What do you think?
Rate this book
Spring Creek Bride
Can't Ida Mueller walk to town without being harangued by rowdy railroad men? The formerly lovely town of Spring Creek, Texas, has been overtaken by saloons and disorderly conduct. So when a handsome stranger arrives with plans to open a gambling hall next to her family's mercantile store, Ida makes plans of her to foil his! Someone has to save Spring Creek. And since Ida's convinced marriage isn't in her future, the Lord's work will be! But after one look into Mick Bradley's eyes—and heart—the plucky beauty might start hearing wedding bells!
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 14, 2009
6 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Janice Thompson
267 books762 followersWelcome to the wacky, wonderful world of inspirational author Janice Hanna Thompson, where romantic comedy rules the day! I hope you love to laugh, because I make it my goal to tickle your funny bone at every turn in my light-hearted tales.
Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it here. You will also find an abundance of non-fiction books, guaranteed to ease life’s burdens.
Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!
Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone on my site, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of Earl Grey tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!
Whether you’re looking for inspirational romance, quirky cozy mysteries, light-hearted historicals or fun books for younger readers, you will find it here. You will also find an abundance of non-fiction books, guaranteed to ease life’s burdens.
Why do I focus on the light-hearted stuff? Because life is hard! My readers lead busy, chaotic lives and need those special “Calgon, Take Me Away!” moments! Providing “Love, Laughter and Happily Ever Afters” brings me great delight. Lest you think it’s all fluff, think again!
Woven between the lines of each cheerful tale you will find the ultimate love story, one guaranteed to stir your soul and get your heart fluttering. Talk about a real happily ever after! There’s something for everyone on my site, so settle back in your chair, grab a cup of Earl Grey tea, and get ready to discover a light-hearted approach to life!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 24, 2021
About this book:
“Can't Ida Mueller walk to town without being harangued by rowdy railroad men? The formerly lovely town of Spring Creek, Texas, has been overtaken by saloons and disorderly conduct. So when a handsome stranger arrives with plans to open a gambling hall next to her family's mercantile store, Ida makes plans of her own: to foil his! Someone has to save Spring Creek. And since Ida's convinced marriage isn't in her future, the Lord's work will be! But after one look into Mick Bradley's eyes--and heart--the plucky beauty might start hearing wedding bells!”
Series: Part of the “Love Inspired: Historical” line of books, but not connected to any other book.
Spiritual Content- Esther 4:14 at the beginning; Bible reading; Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, discussed, & read; Prayers & Blessings over food; Many talks about God, His plans, judging others, & forgiving; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Going to a church event & singing a hymn; Ida means well, but it doesn’t always come across that way and she has to learn to let God be God and handle things; Mick says he & God parted ways a long time ago ; Mentions of God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those from & events in the Bible; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church events, reverends/preachers, sermons, hymns, & worshiping; Mentions of miracles; Mentions of sins & sinners; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of manna from Heaven;
*Note: A few mentions of Ida calling Mick a heathen & a tool of the enemy.
Negative Content- A couple mentions of men shouting obscenities & curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Being attacked, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mick comes to Spring Creek to open a gambling hall; Many mentions of gambling, gambling halls, saloons, drinking, drunks, & alcohol/liquor; Mentions of a tragic death (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of being shot, being attacked, gunshots, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of stealing & holding someone up at gunpoint; Mentions of fighting, brawls, & violence; Mentions of threats, mobs, & gunshots; Mentions of a fire, explosion, & smoke; Mentions of tobacco, cigars, & pipes; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A couple mentions of jails; A mention of a school bully.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, hair kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss; Remembering a kiss & touches/embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Nearness, Butterflies, & Smelling (including a time Ida helps an injured Mick change his bandages and shirt (she wonders what is wrong with her), barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Many men in town flirt & tease Ida; Mentions of women working at a gambling hall as barmaids & dancers (and a couple men comment on their shapely legs and ankles); Mentions of flirting, flirts, winks, whistles, & blushes; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of houses of ill repute & men spending money on women; A few mentions of courting; A mention of prostitutes; A mention of seeing a couple kiss; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a mother dying in childbirth.
-Ida Mueller, age 19
-Mick Bradley
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1902
272 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
During the first half of the book both Ida and Mick annoyed me often, but, thanks to character development, I enjoyed the last half more. I think those that like the “redemption story” trope/plot-line would like this book more than me, as that’s not my favorite trope. It was very clean, though, which I appreciate. It’s pretty insta-lovey in the romance, but again, it’s cleaner than most.
While it’s not anywhere near my favorite books by this author, it can still be a fun read. (I do have to wonder about the lack of chaperones and leaving a single man with a single woman, but I suppose it’s because it’s the country and not high-society rules…)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Can't Ida Mueller walk to town without being harangued by rowdy railroad men? The formerly lovely town of Spring Creek, Texas, has been overtaken by saloons and disorderly conduct. So when a handsome stranger arrives with plans to open a gambling hall next to her family's mercantile store, Ida makes plans of her own: to foil his! Someone has to save Spring Creek. And since Ida's convinced marriage isn't in her future, the Lord's work will be! But after one look into Mick Bradley's eyes--and heart--the plucky beauty might start hearing wedding bells!”
Series: Part of the “Love Inspired: Historical” line of books, but not connected to any other book.
Spiritual Content- Esther 4:14 at the beginning; Bible reading; Scriptures are mentioned, quoted, discussed, & read; Prayers & Blessings over food; Many talks about God, His plans, judging others, & forgiving; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Going to a church event & singing a hymn; Ida means well, but it doesn’t always come across that way and she has to learn to let God be God and handle things; Mick says he & God parted ways a long time ago ; Mentions of God; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of those from & events in the Bible; Mentions of prayers, praying, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches, church events, reverends/preachers, sermons, hymns, & worshiping; Mentions of miracles; Mentions of sins & sinners; A few mentions of blessings & being blessed; A few mentions of manna from Heaven;
*Note: A few mentions of Ida calling Mick a heathen & a tool of the enemy.
Negative Content- A couple mentions of men shouting obscenities & curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Being attacked, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mick comes to Spring Creek to open a gambling hall; Many mentions of gambling, gambling halls, saloons, drinking, drunks, & alcohol/liquor; Mentions of a tragic death (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of being shot, being attacked, gunshots, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of stealing & holding someone up at gunpoint; Mentions of fighting, brawls, & violence; Mentions of threats, mobs, & gunshots; Mentions of a fire, explosion, & smoke; Mentions of tobacco, cigars, & pipes; Mentions of gossip & rumors; A couple mentions of jails; A mention of a school bully.
Sexual Content- A fingers-to-lips touch, hair kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss; Remembering a kiss & touches/embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Nearness, Butterflies, & Smelling (including a time Ida helps an injured Mick change his bandages and shirt (she wonders what is wrong with her), barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing; Many men in town flirt & tease Ida; Mentions of women working at a gambling hall as barmaids & dancers (and a couple men comment on their shapely legs and ankles); Mentions of flirting, flirts, winks, whistles, & blushes; Mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of houses of ill repute & men spending money on women; A few mentions of courting; A mention of prostitutes; A mention of seeing a couple kiss; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A mention of a mother dying in childbirth.
-Ida Mueller, age 19
-Mick Bradley
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1902
272 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
During the first half of the book both Ida and Mick annoyed me often, but, thanks to character development, I enjoyed the last half more. I think those that like the “redemption story” trope/plot-line would like this book more than me, as that’s not my favorite trope. It was very clean, though, which I appreciate. It’s pretty insta-lovey in the romance, but again, it’s cleaner than most.
While it’s not anywhere near my favorite books by this author, it can still be a fun read. (I do have to wonder about the lack of chaperones and leaving a single man with a single woman, but I suppose it’s because it’s the country and not high-society rules…)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
July 3, 2010
Great read.
I wondered how this story could end up the way it did.
Mick Bradley is building a gambling hall in Spring Creek, Texas
Ida Mueller is against it and "prays" about it while putting her actions ahead of really hearing what God may be telling her.
There is a Nellie DeVries in the story. I laugh as someone with my last name is in a book and she's a saloon girl.
I wondered how this story could end up the way it did.
Mick Bradley is building a gambling hall in Spring Creek, Texas
Ida Mueller is against it and "prays" about it while putting her actions ahead of really hearing what God may be telling her.
There is a Nellie DeVries in the story. I laugh as someone with my last name is in a book and she's a saloon girl.
December 29, 2011
I loved it. The characters were very memorable and the tension between the two main was fantastic! What I didn't like, however, was that I thought the female character was too stubborn and demanding! Gah!! Oh well haha!
June 4, 2014
ANOTHER GOOD BOOK
ANOTHER GOOD BOOK
I enjoy reading all the books that Janice writes.
I laugh and I cry with every book. The books
are all true to life everyday happenings.
ANOTHER GOOD BOOK
I enjoy reading all the books that Janice writes.
I laugh and I cry with every book. The books
are all true to life everyday happenings.
January 4, 2010
I finally caught up with this book this morning. I really enjoy reading this character " Ida" much as Mick.. It quite inspired me to see what she did help to save Spring Creek.
March 23, 2023
A library find.
A good clean read.
Enjoyable!
Fun!
Easy to read!
Interesting!
A good clean read.
Enjoyable!
Fun!
Easy to read!
Interesting!
October 5, 2009
Ida Mueller has big ideals and high standards, forged by her godly German upbringing in the formerly sleepy town of Spring Creek, Texas. The railroad boom has changed her landscape, but not her heart. She still longs for the innocence of a bygone day, even if that naïve era was only two years prior. Since her mother’s death, Ida grows big shoulders to carry heavy yokes, like the cooking, cleaning, helping, and one other thing. She adopts the way her mother championed causes, like a 19th Century Esther. Her latest cause, to clean the town of the ruffians who have invaded it. Her crusade leaves no room for romance in her life . . .
. . . until Mick Bradley arrives on the train from Chicago, with his shiny shoes and handsome attire. Mick has an agenda on his mind, and it isn’t the beautiful, wild-haired young lady who nearly runs him over on the street. He has come to build his empire, one whiskey drink and one slot machine at a time no matter who stands in his way—even a force he hasn’t reckoned with.
Janice Thompson’s story of cultural transition colliding with age-old faith held a particular power in showing how religious prejudice and good intent can miss God’s will. Each character, though flawed, held a unique glory, and showed a lovely portrait of God’s grace. Some surprises unfold with the recurring theme of opening one’s heart to love—some for the first time, and others, for a second chance at true happiness.
Spring Creek Bride has one of the loveliest examples of cover art I’ve ever been drawn to. It was a nice taste of local history, Texas style, along with a sassy love story of two stubborn wills finding common ground through God’s matchmaking. A fun and enlightening read.
May 11, 2009
I’ve never been to Texas. My only knowledge of it is half-seen TV shows back in England, with rich oil tycoons and houses that would hold a fair-sized village. Okay, I know the TV shows weren’t real, and I didn’t really watch them. But Texas?
Janice Thompson’s Spring Creek Bride shows me a very different historical place, and I loved it. The small town of Spring Creek is changing and growing. The newcomers aren’t necessarily welcome. The countryside is losing out to the mighty train. And Ida Mueller’s not happy, especially not when she learns that the town’s most handsome newcomer wants to open a gambling hall.
But Ms. Thompson’s story is no simple tale of “sweet girl converts evil stranger by prayer and faith.” In fact, the sweet girl’s prayers are all too often “Please God do things my way,” and the story weaves beautiful lessons in accepting change, being kind to strangers, avoiding judgment, trusting God, and enjoying the world He’s given us.
As Mick’s footwear changes from smart shoes to Texas boots, so Ida’s attitudes transform to something more comfortable, and comforting. And the small Texas town changes to a larger place, but one that I suspect must still be very pleasant to visit.
I’ve never been to Texas, but I’ll view it with less suspicion after reading this novel.
Janice Thompson’s Spring Creek Bride shows me a very different historical place, and I loved it. The small town of Spring Creek is changing and growing. The newcomers aren’t necessarily welcome. The countryside is losing out to the mighty train. And Ida Mueller’s not happy, especially not when she learns that the town’s most handsome newcomer wants to open a gambling hall.
But Ms. Thompson’s story is no simple tale of “sweet girl converts evil stranger by prayer and faith.” In fact, the sweet girl’s prayers are all too often “Please God do things my way,” and the story weaves beautiful lessons in accepting change, being kind to strangers, avoiding judgment, trusting God, and enjoying the world He’s given us.
As Mick’s footwear changes from smart shoes to Texas boots, so Ida’s attitudes transform to something more comfortable, and comforting. And the small Texas town changes to a larger place, but one that I suspect must still be very pleasant to visit.
I’ve never been to Texas, but I’ll view it with less suspicion after reading this novel.
March 18, 2011
The town of Spring Creek is changing as the railroad brings new businesses, some less than savory, to town. Young Ida has never really though of marrying until she meets Mick. The only problem: he is the new owner of a soon-to-be-built gambling hall and she is a devout Christian.
As tensions rise in town, Ida stirs the pot by trying to organize the church members to go and talk to Mick. Unfortunately a few others in town aren't as peaceful minded as Ida and her church.
When things go bad, Mick finds himself questioning what he really believes about God.
I loved the interaction between Ida and her family members in this story. Though she loves and respects her father, she doesn't always agree with his viewpoint.
I also loved the romance between Ida and Mick. It was sweet. The story kept me reading, wanting to know if they could move past their differences. I thought the ending was perfect.
As tensions rise in town, Ida stirs the pot by trying to organize the church members to go and talk to Mick. Unfortunately a few others in town aren't as peaceful minded as Ida and her church.
When things go bad, Mick finds himself questioning what he really believes about God.
I loved the interaction between Ida and her family members in this story. Though she loves and respects her father, she doesn't always agree with his viewpoint.
I also loved the romance between Ida and Mick. It was sweet. The story kept me reading, wanting to know if they could move past their differences. I thought the ending was perfect.
September 30, 2012
I liked this book, however, it was VERY religiously based. The main focus of the book was to get this guy to come to Christ. I liked it, and I would read more from this author. But it just wasn't my favorite. From the book;Can't Ida Mueller walk to town without being harangued by rowdy railroad men? The formerly lovely town of Spring Creek, Texas, has been overtaken by saloons and disorderly conduct. So when a handsome stranger arrives with plans to open a gambling hall next to her family's mercantile store, Ida makes plans of her own: to foil "his " Someone has to save Spring Creek. And since Ida's convinced marriage isn't in her future, the Lord's work will be But after one look into Mick Bradley's eyes--and heart--the plucky beauty might start hearing wedding bells.
April 2, 2011
CUTE story!!!
June 29, 2013
This was a great little book set in a small town in Texas in 1902. It gives us some insight into how becoming a booming railroad town brought with it both curses and blessings.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews