Can a man who’s completely wrong for her help her find Mr. Right?
Gwendolyn McGill wants to be loved and accepted for who she is, but that’s hard to do in a small town where everyone judges her by the scandal her father caused. Unfortunately, the man she hoped would sweep her away from all the wagging tongues is no longer interested in marrying her. Unable to leave town, she’s determined to prove she’s more than just a pretty face who knows how to bat her eyelashes.
For years, Timothy O’Conner has loved Gwen from a distance, knowing someone like her would never be attracted to a lowly ranch hand with a blemished face like him. When Gwen unexpectedly shows up at the ranch, asking him to help her learn how to attract a man of quality, Tim’s feelings become even harder to suppress.
When danger pushes them together, they discover there’s more to each other than either of them imagined. Though God is no respecter of persons, is the desire of their hearts strong enough to defy society’s expectations?
A rare solid 5 means I LOVED it or was so impressed that I bring these books up in random conversations.
4.5-4 means great story. Recommended.
I don't post 3 star or below for newer Christian fiction (conflict of interest--I might have to work with the author). But any 3s mean the author wrote a good story, just something about it made it not a favorite.
2 was not that great and never redeemed itself.
1 aggravated me so much or was so poorly done I DNF or if I did finish, I wished I could get my time back.
Awweee!! My heart! This story was so sweet! If I could’ve held my eyes open just a bit longer I would’ve been able to read it in one day. I don’t normally enjoy reading e-books, but every chance I got to pick up my phone I was reading!
I loved Gwen’s character! She really grew up so much in this story and I loved that she had someone who shot straight with her. I loved her tenacity! Once she found out what she wanted she went after it. I loved that she learned to be herself, and that God loved her that way and His opinion mattered most.
Tim’s character was a sweetheart! Though his lack of self confidence did start to get a little annoying. His “running away” from Gwen and acting like he couldn’t stand her because of his own thoughts just got a little old. I wish they had both talked to each other sooner. But he was such a dear! Loved him as a main character!
I can see why Tim thought the things he did, it just felt a bit drawn out. They both felt a little young to me. Not so much naïve, but just young.
I liked their dynamic when they were together, it felt like a good friendship to more. I loved the theme of not judging a book by its cover and love being about more than just a pretty face and money.
It was such a sweet story! Melissa writes such “real life” stories! No one is perfect, and they all learn to trust God. I just really enjoy her writing, and I’m really loving this series!
I’m really excited about the next book, and hope Gwen & Tim make an appearance again.
4/5 stars *I received the book from the author**All opinions are my own*
My Thoughts: I have yet to read a Jagears novel that I didn’t love, but I wasn’t prepared to love this one quite as much as I did. I expected a fun love story, which I got. I expected a strong historical western setting, which I got. But I had no idea there would be such an adventure tucked away in the middle of this book! I won’t give anything away but it makes a great book even better. And the ending left me even more eager for the next installment. Jagears does touch on physical abuse in a tender and encouraging way. And I appreciated the spiritual themes woven throughout the story.
Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving Marrying Mr. Wrong 5 stars. I highly recommend it to those looking for Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western Romance, or an opposites attract romance.
~ I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.
This book was SO GOOD!!! Timothy was super sweet. Gwen was super relatable. While I was reading, my younger sister kept having to ask me why I was laughing. The characters' internal conflict felt genuine. Overall, a wonderful story and an easy read.
Marrying Mr. Wrong is a lively addition to the Frontier Vows series, yet it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel, too, if you haven’t read any other books in the series.
Gwen and Tim are quite the characters! Gwen has often come off as flighty and flirty. She has set her cap for men of means and she hopes to find a well to do husband.
Tim comes from the lowest background you can imagine. His family is dirt poor, with a father who isn’t above stealing any money Tim brings to his mother. He often drinks and some abuse was hinted at, as well.
When Gwen’s eyes become opened to the type of honorable man Tim is, she begins to recognize the value in things other than money and possessions. She also begins to hope that Tim could one day see her as a worthwhile wife. Yet, all Tim seems to be able to see is what he can’t offer her. These two have a lot of emotional growing to do in this story. There are moments of humor and moments of pain, plus a dash of danger added in, as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I have never considered myself a fan of western type stories, but I’ve really been enjoying this series by Melissa Jagears. I think what intrigued me most about this story was knowing that Gwen is the main character. She is featured in previous books and seems quite the airhead. Little did I know that was a calculated move on her part. For in this story, her act has backfired and did not receive the desired results of landing a husband. Not only that, she realizes that landing a husband is not ever her own desire, but what she feels is expected of her. I appreciated the theme of happiness not being found in one’s station in life, but rather personal character and those who are a part of it.
Timothy has admired Gwen over the years, but felt she was out of his league. Circumstances bring them together though, and they realize they have more in common than they thought. Their wires get crossed quite a bit, with both characters having significant growth throughout the story. I found several scenes smile-inducing, and there is a bit of suspense as well. It was fun to get to know these characters as more than just background players. I definitely didn’t expect them to share the page together, but I’m glad they do. While I have enjoyed reading the series from the beginning, I also think that this one works well as a standalone. Frontier Vows is such a fun series, and I’m glad I got the chance to read this latest installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. A positive review was not required, and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read so far by Melissa Jagears, and Marrying Mr. Wrong was no exception. After getting glimpses of Tim and Gwen throughout the series, it was nice to finally to see their story.
I loved getting insight into Gwen’s character after so many hints in the previous books. Jagears does a great job showing Gwen’s growth throughout the book. And Tim, a character who piqued my interest in Pretending to Wed, caught my attention once again. I loved seeing Gwen and Tim battle their insecurities and come into their own.
Their relationship wasn’t forced and developed naturally, something I’ve always considered this author talented at. It really added to the theme about seeing past appearances and station.
Marrying Mr. Wrong can be read as a standalone, but I found myself thrilled at all the cameos from previous characters. Jagears brought this town to life in her series, and I hope there are more stories in the future.
Overall, Marrying Mr. Wrong is a delightful historical romance with well-rounded characters and a thought-provoking theme.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Since beginning Melissa Jagears’s Frontier Vows series a few years ago, I have continued to fall in love with each book as it released. Her latest, Marrying Mr. Wrong, is an exceptional addition to the storyline, and I quickly devoured every page of that book. With cameo appearances by beloved characters from previous books, Jagears invites us into the lives of Gwen and Tim – characters who teach us that our true value lies far beyond social expectations. Through ups and downs, the fighting of deeply personal battles, and an unexpected romance, this book blooms into a beautiful love story of redemption.
I highly recommend this, and each of the other three books in the Frontier Vows series. They are beautiful stories full of hope, love, and restoration.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
If two people were more ill-suited to each other it was Tim O'Connor and Gwen McGill! Tim is a hard working ranch hand just trying to provide for his mom & siblings, Gwen is a rich socialite . They both fight against prejudices & unfair judgments in a town full of gossips. Plus, their social classes set them far apart from each other. I had fun reading about how Jagears was going to get these two together!
I love the character growth in both of them and how they find the strengths to rise above what others think of them. Especially people who judge them by what their no-good fathers did. It's a hard won happily-ever-after kind of story of faith and love. Throw in a little danger to push these two together and you got a great story to keep you turning pages until the perfect ending. I was left with a smile on my face!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
I enjoyed this series, and am hoping the author writes more of it as she indicated at the end of this book.
Though fictional, this book shows how much people can change. Timothy from being involved in illegal activities, to an honest man who gets a job he always dreamed of......and Gwen, the stuck up flirty rich girl to a woman of substance. I honestly cannot pick a favorite in this series....I loved the characters and the situations the author set up for them, and how they came out the on top. This author does not have a ton of books out - this set of 4, and two other sets of 3, but she is definitely one I like and recommend.
Mismatched couples are nothing new to romance novels. This book, however, took several unexpected twists and I found myself really enjoying the detours and bumps the characters experienced.
Tim is a hopeful man, though also a realist. He has had too much family responsibility put on him by a neglectful father. He worries about his mother and siblings even while working hard on someone else’s ranch, but still he hopes for more one day, even if the woman he has admired since school days is completely out of reach.
Gwen has so much, but she still feels invisible, or worse, a burden. She brings a fair amount of family baggage to the story, too, and finds it hard to believe that she has any value beyond ornamental. She wants to be more, but what if no one will have her?
These two characters both have much to learn, but I really enjoyed how it was actually both of them that had to learn something, not just one of them. They are flawed and realistic, with different needs and yet still able to care about others around them, even at their own expense.
But what I loved most about this book was how it takes the tropes and turns them upside down. Rather than a family trying to keep a couple apart because of differences in financial and social standing, her brother encourages her to consider a different kind of man than she has previously, certainly different from whom society would have expected her to marry.
This is a sweet story of finding what we all look for: a place to belong and be loved. It may not come in our timing, or in the places and people we expected to find it, but God sometimes blesses us by not giving us what we think we want in the moment, instead giving us something far better.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Marrying Mr. Wrong, by Melissa Jagears, is the fourth book in the Frontier Vows series. As a historical fiction novel this book is captivating and unexpected. With compelling characters and a riveting plot, this well-written book thoughtfully weaves history, romance, faith, and intrigue into a story that is quite special and entertaining.
The characters in this novel are as unforgettable as they are unconventional. They are surprising, sincere, and determined. Their assumptions and insecurities, as well as the choices they pursue, make them very intriguing. As they struggle with misunderstandings, limitations, and regrets, they are wholly relatable, especially as they persevere and hold on to the hope that justice, purpose, grace and redemption will still be available to them. As they face heartache, danger, and loss, the characters also learn the value of honesty, truth, integrity, and vulnerability. Throughout this book, the characters themselves are inspiring and their story is meaningful and moving.
Marrying Mr. Wrong is a relevant novel of new perspectives and second chances. It is a story of faith, trust, and welcoming the unexpected. It is also a story of genuine love and acceptance. From the first page to the last, this novel is truly a pleasure to read. It is touching, tender, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting. As with all the other books in this series, I gladly recommend it.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Author extraordinaire Melissa Jagears has penned another page turning adventure with Marrying Mr. Wrong. This is Book 4 in her Frontier Vows Series. I have enjoyed this Christian historical fiction series tremendously. Even though this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Set in 1885’s Wyoming Territory, this is the tale of Gwendolyn McGill and Timothy O’Connor. It was easy to become lost in the story. Jagears is a gifted author and knows how to grab readers’ attention immediately. Her characters are lovable, realistic, have flaws, and become friends to the reader. The conversations are realistic and flow smoothly.
Gwen and Tim have known each other for years. She is known for flirting and liking the better things in life. Tim is just a hard working guy that suffers some personal issues. Their relationship is one that grows through the pages of this beautiful story of priorities, truth, and redemption.
The author added humor, danger, faith, compassion, and romance to make this book a page turner that begs to be read. Twists and turns kept me guessing in various parts of this lovely story. A few characters from the earlier books popped up. I loved seeing my old friends!
I highly recommend this delightful novel. Read it alone or with a group. There is much to ponder and many lessons to learn within the pages of Marrying Mr. Wrong. It gets 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my own words.
DANGER, FAITH, ROMANCE, AND LOOKING BEYOND THE OBVIOUS TO FIND THE BEAUTY
Wyoming Territory 1885.
Timothy O’Connor suffers from blemishes and oily hair, is poor as dirt, and lives under the shadow of a low-life, no-good father. But, he works hard and tries to provide for his mother and siblings. He has long carried a torch for Gwendolyn McGill. Only trouble is, Gwen is a notorious flirt and the daughter of the mayor; two things that couldn’t possibly help him. Add a few town busy-bodies into the mix and his chances seem even smaller. He’s not even sure of Gwen’s character.
“…glimpses of what a person could be didn’t mean they’d ever become the decent human God intended. There had to be evidence their heart had changed.”
Gwen wants a new life, love and to feel useful. With a nudge from her brother, she ends up training on the ranch where Timothy works. He begins to help her see things differently, but he’s unsure of just how much his heart can take from the woman who appears completely uninterested in him.
“He looked up in the sky. I’ve never asked You to keep her from getting more attractive, but could You help me out a little and stop her from doing things that make me think her more so?”
Danger follows as these two discover new things about each other and themselves. Add in some faith and growing love and you have a very good story which I quite enjoyed.
4 Stars - I really liked it.
I was gifted an eBook in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
SERIES: Frontier Vows 1. Romancing the Bride 2. Pretending to Wed 3. Depending on You 4. Marrying Mr. Wrong. 5. Tbd
If ever there was a story for a "lowly" person to read, this is it. Now, I'm a firm believer that beauty is on the inside, and for me people are attractive because of who they are, not what they look like. And Jagears displays that very thing perfectly with Marrying Mr. Wrong. Tim. he's such a good guy. Gentle, patient, strong, loving. He sees Gwen for who she really is, not the fake flirtatious persona she portrays. And isn't that what love should be like? Someone who sees our deepest fears, desires, likes and dislikes? If for no other reason, please read this book for that very lesson.
But trust me when I say there are other reasons! Jagears gives historical fiction fans a great story, and a western at that. There was danger, laughter, romance, and so much more. The character arcs are great - Gwen needs to learn that value isn't in money and possessions, while Tim needs to learn about self value, something he is severely lacking. Jagears somehow managed to grow them together, while remaining true to an individual character growth, and I loved it!
This sweet story is a must for your TBR pile. I highly recommend reading this entire series, but this installment at the very least! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It is so refreshing to read a romance where the man is not devastingly handsome and a woman, though described as beautiful, who can see beyond his outward blemishes to his integrity, kind heart, and devotion. Tim has been in love with Gwen since they were kids but growing up in poverty thanks to a scoundrel for a father, he feels too far beneath her to be considered. Gwen's been trying to snag a husband, but though she's had many suitors, none have proposed marriage. When she bumps into Tim on the way to meet another man at the train station, he lets her know none of those men have been right for her. Gwen's brother Bo suggests she set her sights on Tim, which causes various mishaps, some serious. I felt sorry for Tim at times. He had so much family pressure plus trying to keep his feelings for Gwen underwrap, which was often difficult. Readers who remember Gwen from the previous books will be glad to know she does some growing up in this book. I am hopeful there might be another book in the Frontier Vows series since there is some unfinished business with Daniel and I think it's time for Bo to find a wife. I really enjoy this series with it's romance, faith, and adventure.
Set in the Wyoming Territory in 1885, Marrying Mr. Wrong is a charming addition to Melissa Jagears’s Frontier Vows series. It was a treat to revisit this area and the characters from previous stories in the series. This tale stars Gwendolyn McGill, a beautiful, rich socialite, and Timothy O’Conner, one of the poorest residents of the town, who is working hard to keep his mother and siblings from starving. Because of Tim’s low self-esteem and appearance, he knows Gwen would never look twice at him, although she has a reputation as a flirt.
“Why not stop being what you think everyone wants you to be and be who God made you to be?”
This book has beautiful messages about how appearances can deceive, to look past superficial differences into another’s heart, and to be yourself. With adventure, intrigue, a dash of romance, and lots of inspiration, this book is a wonderful addition to the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Marrying Mr. Wrong by Melissa Jagears Frontier Vows Series Book Four Timothy O’Conner has loved Gwen for as long as he can remember. He’s watched her pour out her fake flattery and flirting on the handsome and rich guys she chased after. But he knew Gwen could never be his. She was rich. He was dirt poor, had a lousy father, and entirely lacking in good looks. Gwendolyn McGill had acted like she had cotton for a brain. She was more intelligent than she seemed, although after Tim had told her what he thought of her one day, Gwen had to wonder how smart she was. That truth had her searching herself. When Gwen’s brother, Bo, tells her he’ll send her where she wants to go if she first gets to know Tim better, she agrees. Only, it seems she’s found one man who wants nothing to do with her. I loved the characters and the storyline. I enjoy this series and always look forward to the next book. https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
This really pains me. I love Melissa’s books most of the time, but this series has just been kind of lackluster for me. The first two books I had very meh feelings about but I LOVED the third novella. I tried not to have high expectations for this one because of that novella, knowing how I felt about the first two. Maybe my expectations were a bit too high.
I was interested in the beginning. I thought it was pretty good. But then we got stuck in a rut. It was the same thing over and over again. Just as I was getting bored, there’s a twist. Oh ok. We’ll get back to moving now. Nope. That plot line also quickly fell into a rut. It was just too repetitive for me. I completely lost interest at that point.
It also did not help that I was not sold on Tim and Gwen being a couple. Don’t get me wrong; I loved them both individually. I liked Gwen, and Tim was absolutely precious. I just wasn’t into it.
I've put off reviewing this book because I want to love it more than I did. I want to be able to join those five-star reviews for it. I've loved Melissa Jagear's work for years. I'm a huge fan of the previous installments in this series. I truly wanted to love this book. I just had a hard time with this pairing for some reason.
The plot was interesting. The supporting cast was great. I just had a hard time getting into caring for them as a couple. I see their growth. I like the idea of them moving past their mistakes and still getting a redemptive happily ever after. I just struggled with this one. The ending was good. I feel like the last bits of the book were easier to enjoy than the first portions. Maybe it was just me on this one. Maybe I wasn't in the right headspace for it? But bottom line was I felt like it was just okay. I'll be back for Book Five (if there is a fifth book) or whatever comes next for sure!
Gwen McGill was not my favorite character until I figured it that she is the one who was tipping of the Marshal about her father' dealings and even then I felt she should have done more and maybe Leah wouldn't have been hurt. I have to admit that when I saw book for was about her my heart sank. How wrong could I have been. I was just as wrong as all the other townspeople who had judged her incorrectly and by the end I was cheering for her. I love this book in the series as much as the other three and I am anxiously awaiting book number 5. No one since Terry Blackstock has been able to make me stay up all night to read a book and then immediately wish for the next in the series. That say a lot about this series. If you haven't read it, catch up so that you like I will be ready and waiting for the next book.
Gwen is beautiful, wealthy, and everything a man would want on the surface but no matter how she flirts and tries to mold herself to be just what they want no one asks for her hand in marriage. She approaches Timothy in hopes that he will help her discover what men are looking for so she can escape her life in Armelle. Timothy is a lowly ranch hand from an even more lowly family. He has nothing to offer but that he truly sees Gwen, all of her, not just the act she puts on when people are watching.
This story by Melissa Jagears is my favorite in the series. It explores Gwen and Tim seeing in each other, who they really, are scars and all, the person they are striving to be, and finding love along the way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This story reiterates the fact that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. Or people by what you see. Strong characters remind us of this. The town flirt. The good looking out of towner. The down and out ranch hand. None of them are what you see on the surface. It was so good to watch them grow and come into an awareness of themselves.
Gwen gets pushed into a deal with her brother that has a surprising outcome, adding to the fun. The dialog between Timothy and Gwen had me laughing and shaking my head. They sure went the long way around things. If you enjoy a good clean romance with humor set in the west, then you need to read Marrying Mr Wrong.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
The author has created a wonderful object lesson that would be appropriate for any age level to read - especially those just entering the realm of dating. There's a tendency to want to date those who have certain characteristics such as wealth and good looks. However, those with perception will learn the truth of the old proverb that with some, beauty is only skin deep. This is what Gwen had to learn the hard way.
On the flip side, those who grow up in a lower income society tend to look at those with more money with all sorts of prejudices and envy - which is exactly what Tim had to work through.
I appreciate the effort the author gave to work through all of the various stereotypes and prejudices from both directions and shed the truth of God's Word on them.
Loved this book! This story grabbed me right off and kept me propelling through the pages. Such a fun story, I found myself rooting for Timothy. All the way to the end. The plot involving some nefarious men had me on the edge of my seat and kept me wondering through the twist and turns. Wonderfully written with a slow building romance. Gwen matures throughout the story and it was great to see this and how she seeks whats really important in life. This is a feel good story that will captivate you and keep you flipping pages into the late night hours! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This book hit the ground running and grabbed my attention on page one! Before the first chapter had ended, I found myself laughing out loud and feeling sympathetic toward at least two of the characters. After such a strong start I expected there to be a lull in the story but that did not happen. The plot continued to swell into hold-your-breath goodness. A little mystery was thrown in and a whole lot of love to round out a book I could, and will, read again. I have anticipated each book in this series, they have all earned real estate on my “keeper shelf”, including Marrying Mr. Wrong.
I fell completely into this book! I loved that Gwen gave up her fake, flirty, man hunting ways and became her true self, it took her a while but it was fun to read. I enjoyed Gwen and Tim getting to know each other better. The pair had quite an adventure in the process too. I don't give spoilers but there are some great scenes in the Marshall's office. Tim's mother gives some very good advice amidst her own turmoil. My heart went out to her.
I look forward to reading more "Frontier Vows" stories in the future.
As an author myself I enjoy a good read that keeps me guessing or takes a turn I didn't expect. Melissa Jaguars' story Marrying Mr. Wrong was such a fun read. I enjoyed each characters journey and just when I thought this is it, she unfolds more challenges in the love story. The well developed story and characters kept me reading and at times I found it difficult to put the book down. ☺️
The entire Frontier Vows series is my favorite series and I look forward to book 5 as our Lord leads.
While realizing she is blessed, Gwendolyn McGill doesn't have enough self esteem to be herself, so she has tried to be what she thinks others want her to be. She's also lost sight of what qualities are important in a husband. Some unsolicited advice, and "blackmail" by her brother, set her to thinking. She becomes a more considerate person, and a random kidnapping further changes circumstances. In spite of some heavy topics, this book is entertaining and contains humor. I enjoyed it, and hope Melissa Jagears keeps writing.
You’ve got to read this book because there truly are diamonds in the rough in this world. Sometimes they are shiny on the surface, and you need to scratch below the surface to find the true person. More often, though, we see the rough side, and these are the people we often pass by without taking time to notice the pure goodness hiding beneath the surface. When you take the time to look, you will reap the rewards