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The Brittler Sisters #1
Dianna
A high-society gal on the Western Frontier... And a savage Indian with a murderous past.
A pull here. A tug there. Something is calling out to Dianna Brittler from a distance.
While her younger sister begins planning her marriage to the son of a wealthy business man, Dianna discovers a yearning within her soul the likes of which she has never known. Having brushed aside the many suitors presented to her over the course of her adolescence, Dianna refuses to fall quietly into spinsterhood.
Her cravings for adventure and change overpower her strong sense of logic and she journeys forth to marry a man she knows only from a handful of letters.
This change is good.This is the life for her. Isn't it?
Dianna was never satisfied with the life of a socialite in 1885 Manhattan, but life in the Wilds of the Wyoming Territory might be more than she can handle. A violent fiancé and a winter storm will drive Dianna into the arms of a handsome native. Now, the two must choose to fight their growing attraction to one another, or, together, face a world that will never fully accept their love.
A pull here. A tug there. Something is calling out to Dianna Brittler from a distance.
While her younger sister begins planning her marriage to the son of a wealthy business man, Dianna discovers a yearning within her soul the likes of which she has never known. Having brushed aside the many suitors presented to her over the course of her adolescence, Dianna refuses to fall quietly into spinsterhood.
Her cravings for adventure and change overpower her strong sense of logic and she journeys forth to marry a man she knows only from a handful of letters.
This change is good.This is the life for her. Isn't it?
Dianna was never satisfied with the life of a socialite in 1885 Manhattan, but life in the Wilds of the Wyoming Territory might be more than she can handle. A violent fiancé and a winter storm will drive Dianna into the arms of a handsome native. Now, the two must choose to fight their growing attraction to one another, or, together, face a world that will never fully accept their love.
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Published January 3, 2022
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About the author
Josephine Blake
39 books58 followersJosephine Blake is a bestselling author and award-winning graphic designer. She enjoys a quiet life on a comfortable piece of property in her very own small-town in the Willamette Valley.
With over 23 published books in the romance genre, Josephine works hard to make sure her stories bring a little more love into this crazy world.
She and her husband spend most days chasing their little one around their farmhouse with thankful hearts.
Notable Works:
Josephine Blake’s debut Historical Romance novel, Dianna, hit the shelves in August of 2016 and became a bestseller two years later. Her Gothic Historical Romance novel, A Brush with Death, followed suit later that year in 2018. Yours at Yuletide became her very first Contemporary Romance release in the winter of 2019.
She’d love to hear from you. Shoot her an email at admin@awordfromjosephineblake.com
With over 23 published books in the romance genre, Josephine works hard to make sure her stories bring a little more love into this crazy world.
She and her husband spend most days chasing their little one around their farmhouse with thankful hearts.
Notable Works:
Josephine Blake’s debut Historical Romance novel, Dianna, hit the shelves in August of 2016 and became a bestseller two years later. Her Gothic Historical Romance novel, A Brush with Death, followed suit later that year in 2018. Yours at Yuletide became her very first Contemporary Romance release in the winter of 2019.
She’d love to hear from you. Shoot her an email at admin@awordfromjosephineblake.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 23, 2020
Dianna is book one in The Brittler Sisters series by Josephine Blake. I enjoyed this book. The heroine Dianna was quite a character. There were moments that I laughed out loud and other moments when I teared up. Blake does a fabulous job developing the heroine Dianna’s character. She is strong without being unkind. The story takes a few unexpected turns for this “mail order bride”. And though it is a sweet romance there is definitely some wonderful chemistry between the hero and heroine. “His lips were warm, like the rest of him. It was as though she had pressed her face to the surface of the sun. The flames engulfed her. She felt his arms twine about her waist, and the world fell away. His lips took over, and for a wonderful fraction of a second, Dianna felt whole.” Lovely! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
February 25, 2020
Dianna the oldest of the Brittler sisters is very dissatisfied with the men she has been acquainted with in Manhatten. While perusing a paper she sees an ad about a young man searching for a bride ti help hi run his ranch. They begin corresponding , and she is convinced that he is the love of her life. Her father is very upset and refuses to let her go. She finally wins him over and begins the journey. On arriving in Cheyenne, she is disappointed time after time by her man's reactions They take off for his ranch a day and a half away. There she finds she is expected to do all chores he does not want to do.
Finally in a drunken stupor he beats her and chases her out into the cold winter night. She is injured but manages to get on here horse and runs into the wild. Buy this book and find out how she is rescued. Does she live to tell the story? It is an exciting book with a surprise ending.
Finally in a drunken stupor he beats her and chases her out into the cold winter night. She is injured but manages to get on here horse and runs into the wild. Buy this book and find out how she is rescued. Does she live to tell the story? It is an exciting book with a surprise ending.
September 23, 2020
Good read
Although not quite believable, this is still an entertaining book. Getting a bad deal for a mail order husband is believable. Being able to marry a native American man so easily isn't. So what? I read books for enjoyment and entertainment. I enjoyed this book and I was entertained. It's very adventurous and sometimes exciting with some romance mixed in.
Although not quite believable, this is still an entertaining book. Getting a bad deal for a mail order husband is believable. Being able to marry a native American man so easily isn't. So what? I read books for enjoyment and entertainment. I enjoyed this book and I was entertained. It's very adventurous and sometimes exciting with some romance mixed in.
July 19, 2018
Dianna's younger sister is planning her wedding and she is being stifled by her mother who is determined to get her wed. Dianna answers an ad for a mail-order bride and moves to the wilds of the west. Things go badly and then are semo fixed.
June 7, 2017
Dianna is the story of the Brittler sisters and their quest to marry. As her younger sister plans he wedding, Dianna reaches the point in her life where she wants a change. She feels a yearning to travel out west. She loves the land there and feels called to be a part of it. She corresponds with a man named Greyson and agrees to marry him. When she arrives and gets to know Greyson, she realizes he is not a good man.
One night Dianna is forced to flee from her home. She is hurt and it is cold outside. She is rescued by a Native American who shows her such tenderness as he tends to her wounds. The two hide in the cave as she heals and she gets to know him well. They learn to communicate and soon Dianna falls in love with him. He also loves her but has a past he is fleeing from. The two have to decide if they can be together despite the many obstacles they face.
Dianna is a quick read and one that you simply cannot put down. I loved the speed of the story and how it flowed nicely. The book has it all; romance, suspense, and action. I look forward to reading about the rest of the Brittler sisters in this exciting series.
One night Dianna is forced to flee from her home. She is hurt and it is cold outside. She is rescued by a Native American who shows her such tenderness as he tends to her wounds. The two hide in the cave as she heals and she gets to know him well. They learn to communicate and soon Dianna falls in love with him. He also loves her but has a past he is fleeing from. The two have to decide if they can be together despite the many obstacles they face.
Dianna is a quick read and one that you simply cannot put down. I loved the speed of the story and how it flowed nicely. The book has it all; romance, suspense, and action. I look forward to reading about the rest of the Brittler sisters in this exciting series.
June 16, 2018
If you are a fan of realism in even the slightest degree in your historical fiction then this won’t be the book for you.
Basically, an insanely naive woman does and insanely naive thing and then is saved from her own naivety by an equally unrealistic Indian gent.
Examples of the historical inaccuracies that drove me mad in this novel:
-Stamps cost money, but apparently paper and ink are free for the asking.
-When there’s a problem with getting married posthaste the woman is willing to go live with not one but two men on a farm in the middle of nowhere, like that would be at all morally acceptable during that time in history.
-The Indian gent learns English like a pro within a two week timespan with no books and no actual access to examples of the things he’s learning the words for from a woman with no experience teaching English.
-Even though it’s the 1800’s and racism is considered the norm and not a bad thing at all when the white lady returns to town blatantly hooked up with the Indian gent all the “nice” folks aren’t racist about it in any way.
If, unlike me, you can get past all this I think this book would be considered a nice little “clean” quasi-religious romance.
Basically, an insanely naive woman does and insanely naive thing and then is saved from her own naivety by an equally unrealistic Indian gent.
Examples of the historical inaccuracies that drove me mad in this novel:
-Stamps cost money, but apparently paper and ink are free for the asking.
-When there’s a problem with getting married posthaste the woman is willing to go live with not one but two men on a farm in the middle of nowhere, like that would be at all morally acceptable during that time in history.
-The Indian gent learns English like a pro within a two week timespan with no books and no actual access to examples of the things he’s learning the words for from a woman with no experience teaching English.
-Even though it’s the 1800’s and racism is considered the norm and not a bad thing at all when the white lady returns to town blatantly hooked up with the Indian gent all the “nice” folks aren’t racist about it in any way.
If, unlike me, you can get past all this I think this book would be considered a nice little “clean” quasi-religious romance.
August 23, 2018
Won this book thru a giveaway directly from the author. She is a 1st time read for me and it won't be the last . I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you Josephine Blake for allowing me to read this.
Dianna is a young lady, apparently past her prime, who doesn't really want to stay at home with her wealthy family. She's feeling a yearning to be somewhere else and embarks on a journey of traveling out West to marry a man she's only exchanged letters with.
She discoveries she's a strong independent woman who now needs to learn a whole new lifestyle and is determined to do what she must
There is some unexpected surprises and danger thrown in and some very sweet romance as well. Some shady and ruthless characters along with some who will do everything to protect her.
While everything might not be Factual to it's period, the author did an amazing job with making you feel like you were there sharing Diannas' adventure. Was a cliffhanger at the end but I guess that's the point. It leads into Diannas sister's stories and makes you come back for more.
Dianna is a young lady, apparently past her prime, who doesn't really want to stay at home with her wealthy family. She's feeling a yearning to be somewhere else and embarks on a journey of traveling out West to marry a man she's only exchanged letters with.
She discoveries she's a strong independent woman who now needs to learn a whole new lifestyle and is determined to do what she must
There is some unexpected surprises and danger thrown in and some very sweet romance as well. Some shady and ruthless characters along with some who will do everything to protect her.
While everything might not be Factual to it's period, the author did an amazing job with making you feel like you were there sharing Diannas' adventure. Was a cliffhanger at the end but I guess that's the point. It leads into Diannas sister's stories and makes you come back for more.
April 16, 2018
For someone who strictly read Victorian England romance novels, Dianna by Josephine Blake was an excellent way to immerse myself in the American western romance between wealthy, white woman Dianna Brittler and the elusive and Native American Shiye. While the first half of the book took a while to get going, the poetic language describing the scenery continued to fascinate and enthrall. When Dianna meets the man with whom she ends up, the chemistry between the pair is palpable. Though there are no actual love scenes, the spark of passion is still tucked into every page. The author leaves you looking forward to the couple's next adventures. I recommend this book to those who like a slow-burning romance without all of the... graphic imagery... of many other romances, and the certain group of people who perhaps enjoy the setting of a novel as much as the characters themselves.
August 1, 2018
This is not your typical mail-order bride novel. Dianna is not in any financial distress but rather seeks to travel to the West as she is 29, one of her younger sisters is getting engaged and she loves what she has seen of the West. She learns to her regret that the man she has agreed to marry is not someone she can respect let alone love and when his alcoholism leads to serious injuries for her she is saved by a native who is on the run himself. How their relationship progresses (they don't even speak the same language) and what happens next kept me reading until the book was done in one day.
I had thought each novel in the series was a stand-alone but their is a cliffhanger ending of sorts with this book. I look forward to finding out what happens next.
I had thought each novel in the series was a stand-alone but their is a cliffhanger ending of sorts with this book. I look forward to finding out what happens next.
June 21, 2018
This is a change from the norm of most mail order bride stories. Dianna lives on the east coast in a family that is financially comfortable. She just doesn't seem to be able to find a man that she wants to marry, so she accepts an offer to go out to Wyoming to marry a widower. She is looking for a life of adventure. When she gets there, she finds that the man that she had promised to marry is not what she thought he would be. Will she marry him or will she flee?
February 27, 2020
Hmm...it was OK
I read several reviews before diving into this tale. It did seem unbelievable at times and the heroine seemed so very immature. The ending didn't improve on the story. (Not the epilogue...I skipped that to avoid cliffhangers.) So the best I can say for this story was it was easy to read and the foundation of the plot was OK. But the tiny details which are so important need some more work and I'd love to see more depth to the characters, maybe some growth.
I read several reviews before diving into this tale. It did seem unbelievable at times and the heroine seemed so very immature. The ending didn't improve on the story. (Not the epilogue...I skipped that to avoid cliffhangers.) So the best I can say for this story was it was easy to read and the foundation of the plot was OK. But the tiny details which are so important need some more work and I'd love to see more depth to the characters, maybe some growth.
March 24, 2020
First story by the author, is well written.
First story I've read by this author. Lovely romance after her fiance beats her, and her hidden hero comes to her rescue. But how does a woman from Victorian New York, fall in love with Native American hero? Can this work out for them?
This is one where a mail order bride finds just how dangerous the unknown can be. Highly recommended story of faith, hope, and courage of two different peoples can still fall in love.
First story I've read by this author. Lovely romance after her fiance beats her, and her hidden hero comes to her rescue. But how does a woman from Victorian New York, fall in love with Native American hero? Can this work out for them?
This is one where a mail order bride finds just how dangerous the unknown can be. Highly recommended story of faith, hope, and courage of two different peoples can still fall in love.
June 29, 2020
Loved the story and wanted more.
A mail order bride who doesn’t fall in love with her intended! This was a first in my experience. I fell in love with Dianna’s feisty spirit and with Shyi’s gentle strength. My only complaint is that the story ended too soon. I want to know so much more. The end suggested future challenges. Perhaps they are addressed in the next in the series?? A good, clean story.
A mail order bride who doesn’t fall in love with her intended! This was a first in my experience. I fell in love with Dianna’s feisty spirit and with Shyi’s gentle strength. My only complaint is that the story ended too soon. I want to know so much more. The end suggested future challenges. Perhaps they are addressed in the next in the series?? A good, clean story.
April 9, 2022
Dinah ( The Brittler Sisters)
This was an usual story. Diana was 29 years old, lived in Manhattan, was 29 years old. She had three other sisters, younger than she was. She next sister was expecting a proposal and this made Dianna pushed to find her true love. She decided to write to this man and become a mail order bride. She endured many hardships from this man. The story was sad with an acceptable ending
This was an usual story. Diana was 29 years old, lived in Manhattan, was 29 years old. She had three other sisters, younger than she was. She next sister was expecting a proposal and this made Dianna pushed to find her true love. She decided to write to this man and become a mail order bride. She endured many hardships from this man. The story was sad with an acceptable ending
June 21, 2017
Every second was just magic! Dianna was completely pulled by some magnetic force away from her home and family, and toward a distant land. She thought she had everything figured out, but I love that God had a little surprise for her! I wish we had gotten to spend a little more time with Dianna's true love, but I feel like we will get to know him much better in the books to come!
May 11, 2018
I liked the story line about Dianna deciding on a different life than her sisters. The H/h were both pretty good and solid characters and I enjoyed reading it. The 3 stars is due to the fact that it's a cliffhanger ending. I avoid books that have those. It's still a good book if you're not annoyed by a cliffhanger.
May 22, 2018
Who was this man she traveled to marry?
This novel dealt with mail order brides in difficult or dangerous situations, native American interactions, and customs of the times. Interesting novel, somewhat unrealistic. A twist on the normal mail order bride stories but maybe more realistic. Enjoyed the book for those reasons. I received this free and am writing an honest review.
This novel dealt with mail order brides in difficult or dangerous situations, native American interactions, and customs of the times. Interesting novel, somewhat unrealistic. A twist on the normal mail order bride stories but maybe more realistic. Enjoyed the book for those reasons. I received this free and am writing an honest review.
May 30, 2018
Go West
This is a Book that will hold your interest till the very end. It was much different then I thought it would be. From the very beginning how does one person decide to go out on Her very own, far from anything She had ever known? I give this 3Stars and I hope to read more from Josephine Blake.
This is a Book that will hold your interest till the very end. It was much different then I thought it would be. From the very beginning how does one person decide to go out on Her very own, far from anything She had ever known? I give this 3Stars and I hope to read more from Josephine Blake.
November 28, 2019
Great story
I loved Dianna's story from the high society beginnings all the way to the wilderness. Her love of the mountains drawing her to them even when she thought it was a man. Yet knowing it was an adventure that called her. Only to discover abuse which leads her to her true love. Still a clue that yet another story is still to come from Shiyee's past.
I loved Dianna's story from the high society beginnings all the way to the wilderness. Her love of the mountains drawing her to them even when she thought it was a man. Yet knowing it was an adventure that called her. Only to discover abuse which leads her to her true love. Still a clue that yet another story is still to come from Shiyee's past.
February 21, 2020
Disappointed after a good start.
The writing was well done. However, I felt the conflicted feelings of the main character was done a disservice. We think the match will work out, but the story wasn't developed well enough before it falls apart. I thought the violence was too much, and the ending too rushed and unbelievable.
The writing was well done. However, I felt the conflicted feelings of the main character was done a disservice. We think the match will work out, but the story wasn't developed well enough before it falls apart. I thought the violence was too much, and the ending too rushed and unbelievable.
March 3, 2020
Great Read
This book was exciting from page one. The action, drama and love that was portrayed kept me turning the pages. I felt like I was on the wagon, in the mountains, and in the arms of the exciting Indian man inside the cave. This brave young lady was rewarded with her own brave.
This book was exciting from page one. The action, drama and love that was portrayed kept me turning the pages. I felt like I was on the wagon, in the mountains, and in the arms of the exciting Indian man inside the cave. This brave young lady was rewarded with her own brave.
April 18, 2018
Dianna finds love!
This is a nice story about a young woman who had never faced the reality of the real world. Her family’s money had always kept her safe. She still has a lot in store for her,
This is a nice story about a young woman who had never faced the reality of the real world. Her family’s money had always kept her safe. She still has a lot in store for her,
April 19, 2018
Wonderful read!
Joephine Blake really nailed this amazing 5 star read!!! I have read quite a few mail order bride stories, but Joanna will hold a special place in my heart! Readers will love this unexpected twist to a fantastic story!!!!
Joephine Blake really nailed this amazing 5 star read!!! I have read quite a few mail order bride stories, but Joanna will hold a special place in my heart! Readers will love this unexpected twist to a fantastic story!!!!
May 8, 2018
A great historically accurate and realistic
I really enjoyed reading "Dianna". The love between Dianna and Skylee removed the cultural restrictions between them, however the reaction of the town seemed wrong by their lack of censor. A must read, but it ends with a cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed reading "Dianna". The love between Dianna and Skylee removed the cultural restrictions between them, however the reaction of the town seemed wrong by their lack of censor. A must read, but it ends with a cliffhanger.
June 4, 2018
Good Story
This was a really good story. You know some people are just pure evil in their ways. And others are so kind. You never can tell as in this story. I loved the story very much.
This was a really good story. You know some people are just pure evil in their ways. And others are so kind. You never can tell as in this story. I loved the story very much.
July 14, 2018
Dianna is full of Hope and this what this book does for me. Despite insurmountable odds and even mundane ones, she is fearless with untapped reserves of strength and determination. I suppose her Faith in God made her that way.
August 10, 2018
Deeply moving!
Dianna and Why it's story was deeply moving. I felt their connection immediately and I knew I was going to fall in love with them and their journey thru life. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Dianna and Why it's story was deeply moving. I felt their connection immediately and I knew I was going to fall in love with them and their journey thru life. I really enjoyed reading this book.
August 1, 2019
Dianna is unsatisfied with her life in Manhattan. She longs for something different. When she finds an mail order bride ad in the paper she responds. After several letters she heads west to marry a man she never met. But what awaits her is not what she expected.
October 5, 2019
Dianna and Shiye
Mail order bride gone wrong! Groom was a beast and uncouth. Dianna fresh from New York wanted a change but did not count on being hurt and saved by an Indian. - Babs
Mail order bride gone wrong! Groom was a beast and uncouth. Dianna fresh from New York wanted a change but did not count on being hurt and saved by an Indian. - Babs
February 25, 2020
Dianna
A very exciting story with unexpected twists and turns. The characters are interesting and as the story develops you are left wanting more. This is especially true at the end I hate it when the books ends but you don't feel the story has.
A very exciting story with unexpected twists and turns. The characters are interesting and as the story develops you are left wanting more. This is especially true at the end I hate it when the books ends but you don't feel the story has.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews