WIllow's Worth

by Kimberly Grist

Telegraph operator, Willow Graham, has benefited from a unique lifestyle growing up on her grandfather’s ranch. She loves the wide-open countryside, where she rides and trains animals. With her twenty-first birthday approaching, her family pressures her to return to the city and take up the lavish lifestyle her uncle has planned for her. But another option piques her curiosity –a matchmaking agency’s recommendation that she begin correspondence with a handsome farmer.

Hardworking, twenty-seven-year-old, Leo Weaver, is a man of many talents. He’s helped his father develop a successful farm. Loyal to Carrie town, he volunteers as a deputy sheriff. But handsome and charming, Leo’s become the target of several well-meaning ladies in the community who have submitted his name for a new matchmaking venture.

Willow craves the outdoors. Leo loves community life and wants to live in town. Can a matchmaking agency really help two independent people realize the opposing desires of their hearts?

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2020

About the author

Kimberly Grist is married to her high school sweetheart, Nelson, who is a pastor in Griffin, Georgia. She and her husband have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and she has a passion to encourage others in offering a special needs ministry in the church. Kim is also a grandmother and proud to be a child of the living God. She feels called to help and encourage others and to share experiences both good and bad in order to be the witness that God would have us to be.
Kim has enjoyed writing since she was a young girl, however, began writing her first novel in 2017. Inspired by so many things life has to offer one of which includes her oldest son’s diagnosis of cancer she finds it especially gratifying to write a happy ending. “Suffering is, of course, is my least favorite thing. My objective is not to discuss my struggles specifically but to combine a love of history with biblical principles to produce a clean historical Christian romance, that shows how God uses adversity for our good in ways we may never expect.”

Combining, History, Humor, and Romance with an emphasis on Faith, Friends and Good Clean Fun, Rebecca’s Hope, a work of fiction that reminds us how God can use adversity to strengthen us and draw us closer to Him and give us the desires of our heart in ways we may never expect.

Fans of historical romance set in late 19th-century will enjoy this beautiful story of love and forgiveness. As the unfortunate circumstances of Rebecca's childhood are revealed, we discover a heroine who is both resilient and kind. Rebecca and Sam's love story will have readers rooting for their happy ending

DO YOU ENJOY HISTORICAL WESTERN ROMANCES?
The Pioneer Hearts Facebook group is a wonderful place for historical western romance authors, and readers discuss their favorite stories, recipes, and photos. Join the group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/Pionee...

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow's Worth
Lockets and Lace, Book 26
By: Kimberly Grist
Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes

Wanting to live in a country atmosphere is something Willow has always wanted. When her family begins to pressure her to a different lifestyle, she finds an alternate adventure. Becoming a mail order bride will take her to meet Leo,the owner of a farm. She has been corresponding with him and they seem like a good fit. But on the way, she is in an accident. With part of her memory gone, she begins to tell stories that are unbelievable to Leo and he begins to wonder if this will be the match for him. Plus he has a secret too! Fun stories, exceptional characters and a setting that comes alive makes Willow's Worth a wonderful listen. Willow is a strong woman, which I love. Plus Kimberly Grist creates a family history that is amusing as well as exciting! I really enjoyed this one!

Lorana Hoopes is our story teller and she is wonderful. Honing in on each character, she adds the nuances to make them seem real and alive. I enjoy her each time I listen and look forward to more.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this story. Great narration and loved the characters. Willow is an independent woman, working as a telegraph operator, but her family wants her to come back to live in the City with them. She loves the outdoors and has to find a way to continue this lifestyle, as she hates City living. She starts a correspondence to become a mail order bride to a successful farmer, Leo. He sounds perfect for her and sets off on her adventure. On the way there is a train accident and Willow is hit on the head with luggage. Her memory has also takes a hit. When Leo gets there to help, Willow is saying all these crazy things, leaving Leo to wonder on her ability to be his wife. It will take some time, but Willow gets back into her life, but Leo still thinks there is something wrong with her. At times, this story is hilarious and you don't know what will come out of her mouth next. Will the wedding go on, read on to find out.

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed this story. The narrator was great and brought the story to life. Willow wanted to get away from her family so she decided to be a mail-order bride. Well all sorts of things happen including an accident before she ever gets there. Also
there are some funny things that happens too once she gets there. I think I laughed out loud a time or two. I loved this clean historical romance and I’m always game for mail-order bride books. If this is your kind of books you will certainly enjoy this one.
I received an audiobook from the author but was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book I have read by this author and they are both in the same series. It didn’t realize that when I started this book and it was a fun surprise to recognize Maggie from the first book I read. I as a little irritated with the main character, Leo, for being so stubborn. He could have easily checked out Willow’s claims when Leo thought that Willow was confused after her head injury. Instead he choose not to believe many things Willow told him. Otherwise I enjoyed this sweet romance. Not quite a mail order bride romance.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 26, in this series.

Willow has grown up in the freedom of her grandfathers farm.
Her uncle has plans for her future, however Willow is not sure about these plans.
Leo loves his small town life, does his future lie with Willow?

This is a really great read.  The author brings the characters to life, with her words and descriptions.
There are no cliff hangers.

Please read the authors blurb for more details on this book

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fun, sweet romance. Willow ends up being a mail order bride for Leo thanks to his meddling mother and a few of her friends. But Leo isn't sure he wants a mail order bride. There are a lot of other eligible bachelors in town so who will actually win her heart?

Lorana Hoopes' did a very good job on the narrative with bringing characters alive.

I received a free copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Willow’s Worth to be a delightful historical romance with independent characters who showed spirit, yet held God in reverence and developed a deep love for each other. I liked that both Willow and Leo had to learn to trust each other in order to strengthen their relationship. I enjoyed the unique situations the author created to move the story along and build an engaging plot line. This is the first novel I have read by Kimberly Grist. Based on this story, I would read more of her work.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

willow’s worth

This was a great story about Willow. She worked as a telegraph operator and took her job seriously. She started receding a letter from a lady in a town in Texas. She was telling her about her son, Leo, and how the Ladies Axillary were trying to find Christian ladies for the unmarried men in their town. There is a really great story here and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet read that moves us through a late 1800s courtship after a couple is signed up with Heaven Inspired Matrimonial Matches, a mail-order bride group. The tale is mostly about them getting to know each other, a few misunderstandings, and their dreams for the future. Just a simple, lazy day kind of book with moments of faith. 😊
⭐⭐⭐ = Good
I purchased an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 39 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A yellow fever epidemic and quarantine. An orphan and mail ordered brides with Heaven Inspired Matrimonial Matches. Willow's Worth story sounds like a nursery rhyme, farmer, deputy and furniture maker with a telegraph operator and animal lover thrown in. A delightful page turning read with references to poetry and Proverbs 31 - Who can find a virtuous woman?

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty story about the importance of communication between couples.

Leo- volunteer deputy and wants to start is wood working business.
Willow- orphaned at a young age and raised by her Grandpa.
I enjoyed reading this engaging story that is well written with lovable characters. Loved Willows dogs and the role the played! Their story has a sweet and complete HEA.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Romance

This delightful story continues the wonderful Lockets and Lace series! The narration was excellent! I was particularly pleased with Leo's mother and sister's parts!
I loved laughing to the outlandish bits of Willow's crazy menagerie of animals, and her just as extraordinary grandfather.

[Pat Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Story.

I enjoy reading about the people of Carrie Town, they are such sweet fun stories, and the Ladies always get their Man, I hope there will be more from you, Kimberly Grist, and Carrie Town. Thank you.

[BROWN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow

Leo has been a favorite from the other books. This town brings such a warm feeling of love and family to the reader and to Willow. I love how the orphanage was brought into the story. A great, sweet short read that you will love.

[gary c lehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series......

I've enjoyed reading this story, Willie's Worth, the characters, along with the heroine had a dream of what a marriage and life after should be like. The author has had fun writing what this happy ever after.!

[joy mansion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandpa

Willow was a working girl and love animals she has a dog,a white mule that follow her horse every where it goes . Will her groom except them ? Read to find out . You will enjoy reading .

[Joleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet little book full of scripture and wisdom. This was a different take on mail order bride theme.

It felt like love came on a little quickly, and the couple needed to learn better communication. But examples from parents, cousins, and couples from their church helped the couple to trust.

[Bonnie Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a shorter book, the characters are well-developed and it has a good storyline. I especially enjoyed Willow’s spunkiness to stand up for herself. Good, old-fashioned values along with wonderful family and friends.

[Medenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new favorite for me. I loved the main characters and their storyline. Leo is a great man and Willow is such a special woman and the animals made it even more special. The mare, donkey and mama dog with her two puppies.

[Janet Swiftbird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandpa GoGo

He couldn't believe half of what she told him after her concussion.
A heart warming tale of love , honor and respect.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved this story, I adore the characters and the writing is wonderful. I laughed and cried while reading it touched my heart.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow 's Worth ( Lockets and Lace Book 26

This is a very good story and it good series about love and happiness of mail order brides finding it

[Carol Jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book a lot.

[Elsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

couldn't get into this book. I didn't really care for the heroine.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting couple keep their wealth a secret

Shows problems women and some men have re courting need to be cautious Friends who may not keep secrets Need to give time to listen

[Daisey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean. Ok. Pretty shallow.

[ReadingWench · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read about a female telegraph operator. I liked the story and it was an easy read. The characters were great and I loved the interactions.

[Julene Lapinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

It was a nice book. It took me quite a while to get into it but eventually the story line sucked me in.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book with a hero and heroine who each had definite ideas about how things should be in a marriage and a home. Can they survive the cupids on the wallpaper and everywhere else? Such a delightful romance which shows that sometimes, true love has to have the kinks worked out of it. Well worth reading.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Kim Grist

When Willow‘s grandfather died, her Okun it won’t hurt to move with them, but thanks to her cousin who tells her about the heavenly match matrimonial agency started by a priest in the head of the orphanage where Willow stayed after her parents death she decided to take her chances being a mail order bride. After all she would love to live in the country with her menagerie of animals. This it’s all Sumit Leo Weaver who she corresponds with and eventually goes to marry. It is a match made in heaven, except he bought a house in the city and she dreamed of living in the country will they be able to come together and live happily in one house in the city or will Leo have to give up his dream and go live on the farm to please Willow.

I love Kim Grist books. They are like fairytales told in the old west. This is a sweet and clean historical romance that will not disappoint. I also love all the past characters being connected to the current ones. I just love this book! I listen to it on audio with Llerena Hoops now reading and I totally enjoyed it! She does such a great job.