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Gold Sky #1
Heart and Hand
Can a Mail Order bride find love with two husbands?
It doesn’t take long for Julie Baptiste to realize she yearns for more than the non-stop engagements and niceties dictated by New York high society. So, she decides to do something bold and answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride in Gold Sky, Montana.
Ex-Union soldiers Forrest Wickes and William Barnes have been inseparable since the War. They share everything, including the desire to find a wife. A woman who is willing to marry them both and provide the isolated town with a much needed teacher.
When Julie arrives in Montana the three of them must figure out how to navigate the boundaries of their new lives. Can Forrest and Will come together to provide what Julie needs and protect the heart of the woman who’s made her way intimately into theirs?
And how will a debutante-turned-teacher manage frontier life with two husbands?
Heart and Hand is a romantic and passionate interracial MFM romance and Book 1 in the Gold Sky Series.
CW : Talk of infertility
It doesn’t take long for Julie Baptiste to realize she yearns for more than the non-stop engagements and niceties dictated by New York high society. So, she decides to do something bold and answers an advertisement for a mail-order bride in Gold Sky, Montana.
Ex-Union soldiers Forrest Wickes and William Barnes have been inseparable since the War. They share everything, including the desire to find a wife. A woman who is willing to marry them both and provide the isolated town with a much needed teacher.
When Julie arrives in Montana the three of them must figure out how to navigate the boundaries of their new lives. Can Forrest and Will come together to provide what Julie needs and protect the heart of the woman who’s made her way intimately into theirs?
And how will a debutante-turned-teacher manage frontier life with two husbands?
Heart and Hand is a romantic and passionate interracial MFM romance and Book 1 in the Gold Sky Series.
CW : Talk of infertility
268 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2019
276 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Rebel Carter
46 books352 followersRebel Carter loves love. So much in fact that she decided to write the love stories she desperately wanted to read. A book by Rebel means diverse characters, sexy banter, a real big helping of steamy scenes, and, of course, a whole lotta heart.
Rebel lives in Colorado, makes a mean espresso, and is hell-bent on filling your bookcase with as many romance stories as humanly possible!
Rebel lives in Colorado, makes a mean espresso, and is hell-bent on filling your bookcase with as many romance stories as humanly possible!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
March 13, 2019
[Before I begin - this story involves a lot of talk and emotions about babies and pregnancy and eagerness to get the heroine pregnant, and the importance of it, and so on. If that is at all difficult for you to read, you should tread carefully or avoid completely.]
This book has one of the best covers of all time (don’t argue with me) so I was already excited to read it. Then I figured out it was a mail-order bride story, so my excitement doubled. THEN I realised it was MFM and my excitement TRIPLED. And you know what? Every giddy hope I had for this book, it thoroughly delivered.
Julie Ann is a mixed-race (black and white) New York socialite type person who wants more from life, so she answers an ad by a man looking for a wife and a school teacher. He’s from wherever it is in America that had mail-order brides because no-one wanted to go there. (No I don’t know geography or whatever, leave me alone.) The thing is, he’s not the only one who wants to marry Julie. He also wants her to marry his best friend. I mean SUPER best friend. They were in The War (no I don’t know which war, leave me alone) together and it Changed Them and now they do everything together.
So Julie goes and they just… get married. All three of them. In the church. And everyone in town shows up and celebrates. LMAO. It was delightful.
I have multiple things to say about it:
1. I always say that I prefer MMF, where everyone in the threesome is making out and whatever. That doesn’t happen in this book, but it doesn’t actually matter, because though the heroes aren’t together sexually (note: they do have sex with Julie at the same time, they just don’t get with each other) they do love each other. It feels like they are in the relationship together, all three of them, which is what I prefer, rather than two guys being in two separate relationships with one woman. That’s fine too, it’s just not what I prefer to read. Is this making sense? TL;DR: the heroes love each other and look after each other and need each other and I adore it.
2. The fact that they are openly and legally a throuple was so much fun. People even double-barrel Julie’s last name, so she has both her husbands’ names. And though she acknowledges the arrangement is unusual, the book doesn’t bother to angst over it much. This meant we could focus on the actual romance rather than societal views OF the romance, if you see what I mean, which, again, I prefer.
3. No, I don’t know if that was legal, socially acceptable in certain areas, likely to happen, or even possible. And I honestly do not care either way. Maybe it’s factually impossible. Maybe it should’ve been impossible, but there are historical cases of it somehow happening. Maybe this is a BOOK, and books are for FUN, and they follow INTERESTING, UNLIKELY, AND EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENINGS, and the real point is the story and how it makes you FEEL. Perhaps.
So! Moving on!
This book was more romantic than sexy, though there were definitely sexy times! But they weren’t super explicit. I still very much enjoyed the whole story, but I wanted to make a note since I know most of my followers are big horny demons like me. You have been warned.
Honestly, I just found this story so thoroughly satisfying. It made me happy, it made me melty, it made me anxious to see what would kick off next. I’m so glad to have discovered this author and I cannot wait for more. Especially because that epilogue was very… *eye emoji*. Soooo. You want this book, is what I’m saying.
This book has one of the best covers of all time (don’t argue with me) so I was already excited to read it. Then I figured out it was a mail-order bride story, so my excitement doubled. THEN I realised it was MFM and my excitement TRIPLED. And you know what? Every giddy hope I had for this book, it thoroughly delivered.
Julie Ann is a mixed-race (black and white) New York socialite type person who wants more from life, so she answers an ad by a man looking for a wife and a school teacher. He’s from wherever it is in America that had mail-order brides because no-one wanted to go there. (No I don’t know geography or whatever, leave me alone.) The thing is, he’s not the only one who wants to marry Julie. He also wants her to marry his best friend. I mean SUPER best friend. They were in The War (no I don’t know which war, leave me alone) together and it Changed Them and now they do everything together.
So Julie goes and they just… get married. All three of them. In the church. And everyone in town shows up and celebrates. LMAO. It was delightful.
I have multiple things to say about it:
1. I always say that I prefer MMF, where everyone in the threesome is making out and whatever. That doesn’t happen in this book, but it doesn’t actually matter, because though the heroes aren’t together sexually (note: they do have sex with Julie at the same time, they just don’t get with each other) they do love each other. It feels like they are in the relationship together, all three of them, which is what I prefer, rather than two guys being in two separate relationships with one woman. That’s fine too, it’s just not what I prefer to read. Is this making sense? TL;DR: the heroes love each other and look after each other and need each other and I adore it.
2. The fact that they are openly and legally a throuple was so much fun. People even double-barrel Julie’s last name, so she has both her husbands’ names. And though she acknowledges the arrangement is unusual, the book doesn’t bother to angst over it much. This meant we could focus on the actual romance rather than societal views OF the romance, if you see what I mean, which, again, I prefer.
3. No, I don’t know if that was legal, socially acceptable in certain areas, likely to happen, or even possible. And I honestly do not care either way. Maybe it’s factually impossible. Maybe it should’ve been impossible, but there are historical cases of it somehow happening. Maybe this is a BOOK, and books are for FUN, and they follow INTERESTING, UNLIKELY, AND EXTRAORDINARY HAPPENINGS, and the real point is the story and how it makes you FEEL. Perhaps.
So! Moving on!
This book was more romantic than sexy, though there were definitely sexy times! But they weren’t super explicit. I still very much enjoyed the whole story, but I wanted to make a note since I know most of my followers are big horny demons like me. You have been warned.
Honestly, I just found this story so thoroughly satisfying. It made me happy, it made me melty, it made me anxious to see what would kick off next. I’m so glad to have discovered this author and I cannot wait for more. Especially because that epilogue was very… *eye emoji*. Soooo. You want this book, is what I’m saying.
September 6, 2022
Despite this book having a beautiful cover, the inside of it was a mess. A young woman answers an ad to be a mail order bride and moves from New York City to Montana to marry two men. Once married the three of them need to navigate this new relationship together.
First off, I was in for this somewhat bonkers plot, but it really wasn't developed well at all. Everything felt rushed or not fleshed out and thrown in for drama. I hated Will and honestly thought he hated Julie himself (as he bought her an ugly ring and constantly spent time with another woman). Forrest was fine, just boring. And honestly I thought with this setting there'd be more history in it and some more spice considering it's a three way marriage.
I will say it held my attention enough to finish it but I didn't enjoy this book nor would I continue reading the series. But remember I am picky and you may love it so go ahead and try yourself.
First off, I was in for this somewhat bonkers plot, but it really wasn't developed well at all. Everything felt rushed or not fleshed out and thrown in for drama. I hated Will and honestly thought he hated Julie himself (as he bought her an ugly ring and constantly spent time with another woman). Forrest was fine, just boring. And honestly I thought with this setting there'd be more history in it and some more spice considering it's a three way marriage.
I will say it held my attention enough to finish it but I didn't enjoy this book nor would I continue reading the series. But remember I am picky and you may love it so go ahead and try yourself.
March 21, 2020
Well, I feel like the Grinch handing out coal today. I am a sucker for a pretty book cover and this one certainly did it for me so I bought a physical copy that I am now regretting. This story was a big disappointment. I felt as though I was reading a second draft of a story and not a polished and finished one. There were obvious editing hiccups, both the plot and characters were shallow, and for a romance that features a MFM menage the sex scenes were uninteresting. They felt cookie cutter and very brief. This most definitely is not an erotic romance. The romance itself was somewhat boring. Everything about the story felt superficial with plot holes and a rush to solve the small miscommunications and misunderstandings. This had the bones of a good story that just never got fleshed out. I was able to finish it in an afternoon but I am not sure if I will pick up another book by this author.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
January 16, 2020
Reviewer Choice Awards 2019
Best Historical
This is the polyamorous, diverse historical frontier romance, with a black debutante mail-order bride, that I didn't know I needed. Julie leaves the bright lights of New York City to answer a very unique advertisement for a bride in the newspaper. Needed? A bride who is prepared to become the teacher in their frontier town, and also to marry not one, but two husbands!
Julie's two husbands—Forrest and William—are best friends and as different as different can be. But they're both very sweet, and they're both clearly head over heels for the woman that they've been exchanging letters with for the past year. Of course, a relationship with one person is difficult enough, let alone two, and it's wonderful to see all three of them navigate the nuances of their life together.
One of the things I most loved about this book, was the setting. The town that Julie moves to is full of people who are open-hearted; the wedding between all three of them is one that the entire town are invited to and the cheer and celebrations are both real and amusing. I think it's incredibly telling, particularly when considering some of the debate surrounding "realism" and historical romance, that this is one of the most realistic historical romances that I've read in a long time. It doesn't ignore race or prejudice, but it models an HEA that made me cry.
We need more romances like this, and I cannot wait for Julie's brother's book—which I hope will be very soon!
Originally reviewed December 2019
Best Historical
This is the polyamorous, diverse historical frontier romance, with a black debutante mail-order bride, that I didn't know I needed. Julie leaves the bright lights of New York City to answer a very unique advertisement for a bride in the newspaper. Needed? A bride who is prepared to become the teacher in their frontier town, and also to marry not one, but two husbands!
Julie's two husbands—Forrest and William—are best friends and as different as different can be. But they're both very sweet, and they're both clearly head over heels for the woman that they've been exchanging letters with for the past year. Of course, a relationship with one person is difficult enough, let alone two, and it's wonderful to see all three of them navigate the nuances of their life together.
One of the things I most loved about this book, was the setting. The town that Julie moves to is full of people who are open-hearted; the wedding between all three of them is one that the entire town are invited to and the cheer and celebrations are both real and amusing. I think it's incredibly telling, particularly when considering some of the debate surrounding "realism" and historical romance, that this is one of the most realistic historical romances that I've read in a long time. It doesn't ignore race or prejudice, but it models an HEA that made me cry.
We need more romances like this, and I cannot wait for Julie's brother's book—which I hope will be very soon!
Originally reviewed December 2019
May 7, 2022
I absolutely loved the concept of this book.
It’s a historical romance set in the US (Montana)…
a mail order bride…
a Black heroine…
a throuple...
and available on Kindle Unlimited!
The writing was good. The premise, excellent. But this book quickly fizzled for me because the entire plot was “other woman” drama.
It’s funny… I haven’t read a book with “other woman” drama in so long I was completely caught off guard. I forgot that was even a thing. It wasn’t like jealousy over a past lover, it was like… the entire plot of the book was this other woman trying to insert herself in the heroine’s relationship with one of the guys, sowing seeds of doubt, and the hero was somehow oblivious. And even though the other hero knew, he did nothing to assuage the heroine’s feelings or talk to the other guy about it??
Also, the author said (on here, in an answer to someone’s question) that the heroes are bisexual and in love with each other. I really didn’t get that vibe. It was very MFM, no sword crossing, I can’t even remember if they kissed on page and I read this yesterday.
It’s a historical romance set in the US (Montana)…
a mail order bride…
a Black heroine…
a throuple...
and available on Kindle Unlimited!
The writing was good. The premise, excellent. But this book quickly fizzled for me because the entire plot was “other woman” drama.
It’s funny… I haven’t read a book with “other woman” drama in so long I was completely caught off guard. I forgot that was even a thing. It wasn’t like jealousy over a past lover, it was like… the entire plot of the book was this other woman trying to insert herself in the heroine’s relationship with one of the guys, sowing seeds of doubt, and the hero was somehow oblivious. And even though the other hero knew, he did nothing to assuage the heroine’s feelings or talk to the other guy about it??
Also, the author said (on here, in an answer to someone’s question) that the heroes are bisexual and in love with each other. I really didn’t get that vibe. It was very MFM, no sword crossing, I can’t even remember if they kissed on page and I read this yesterday.
December 1, 2019
This book was a first for me a few ways. It's a mail order bride theme, not sure if I've ever read that. I've never really searched them out because westerns weren't really my favorite. However this did make me want to try more. I was enjoying the scenery and the premise behind it of a marriage of convenience.
This book is also a MFM romance. The mail order bride has two husbands. I have never read one of these. I don't think they are really my thing, but I was curious and wanted to try one. I also felt like no one seems to post about them and wanted to get out there and try it to see if anyone else read them.
The heroine, Jules, is biracial. She is an heiress living in the upper social realm of New York but wants so much more from her life. She wants to use her education to help others and that's what drives her to answer an ad placed for a mail order bride. This bride will also be taking over the job of teaching the children in the town. Jules believes this will be the perfect spot for her, and after many months of communication with Forrest from the Montana territory, she moves out there to get married.
You find out a few chapters in she will also be marrying Will. Will and Forrest have decided to find a wife they both love and after interviewing many applicants decide on Jules. The marriage is performed in a church and accepted by the town and I'm not sure if that was done, legal, ever happened but it was rather amazing. I totally went into this book expecting just fantasy and went with it.
I rather enjoyed this book. I didn't think I would honestly. You feel like both men love each other, they have a history after being in the war together. Yet it's not shown as a sexual love. But they love Jules. They have totally different personalities but I liked both heroes. You don't get to spend any time from their perspective though. It's all from Jules, or at least the majority is. I love the feelings from the hero(es) so I was definitely missing this. Especially a few parts where Will especially had some emotional scenarios, I thought those would have been much better done from his perspective.
The sex doesn't get super crazy, if you're worried about that. If you've been curious about MFM romance, its probably not a bad one to try.
I lowered the stars to 3 because I HATED the ending. Not the actual end of the book, I liked the last 5% or so, but the final problems/conflicts just drove me bonkers. I can't stand when there's miscommunication. I can't take it when someone is eavesdropping and hears part of something and misconstrues it into something else AND THEN REFUSES TO TALK ABOUT IT. I can't take it. *Bangs head against wall.* Can't....take....it *bang bang bang* Anyway, if that doesn't bother you, this might be a higher star read for you.
I also wish a bit more detail had been spent on the heroes. Either they had a heart to heart with the heroine about their past, their relationship together, something would have made them more concrete to me.
I also bought the next in the series, which is think is the MF main characters we are used to. The hero is Julien Baptiste, Jules twin brother. I did find the writing funny in parts, it flowed nice, it was pretty steamy. I'm keeping my eye on Rebel Carter's historical romance in the future. I adored the cover as well.
This book is also a MFM romance. The mail order bride has two husbands. I have never read one of these. I don't think they are really my thing, but I was curious and wanted to try one. I also felt like no one seems to post about them and wanted to get out there and try it to see if anyone else read them.
The heroine, Jules, is biracial. She is an heiress living in the upper social realm of New York but wants so much more from her life. She wants to use her education to help others and that's what drives her to answer an ad placed for a mail order bride. This bride will also be taking over the job of teaching the children in the town. Jules believes this will be the perfect spot for her, and after many months of communication with Forrest from the Montana territory, she moves out there to get married.
You find out a few chapters in she will also be marrying Will. Will and Forrest have decided to find a wife they both love and after interviewing many applicants decide on Jules. The marriage is performed in a church and accepted by the town and I'm not sure if that was done, legal, ever happened but it was rather amazing. I totally went into this book expecting just fantasy and went with it.
I rather enjoyed this book. I didn't think I would honestly. You feel like both men love each other, they have a history after being in the war together. Yet it's not shown as a sexual love. But they love Jules. They have totally different personalities but I liked both heroes. You don't get to spend any time from their perspective though. It's all from Jules, or at least the majority is. I love the feelings from the hero(es) so I was definitely missing this. Especially a few parts where Will especially had some emotional scenarios, I thought those would have been much better done from his perspective.
The sex doesn't get super crazy, if you're worried about that. If you've been curious about MFM romance, its probably not a bad one to try.
I lowered the stars to 3 because I HATED the ending. Not the actual end of the book, I liked the last 5% or so, but the final problems/conflicts just drove me bonkers. I can't stand when there's miscommunication. I can't take it when someone is eavesdropping and hears part of something and misconstrues it into something else AND THEN REFUSES TO TALK ABOUT IT. I can't take it. *Bangs head against wall.* Can't....take....it *bang bang bang* Anyway, if that doesn't bother you, this might be a higher star read for you.
I also wish a bit more detail had been spent on the heroes. Either they had a heart to heart with the heroine about their past, their relationship together, something would have made them more concrete to me.
I also bought the next in the series, which is think is the MF main characters we are used to. The hero is Julien Baptiste, Jules twin brother. I did find the writing funny in parts, it flowed nice, it was pretty steamy. I'm keeping my eye on Rebel Carter's historical romance in the future. I adored the cover as well.
April 15, 2022
(3.5)
Rep: Black mc, bi lis, polyamory
it lacked depth in some places, i thought, mainly places where i wanted it to dwell more on the past and the characters' feelings, and there were points where entire conversations were glossed over in a paragraph or two when i wanted to see them. and will and forrest's relationship didn't get expanded on enough (i mean, they apparently loved each other, but they never seemed to show it)
oh and their obsession with getting julie pregnant was very weird
Rep: Black mc, bi lis, polyamory
it lacked depth in some places, i thought, mainly places where i wanted it to dwell more on the past and the characters' feelings, and there were points where entire conversations were glossed over in a paragraph or two when i wanted to see them. and will and forrest's relationship didn't get expanded on enough (i mean, they apparently loved each other, but they never seemed to show it)
oh and their obsession with getting julie pregnant was very weird
August 20, 2019
Heart and Hand by Rebel Carter which should have been the queerest polyam mail order bride story and instead I get a jumbled supremely heteronormative story.
First up. It is labeled mmf. And I want to say the guys dont have to bang for it to be mmf. They can kiss, hold hands, like echo other as queer platonic besties. However the only times they touch are in context to the heroine and not in relation to a sex scene.
We are not given their pov at all to better understand their relationship. Are they romantically attached are they queer platonic. Who knows!! We dont know! They come across as bonded bachelor war buddies who want to only share a wife and babies.
Next is the entire plot around Rosemary who is I suppose the villain who also cant apparently have children of her own. Not a great look. The plot mostly centers around her digging at Julie to make her insecure.
Bright spot. I will say that I liked how the town was chill with the double marriage and I think this shows promise and could have been a much stronger and more actively written queer book than it came across which is ultimately frustrating.
Also for a book set in the Montana frontier their is decidedly zero mentions of Native tribes or any discussion of how the town got its land which makes me decidedly uncomfortable.
First up. It is labeled mmf. And I want to say the guys dont have to bang for it to be mmf. They can kiss, hold hands, like echo other as queer platonic besties. However the only times they touch are in context to the heroine and not in relation to a sex scene.
We are not given their pov at all to better understand their relationship. Are they romantically attached are they queer platonic. Who knows!! We dont know! They come across as bonded bachelor war buddies who want to only share a wife and babies.
Next is the entire plot around Rosemary who is I suppose the villain who also cant apparently have children of her own. Not a great look. The plot mostly centers around her digging at Julie to make her insecure.
Bright spot. I will say that I liked how the town was chill with the double marriage and I think this shows promise and could have been a much stronger and more actively written queer book than it came across which is ultimately frustrating.
Also for a book set in the Montana frontier their is decidedly zero mentions of Native tribes or any discussion of how the town got its land which makes me decidedly uncomfortable.
December 26, 2021
5 Solid 'Gold Sky' Stars
This hit the spot, perfectly.
√ MFM/Polyam Romance (no sword crossing)
√ Western with a Mail Order Bride
√ Protective Alpha Heroes
√ Angsty Romance
It's hard for me to find a polyam with no sword crossing, and one that isn't fantasy or PNR and is a full-length book. The list is quite specific, I know. Therefore, I went to Twitter to as ask for recs from my bookish friends. I found a winner! Heart and Hand really was what I was looking for. Not only was it exactly what I'd ask for, it was also angsty--my jam! But wait, there's more! It also had two overly protective alpha heroes. There aren't enough heart emojis in the world to describe how I feel about a highly protective alpha hero 🥰 Here, I got two! Squee. Swoon. Hook, line, and sinker. Forrest was the sweet one, the easy-going one, the one that never once held back and was easy to love; what you see, is what you get. Then there was William, the grumpy, broody, complicated one. Guess which one was my fave? Will, of course! Man, he really did buttah my biscuit. Though Forrest did, too, when he'd go all caveman on Julie. Honestly, they were both perfect. I should add, however, that the plot wasn't quite perfect. One plot-hole was the vague explanation as to what Forrest and Will were to each other. I understood that they had a deep affection for one another. They had been childhood friends and experiencing the horrors of war together as soldiers, had bonded them. That experience had "changed them." But why did they want to share a wife? What was that really about? Were they gay? Honestly, I'm not sure I truly cared LOL As long our heroine was the center of their universe, I was a happy camper. I'm not a M/M romance reader (prefer not to), but I do love a polyamorous relationship—or reverse harem—with the heroine being the main one holding the heroes' attention. I'm just greedy like that.
If anyone has more recs like this, please send my way!
This hit the spot, perfectly.
√ MFM/Polyam Romance (no sword crossing)
√ Western with a Mail Order Bride
√ Protective Alpha Heroes
√ Angsty Romance
It's hard for me to find a polyam with no sword crossing, and one that isn't fantasy or PNR and is a full-length book. The list is quite specific, I know. Therefore, I went to Twitter to as ask for recs from my bookish friends. I found a winner! Heart and Hand really was what I was looking for. Not only was it exactly what I'd ask for, it was also angsty--my jam! But wait, there's more! It also had two overly protective alpha heroes. There aren't enough heart emojis in the world to describe how I feel about a highly protective alpha hero 🥰 Here, I got two! Squee. Swoon. Hook, line, and sinker. Forrest was the sweet one, the easy-going one, the one that never once held back and was easy to love; what you see, is what you get. Then there was William, the grumpy, broody, complicated one. Guess which one was my fave? Will, of course! Man, he really did buttah my biscuit. Though Forrest did, too, when he'd go all caveman on Julie. Honestly, they were both perfect. I should add, however, that the plot wasn't quite perfect. One plot-hole was the vague explanation as to what Forrest and Will were to each other. I understood that they had a deep affection for one another. They had been childhood friends and experiencing the horrors of war together as soldiers, had bonded them. That experience had "changed them." But why did they want to share a wife? What was that really about? Were they gay? Honestly, I'm not sure I truly cared LOL As long our heroine was the center of their universe, I was a happy camper. I'm not a M/M romance reader (prefer not to), but I do love a polyamorous relationship—or reverse harem—with the heroine being the main one holding the heroes' attention. I'm just greedy like that.
If anyone has more recs like this, please send my way!
June 2, 2019
That was fluffy and made me laugh and I am HERE FOR IT. I loved the total social acceptance of their marriage, that Julie was rich and gorgeous and basically did what she wanted. It reminded me of Katrina Jackson, not just because of the M/M/F relationship but also because of its joyful, give-no-fucks suspension of disbelief.
I'm here for queer joy in books these days, for outsized HEAs, for muscled imagination, for all that WORK of hope; and most of the time I'm seeing WOC authors, especially Black women authors, doing that work and giving that gift. It's balm and fuel and a blessing for all of us readers, and I am so grateful.
I'm here for queer joy in books these days, for outsized HEAs, for muscled imagination, for all that WORK of hope; and most of the time I'm seeing WOC authors, especially Black women authors, doing that work and giving that gift. It's balm and fuel and a blessing for all of us readers, and I am so grateful.
August 17, 2019
MFM. Barely 2 stars.
Woman! Just! Fucking! Talk! Ugh!!!!
Could have really enjoyed this, but the unnecessary miscommunication drama mixed with the fact, that she always seemed to pine over one man and not her other husband lessened my joy in reading the story a lot. Plus I found the heroine to be a rather weak character and I don‘t enjoy these much.
Woman! Just! Fucking! Talk! Ugh!!!!
Could have really enjoyed this, but the unnecessary miscommunication drama mixed with the fact, that she always seemed to pine over one man and not her other husband lessened my joy in reading the story a lot. Plus I found the heroine to be a rather weak character and I don‘t enjoy these much.
March 27, 2022
This absolutely stunning cover caught my eye first, but once I started reading HEART AND HAND, I fell in love! Julie was a delight to read and I adored her spirit, intelligence, and independence. Also she's a reader and I could completely relate to her comments about books. We only have Julie's POV in this story but she can easily carry it, though I would have preferred to also have Forrest and Will's POV as well. Overall, the story was a touch melodramatic but I still enjoyed every second and one of the things that Rebel Carter did so well was to create the town of Gold Sky and really have it come alive.
I also really liked Forrest as one of our heroes; he's sweet but a touch alpha and I loved the way he called Julie "little bird". He's supportive and caring and not afraid to show how much he loves Julie. Forrest and Julie immediately connected with each other and I felt like their relationship was stronger. In contrast, Will was growly, reserved, and a bit of a question mark when it came to his feelings. I was never 100% sold on his character but ultimately I did like him. Though he was completely oblivious when it came to Rosemary and how much his actions were hurting Julie.
In addition to loving Julie, Will and Forrest also have a unique relationship. They're not intimately involved (no swords crossing here) but they do love each other, it's easy to see how much they care and support the other. However, I wanted more about their history. We know that Forrest and Will were in the war together and that the war changed them and cemented their bond, but we don't really know how. I didn't expect the gory details of war, but I would have liked to know more about how Will and Forrest went from just friends to being in love and wanting to share a wife.
Content Warning: Large emphasis on getting Julie pregnant and the importance of having a child
I also really liked Forrest as one of our heroes; he's sweet but a touch alpha and I loved the way he called Julie "little bird". He's supportive and caring and not afraid to show how much he loves Julie. Forrest and Julie immediately connected with each other and I felt like their relationship was stronger. In contrast, Will was growly, reserved, and a bit of a question mark when it came to his feelings. I was never 100% sold on his character but ultimately I did like him. Though he was completely oblivious when it came to Rosemary and how much his actions were hurting Julie.
In addition to loving Julie, Will and Forrest also have a unique relationship. They're not intimately involved (no swords crossing here) but they do love each other, it's easy to see how much they care and support the other. However, I wanted more about their history. We know that Forrest and Will were in the war together and that the war changed them and cemented their bond, but we don't really know how. I didn't expect the gory details of war, but I would have liked to know more about how Will and Forrest went from just friends to being in love and wanting to share a wife.
Content Warning: Large emphasis on getting Julie pregnant and the importance of having a child
July 15, 2020
3.5 stars
Heart and Hand by Rebel Carter is a lot of fun and a little confounding. It's a quick read, kind of crazy interracial romance set in the old West twenty years after the civil war. Rather than straight historical romance I'd say we need a more specific subcategory to appreciate this book. It's not quite alt-history as it doesn't delve into alternate events so call it historical fantasy maybe. Not fantasy in the sense of things that defy the laws of nature but rather the story is grounded in a social reality that strongly defies the American history we know. It's not strange that there were free Black people of means. Of course there were. It is odd that they navigate a world that barely takes note of their race.
First, our feisty heroine Julie is a light brown-skinned biracial New York socialite/heiress descended from the blissfully happy marriage of American aristocracy and Spanish royalty on one side and enslaved people on the other. There are hints of friction about that but not much. Her racial background is generally (though not entirely-- it's confusing at times) inconsequential to her social standing in this version of New York society:
Nonetheless, Julie yearns for freedom and independence. In her brother’s words:
So Julie has her debut in New York society but decides it's not for her and instead becomes a mail order bride to two men in Montana (Forrest and Will). No one back home knows about the polyamory part, but given her family’s exalted social stature, her move west is a really big deal nonetheless:
This only underscores the alt-historical unrealty of the narrative. Again, Julie’s race doesn’t play into it. This is like a Vanderbilt eloping to Wyoming with a rancher.
The three get married in a lawful wedding attended and supported by the whole town, and Julie takes both her husbands' last names. Racism is just really not a thing at work there in Montana as well. The key issue is that Julie has two hubbies. And honestly almost everyone is alright with that too.
The anachronisms don't end there, but the surprising thing for me was I really didn't care. The characters are compelling and incredibly sweet. Will and Forrest have distinctive personalities and relationships with Julie and a lovely bond with each other. Even the grumpy one, Will, is a cinnamon roll at heart. I like the way they love her. And there's just enough internal tension and angst over the unusual nature of the triad within the relationship to make it interesting.
Realism aside, there are other elements though that could have been stronger. Julie's work as a teacher and relationship with her students is a little sketchy/shaky despite the enthusiasm she expresses about it at the start— it’s one of the reasons she wanted this life so that seems like an oversight or shortcut. More importantly, one thing I'd say for writers if you're going to make people fall in love through letters, show your work! We readers love a good epistolary romance. And the letters are what sells it—I want to see the relationship develop and what made them fall in love long distance. There's just a single instance of that here. I wanted more.
The biggest issue though is Julie’s romantic rival for one of the men. It definitely enhances the drama and difficulty for the newly marrieds, but there are aspects of the characterization that are problematic in a troubling rather than juicy way.
Overall, despite or more likely because it’s divorced from reality, Heart and Hand is a very surprising, very fun read if you're open to it. It worked for me. I have rarely wanted to talk about a book I consider a light read as much as I wanted to talk about this one. 🤷🏽♀️
—
Tropes and themes we’ve got em: Mail order bride, interracial romance, grumpy one loves the sunshine one, evil ex.
CW: infertility is a plot point and it is not handled in the most sensitive manner.
Heart and Hand by Rebel Carter is a lot of fun and a little confounding. It's a quick read, kind of crazy interracial romance set in the old West twenty years after the civil war. Rather than straight historical romance I'd say we need a more specific subcategory to appreciate this book. It's not quite alt-history as it doesn't delve into alternate events so call it historical fantasy maybe. Not fantasy in the sense of things that defy the laws of nature but rather the story is grounded in a social reality that strongly defies the American history we know. It's not strange that there were free Black people of means. Of course there were. It is odd that they navigate a world that barely takes note of their race.
First, our feisty heroine Julie is a light brown-skinned biracial New York socialite/heiress descended from the blissfully happy marriage of American aristocracy and Spanish royalty on one side and enslaved people on the other. There are hints of friction about that but not much. Her racial background is generally (though not entirely-- it's confusing at times) inconsequential to her social standing in this version of New York society:
By all accounts, Julie and Julian were happy, well-respected, and considered the cream of society by the social pages. It was hard for them not to be with their striking looks: all tawny skin, dark eyes, high cheekbones, and curly dark hair.
Nonetheless, Julie yearns for freedom and independence. In her brother’s words:
You’re a few heads removed from the Spanish throne. How much more free should you like to be, Julie Anne?”
So Julie has her debut in New York society but decides it's not for her and instead becomes a mail order bride to two men in Montana (Forrest and Will). No one back home knows about the polyamory part, but given her family’s exalted social stature, her move west is a really big deal nonetheless:
Her departure had been an absolute circus. New Yorkers of all walks of life, employ, and station eagerly speculated as to why the Baptiste heiress had chosen to trade a life of luxury and comfort for the frontier.
This only underscores the alt-historical unrealty of the narrative. Again, Julie’s race doesn’t play into it. This is like a Vanderbilt eloping to Wyoming with a rancher.
The three get married in a lawful wedding attended and supported by the whole town, and Julie takes both her husbands' last names. Racism is just really not a thing at work there in Montana as well. The key issue is that Julie has two hubbies. And honestly almost everyone is alright with that too.
The anachronisms don't end there, but the surprising thing for me was I really didn't care. The characters are compelling and incredibly sweet. Will and Forrest have distinctive personalities and relationships with Julie and a lovely bond with each other. Even the grumpy one, Will, is a cinnamon roll at heart. I like the way they love her. And there's just enough internal tension and angst over the unusual nature of the triad within the relationship to make it interesting.
Realism aside, there are other elements though that could have been stronger. Julie's work as a teacher and relationship with her students is a little sketchy/shaky despite the enthusiasm she expresses about it at the start— it’s one of the reasons she wanted this life so that seems like an oversight or shortcut. More importantly, one thing I'd say for writers if you're going to make people fall in love through letters, show your work! We readers love a good epistolary romance. And the letters are what sells it—I want to see the relationship develop and what made them fall in love long distance. There's just a single instance of that here. I wanted more.
The biggest issue though is Julie’s romantic rival for one of the men. It definitely enhances the drama and difficulty for the newly marrieds, but there are aspects of the characterization that are problematic in a troubling rather than juicy way.
Overall, despite or more likely because it’s divorced from reality, Heart and Hand is a very surprising, very fun read if you're open to it. It worked for me. I have rarely wanted to talk about a book I consider a light read as much as I wanted to talk about this one. 🤷🏽♀️
—
Tropes and themes we’ve got em: Mail order bride, interracial romance, grumpy one loves the sunshine one, evil ex.
CW: infertility is a plot point and it is not handled in the most sensitive manner.
September 20, 2020
DNFed at 62% and I’m still honestly ranting to myself about this book, so here goes:
The central conceit of an upper crust woman of color in the 1880s marrying two men in Montana after a six month courtship by mail was fine. History is always more diverse, kinky and quirky than one might think, and this was a great starting point to either examine things or just have a great romp. However, for me this book fell apart in both the relationship and the world building.
Relationship-wise, I just couldn’t with the main drama being one of the heroes unable to use his words except to say how he loves the heroine’s baby making potential, and his lack of boundaries with a wanna-be girlfriend. If your new husband can have sex with you, but not speak to you, that’s a nope.
World-building wise, I nearly lost my mind with annoyance. We’re told the story takes place in a smallish town in Montana in 1886. It’s so small, she’s the only person who gets off the train at the stop where there’s no formal depot. And everyone in town attends the wedding. And the single-room schoolhouse has just one teacher for all the children. So, I lost my mind when:
- a hero casually has bananas on hand for breakfast
- the town has “a few” restaurants
- the heroine goes furniture shopping in town, making choices between options at a furniture store
- every child in the school, of all ages, is on the same page of a workbook
- there’s a town newspaper with multiple employees
I can absolutely believe in a mixed race woman marrying two men in a small Montana town in 1886. I can even believe one of the men being a silent dope. I cannot possibly believe in the restaurants, furniture stores, bananas, etc. And I’m annoyed because none of this was crucial to the story, but it ruined it for me.
The central conceit of an upper crust woman of color in the 1880s marrying two men in Montana after a six month courtship by mail was fine. History is always more diverse, kinky and quirky than one might think, and this was a great starting point to either examine things or just have a great romp. However, for me this book fell apart in both the relationship and the world building.
Relationship-wise, I just couldn’t with the main drama being one of the heroes unable to use his words except to say how he loves the heroine’s baby making potential, and his lack of boundaries with a wanna-be girlfriend. If your new husband can have sex with you, but not speak to you, that’s a nope.
World-building wise, I nearly lost my mind with annoyance. We’re told the story takes place in a smallish town in Montana in 1886. It’s so small, she’s the only person who gets off the train at the stop where there’s no formal depot. And everyone in town attends the wedding. And the single-room schoolhouse has just one teacher for all the children. So, I lost my mind when:
- a hero casually has bananas on hand for breakfast
- the town has “a few” restaurants
- the heroine goes furniture shopping in town, making choices between options at a furniture store
- every child in the school, of all ages, is on the same page of a workbook
- there’s a town newspaper with multiple employees
I can absolutely believe in a mixed race woman marrying two men in a small Montana town in 1886. I can even believe one of the men being a silent dope. I cannot possibly believe in the restaurants, furniture stores, bananas, etc. And I’m annoyed because none of this was crucial to the story, but it ruined it for me.
October 24, 2020
Ohhhhh boy, LOL. Where to start on this one.
It would have been okay, minus the fact that a woman (and it was not the heroine) was romantically chasing after one of the heroes for the majority of the book, and causing all sorts of problems between the heroine and her two husbands.
Additionally, although Julie (heroine) was also super excited to move west in order to teach, there was maybe one or two paragraphs dedicated to her time in the classroom.
The endearment, "little bird" and "so sweet" constantly came up throughout the novel as well.
It was an okay read. I was hoping for a real page turner, based on the cover and the blurb, but well... didn't quite turn out that way. There was also no explanation with regards to Will's and Forrest relationship, history, etc...
Nevertheless, I will be reading Julian's story next...
Urgh. Such a harsh review. Sorry. I think after seven plus months of self isolation, I'm becoming somewhat bitter and jaded with regards to all sorts of things, and it is rubbing off when it comes time to write a book review.
It would have been okay, minus the fact that a woman (and it was not the heroine) was romantically chasing after one of the heroes for the majority of the book, and causing all sorts of problems between the heroine and her two husbands.
Additionally, although Julie (heroine) was also super excited to move west in order to teach, there was maybe one or two paragraphs dedicated to her time in the classroom.
The endearment, "little bird" and "so sweet" constantly came up throughout the novel as well.
It was an okay read. I was hoping for a real page turner, based on the cover and the blurb, but well... didn't quite turn out that way. There was also no explanation with regards to Will's and Forrest relationship, history, etc...
Nevertheless, I will be reading Julian's story next...
Urgh. Such a harsh review. Sorry. I think after seven plus months of self isolation, I'm becoming somewhat bitter and jaded with regards to all sorts of things, and it is rubbing off when it comes time to write a book review.
August 8, 2020
This book sounded so good but fell completely flat.
It was all tell and no show so we have no idea why the characters fell in love since it was through letters we never read.
I have no idea what the story was between the two male MCs. There was no physical contact between them yet they lived together, slept in the same bed, and wanted to share a wife.
No one communicates with each other, one of the male MCs is an asshole and we are supposed to understand it’s because of his backstory that we never get.
Both the male MCs kept talking about babies and family and did they want a wife or a brood mare?
So basically I have no idea why any of what took place in the book happened since almost nothing was explained.
It was all tell and no show so we have no idea why the characters fell in love since it was through letters we never read.
I have no idea what the story was between the two male MCs. There was no physical contact between them yet they lived together, slept in the same bed, and wanted to share a wife.
No one communicates with each other, one of the male MCs is an asshole and we are supposed to understand it’s because of his backstory that we never get.
Both the male MCs kept talking about babies and family and did they want a wife or a brood mare?
So basically I have no idea why any of what took place in the book happened since almost nothing was explained.
June 20, 2023
I am a sucker for happy endings! However, there needs to be a strong story leading up to it, and this left a bit to be desired.
The pacing was off-rushed and completely unrealistic.
While Julie made a convincing blushing bride, she also appeared very immature; a child, not a young woman. And I especially hate it when characters jump to grand and stupid assumptions instead of facing their situation. It is one thing to be anxious or worried - It's another to put words, feelings, and intentions into someone else's mouth without actually addressing the person.
The men were okay; I liked them well enough; they felt more believable, more solid.
I don't even want to talk about the epilogue! Those were not the reactions of a "well-bred" family of the 1800s. But, like I said, I am a sucker for happy endings.
I will say that the audio version probably didn't do this story any favors - the narrator read the words like a student reading in front of a class; there was no feeling behind her words. Julie's supposed sounds of passionately calling out her husband's name sounded anything but desirable. It was more like she was calling for someone's attention across a room than calling out in bliss.
I think I'll leave the audio behind if I continue this series.
Three stars feel too low, but four stars feel too high. This is one of those times I wish half-stars were a thing on this site. I will give it 3.5 stars rounded down because of the audio version.
The pacing was off-rushed and completely unrealistic.
While Julie made a convincing blushing bride, she also appeared very immature; a child, not a young woman. And I especially hate it when characters jump to grand and stupid assumptions instead of facing their situation. It is one thing to be anxious or worried - It's another to put words, feelings, and intentions into someone else's mouth without actually addressing the person.
The men were okay; I liked them well enough; they felt more believable, more solid.
I don't even want to talk about the epilogue! Those were not the reactions of a "well-bred" family of the 1800s. But, like I said, I am a sucker for happy endings.
I will say that the audio version probably didn't do this story any favors - the narrator read the words like a student reading in front of a class; there was no feeling behind her words. Julie's supposed sounds of passionately calling out her husband's name sounded anything but desirable. It was more like she was calling for someone's attention across a room than calling out in bliss.
I think I'll leave the audio behind if I continue this series.
Three stars feel too low, but four stars feel too high. This is one of those times I wish half-stars were a thing on this site. I will give it 3.5 stars rounded down because of the audio version.
May 30, 2019
3.5 stars. A thoroughly enjoyable tale with a plucky heroine and likeable heroes. I tend to avoid mail order bride stories but a black heroine and the menage angle hooked me. And that cover ... wow. Rebel Carter writes in a way that is easy to read, and I was definitely pulled into the story early on.
My only complaint was that I wanted MORE. I felt like by the end we knew Julie very well, but had only a surface level view of who her husbands are, particularly Will. His close relationship with Forrest was so compelling, yet we don't get much about their history or their reason for wanting to share a wife. The was so much potential for conflict here but in the end the only true threat to this threesome is another woman who is jealous and wants to take Will for herself. This got annoying after a while and I didn't care for how oblivious the men were to how this woman's actions hurt their wife.
I wanted to buy into this idea if everyone being so accepting of this unconventional marriage, but suspension of disbelief was just too hard for me. It just made no sense and also added to my frustration that the only conflict was contrived other woman drama.
But I did enjoy the story and the sex scenes were worthy and smoking hot. There's a sequel teased at the end for Julie's brother and I'd definitely be interested in reading that.
My only complaint was that I wanted MORE. I felt like by the end we knew Julie very well, but had only a surface level view of who her husbands are, particularly Will. His close relationship with Forrest was so compelling, yet we don't get much about their history or their reason for wanting to share a wife. The was so much potential for conflict here but in the end the only true threat to this threesome is another woman who is jealous and wants to take Will for herself. This got annoying after a while and I didn't care for how oblivious the men were to how this woman's actions hurt their wife.
I wanted to buy into this idea if everyone being so accepting of this unconventional marriage, but suspension of disbelief was just too hard for me. It just made no sense and also added to my frustration that the only conflict was contrived other woman drama.
But I did enjoy the story and the sex scenes were worthy and smoking hot. There's a sequel teased at the end for Julie's brother and I'd definitely be interested in reading that.
August 7, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up.
Overall, a really fun read. I love the mail-order bride premise, though I would have liked to see some more of the letters. Let me see them fall in love, Julie’s reaction when she learned there were two of them, etc. I think that would have added an extra layer of depth to this relationship. Similarly, adding some of Forrest and/or Will’s perspective (outside of like a single paragraph in Forrest’s that I think was an accident), would have helped round out this super interesting characters a bit more. If I was Julie, the explanation at the end wouldn’t have been enough to convince me that Rosemary wasn’t an issue to be jealous over (never satisfactorily explains the dancing, why they’re still so close after she crossed so many lines, etc).
I know this is a lot of little knitpicking, but I really did enjoy this book. The town felt real and vibrant — I want to hang out with these people and get to know more of them. The plot was interesting and Julie’s jealously was palpable. Forrest was a sweetie. I loved the nicknames of Little Bird and Jules. I read most of it in a single evening when I was bed-ridden with a migraine, and it was a great way to pass the time.
As a side note: Interesting how race was handled in this book. Julie’s mother was formerly enslaved, and while it’s mentioned in passing that she gets some weird looks in New York, her Blackness doesn’t seem to be an issue. She even attended Vassar without any seeming concern (a school which had a white-passing in the 1800s, but didn’t knowingly admit a Black student for several more generations). While it was nice to read a historical featuring a Black character where her race wasn’t the main issue, it was certainly something I raised my eyebrows at. (You’re telling me that Rosemary, who repeatedly crossed the line into cruel regarding Julie’s husband and New York background, wouldn’t have uttered a word about her race? I suppose this is a world where shoulders are barely shrugged at a triad, so the ugly bits were just pleasantly shaved off.)
Contains: MFM (no sword crossing, no DP)
Steam: 3/5🔥 (a few briefer scenes, not much detail)
Overall, a really fun read. I love the mail-order bride premise, though I would have liked to see some more of the letters. Let me see them fall in love, Julie’s reaction when she learned there were two of them, etc. I think that would have added an extra layer of depth to this relationship. Similarly, adding some of Forrest and/or Will’s perspective (outside of like a single paragraph in Forrest’s that I think was an accident), would have helped round out this super interesting characters a bit more. If I was Julie, the explanation at the end wouldn’t have been enough to convince me that Rosemary wasn’t an issue to be jealous over (never satisfactorily explains the dancing, why they’re still so close after she crossed so many lines, etc).
I know this is a lot of little knitpicking, but I really did enjoy this book. The town felt real and vibrant — I want to hang out with these people and get to know more of them. The plot was interesting and Julie’s jealously was palpable. Forrest was a sweetie. I loved the nicknames of Little Bird and Jules. I read most of it in a single evening when I was bed-ridden with a migraine, and it was a great way to pass the time.
As a side note: Interesting how race was handled in this book. Julie’s mother was formerly enslaved, and while it’s mentioned in passing that she gets some weird looks in New York, her Blackness doesn’t seem to be an issue. She even attended Vassar without any seeming concern (a school which had a white-passing in the 1800s, but didn’t knowingly admit a Black student for several more generations). While it was nice to read a historical featuring a Black character where her race wasn’t the main issue, it was certainly something I raised my eyebrows at. (You’re telling me that Rosemary, who repeatedly crossed the line into cruel regarding Julie’s husband and New York background, wouldn’t have uttered a word about her race? I suppose this is a world where shoulders are barely shrugged at a triad, so the ugly bits were just pleasantly shaved off.)
Contains: MFM (no sword crossing, no DP)
Steam: 3/5🔥 (a few briefer scenes, not much detail)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2022
Heart and Hand is the first book within the Gold Sky series. In a way, I'm pretty impressed with myself because this was only on my TBR for a year-ish. Then there's the fact that this was actually pretty good too. The characters were likable, but I didn't have a true favorite.
Julie and the guys were adorable. I'm sure she had no idea what she was walking into when it came to this marriage. Yet, I was here for it all. I also really liked how every person within this town just showed up for the marriage and went on with their lives.
Then there's the romance and it was so good. It definitely makes me excited to jump into the sequel because I can only expect the romance to get better with any character we are introduced to. Also, the chemistry was really easy to fall in love with. I liked how they all worked with one another and didn't have all kinds of relationships developing at different times. They were a well-oiled machine.
In the end, I definitely see myself jumping into the next book. Especially since it's a mail ordered groom. Heck yes, sign me up.
Julie and the guys were adorable. I'm sure she had no idea what she was walking into when it came to this marriage. Yet, I was here for it all. I also really liked how every person within this town just showed up for the marriage and went on with their lives.
Then there's the romance and it was so good. It definitely makes me excited to jump into the sequel because I can only expect the romance to get better with any character we are introduced to. Also, the chemistry was really easy to fall in love with. I liked how they all worked with one another and didn't have all kinds of relationships developing at different times. They were a well-oiled machine.
In the end, I definitely see myself jumping into the next book. Especially since it's a mail ordered groom. Heck yes, sign me up.
December 7, 2020
Huh. That was ... different.
So this book is pretty cool in some ways and a little undercooked in others.
I would call this a somewhat alt-history hist-rom. In this world, a black debutante is an acknowledged socialite in New York city during the Gilded Age (20 or so years after the Civil War). So much so that she is written about in newspapers just like any socialite. So basically, reconstruction really worked. LOL.
Added to that... there is a town in the Frontier that feels that a M/F/M marriage is no biggee. Our heroine, Julie, answers a mail-order bride advert for two men, Forrest and Will, and comes to Montana to marry them. And they do. In a ceremony in front of the whole town wishing them all well! Also, Julie is the new schoolteacher.
So let's sum up: Julie is black, in an IR menage marriage, in the late 1800s, is the town's schoolteacher and everyone in the town is happy and accepting. To keep us grounded in reality, this is not the norm for the rest of the world, just this one town in Montana.
See, now, this is the kind of book we need more of. LOL. Just straight up aspirational shit!
I loved the set up. I also liked the characters. Julie is well conceived as a starchy, rich, debutante who wants to get away from her stultifying existence and who fell in love with these men through correspondence. Forrest is the warm, welcoming loving one who shows her the affection and care she is needs. Will is the distant prickly one who wants the relationship but has a hard time showing it.
This is such a good foundation for the story. What kinda frustrated me is that I would have liked the story to spend more time on the inner workings on the marriage and their adjustment to this and to each other. Why did the men feel a need to share a wife? And how Julie can reconcile that with her traditional proper family and her own upbringing? As it is we get tantalizing glimpses of all that, but it gets shoved aside for by-the-numbers other woman drama.
There is a villainess character who really wants Will for herself. They go way back and he is shown to be more comfortable with her than he is with Julie. Understandable given that Julie is basically a stranger to Will and he is not as freely open as Forrest. But instead of letting us (and them) work through that, we are treated to schemes by the OW to undermine Julie and Will's already fragile start. Like I said, we get tantalizing glimpses of Will's and Julie's insecurity in this area and all their needs to try to create balance. But it would back for for more stuff with the other woman,. It felt disappointingly mundane in a book that was pushing the envelope on something a little radical, imo. And as a plot conflict, it forced Julie and Will act in puzzling and plot-dictated ways. I wanted deeper character/relationship dives.
Even so, this was such an interesting book that was easy to read.
So this book is pretty cool in some ways and a little undercooked in others.
I would call this a somewhat alt-history hist-rom. In this world, a black debutante is an acknowledged socialite in New York city during the Gilded Age (20 or so years after the Civil War). So much so that she is written about in newspapers just like any socialite. So basically, reconstruction really worked. LOL.
Added to that... there is a town in the Frontier that feels that a M/F/M marriage is no biggee. Our heroine, Julie, answers a mail-order bride advert for two men, Forrest and Will, and comes to Montana to marry them. And they do. In a ceremony in front of the whole town wishing them all well! Also, Julie is the new schoolteacher.
So let's sum up: Julie is black, in an IR menage marriage, in the late 1800s, is the town's schoolteacher and everyone in the town is happy and accepting. To keep us grounded in reality, this is not the norm for the rest of the world, just this one town in Montana.
See, now, this is the kind of book we need more of. LOL. Just straight up aspirational shit!
I loved the set up. I also liked the characters. Julie is well conceived as a starchy, rich, debutante who wants to get away from her stultifying existence and who fell in love with these men through correspondence. Forrest is the warm, welcoming loving one who shows her the affection and care she is needs. Will is the distant prickly one who wants the relationship but has a hard time showing it.
This is such a good foundation for the story. What kinda frustrated me is that I would have liked the story to spend more time on the inner workings on the marriage and their adjustment to this and to each other. Why did the men feel a need to share a wife? And how Julie can reconcile that with her traditional proper family and her own upbringing? As it is we get tantalizing glimpses of all that, but it gets shoved aside for by-the-numbers other woman drama.
There is a villainess character who really wants Will for herself. They go way back and he is shown to be more comfortable with her than he is with Julie. Understandable given that Julie is basically a stranger to Will and he is not as freely open as Forrest. But instead of letting us (and them) work through that, we are treated to schemes by the OW to undermine Julie and Will's already fragile start. Like I said, we get tantalizing glimpses of Will's and Julie's insecurity in this area and all their needs to try to create balance. But it would back for for more stuff with the other woman,. It felt disappointingly mundane in a book that was pushing the envelope on something a little radical, imo. And as a plot conflict, it forced Julie and Will act in puzzling and plot-dictated ways. I wanted deeper character/relationship dives.
Even so, this was such an interesting book that was easy to read.
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February 16, 2019This is an example of how what could be considered a bonkers premise can be totally believable in the hands of a good writer. Rebel Carter writes this so well.
I would have liked to have understood more why the self-assured Julie was so jealous of Rosemary when she was otherwise confident in everything. Given that this was the main source of conflict, we needed to see more about that. I think also there needed to be more of a balance between her time with Forrest and with Will. But I genuinely enjoyed this story so much and would love to read more from Carter.
I would have liked to have understood more why the self-assured Julie was so jealous of Rosemary when she was otherwise confident in everything. Given that this was the main source of conflict, we needed to see more about that. I think also there needed to be more of a balance between her time with Forrest and with Will. But I genuinely enjoyed this story so much and would love to read more from Carter.
January 21, 2019
This book was truly a wonderful surprise! This is a new to me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but the blurb caught my attention and I just couldn't resist! An interesting story line, fun characters, and explosive plot twists kept this story moving from the beginning to the very last page!
Julie is a New York City debutante, with an adventurous spirit. She isn't one to conform, just for propriety's sake. She decides that she doesn't want that life and sets about finding one that will make her happy. She answers a letter for a mail order bride, and gets a whole lot more than she ever could have imagined! Will and Forrest grew up together. Joined the war together when they were still mostly children. After the war, they became law men together in a small town. It only makes sense for them to take a bride together, right?!? Only, Will is still fighting demons left behind by the war.
This was a fun story. Julie is such a likeable character, and the guys were perfect for her. The chemistry between them was crazy hot. I really enjoyed this book, and will be sure to look for more from this author in the future!
Julie is a New York City debutante, with an adventurous spirit. She isn't one to conform, just for propriety's sake. She decides that she doesn't want that life and sets about finding one that will make her happy. She answers a letter for a mail order bride, and gets a whole lot more than she ever could have imagined! Will and Forrest grew up together. Joined the war together when they were still mostly children. After the war, they became law men together in a small town. It only makes sense for them to take a bride together, right?!? Only, Will is still fighting demons left behind by the war.
This was a fun story. Julie is such a likeable character, and the guys were perfect for her. The chemistry between them was crazy hot. I really enjoyed this book, and will be sure to look for more from this author in the future!
February 16, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked the story but the narration wasn’t what I imagined to go with the characters. It did take away from my enjoyment.
I thought Jules was really bold and self confident considering the times. She made an unconventional choice and I never truly understood why. Will and Forest were underdeveloped but I liked them. The story could have been so much more but maybe if I read it instead of listening, it would have felt fuller.
Also, the Will and Rosemary thing wasn’t handled to my satisfaction. How could Will be unaware of what his actions were communicating and If he was unaware, what about Forest? This trouple didn’t communicate well enough but I liked the courage they showed to live an alternative lifestyle so openly
I liked the story but the narration wasn’t what I imagined to go with the characters. It did take away from my enjoyment.
I thought Jules was really bold and self confident considering the times. She made an unconventional choice and I never truly understood why. Will and Forest were underdeveloped but I liked them. The story could have been so much more but maybe if I read it instead of listening, it would have felt fuller.
Also, the Will and Rosemary thing wasn’t handled to my satisfaction. How could Will be unaware of what his actions were communicating and If he was unaware, what about Forest? This trouple didn’t communicate well enough but I liked the courage they showed to live an alternative lifestyle so openly
October 17, 2020
This is perfect escapist fiction.
There was sex but this isn't erotica.
The storyline was cute.
I found some of the romance tropes troubling but also expected.
I will definitely read more of this series
There was sex but this isn't erotica.
The storyline was cute.
I found some of the romance tropes troubling but also expected.
I will definitely read more of this series
July 10, 2023
Wow were these characters frustrating. And there was way too much “other woman” drama.
January 24, 2019
I am very impressed that an author who based her story in 1886 would actually do the unthinkable! Blew me away!
Hand and Heart is a unique story after the Civil War.
Julie, a heiress, who is close to the Spanish throne, threw away all her luxuries in New York City to venture to the comfort of the frontier to become a mail order bride and fulfill her greatest desire, becoming a school teacher. A bride who would indeed marry two men. Two husbands. Will and Forrester.
I loved this story! The mannerisms back in those days is right on the spot as well as the language. I enjoyed Julie's fiestiness and Will and Forrester's devotion to her.
Great story! Can't wait for Julian and Violet's story!
Hand and Heart is a unique story after the Civil War.
Julie, a heiress, who is close to the Spanish throne, threw away all her luxuries in New York City to venture to the comfort of the frontier to become a mail order bride and fulfill her greatest desire, becoming a school teacher. A bride who would indeed marry two men. Two husbands. Will and Forrester.
I loved this story! The mannerisms back in those days is right on the spot as well as the language. I enjoyed Julie's fiestiness and Will and Forrester's devotion to her.
Great story! Can't wait for Julian and Violet's story!
January 17, 2019
Ahhhhhh! Rebel!!! It was PERFECT! I loved Julie, Forrest and Will! This story was amazing and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read it early!
I can't wait to see what comes next for Julie and Julian in the west!!! :)
I can't wait to see what comes next for Julie and Julian in the west!!! :)
January 13, 2020
If you think there is no way a historical menage book could be the most romantic thing you have ever read...you would be wrong. This book is LUSH. It is about found family, and will absolutely make Rebel Carter a one click buy author for you. ROMANTIC.
July 15, 2022
Stars: 4.5 Stars
Format: Digital
Steam Level: Steamy
Series: Ongoing (I think? I hope so at least)
I originally heard about this because it sponsored an episode of Heaving Bosoms. It sounded interesting so I picked it up and I am glad I did.
Quick Thoughts:
- I don’t know about other readers, but this definitely scratched that “Misadventures of a Curvy Girl” itch. Lots of love between everyone and warm fuzzies
- Julie is biracial! Huzzah for a non-white main character that gets an HEA! And she’s well educated! And interesting! And has insecurities! I just really liked this character
- Loved all the side characters and enjoyed really disliking Rosemary
- The two Heroes aren’t together sexually but it is obvious that they love each other deeply
- I know I know the town, situation, and reactions aren’t “realistic” but I really don’t care. I loved it. (Besides the moral “sanitation,” rewriting, and plain misinformation about history is frustrating. Some of this may not be that far off from reality for that time)
- The miscommunication/lack of communication made sense to me. They were married on the day Julie arrived in town and Will was prickly and not showing affection beyond sex or outside their home
- The drama is connecting and communication not the ménage relationship which was delightful
- I wanted to know more about the husbands Forrest and Will. We know so much about Julie it would have been nice to know about how/why they came to Gold Sky and how they became so close beyond “we went to war together”
- I kept on waiting for Will to confront Rosemary and for that to feel more complete. She came out fighting and told Julie she was going to take Will but then... nothing. It felt like it was just dropped and not fully resolved
- Where did all this money that two poor former soldiers suddenly have come from? Being the sheriff of a small town can’t pay that well. And it doesn’t seem that they are using any of Julie’s family money. Also how is all these supplies being in town already and not having to wait weeks for orders?
- Julie mentions wanting to bed both of her husbands at the same time but it doesn’t happen on page or is mentioned again. Bummer
- This cover is GORGEOUS. I seriously love it
- The whole baby/starting a family plot line didn’t bother me? I don’t know why it didn’t, usually that annoys me on some level. There has only been a handful of stories that a baby hasn’t made me roll my eyes and this didn’t
Overall I LOVED the story! It’s a quick and lovely read. Just lots of squee for this. I already picked up the second book because I enjoyed this and this world a bunch
Format: Digital
Steam Level: Steamy
Series: Ongoing (I think? I hope so at least)
I originally heard about this because it sponsored an episode of Heaving Bosoms. It sounded interesting so I picked it up and I am glad I did.
Quick Thoughts:
- I don’t know about other readers, but this definitely scratched that “Misadventures of a Curvy Girl” itch. Lots of love between everyone and warm fuzzies
- Julie is biracial! Huzzah for a non-white main character that gets an HEA! And she’s well educated! And interesting! And has insecurities! I just really liked this character
- Loved all the side characters and enjoyed really disliking Rosemary
- The two Heroes aren’t together sexually but it is obvious that they love each other deeply
- I know I know the town, situation, and reactions aren’t “realistic” but I really don’t care. I loved it. (Besides the moral “sanitation,” rewriting, and plain misinformation about history is frustrating. Some of this may not be that far off from reality for that time)
- The miscommunication/lack of communication made sense to me. They were married on the day Julie arrived in town and Will was prickly and not showing affection beyond sex or outside their home
- The drama is connecting and communication not the ménage relationship which was delightful
- I wanted to know more about the husbands Forrest and Will. We know so much about Julie it would have been nice to know about how/why they came to Gold Sky and how they became so close beyond “we went to war together”
- I kept on waiting for Will to confront Rosemary and for that to feel more complete. She came out fighting and told Julie she was going to take Will but then... nothing. It felt like it was just dropped and not fully resolved
- Where did all this money that two poor former soldiers suddenly have come from? Being the sheriff of a small town can’t pay that well. And it doesn’t seem that they are using any of Julie’s family money. Also how is all these supplies being in town already and not having to wait weeks for orders?
- Julie mentions wanting to bed both of her husbands at the same time but it doesn’t happen on page or is mentioned again. Bummer
- This cover is GORGEOUS. I seriously love it
- The whole baby/starting a family plot line didn’t bother me? I don’t know why it didn’t, usually that annoys me on some level. There has only been a handful of stories that a baby hasn’t made me roll my eyes and this didn’t
Overall I LOVED the story! It’s a quick and lovely read. Just lots of squee for this. I already picked up the second book because I enjoyed this and this world a bunch
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