Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Proxy Brides #21

A Bride for Bode

Rate this book
From the author of A Bride for Darrell and A Shadowed Groom for Christmas comes a sweet historical romance laced with mystery and suspense...

Bode knows this is opportunity will prove he can be a successful businessman. His trustee, however, won't release the necessary funds unless Bode marries by proxy to the man's choice of brides. He willing agrees since he can merely annul the marriage after the money is in his possession.
All thoughts of annulment disappear when he meets his less than shy or wilting Violet. But will Violet stay with him when she learns how Bode makes his living? Why do attempts on his life start when he makes it clear to the people around him that he plans to stay married?

188 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2019

91 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

About the author

Marisa Masterson

77 books255 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
137 (68%)
4 stars
44 (21%)
3 stars
16 (7%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
5,154 reviews52 followers
March 8, 2023
I love Violet and Bode's story

So many dark and twisted souls trying to cheat and steal their way through life, I love that the honesty and pure hearts of Violet and Bode win over the treachery and violence they repeatedly face. Violet and Bode prove far stronger and smarter than any of their adversaries give them credit for, a fantastic read on Kindle Unlimited
2,128 reviews37 followers
November 1, 2020
I listened to the audiobook of this story. Great narration. This was a short and sweet book. Bode needs his money for his business and Violet wants her trust fund money, now that her Aunt has died. Little did either of them know that the man holding all the cards for both of them is one and the same. Violet agrees to be become Bode's proxy bride to get her money and Bode accepts, because he really needs that money. A lot happens along the way to cause both of them a lot of trouble, will their fake marriage become real.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
December 19, 2020
FAITH

This is a terrific, faith-driven story of a daydreaming girl whose circumstances go from comfortable and cosseted by her loving aunt to suddenly thrust into a proxy marriage to an unknown stranger clear across the country. As she travels, she encounters as many trials and tribulations as you would expect in the Perils of Pauline (vintage silent movie serial), but Violet maintains her faith and, learning from his new wife, Bode regains his. Wonderfully narrated by Jessica Caruso, this is an uplifting chapter of redemption.
351 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2022
A Bride for Bode

This book is a great addition to the proxy bride series. Bode needs his inheritance for a business venture and Violet needs a home after the death of her aunt. After agreeing to a proxy marriage, Violet is very upset after meeting her husband and finding out he owns a tavern, but still agrees to give the marriage a try. Follow this story through it's twists and turns as this young couple try to make a go of their marriage, while it seems someone is trying to prevent it.
870 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2020
This is a clean, sweet romance with a chunk of mystery.
Violet's aunt has passed and she's being forced into a Proxy marriage.
Bode needs to wed in order to get his inheritance which he needs in order to go in on opening a Tavern. But his partner worries his wife and something seems a bit off. Will they be able to make a go of the marriage?
I didn't like how Bode didn't even bother cleaning up before meeting his bride. I realize he was busy, but that's just disrespectful and rude.
Profile Image for Jamie Wagnor.
250 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2025
Too much drama

The story was set up well and didn’t need the added drama that filled its pages. Honestly it was a little much to have so many plots against the couple when one set of villains would have been sufficient. Bode and Violet were a good couple but because of the drama the relationship never settled until the very end and by then I lost some of my interest. It was an over all okay book- just wished it focused more on the couple and less on the nefarious dealings.
893 reviews9 followers
April 15, 2021
I do enjoy a good story and this one has a bit of a twist. This proxy bride is forced and so is her groom if they want any money. Lots of mysterious things happen and an unexpected baby shows up. Great read and, as always, can be read alone in this series.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,902 reviews29 followers
March 29, 2023
Great story.

You know there's a "bad guy" because suspicious things happen. The revelation of who is behind the various plots was an interesting twist.
I love how quickly Bode and Violet chose to stick by each other.
Profile Image for Natalya.
530 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2020
A proxy bride, a mystery, an inheritance, unexpected romance – it makes an intriguing story with an unexpected twists until the very end. Enjoyed it!

748 reviews8 followers
May 16, 2024
Great book

I absolutely loved this book. I'm glad everything worked out in the end. What an adventure. I recommend this book.
144 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2020
A great fun book to read. It was short and sweet and very interesting. I really did enjoy this one.
I got an advanced copy of the book and volunteered this review.
Profile Image for Katie.
162 reviews10 followers
December 18, 2019
Duration: 2 hrs 48 mins.

A Bride for Bode is a sweet, traditional romance, with religious themes throughout. Though this audiobook was listed as a Historical Romance due to its old west setting, I felt that it fits much more comfortably in the Christian Romance category, as faith is central to the plot and is referenced at each stage of the characters' development.

It's a very gentle story, with an undemanding plot and quite a simple writing style. There are few surprises in any of the revelations as the mysteries are resolved, and it is clear from the start that goodly, clean-living, family values will triumph over the evils of others. It felt very much like the sort of bedtime story a church-going grandmother would tell a little girl, with a strong moral message and a happy ever after at the end.

The narrator, Jessica Caruso, has a very friendly, expressive voice that was pleasant to listen to, but her pacing and inflection was occasionally a little mechanical with odd pauses. This was made more obvious by the proliferation of adjectives within the writing, which were often tagged-on to the end of a sentence, conspicuously.

I would recommend this audiobook to listeners who like traditional, sweet, clean, Christian romances.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in the hope of an honest, unbiased review.

If you liked this review then please join me for more!
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |
760 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2019
Violet has just lost her treasured Aunt. She is ushered into the office of her Aunt's lawyer. Also in the office is her Aunt's stepdaughter, sitting along side of the lawyer. The two of them seem to be up to something. Violets mind drifts to other things as she often does. They become frustrated with her and bring her news she doesn't quite understand. Her inheritance is tied to her marrying by proxy, a man in Nebraska! He too is represented by
the lawyer and she feels she doesn't have a choice. She commits to the marriage and is rushed off to a Judge to complete the marriage. The Judge takes her aside and tells her if she ever needs help he will be there for her. She packs her one carpet bag with her personal items and one needlepoint picture, which are all she is allowed to take from the home she has known most of her life.
Bode needs money from his trust to enter into a partnership. His Trustee just happens to be Violet's Aunt's lawyer. The forcing of a proxy marriage on Bode to complete getting his funds is just NOT what he wants, but he agrees. The moment Violet arrives, Bode changes his mind and they agree to be married in a church in 3 days. This is where intrigue, danger and untruths start turning up!
The plot moves quickly and will keep you reading! Violet and Bode are made for each other. Their personalities blend perfectly. Marisa Masterson has incredible personalities in her characters and this book will not disappoint you!
But the circumstances surrounding them are about to become dangerous! Keep your eyes out for danger!
I received an ARC of this book and am choosing to leave an honest review.
Profile Image for BrendaLee .
429 reviews17 followers
January 12, 2020
The narration was smooth and enjoyable. A historical romance that was sweet and clean. The story also had a faith thread throughout. I enjoyed the plot and the interesting things that happened. Bode gets into a bad situation and I did know if he was going to survive or not. A little romance and a little danger mixed in kept me listening to find out how the story would go. If you like a great little story, read/listen to this one. I think you will enjoy! I know I did.
I received an audio copy of this book but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,883 reviews47 followers
September 25, 2019
I had never heard of Proxy brides before discovering this series. Violet who had been cared for financially by her aunt - is now penniless and homeless.Her aunt's step daughter does not want Violet anywhere near the home that she has known or the new inheritance. She is forced into a marriage that she does not think she wants. Her new spouse, Bode needs to get money from his trust to start a partnership... Guess who the trustee is? THe same lawyer that tells Violet she has to get married. The forcing of a proxy marriage on Bode to complete getting his funds is just NOT what he wants, but he agrees. Follow this couple along through twists and turns. This book was a great read, and kept me on the edge of my seat. The author has crafted some amazing characters.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Patty.
5,128 reviews55 followers
November 29, 2019
These Proxy Bride books always give me that heart warming feeling. My first one by Marisa Masterson is A Bride for Bode and I loved it. Violet is told she must move from her current living arrangements and is greatly encouraged to become a proxy bride for Bode. This will give her at least part of the money she is entitled to as a dowry to Bode. Her heart is not into this, but once she sees him, she begins to warm to the idea. Until she finds out how he makes a living. Bode is having financial troubles, and taking a proxy bride may be the answer to his prayers. But could it be that easy? These two find love in the most unusual of circumstances. I loved their story. As we get to know the characters, we find there isn't much they will not do for each other and their love is true. It's a wonderful story. Narrated by Jessica Caruso, it flows easy and makes for a very happy listen!
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,028 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2020
Violet and Bode

Both being jerked around by their inheritances then made to marry by proxy Bode and Violet did it know what was going on until their lives were at risk. - Babs
Profile Image for Nethanja.
841 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2019
Bode and Violet are both forced in a proxy marriage to get an inheritance. Left with no other choice Violet left to meet Bode and start their marriage. Bode doesn’t want to stay married until he sees his new wife. But can he convince her when she discovers what he does for living?
Some unexpected twists and turns makes this a great story. Marisa Masterson is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Susan Hall.
104 reviews
September 2, 2019
Very nice

I jist love the detailed descriptions of places and things it really gives color to the story. I love when a story really demonstrates a writers creativity in blending fiction and history. I love a tale that reminds me of my own families history as pioneeers. This is a work of finction that you can believe could have happened. I loved the spiritual direction references that guide this couple.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,592 reviews130 followers
November 21, 2019
Simple and sweet

This was a lovely story - what I call a Little House on the Prairie kind of romance. Wholesome and relatively straightforward with a dash of suspense, it was an enjoyable novella to pass the time with while waiting for my kids.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
*Religion: overtly "Bible" Christian, but most of the beliefs are generically Christian; a little stilted at times but mostly works with the story
Profile Image for Peni.
4,826 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2019
This short novella is full of mystery and action. With the hints and foreshadowing the reader has some pretty good ideas as to the mystery. Someone is trying to kill Bode and/or stop the proxy marriage from continuing. The story is interesting and kept me listening avidly.

Jessica Caruso did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.

I recieved a free Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
1,027 reviews11 followers
July 25, 2019
Marisa Masterson has once again created an action packed story with great character development. This is Violet and Bode's story and in it you will find deception, greed, fraud, evil and spiteful characters, attempted murder, an abandoned baby, romance, and a HEA. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. Once you start reading it you will not want to put it down until finished.
Profile Image for Cindy Edwards.
324 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2019
I am normally not a fan of proxy bride books but this book was well written. Marisa actually discusses the reason why I dont read this subgenre. What if the proxies think you are really married to them? And not other person. Would it be enough to make sure the marriage doesn't last? Especially when each has an inheritance coming to them.
1,187 reviews
July 27, 2019
Violet and Bode.

Manipulated by an unsavory lawyer, Violet becomes a proxy bride to Bode. Bode believes the only way he can get his inheritance is through a proxy marriage. When seemingly accidents begin happening to Bode and his business partnership unravels, Bode learns that his upbringing is what he needs to rely on. This is a fast paced enjoyable story.
2,290 reviews83 followers
November 20, 2019
Based on Genesis 50:20, everything that was meant for evil turns to good for His children! Lots of suspense and doubts help tell this tale, but God is still in control!
The narration was wonderful! I was completely involved in the story without focusing on mispronounced words or difficulties deciding who was speaking!
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2019
Dramatic, mysterious action packed

Bode- in order to inherit he had to marry by proxy
Violet- forced to marry by proxy or be destitute.
I enjoyed reading this action packed dramatic story that is fantastically written with charismatic characters. Their story has a wonderful HEA.
2,617 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2019
Bode and Violet

This is a well written story and the plot has been well thought out. There is betrayal, adventure, excitement, murder and joy and a happily ever after in this story. You will enjoy reading this short story.
691 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
Wonderfully Appealing Story

This was a delightful story which included scriptures showing God's grace and protection. Such a sweet story of Bode and Violet as they found love for one another after being forced into marriage.
Profile Image for Pat  Comer.
520 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2019
Good Book.

Thank you, Marisa Masterson, Bode and Violet had a rough time, seemed like everyone was out to get them, two different groups of people. They came good in the end. It was a great story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.