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From Grief to Bliss
Left to deal with an unbearable debt after her father’s untimely demise, Lavinia Pertwee has no choice but to sell their house, search for her luck in a mail-order-bride ad and rebuild her life from scratch. Fate though enjoys playing tricks on the unsuspected, and Lavinia finds herself traveling to California to meet her husband-to-be only to discover that he passed away in a mining accident. His brother, Gabe, will be the one to welcome her with the bitter news and her heart will shiver both in anguish and fascination...
Can this stern, yet charming man fill the hole in her life and make her hopeful once again?
Gabe Kemp is lost in his sorrow after his older brother’s accident that cost him his life. While he tries to take up the mantle and take care of the rest of the family, his brother’s wife-to-be, Lavinia, arrives in town to shake things up for him even more. Albeit he feels the obligation to take her in, he also feels an irresistible attraction which will fill him with guilt. Torn between his feelings for her and for his late brother he will get tangled in a maelstrom of emotions...
Can he overcome this inner battle without losing his mind?
Although the circumstances of their meeting are far from perfect, Lavinia and Gabe will build a strong bond and will soon realize that destiny always has a plan. Will they be able to find love amidst the grief that brought them together, or will they be engulfed by it?
“From Grief to Bliss” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Can this stern, yet charming man fill the hole in her life and make her hopeful once again?
Gabe Kemp is lost in his sorrow after his older brother’s accident that cost him his life. While he tries to take up the mantle and take care of the rest of the family, his brother’s wife-to-be, Lavinia, arrives in town to shake things up for him even more. Albeit he feels the obligation to take her in, he also feels an irresistible attraction which will fill him with guilt. Torn between his feelings for her and for his late brother he will get tangled in a maelstrom of emotions...
Can he overcome this inner battle without losing his mind?
Although the circumstances of their meeting are far from perfect, Lavinia and Gabe will build a strong bond and will soon realize that destiny always has a plan. Will they be able to find love amidst the grief that brought them together, or will they be engulfed by it?
“From Grief to Bliss” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2022
145 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 5, 2022
Great Read
A great book of how a young lady goes from debt her father left her to becoming a mail-order bride. Lavinia answered an ad from an almond farmer who also worked in a gold mine. When she arrived in California her fiancé’s brother Gabe met her to tell her that ….was killed in an accident at the mine due to a cave in. She comforted Gabe and stayed with him to comfort him and his family who was already grieving over the death if their mother. The mine was unsafe and there was trouble with the owner, manager and workers. Gabe and Lavinia helped changed the conditions at the mine but not without serious problems. Gabe was in a mine accident and buried but was dug out with three other men. There is more excitement and events here, therefore, a must read. Love, marriage and forgiveness prevailed.
A great book of how a young lady goes from debt her father left her to becoming a mail-order bride. Lavinia answered an ad from an almond farmer who also worked in a gold mine. When she arrived in California her fiancé’s brother Gabe met her to tell her that ….was killed in an accident at the mine due to a cave in. She comforted Gabe and stayed with him to comfort him and his family who was already grieving over the death if their mother. The mine was unsafe and there was trouble with the owner, manager and workers. Gabe and Lavinia helped changed the conditions at the mine but not without serious problems. Gabe was in a mine accident and buried but was dug out with three other men. There is more excitement and events here, therefore, a must read. Love, marriage and forgiveness prevailed.
September 27, 2022
Historical Western Romance + Adventure
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Carol Colyer has once again produced a great book, with an excellent storyline. I especially loved the over-the-top Uncle Malcolm character. Do make sure you've cleared your schedule before reading, as this story grabs your attention from the get go, and you won't want to put it down!
I noticed only one typo - the character Terry referred to as Teddy. However, I did see some inconsistencies throughout, mostly in regards to the ages of Gabe and Lavinia. There was also one that referenced Gabe as his brother Brian, and another that had the story taking place in Texas as opposed to California.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Carol Colyer has once again produced a great book, with an excellent storyline. I especially loved the over-the-top Uncle Malcolm character. Do make sure you've cleared your schedule before reading, as this story grabs your attention from the get go, and you won't want to put it down!
I noticed only one typo - the character Terry referred to as Teddy. However, I did see some inconsistencies throughout, mostly in regards to the ages of Gabe and Lavinia. There was also one that referenced Gabe as his brother Brian, and another that had the story taking place in Texas as opposed to California.
October 3, 2022
mail-order seafood
Livonia took the chance to find love and happiness as a mail-order bride only to arrive to marry a man who that very day dies in a mine collapse. Being a person with strong convictions she quickly offered her assistance to help the family during this time of loss. The younger brother, Gabe, was a person who did not give himself much credit fully believing his brother, Brian, was the strong and ambitious one. In short order the family became attached to Lavinia and they also began to see Gabe was the perfect one for Lavinia. The mine they both worked in plays a major part in this story. A must read.
Livonia took the chance to find love and happiness as a mail-order bride only to arrive to marry a man who that very day dies in a mine collapse. Being a person with strong convictions she quickly offered her assistance to help the family during this time of loss. The younger brother, Gabe, was a person who did not give himself much credit fully believing his brother, Brian, was the strong and ambitious one. In short order the family became attached to Lavinia and they also began to see Gabe was the perfect one for Lavinia. The mine they both worked in plays a major part in this story. A must read.
February 3, 2024
Lavinia Pertwee is left with lots of debt after her father's death. Thanks to her Uncle Malcolm coming to her rescue, she doesn't feel so alone.Not seeing any other option for the rest of her life, she answers an ad advertising for a wife.
Things don't go as planned and Lavinia ends up consoling her betrothes family. The story is one of grief but also one of comfort and healing. The characters have many layers which makes them more realistic. I felt as though I knew them. Lavinia is very courageous and loving.
From God to Bliss is a well-written story filled with inspiration. Highly recommended.
Things don't go as planned and Lavinia ends up consoling her betrothes family. The story is one of grief but also one of comfort and healing. The characters have many layers which makes them more realistic. I felt as though I knew them. Lavinia is very courageous and loving.
From God to Bliss is a well-written story filled with inspiration. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2022
Sometimes after a tragedy comes a blessing! You will love this gripping story! A mail order bride arrives only to find a tragic accident happened. There are suspenseful mishaps in this small mining town, and a lot of joy!
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Romantic Realistic Entertaining Informative Action-packed Tragic Unpredictable Happily Ever After Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Page-turner Original Witty
Thanks to the author for providing this book for my honest review!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Romantic Realistic Entertaining Informative Action-packed Tragic Unpredictable Happily Ever After Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Page-turner Original Witty
September 28, 2022
Lavinia's father dies, leaving huge debt behind. She agrees to be a mail order bride and travel to California. When she arrives, she finds out the groom-to-be has died. His brother Gabe is understandably shaken by his brother's death. But he feels responsible for the family and convinces Lavinia to stay with them. He is surprised to feel so attracted to her, and he feels guilty about that. This is a wonderful book, lots of action and some twists, very enjoyable to read.
January 6, 2025
Beautiful Story
Tears would be close to spilling over every time a mention was made of a certain name and/or nightmare occurred. I don't know if I could handle another book by Carol Colyer unless I had a box of tissues by my side. Also, during PT, I quietly sing a Bee Gees song that has just the right tempo to keep me focused. Imagine my astonishment when this story went with the song so well...what a great coincidence.
Tears would be close to spilling over every time a mention was made of a certain name and/or nightmare occurred. I don't know if I could handle another book by Carol Colyer unless I had a box of tissues by my side. Also, during PT, I quietly sing a Bee Gees song that has just the right tempo to keep me focused. Imagine my astonishment when this story went with the song so well...what a great coincidence.
September 28, 2022
Gabe and Lavinia
The heroine of this tale has had some pretty horrible things occur in such a short time. The lost of her father and then her home, becoming a mail order bride and then find the gentleman had died and now living with strangers. I loved when they talked about hidden blessings because that is so true in life. It was a wonderful book to send time with I highly recommend it.
The heroine of this tale has had some pretty horrible things occur in such a short time. The lost of her father and then her home, becoming a mail order bride and then find the gentleman had died and now living with strangers. I loved when they talked about hidden blessings because that is so true in life. It was a wonderful book to send time with I highly recommend it.
October 5, 2022
From Grief to Bliss
This is a wonderful story about a young woman that has lost her father and she travels to be a mail order bride and is met with the sad news that her groom to be is dead.Love is stays to help the family and finds love The characters are intriguing and the extended epilogue completes the story with a happy ending Very enjoyable
This is a wonderful story about a young woman that has lost her father and she travels to be a mail order bride and is met with the sad news that her groom to be is dead.Love is stays to help the family and finds love The characters are intriguing and the extended epilogue completes the story with a happy ending Very enjoyable
December 4, 2022
Historical Western Romance
Lavinia is from Nevada and lives with her Uncle Malcom after her father’s death. She decides to write to a man in California. The man’s name is Brian and he has a brother named Gabe. The story is very good. There are so many twists and turns, so read fast and enjoy!!!!! I did.
Lavinia is from Nevada and lives with her Uncle Malcom after her father’s death. She decides to write to a man in California. The man’s name is Brian and he has a brother named Gabe. The story is very good. There are so many twists and turns, so read fast and enjoy!!!!! I did.
October 2, 2022
A new life after grief
I liked the character Lavinia who had the strength to move to a new home as a mail order bride after her Father's death. She also had compassion to comfort her grieving new family, and good sense to help with the situation at the mine.
I liked the character Lavinia who had the strength to move to a new home as a mail order bride after her Father's death. She also had compassion to comfort her grieving new family, and good sense to help with the situation at the mine.
October 24, 2025
Perfect change due to death and love
Love for a brother stronger than any bond. God sent the perfect woman for her perfect man. But even greater were the life changes, not just close family but in the entire community.
Love for a brother stronger than any bond. God sent the perfect woman for her perfect man. But even greater were the life changes, not just close family but in the entire community.
September 25, 2022
Great Story
This was a really great story. I really enjoyed reading about Lavinia and Gabe and how they came together through a tragedy.
This was a really great story. I really enjoyed reading about Lavinia and Gabe and how they came together through a tragedy.
February 8, 2024
From grief to bliss
This was a wonderfully written story. I cried I laughed and I smiled. If your looking for a wonderful love story this is the one for you.
This was a wonderfully written story. I cried I laughed and I smiled. If your looking for a wonderful love story this is the one for you.
April 24, 2025
So different
Maybe a mail order bride story but with a different twist. Lots of grief in the beginning but the slow course of change turned it around.
Maybe a mail order bride story but with a different twist. Lots of grief in the beginning but the slow course of change turned it around.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews