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Hand-Me-Down Bride
Based upon the story of the author's great grandmother, who was a real life mail-order bride. Sophie agrees to marry a wealthy man she's never met--but life has other plans.
- GenresRomanceHistorical
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2009
4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Waldron
23 books33 followersJuliet Waldron was baptized in the Yellow Spring of a unique Ohio farm town. After some years in an upstate New York farmhouse with a resident ghost, she began to travel with her Auntie Mame mother, who flamboyantly adored history and grand opera.
Returning to the States, got married and raised sons, eventually working at jobs ranging from artist's model to power-suited Merrill Lynch “girl.” Then, she went off the deep end and began to write. She enjoys putting what she has learned about people, places and relationships into her stories. She has granddaughters she'd like to see more often, several cats, and just celebrated her 51th wedding anniversary with a guy who rides a Hayabusa and hasn't lost her off the back yet.
Returning to the States, got married and raised sons, eventually working at jobs ranging from artist's model to power-suited Merrill Lynch “girl.” Then, she went off the deep end and began to write. She enjoys putting what she has learned about people, places and relationships into her stories. She has granddaughters she'd like to see more often, several cats, and just celebrated her 51th wedding anniversary with a guy who rides a Hayabusa and hasn't lost her off the back yet.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 8, 2014
Sophie has left home and family to marry an elderly man in German’s Mill, Pennsylvania, but is widowed on her first night. Meanwhile the old man’s son Karl, veteran of the Civil War, struggles to find a place for himself in a world that's rejected him. Karl’s brother wants the inheritance and is married to influence. And Sophie has nothing but duty, with no way to fulfill it.
This story of Sophie and Karl's unexpected romance is told swiftly and smoothly, with vivid descriptions of time and place, and a nice sense for Sophie’s struggle to understand the ways and worth of Americans. Hidden secrets are revealed with pleasing timing, adding depth to characters and focus to the tale. Karl is no cypher, and his brother’s schemes are not to be overcome simply by fortune’s favor. Meanwhile Karl's friends evolve from scary strangers to valued allies in Sophie’s eyes, and readers see, with her, behind the scenes of simple history.
This is no bodice-ripper historical romance, but rather a tale of nicely honest, heart-searching, soul-defining, and well-paced relationship. There's an underlying, but underplayed, faith in God. And there's a convincing and generous depiction of history to intrigue and inspire readers. It's a pleasing, fast, encouraging read with a good sense of time and place, and a nice plot.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to get a free ecopy.
This story of Sophie and Karl's unexpected romance is told swiftly and smoothly, with vivid descriptions of time and place, and a nice sense for Sophie’s struggle to understand the ways and worth of Americans. Hidden secrets are revealed with pleasing timing, adding depth to characters and focus to the tale. Karl is no cypher, and his brother’s schemes are not to be overcome simply by fortune’s favor. Meanwhile Karl's friends evolve from scary strangers to valued allies in Sophie’s eyes, and readers see, with her, behind the scenes of simple history.
This is no bodice-ripper historical romance, but rather a tale of nicely honest, heart-searching, soul-defining, and well-paced relationship. There's an underlying, but underplayed, faith in God. And there's a convincing and generous depiction of history to intrigue and inspire readers. It's a pleasing, fast, encouraging read with a good sense of time and place, and a nice plot.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to get a free ecopy.
April 19, 2019
The premise of a young woman going to America to be a type of mail order bride to an older man and he dies right after their wedding, leaving her a widow and needing to live as a sort of servant in his grown-up son's house while they slowly fall in love felt like a type of americana historical I'd be interested in seeing how it would develop.
Sadly for me, the story didn't explore the emotional aspect properly nor did it present fleshed out characters I could be invested in seeing finding happiness. However, the biggest issue was the writing, not always consistent and slightly choppy in how the scenes would move one to the other.
Sadly for me, the story didn't explore the emotional aspect properly nor did it present fleshed out characters I could be invested in seeing finding happiness. However, the biggest issue was the writing, not always consistent and slightly choppy in how the scenes would move one to the other.
April 27, 2018
Hand Me Down Bride – Juliet Waldron 27th April, 2018.
Juliet Walter recreates life in the post civil war era in Germans Mill, Pensylvania. Sophie comes from Germany to marry Theodore Wildbach, a man old enough to be her grandfather. In exchange, he agrees to help her impoverished mother and sisters.
Theodore dies on their wedding night without consummating their union.
His younger son Karl, who fought in the Civil War fights his personal demons. His father has made no provision in his will for Sophie, so Karl employs her to help in his house.
At first Sophie and Karl dislike each other, but, as the saying goes, one thing leads to another and they fall in love. However, there are many obstacles which they must overcome.
I enjoyed Ms Waldron’ descriptions of realistic characters.
Juliet Walter recreates life in the post civil war era in Germans Mill, Pensylvania. Sophie comes from Germany to marry Theodore Wildbach, a man old enough to be her grandfather. In exchange, he agrees to help her impoverished mother and sisters.
Theodore dies on their wedding night without consummating their union.
His younger son Karl, who fought in the Civil War fights his personal demons. His father has made no provision in his will for Sophie, so Karl employs her to help in his house.
At first Sophie and Karl dislike each other, but, as the saying goes, one thing leads to another and they fall in love. However, there are many obstacles which they must overcome.
I enjoyed Ms Waldron’ descriptions of realistic characters.
April 14, 2015
3.5 Rating
The premise for this story is intriguing and captured my attention immediately, drawing me in quickly. This book is unique in that it involves German immigrants who have moved to America. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical elements very much, and it is obvious the Ms. Waldron researched this period of history, giving me a fascinating glimpse of what life must have been like in a German immigrant village in the post-Civil War era.
Sophie Neiman comes to Pennsylvania to marry Theodore Wildbach, a man three times her age. He dies on their wedding night without consummating the marriage. Karl Joseph, his youngest son, gives her a job as his housekeeper, when he finds out his father did not provide for her in his will. This is a lie. Karl’s brother, who is married to the judge’s daughter, connives and hides the codicil, which would have provided for Sophie.
At first Sophie and Karl do not get along at all. He thinks she is a prude; she thinks he is uncouth. They are at odds most of the time. However, Sophie’s questioning mind intrigues Karl. As they get to know each other better, they find redeeming qualities in one another and a growing attraction blossoms. When he finds out she only married his father to bring her family to America, he realizes she willingly sacrificed herself for them.
In his father’s will, the only way he can inherit the mill is to marry a German woman and run it for two years before he attempts to sell it and move west. Since Sophie is not like the other German women he knows, Karl decides to win her heart, but does he trust her? She has a secret. Finding it out could be the answer he needs to gain her love or tear it asunder. Will she accept him if she finds out about his father’s will, or will she turn from him, thinking he sees her only as a means to gain his inheritance?
After such a promising start, the sagging middle is a bit tedious to read. This occurs because the hero and heroine have too much conflict. But once they move past that, the pace picks up dramatically and the second half of the book pulled me in again. The author does an excellent job of setting up a scene. At one point in the story, there is a fierce storm; she describes it so well that I felt as if I were experiencing it with them. The emotions Karl feels when he sees Sophie is in danger are intense and very well-written. I sat on the edge of my seat as he raced against time to safe her.
While I enjoyed the ending and was pleased Sophie and Karl had their ‘Happily Ever After’, it was somewhat rushed. Ms. Waldron leaves some plot lines dangling to some degree, especially in regards to his conniving brother and his devious wife. Also the book needs some serious editing. There are quite a few missing words. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and I am glad I read it. If you like a story with a unique storyline and a strong romantic element, then this will be a book you will want to read. Happy reading!
The premise for this story is intriguing and captured my attention immediately, drawing me in quickly. This book is unique in that it involves German immigrants who have moved to America. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical elements very much, and it is obvious the Ms. Waldron researched this period of history, giving me a fascinating glimpse of what life must have been like in a German immigrant village in the post-Civil War era.
Sophie Neiman comes to Pennsylvania to marry Theodore Wildbach, a man three times her age. He dies on their wedding night without consummating the marriage. Karl Joseph, his youngest son, gives her a job as his housekeeper, when he finds out his father did not provide for her in his will. This is a lie. Karl’s brother, who is married to the judge’s daughter, connives and hides the codicil, which would have provided for Sophie.
At first Sophie and Karl do not get along at all. He thinks she is a prude; she thinks he is uncouth. They are at odds most of the time. However, Sophie’s questioning mind intrigues Karl. As they get to know each other better, they find redeeming qualities in one another and a growing attraction blossoms. When he finds out she only married his father to bring her family to America, he realizes she willingly sacrificed herself for them.
In his father’s will, the only way he can inherit the mill is to marry a German woman and run it for two years before he attempts to sell it and move west. Since Sophie is not like the other German women he knows, Karl decides to win her heart, but does he trust her? She has a secret. Finding it out could be the answer he needs to gain her love or tear it asunder. Will she accept him if she finds out about his father’s will, or will she turn from him, thinking he sees her only as a means to gain his inheritance?
After such a promising start, the sagging middle is a bit tedious to read. This occurs because the hero and heroine have too much conflict. But once they move past that, the pace picks up dramatically and the second half of the book pulled me in again. The author does an excellent job of setting up a scene. At one point in the story, there is a fierce storm; she describes it so well that I felt as if I were experiencing it with them. The emotions Karl feels when he sees Sophie is in danger are intense and very well-written. I sat on the edge of my seat as he raced against time to safe her.
While I enjoyed the ending and was pleased Sophie and Karl had their ‘Happily Ever After’, it was somewhat rushed. Ms. Waldron leaves some plot lines dangling to some degree, especially in regards to his conniving brother and his devious wife. Also the book needs some serious editing. There are quite a few missing words. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and I am glad I read it. If you like a story with a unique storyline and a strong romantic element, then this will be a book you will want to read. Happy reading!
October 29, 2014
Copy received from http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/ for an honest review
This is one of those books that stays with you after your done reading. I really enjoyed "Hand-Me-Down -Bride" by Juliet Waldron. There were so many beautiful and heart-aching moments. Sophie was a great heroine. She had so many wonderful qualities it was impossible not to feel bad for her and champion for her as she finds herself alone in a country that is not hers, with a recently deceased husband.
Karl, her deceased husband's older son, was so layered and complex. I thought the author really captured the vulnerability that he faced as a soldier. He's personal demons and his outer conflict were sad to see unfold but at the same time it made him that much more a hero. He and Sophie were a great couple.
The historical background, Post-Civil- War Pennsylvania was a great time to focus on. There was still so much instability and doubt surrounding the time in American history. I really enjoyed this beautiful story and the only thing that made me happier than reading it is knowing I have another story to read by this author.
This is one of those books that stays with you after your done reading. I really enjoyed "Hand-Me-Down -Bride" by Juliet Waldron. There were so many beautiful and heart-aching moments. Sophie was a great heroine. She had so many wonderful qualities it was impossible not to feel bad for her and champion for her as she finds herself alone in a country that is not hers, with a recently deceased husband.
Karl, her deceased husband's older son, was so layered and complex. I thought the author really captured the vulnerability that he faced as a soldier. He's personal demons and his outer conflict were sad to see unfold but at the same time it made him that much more a hero. He and Sophie were a great couple.
The historical background, Post-Civil- War Pennsylvania was a great time to focus on. There was still so much instability and doubt surrounding the time in American history. I really enjoyed this beautiful story and the only thing that made me happier than reading it is knowing I have another story to read by this author.
May 7, 2009
Well, I loved writing it! It was nice to get out of the 18th Century and into my current stamping ground of PA, only 150 years in the past. The heroine is actually based on a piece of my own family history. My great-grandmother was "imported," age seventeen, from the old country by a well-to-do widower, (he was a doctor) who wanted a "pure German" bride. This way, he hoped to guarantee that she would not be a pushy, annoying American woman, and that she would work quietly in the kitchen, speak only German, not waste time talking to English-speakers, etc. Her name was Sophie, and she did stay in the kitchen, cook, work hard, have babies, etc., but also she learned to speak English and her kitchen was always full of children, who loved listening to the stories she told.
December 10, 2013
Ok book, but heavy on "black" this and "negro" that. After a while it got annoying and kept yanking me out of the story. Karl's obsession with Sophie's "bosom" also chafed after a while. That said, the storyline was decent and solid. Characters mostly likable.
May 1, 2009
Based upon the story of the author's great grandmother, who was a real life mail-order bride. Sophie agrees to marry a wealthy man she's never met--but life has other plans.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews