture that. It's like working in the garden. The weeds grow right along next to the carrots. People do their best to encoirage the carrot; if not, the weeds will just take over."
Tbh I did not expect how wonderful this book would be. The synopsis reads like a typical sort of troupe of mistaken identity, some big misunderstanding and then the final reunion of lovers.
But this book was so much more!
We get the big misunderstanding out of the way at like the 50-60% point, and thats when this novel gets REAL.
No spoilers but it was refreshing to read about real arguments and problems for once in a romance novel. Many may not agree with the eventual outcome perhaps, me being one of the biggest sceptics, except that as you get to know the hero and the heroine you understand its not all black and white. People are not just good and bad. And even good people find themselves in professions or situations that are not so great.
I also really liked the character of the heroine's father - so wise and yet empathic enough to know how to bring the couple together.
I never do this but here is one of my favorite passages from the book:
"A woman can't change a man. She can't make him what he's not. But if she can see the good in him, she can nuture that. It's like working in the garden. The weeds grow right along next to the carrots. People do their best to encoirage the carrot; if not, the weeds will just take over."
October 14, 2019
Started off interesting and different, but...
Hopeful as the story began that this was something different. A preacher’s daughter not wanting to be an old maid plots to trap a man she is interested in to marry her. The plot succeeded, but with the wrong man. Forced to marry, they begin the marriage with doubts on both sides. It quickly devolves into one of the most overused, trite plot lines, where everything else is based on a misunderstanding.
There were interesting descriptions of the towns and events of the time. I didn’t care for the detailed descriptions of the still and whiskey making, but they were just uninteresting, not bad. The sex scenes some others object to were between a husband and wife, so what’s the big deal?
What else made it painful to read was the horrible editing. Wrong words and/or grammatical errors on almost every page. The ending seemed unrealistic and sappy sweet. Can’t say more without a spoiler.
Hopeful as the story began that this was something different. A preacher’s daughter not wanting to be an old maid plots to trap a man she is interested in to marry her. The plot succeeded, but with the wrong man. Forced to marry, they begin the marriage with doubts on both sides. It quickly devolves into one of the most overused, trite plot lines, where everything else is based on a misunderstanding.
There were interesting descriptions of the towns and events of the time. I didn’t care for the detailed descriptions of the still and whiskey making, but they were just uninteresting, not bad. The sex scenes some others object to were between a husband and wife, so what’s the big deal?
What else made it painful to read was the horrible editing. Wrong words and/or grammatical errors on almost every page. The ending seemed unrealistic and sappy sweet. Can’t say more without a spoiler.
August 28, 2010
This book reminded me of a country song drawn out over 300 pages. Their simple life lacked interesting problems and there wasn't enough challenges to give justice to all the misunderstandings of a spinster preacher's daughter and the local moonshiner.
June 29, 2020
Are you kidding me
I chose this book because I read the reviews and it was described as pornographic by some readers. You guys must be starched up as hell! They literally had sex ONCE! and it was vague as hell! Anyway I thought it was a good story even hilarious at times
I chose this book because I read the reviews and it was described as pornographic by some readers. You guys must be starched up as hell! They literally had sex ONCE! and it was vague as hell! Anyway I thought it was a good story even hilarious at times
June 12, 2013
Extremely boring and frustrating. Characters are not likable.
July 13, 2021
This just wasn't for me. I was bored with the heavy plot. He also called her lady bits a pelt which I found really gross.
February 28, 2026
2 stars ⭐⭐
This was… fine? But mostly boring. And unfortunately, the entire plot hinges on one massive misunderstanding that could have been cleared up with a single honest conversation.
The FMC is a spinster by choice. She stayed home to care for her father (a pastor) and her sister, who are genuinely good people, in their small farming community. She believes Will (the OM) has feelings for her but is too shy to act on them. So, being practical and logical, she comes up with a plan to be “caught” with him in a compromising situation to force a proposal.
Except… it’s not Will who finds her.
It’s the MMC.
The MMC is a moonshiner who sells whiskey illegally and isn’t respected in the community because of it. When they’re discovered together, marriage becomes the only option. Neither of them is thrilled at first, but both are willing to make it work. He’s hardworking and attractive; she’s capable, sensible, and very much a homemaker. There’s potential there.
And then… the misunderstanding happens.
The MMC overhears a conversation between the FMC and her sister about her having future children with the MMC. However, he misinterprets it completely and becomes convinced that she was already pregnant by another man and tricked him into marriage to cover it up.
Instead of asking a direct question, he withdraws. He feels betrayed and struggles with the idea of raising another man’s child. He grows cold and distant.
Meanwhile, the FMC is completely confused by his sudden change in behavior.
At one point, they do attempt to address it, but only in vague, indirect statements. The MMC says something like, “I know why you married me,” thinking about the supposed pregnancy. The FMC assumes he means her original plan to trap Will and replies along the lines of, “I’m sorry, but I had to.” They’re essentially having two entirely different conversations. For him, it confirms she was pregnant. For her, it confirms he’s angry about being her unintended choice.
And this goes on. And on. And on.
The misunderstanding drags until around 70-80% of the book.
On top of that, the FMC doesn’t know about the MMC’s illegal whiskey business, and he’s also being pursued by the authorities. When the pregnancy misunderstanding is finally cleared up, she then discovers his moonshining and leaves him over that.
They don’t truly reconcile until about 95–98% of the book. By then, I honestly didn’t care anymore. The emotional tension had been stretched too thin, and instead of angst, it just felt repetitive.
There was potential here, forced marriage, small-town judgment, moral conflict, but relying so heavily on miscommunication made the story frustrating rather than compelling.
This was… fine? But mostly boring. And unfortunately, the entire plot hinges on one massive misunderstanding that could have been cleared up with a single honest conversation.
The FMC is a spinster by choice. She stayed home to care for her father (a pastor) and her sister, who are genuinely good people, in their small farming community. She believes Will (the OM) has feelings for her but is too shy to act on them. So, being practical and logical, she comes up with a plan to be “caught” with him in a compromising situation to force a proposal.
Except… it’s not Will who finds her.
It’s the MMC.
The MMC is a moonshiner who sells whiskey illegally and isn’t respected in the community because of it. When they’re discovered together, marriage becomes the only option. Neither of them is thrilled at first, but both are willing to make it work. He’s hardworking and attractive; she’s capable, sensible, and very much a homemaker. There’s potential there.
And then… the misunderstanding happens.
The MMC overhears a conversation between the FMC and her sister about her having future children with the MMC. However, he misinterprets it completely and becomes convinced that she was already pregnant by another man and tricked him into marriage to cover it up.
Instead of asking a direct question, he withdraws. He feels betrayed and struggles with the idea of raising another man’s child. He grows cold and distant.
Meanwhile, the FMC is completely confused by his sudden change in behavior.
At one point, they do attempt to address it, but only in vague, indirect statements. The MMC says something like, “I know why you married me,” thinking about the supposed pregnancy. The FMC assumes he means her original plan to trap Will and replies along the lines of, “I’m sorry, but I had to.” They’re essentially having two entirely different conversations. For him, it confirms she was pregnant. For her, it confirms he’s angry about being her unintended choice.
And this goes on. And on. And on.
The misunderstanding drags until around 70-80% of the book.
On top of that, the FMC doesn’t know about the MMC’s illegal whiskey business, and he’s also being pursued by the authorities. When the pregnancy misunderstanding is finally cleared up, she then discovers his moonshining and leaves him over that.
They don’t truly reconcile until about 95–98% of the book. By then, I honestly didn’t care anymore. The emotional tension had been stretched too thin, and instead of angst, it just felt repetitive.
There was potential here, forced marriage, small-town judgment, moral conflict, but relying so heavily on miscommunication made the story frustrating rather than compelling.
October 11, 2021
*There are spoilers in here*
I hate rating this because the plot line about the moonshiner and taking his moonshine into Muskogee was fun but I just got through the rest. The first half of the book is angsty and pedantic, with 3 different miscommunications being the main storyline, and that as a romantic plot point is not only overdone but so frustrating.
The characters don’t really have any chemistry, the guy is described as “handsome and charming” often. And the “poor spinster” (at 26) is a quiet, bigger woman with broad shoulders and strong hands. Oh but she could /almost/ be pretty if she left her hair down. 😑 I don’t have a problem with her being naive but it almost gets to be a running joke. And he couldn’t have sex with her because he thought there was “evidence of another mans seed in her”, like she was dirty and used when it’s made clear that he visits brothels/widows to get his rocks off whenever he gets the chance. Wow.
All of that I could deal with, it was an ok book and really what I was expecting when I picked it up…until the sex scene at the end.
“Her maiden head was strong”
she’s tight bc you didn’t take the time to properly stretch her. Jackass.
- ‘“It doesn’t fit!” She cried pitifully. Henry Lee couldn’t keep the smile from his face and the humor helped rein in his desire. “Don’t worry Hanna, we’re going to make it fit.”’ — this is supposed to be some romantic culmination and apparently he loves her. It actually doesn’t fit, because he only put one finger in her for a second, even then thinking she was tight, and then tried to push himself in, he is laughing and she’s literally ripping underneath him. This book was written in 2019! We have the info right at our fingertips and people are still writing books making women think they need to suffer through their first time, or anytime. Do your research if you’re going to write about virgins.
I hate rating this because the plot line about the moonshiner and taking his moonshine into Muskogee was fun but I just got through the rest. The first half of the book is angsty and pedantic, with 3 different miscommunications being the main storyline, and that as a romantic plot point is not only overdone but so frustrating.
The characters don’t really have any chemistry, the guy is described as “handsome and charming” often. And the “poor spinster” (at 26) is a quiet, bigger woman with broad shoulders and strong hands. Oh but she could /almost/ be pretty if she left her hair down. 😑 I don’t have a problem with her being naive but it almost gets to be a running joke. And he couldn’t have sex with her because he thought there was “evidence of another mans seed in her”, like she was dirty and used when it’s made clear that he visits brothels/widows to get his rocks off whenever he gets the chance. Wow.
All of that I could deal with, it was an ok book and really what I was expecting when I picked it up…until the sex scene at the end.
“Her maiden head was strong”
she’s tight bc you didn’t take the time to properly stretch her. Jackass.
- ‘“It doesn’t fit!” She cried pitifully. Henry Lee couldn’t keep the smile from his face and the humor helped rein in his desire. “Don’t worry Hanna, we’re going to make it fit.”’ — this is supposed to be some romantic culmination and apparently he loves her. It actually doesn’t fit, because he only put one finger in her for a second, even then thinking she was tight, and then tried to push himself in, he is laughing and she’s literally ripping underneath him. This book was written in 2019! We have the info right at our fingertips and people are still writing books making women think they need to suffer through their first time, or anytime. Do your research if you’re going to write about virgins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2025
The misunderstanding trope on this one dragged on until forever. However, I couldn't quite put the book down. The hero was a charmer, and our heroine was a catch!
The late Pamela Morsi was a true storyteller. Storytelling is an art, and few authors mastered it as she did. The only other name that comes to mind when I think of great storytellers is Amy Harmon. There are authors, and then there are storyteller, and Pamela belonged to the latter. When she starts telling a story, you put down whatever is in your hands and listen.
Her characters? Quirky, lovable, and full of charm. The humor? Sharp and delightful. And the world-building, or should I say village-building? It makes you want to travel back in time and live there.
Emails can wait. Sleep can wait. Friends can wait. That’s how my mind works when I’m reading Pamela Morsi. She passed away last year, and with her, countless stories we’ll never get to read.
If you love historical romance with great storytelling, hilarious scenes, and main characters who work regular blue-collar jobs, farm, or homestead, Pamela Morsi’s books are perfect for you. Yes, some viewpoints from her male or female leads might feel questionable or regressive today. But remember the times they lived in. For their era, these characters were ahead of their time, even if they’re behind ours. Progressive, nonetheless.
My favorite romance by Pamela remains her masterpiece, 'Garters.' But I’m on a mission to read every story she wrote.
The late Pamela Morsi was a true storyteller. Storytelling is an art, and few authors mastered it as she did. The only other name that comes to mind when I think of great storytellers is Amy Harmon. There are authors, and then there are storyteller, and Pamela belonged to the latter. When she starts telling a story, you put down whatever is in your hands and listen.
Her characters? Quirky, lovable, and full of charm. The humor? Sharp and delightful. And the world-building, or should I say village-building? It makes you want to travel back in time and live there.
Emails can wait. Sleep can wait. Friends can wait. That’s how my mind works when I’m reading Pamela Morsi. She passed away last year, and with her, countless stories we’ll never get to read.
If you love historical romance with great storytelling, hilarious scenes, and main characters who work regular blue-collar jobs, farm, or homestead, Pamela Morsi’s books are perfect for you. Yes, some viewpoints from her male or female leads might feel questionable or regressive today. But remember the times they lived in. For their era, these characters were ahead of their time, even if they’re behind ours. Progressive, nonetheless.
My favorite romance by Pamela remains her masterpiece, 'Garters.' But I’m on a mission to read every story she wrote.
November 17, 2020
First read: August 2013 rated 4 stars.
Second read: November 2020 rated 3 stars.
I like most of what Morsi writes however I find my reading taste has gradually changed over the years.
This was a cute story of a 'spinster' girl who wasn't able to be courted because she was too busy raising her siblings after the death of her Mother. There has been a frequent visitor of her family who she deems eligible but who is also to shy to make a move. As the local preachers Daughter she is familiar with the story of Ruth and she decides to entrap this man since she believes he's already interested. During the church build in which most of the local gentlemen are present she lays down next to him through the night knowing they will be found in the morning followed by a shot gun wedding. BUT it's dark and she ends up laying down next to the wrong man.
Of course they still have to get married.
Second read: November 2020 rated 3 stars.
I like most of what Morsi writes however I find my reading taste has gradually changed over the years.
This was a cute story of a 'spinster' girl who wasn't able to be courted because she was too busy raising her siblings after the death of her Mother. There has been a frequent visitor of her family who she deems eligible but who is also to shy to make a move. As the local preachers Daughter she is familiar with the story of Ruth and she decides to entrap this man since she believes he's already interested. During the church build in which most of the local gentlemen are present she lays down next to him through the night knowing they will be found in the morning followed by a shot gun wedding. BUT it's dark and she ends up laying down next to the wrong man.
Of course they still have to get married.
January 14, 2022
En 2021 se cumplieron treinta años de este clásico, la primera de Morsi, y por eso le dediqué una crítica en mi blog. Te lleva al Oeste un oeste de personas currantes, de esos que te caen muy bien. Hannah Bunch quiere casarse, y por ello decide forzar un matrimonio. ¿El problema? Que acaba casada con un tipo diferente a quien ella pretendía: Henry Lee Watson, un tipo simpático que mezcla la carpintería con actividades ilegales. Ahora, ninguno se amarga la vida por ello, e intentan sacar lo mejor de la experiencia. Lo mejor de la novela son sus protagonistas, y lo peor es que alarga demasiado el tonto malentendido.
January 31, 2025
I have loved all of the Pamela Morsi books I have read, however, this is my least favorite so far. I read somewhere that this was her first book, so that may be why. The plot seemed contrived and there were SO MANY misunderstandings between the two main characters in the first half of the book that I probably would have DNF'd it if it hadn't been written by this author. I did stick with it, and I was glad, because I did really enjoy the ending. It also was a really fast read for me. Even though the misunderstandings drove me crazy, I found myself going back and picking it up to find out how all this was going to be resolved. My recommendation is that if you are already a fan of Pamela Moris, absolutely read it, it's just not a keeper for me.
February 28, 2026
This book was fine, but nothing exciting. Hannah accidentally traps Henry in a marriage and while at the beginning he starts to think that it might not be the worst thing to happen to him, he misunderstands a conversation between Hannah and her sister , so he gets angry. That conflict wasn’t too annoying, but I didn’t like the conflict with Henry hiding that he makes whiskey and Hannah being appalled .
I wanted to see more of the people living in this town as well as Hannah’s family.
Setting: Oklahoma
MC names: Hannah Bunch, Henry Watson
POV: both, 3rd person
I wanted to see more of the people living in this town as well as Hannah’s family.
Setting: Oklahoma
MC names: Hannah Bunch, Henry Watson
POV: both, 3rd person
December 22, 2021
A Shocking Plan (or at the end of one's rope)
A love to laugh and there may be nothing that will make laugh harder than a preacher's daughter doing something stupid. I can attest to having embarrassed myself and my father more than once! God also laughed at this plot, since He knows the plans he has for us and He wants only the best for us. Pretty nice deal!
Anyway, don't miss this delightful book. I'm off now to check out the author's other titles. (Glad she ignored her mother's advice!)
A love to laugh and there may be nothing that will make laugh harder than a preacher's daughter doing something stupid. I can attest to having embarrassed myself and my father more than once! God also laughed at this plot, since He knows the plans he has for us and He wants only the best for us. Pretty nice deal!
Anyway, don't miss this delightful book. I'm off now to check out the author's other titles. (Glad she ignored her mother's advice!)
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