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Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire
Sara McGee is not what Tom Haskins expected. The artist knew he was taking a risk when he reluctantly agreed to advertise for a mail-order bride but Tom assumed the woman who answered his ad would be more refined than the penniless and uneducated Sara McGee. Tom takes Sara under his wing but he knows he can never marry her especially now that hes suddenly receiving attention from accomplished pianist Annabelle Loving. While Toms sister is bent on transforming Sara into a lady, Sara knows she can never compete with Annabelle. Nonetheless, she finds herself drawn to the lovely mountain town of Bethlehem and to the artist who brought her here. But without a marriage to Tom, Sara knows she cannot stay. As preparations for Christmas transform the tiny town, will Tom come to understand the message of the first Bethlehemthat the most precious gifts dont always come as theyre expected?
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Lauralee Bliss
47 books178 followersLauralee Bliss is a published author of over thirty Christian romance novels and novellas in both historical and contemporary with nearly 600,000 sold. In 2018 she received a 25-book published award from ACFW. Her recent releases are Escape from Amsterdam and two books in the Angel Series - Christmas Angels of Virginia and Angel in the Crossroad.
Lauralee enjoys writing books reminiscent of a roller coaster ride for the reader. Her desire is for readers to come away with an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart. Her new imprint HeartSoul Press exemplifies this.
Lauralee is also an avid hiker, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail twice from Georgia to Maine and from Maine to Georgia, one of only 24 women to accomplish this feat. She has also completed other trails totaling over 10,000 miles including the Florida Trail of which her Florida Trail adventure "Gators, Guts and Glory" is part of the Hiking Adventure Series along with Mountains, Madness and Miracles - 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail.
Lauralee enjoys writing books reminiscent of a roller coaster ride for the reader. Her desire is for readers to come away with an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart. Her new imprint HeartSoul Press exemplifies this.
Lauralee is also an avid hiker, hiking the entire Appalachian Trail twice from Georgia to Maine and from Maine to Georgia, one of only 24 women to accomplish this feat. She has also completed other trails totaling over 10,000 miles including the Florida Trail of which her Florida Trail adventure "Gators, Guts and Glory" is part of the Hiking Adventure Series along with Mountains, Madness and Miracles - 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 2, 2017
Tom and Sara.
Sara is struggling just to survive in New York when her friend signs her up for a mail order bride to an Artist in New Hampshire. (Felt a little sad with all the talk of that 'old man mountain' feature since it no longer exists. )
Anyways, Tom sent for a mail order bride because he was lonely and his benefactor suggested a wife would help his 'artistic flow'. But he's expecting a la-di-da city lady like Annabelle. (Annabelle the shallow woman who wants him for herself because she likes the idea of it.). Instead he finds a bedraggled waif at the train station. He's not nearly as rude as his so-called friends though. But he brings her home to stay with his sister and proceeds to ignore her for half the book while he allows Annabelle to manipulate him.
For the second half of the book, it seems to become Sara's turn to waffle, and well, justifiably so. I mean, he ignored her in favour of another for MONTHS and then never tells her how he feels. She's hurt and her trust in him is gone. But he perseveres and alls well that ends well.
Throughout the story both MCs talk about their faith and how it shapes their lives.
it's a long slow story with a lot of waffling by both the H and the h. It's preachy but not obnoxiously so.
I skimmed a LOT through the first half, and got tired of their lack of communication in the second half. I would have preferred more dialogue instead of the author just telling us what went on after the fact. I did feel that Tom's affections had truly changed in her favour after his trip to NY. It was the most coherent part of the plot. The rest of the story the MCs seemed to be in a cloud of confusion. The story still could have used an epilogue.
ps.. oil paintings need to dry for several days before they can be wrapped up and sold... just a nit picky detail that bothered me.
Sara is struggling just to survive in New York when her friend signs her up for a mail order bride to an Artist in New Hampshire. (Felt a little sad with all the talk of that 'old man mountain' feature since it no longer exists. )
Anyways, Tom sent for a mail order bride because he was lonely and his benefactor suggested a wife would help his 'artistic flow'. But he's expecting a la-di-da city lady like Annabelle. (Annabelle the shallow woman who wants him for herself because she likes the idea of it.). Instead he finds a bedraggled waif at the train station. He's not nearly as rude as his so-called friends though. But he brings her home to stay with his sister and proceeds to ignore her for half the book while he allows Annabelle to manipulate him.
For the second half of the book, it seems to become Sara's turn to waffle, and well, justifiably so. I mean, he ignored her in favour of another for MONTHS and then never tells her how he feels. She's hurt and her trust in him is gone. But he perseveres and alls well that ends well.
Throughout the story both MCs talk about their faith and how it shapes their lives.
it's a long slow story with a lot of waffling by both the H and the h. It's preachy but not obnoxiously so.
I skimmed a LOT through the first half, and got tired of their lack of communication in the second half. I would have preferred more dialogue instead of the author just telling us what went on after the fact. I did feel that Tom's affections had truly changed in her favour after his trip to NY. It was the most coherent part of the plot. The rest of the story the MCs seemed to be in a cloud of confusion. The story still could have used an epilogue.
ps.. oil paintings need to dry for several days before they can be wrapped up and sold... just a nit picky detail that bothered me.
April 11, 2013
A Quickie Review
The Love Finds You... series must be a success, or else the publishers wouldn't keep releasing one locale-themed romance after another. Though this one isn't the best of the series, it was still enjoyable, especially for fans of mail-order bride stories such as Sarah, Plain and Tall. If you're new to LFY, though, I would suggest reading the ones by Janice Hanna first, which are the best ones I've read so far.
Score: 3.25/5
The Love Finds You... series must be a success, or else the publishers wouldn't keep releasing one locale-themed romance after another. Though this one isn't the best of the series, it was still enjoyable, especially for fans of mail-order bride stories such as Sarah, Plain and Tall. If you're new to LFY, though, I would suggest reading the ones by Janice Hanna first, which are the best ones I've read so far.
Score: 3.25/5
November 28, 2020
This book was very strong with its Christian message: the need for God's Son in your life, and to seek God's will in whatever you're doing. I really appreciated that.
I also liked that both Tom and Sara had some soul-searching and growing to do before they were able to discern God's plan for their lives, and perhaps as a couple. I also really liked Claire as a secondary character, and kinda hope that the author has (or will) write a story featuring Claire.
There were some wonky things going on with the timeline, such as stating that days had passed between 2 incidents, when earlier in the book, it was shown to be only one day between the incidents. That said, and though it did bring me out of the story a wee bit, it was definitely not a deal-breaker.
I also liked that both Tom and Sara had some soul-searching and growing to do before they were able to discern God's plan for their lives, and perhaps as a couple. I also really liked Claire as a secondary character, and kinda hope that the author has (or will) write a story featuring Claire.
There were some wonky things going on with the timeline, such as stating that days had passed between 2 incidents, when earlier in the book, it was shown to be only one day between the incidents. That said, and though it did bring me out of the story a wee bit, it was definitely not a deal-breaker.
April 5, 2010
This type of book is not what I normally read or care for, so that might be why I didn't like it more. It was a clean love story, which is nice and appreciated. Apparently there is a whole slew of "Love Finds You in....." out there.
January 10, 2010
A Cinerella story of sorts. Easy read, only took me a few hours. Good Book, clean, and capitvating
August 20, 2011
Read like a fairly decent rough draft. The premise was fine, and with some considerable polishing the story could be quite cute.
January 20, 2019
I have read quite a few of Love Finds You books and this is the one that I have least liked. The book makes it sound like living the single life is almost a sin, and you will never reach your full potential unless you get married. Characters also spend so much time having one attitude toward another person and, like a flip of a switch, they change the way they feel of a sudden. It is also builds up the female character not being able to read or write, and once it is revealed to the male main character, it is not a big deal at all. I was very disappointed at this book in such a lovely series.
December 30, 2024
What if you order a mail order bride and get a Cinderella barely out of the ashes?
I liked both main characters but I think I loved Tom's sister best of all. She's undeniably the only reason they ever saw past each other's faults and failures enough to fall in love. The book has a lot of spiritual lessons and reminded me of a Grace Livingston Hill sort of story. It ended a trifle abruptly; after cheering for them all book long, I'd have enjoyed an epilogue to see more of them as a happy couple.
I liked both main characters but I think I loved Tom's sister best of all. She's undeniably the only reason they ever saw past each other's faults and failures enough to fall in love. The book has a lot of spiritual lessons and reminded me of a Grace Livingston Hill sort of story. It ended a trifle abruptly; after cheering for them all book long, I'd have enjoyed an epilogue to see more of them as a happy couple.
May 29, 2025
This is a wonderful and charming read, but the author takes you for a ride until the very end. She plays and teases, and then gives hardly two paragraphs of satisfaction at the conclusion. Personally, I prefer a bit sturdier of an ending: something more rewarding. After all the delight I experienced reading the rest of the book, it left a rather sour taste in my mouth to turn the page expecting a final chapter or epilogue and be smacked in the face with, "The employees of Thorndike Press hope you have enjoyed this Large Print book."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
This was a quick read with an good message but I think it fell a little flat. I feel like it was a bit drawn out and the only characters I really liked were the two characters that weren't even the main characters and only had small parts in the book. I do however like that I found a new place I would like to travel to.
August 19, 2020
Quaint Christian historical romance about a young artist in Bethlehem, New Hampshire who places an ad for a bride. The young woman who answers the ad is not what he expected and she is unsure of God’s plan for their lives.
August 4, 2017
This first book in the "Love Finds You" series did not disappoint. I love the premise of the novel with Sara's friend answering the newspaper ad for a bride that Tom placed.
Want to read
October 23, 2020overdrive
Read
January 23, 2022Didn't like.
May 19, 2022
Slow and steady.
Tom is frustrating.
Sweet, clean romance.
Sara is smart and determined.
Somewhat predictable.
Good character growth.
Happily ever after.
Tom is frustrating.
Sweet, clean romance.
Sara is smart and determined.
Somewhat predictable.
Good character growth.
Happily ever after.
April 26, 2025
I found it a tad slow compared to other stories in the series but I did enjoy this sweet story, in the town of Bethlehem no less :)
January 5, 2026
Nice peaceful story.
January 20, 2020
Can a mail order bride and an up-and-coming painter find love in Bethlehem, NH? Sara McGee is a foundling trying to survive on the streets of NY city after her mother's untimely death. Living in a basement, unknown by the building's owner, she sustains herself on handouts and the kindly interest of a woman who owns a nearby bakery and who takes a special motherly interest in Sara's welfare.
Tom Haskins is an artist on the rise in a tiny town in the White Mountains of NH driven in its economy by the rich who visit mostly to vacation. Lonely, and spending most of his time painting scenery like the Old Man of the Mountains, he is encouraged to marry in order to fulfill his painting ability by a rich man from NY who takes a special interest in his work. But Sara and Tom are completely different and what transpires between them can only be by the hand of a loving God.
Most of this story is believable, yet the idea of a rich man taking an interest (to the point of marriage) in a poor, backwards, and illiterate woman is a stretch for most readers. Perhaps in 1890 the people and the distance between cities could lead readers to believe that such things really happened especially if God was involved and two people relied on their faith to lead and guide decisions. For me, (as a reader) that was a possibility. However, the probability was what I struggled with because marriage during that time was encouraged mostly within one's class and was considered a business deal more so than a love coupling. Love had little to do with the arrangement. Women did not work in this era, and therefore had to "marry well" (within their class) in order to uphold their current lifestyle. Men would rise in status by marrying someone above their class, or to someone famous within their class which is something an artsy painter would definitely want to do in order to enhance his status.
Tom Haskins is an artist on the rise in a tiny town in the White Mountains of NH driven in its economy by the rich who visit mostly to vacation. Lonely, and spending most of his time painting scenery like the Old Man of the Mountains, he is encouraged to marry in order to fulfill his painting ability by a rich man from NY who takes a special interest in his work. But Sara and Tom are completely different and what transpires between them can only be by the hand of a loving God.
Most of this story is believable, yet the idea of a rich man taking an interest (to the point of marriage) in a poor, backwards, and illiterate woman is a stretch for most readers. Perhaps in 1890 the people and the distance between cities could lead readers to believe that such things really happened especially if God was involved and two people relied on their faith to lead and guide decisions. For me, (as a reader) that was a possibility. However, the probability was what I struggled with because marriage during that time was encouraged mostly within one's class and was considered a business deal more so than a love coupling. Love had little to do with the arrangement. Women did not work in this era, and therefore had to "marry well" (within their class) in order to uphold their current lifestyle. Men would rise in status by marrying someone above their class, or to someone famous within their class which is something an artsy painter would definitely want to do in order to enhance his status.
September 2, 2009
Love Finds You in Bethlehem New Hampshire
Lauralee Bliss
2009
Summerside Press
Fiction/Christian
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Thomas Hasken, was on his way UP. He was a gifted and talented, artist, whose painting had caught the eyes of many. Including Mr. Astor of the Astor's of New York.
One thing was missing from his life however. A wife. Thomas was not married, and was ready to marry and settle into a life of caring for a wife. Mr Astor all but commanded him to find a wife, telling him that love and a good wife, would inspire him to greater heights in his art career.
But how? He had no prospects. He didn't date anyone, nor know anyone he was interested in dating. A couple, who were newlyweds, had a suggestion. Place an ad for a wife. That was how they had met and married, and it was most successful for them. So he did, with their help and guidance.
Sara McGee was a young woman, living on the streets of New York City. Her benefactress Mrs. Whitaker, answered Thomas' ad for Sara. Describing Sara in glowing terms, and leaving out some facts, she had all but convinced Thomas, just through her letters that Sara was the perfect bride for him.
Sara arrives and to Thomas' dismay, it is easy to see that this young lady, lacks much in her training. He is dismayed at the turn of events. Add in a beautiful socialite, from Boston, the cousin, of his close friend's wife. A socialite who seems to be totally smitten with him, a woman who is polished and skilled in all the social graces. A tangled web is what Thomas now has. A web that is leaving him uninspired to paint, and very confused.
Watch lovely Sara blossom into a women, sure of herself, and developed into a vision of beauty. Follow along as Lauralee brings us a story of love, overcoming and faith. A lovely written story, one to share with friends. 295 pages $12.99 US
Lauralee Bliss
2009
Summerside Press
Fiction/Christian
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Thomas Hasken, was on his way UP. He was a gifted and talented, artist, whose painting had caught the eyes of many. Including Mr. Astor of the Astor's of New York.
One thing was missing from his life however. A wife. Thomas was not married, and was ready to marry and settle into a life of caring for a wife. Mr Astor all but commanded him to find a wife, telling him that love and a good wife, would inspire him to greater heights in his art career.
But how? He had no prospects. He didn't date anyone, nor know anyone he was interested in dating. A couple, who were newlyweds, had a suggestion. Place an ad for a wife. That was how they had met and married, and it was most successful for them. So he did, with their help and guidance.
Sara McGee was a young woman, living on the streets of New York City. Her benefactress Mrs. Whitaker, answered Thomas' ad for Sara. Describing Sara in glowing terms, and leaving out some facts, she had all but convinced Thomas, just through her letters that Sara was the perfect bride for him.
Sara arrives and to Thomas' dismay, it is easy to see that this young lady, lacks much in her training. He is dismayed at the turn of events. Add in a beautiful socialite, from Boston, the cousin, of his close friend's wife. A socialite who seems to be totally smitten with him, a woman who is polished and skilled in all the social graces. A tangled web is what Thomas now has. A web that is leaving him uninspired to paint, and very confused.
Watch lovely Sara blossom into a women, sure of herself, and developed into a vision of beauty. Follow along as Lauralee brings us a story of love, overcoming and faith. A lovely written story, one to share with friends. 295 pages $12.99 US
June 12, 2010
sara McGee is 19 and living on the streets of New York after the death of her mother. She has one friend, a motherly woman, Mrs. Whitaker, the baker who gives her bread when she can. She also replied to an add for a mail order bride for a painter in New Hampshire in behave of Sara to give her a better life. She tells her of Tom Haskins return letter with money for a train ticket in it.
Tom is looking for love and companionship. He has a successful career as a landscape artist, but everyone says love is the missing part in his life at 30. He writes his sister, Claire to come to his home and play chaperon.
Sara is nervous and the welcome she gets from Tom's friends is all but rude due to her meager funds and her appearance shows along with her lack of social graces. Her manners aren't up to par either. Tom's expectations are dashed, but because he is a "Christian" he wants to help Sara, but he turns his wedding interests secretly to Annabelle, his friends, wife's cousin from an elite family in Boston. After Sara works hard under Claire tutelage to become a lady in appearance and poise, she overhears Tom and Annabelle's travel plans and marriage talk. Her hopes are dashed and she runs from the house and to work at a hotel to win her fare home to NY.
Tom comes to his senses after she is gone realizing her true place in his home and life. He turns Annabelle away realizing her beauty is skin deep and tries to find and make amends with Sara. He thinks he wins her trust again by escorting her from her workplace, but when she refuses him when proposed to he is at a loss. Then Sara learns of his trip to NY to find her and it wins her heart along with Mrs. Whitaker's letter of his visit encouraging her to trust her heart and give Tom a chance even if the start of their meeting was shaky.
Tom is looking for love and companionship. He has a successful career as a landscape artist, but everyone says love is the missing part in his life at 30. He writes his sister, Claire to come to his home and play chaperon.
Sara is nervous and the welcome she gets from Tom's friends is all but rude due to her meager funds and her appearance shows along with her lack of social graces. Her manners aren't up to par either. Tom's expectations are dashed, but because he is a "Christian" he wants to help Sara, but he turns his wedding interests secretly to Annabelle, his friends, wife's cousin from an elite family in Boston. After Sara works hard under Claire tutelage to become a lady in appearance and poise, she overhears Tom and Annabelle's travel plans and marriage talk. Her hopes are dashed and she runs from the house and to work at a hotel to win her fare home to NY.
Tom comes to his senses after she is gone realizing her true place in his home and life. He turns Annabelle away realizing her beauty is skin deep and tries to find and make amends with Sara. He thinks he wins her trust again by escorting her from her workplace, but when she refuses him when proposed to he is at a loss. Then Sara learns of his trip to NY to find her and it wins her heart along with Mrs. Whitaker's letter of his visit encouraging her to trust her heart and give Tom a chance even if the start of their meeting was shaky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2017
This story culminates at Christmas. Set in the 1890's, this is a Christian romance story. That means rated G with no sex.
Thomas is 30 years old & a successful painter in the small town of Bethlehem, NH. He leads a productive, but lonely life. He decides, with the encouragment of his mentor, Mr Astor (yes THOSE Astors!)to look for a wife. He meets a couple who tell him that the wife was a mail order bride & they are deeply in love. He decides to try it.
Sara is a poor girl living on the streets of NYC. Shes only 18 & gets by with the help of a friend who owns a bakery. Her friend sees the ad & answers it, since Sara is illiterate. Thomas answers with a letter & train ticket.
In the meantime, a cousin of one of Thomas's friends comes to Town from Boston. She's a concert pianist, rich & beautiful. She takes an interest in Thomas who begins to regret Sara's arrival. When Sara comes to town on the train, Thomas is there to greet her, but his friends are there also & make fun of Sara's appearance. She's not ugly, but her appearance isn't helped out by her poverty. She runs away. Thomas finds her & brings her back to his house ( his sister is chaperone). Now what does he do? Thomas is basically a nice guy, but he's kind of immature & very dense where it comes to women. Sara is not what he expected & he feels torn now between the 2 women. Sara is a kind hearted girl, who wants someone to love & who loves her. She doesn't want to be a charity case though.
Basically, I liked this story, that's why I kept it. The dialogue doesn't flow well though. Pretty stiff. It kind of reads like Christian fanfic.
Thomas is 30 years old & a successful painter in the small town of Bethlehem, NH. He leads a productive, but lonely life. He decides, with the encouragment of his mentor, Mr Astor (yes THOSE Astors!)to look for a wife. He meets a couple who tell him that the wife was a mail order bride & they are deeply in love. He decides to try it.
Sara is a poor girl living on the streets of NYC. Shes only 18 & gets by with the help of a friend who owns a bakery. Her friend sees the ad & answers it, since Sara is illiterate. Thomas answers with a letter & train ticket.
In the meantime, a cousin of one of Thomas's friends comes to Town from Boston. She's a concert pianist, rich & beautiful. She takes an interest in Thomas who begins to regret Sara's arrival. When Sara comes to town on the train, Thomas is there to greet her, but his friends are there also & make fun of Sara's appearance. She's not ugly, but her appearance isn't helped out by her poverty. She runs away. Thomas finds her & brings her back to his house ( his sister is chaperone). Now what does he do? Thomas is basically a nice guy, but he's kind of immature & very dense where it comes to women. Sara is not what he expected & he feels torn now between the 2 women. Sara is a kind hearted girl, who wants someone to love & who loves her. She doesn't want to be a charity case though.
Basically, I liked this story, that's why I kept it. The dialogue doesn't flow well though. Pretty stiff. It kind of reads like Christian fanfic.
August 19, 2009
Ms. Bliss has crafted an unforgettable Christmas love story, set in –where else?—Bethlehem. New Hampshire, that is. Set in the snow-capped White Mountains in 1890 with romantic sleigh-rides, breath-taking imagery and powerful emotion, Love finds you in Bethlehem, New Hampshire delivers a sweeping romance that keeps the reader guessing until the last page how two souls as different and yet the same as artist Tom Haskins and Sara McGee, the New York City orphan, will forge a life together.
Each character, from romantic rival Annabelle Loving to Claire Haskins, Tom’s devoted sister, to an assortment of supporting cast, lends dimension to this tale of two different worlds coming together in love. Can Tom overcome latent prejudices to see beyond the superficial to a soul rich in the important things? Can Sara find the pluck and courage to overcome disadvantage and find confidence to be the bride of a world-class artist? This rags-to-riches tale left me turning the pages to find the answers. I read it in one day, which is unusual for me. I found I could relate to the heroine’s plight more than most romances with Bliss’s careful and authentic rendering. She had me crying by page 33, and uplifted and satisfied with an inspiring conclusion.
A must-read for your holiday season, or any time.
Each character, from romantic rival Annabelle Loving to Claire Haskins, Tom’s devoted sister, to an assortment of supporting cast, lends dimension to this tale of two different worlds coming together in love. Can Tom overcome latent prejudices to see beyond the superficial to a soul rich in the important things? Can Sara find the pluck and courage to overcome disadvantage and find confidence to be the bride of a world-class artist? This rags-to-riches tale left me turning the pages to find the answers. I read it in one day, which is unusual for me. I found I could relate to the heroine’s plight more than most romances with Bliss’s careful and authentic rendering. She had me crying by page 33, and uplifted and satisfied with an inspiring conclusion.
A must-read for your holiday season, or any time.
January 22, 2015
I do enjoy Christian fiction. This book was supposed to have a good message behind it about not judging people based on their physical appearance/financial status/clothing. If that’s the message that you are going with for your story as an author, it doesn’t make much sense to have the man only attracted to the woman after other men start finding her attractive. Before that point in the book, Tom says many times he has no feelings for her, he sees her as a little sister, he prays for guidance because he doesn’t see anything there. He treats her poorly by ignoring her and seeing another woman. Then one day a man comes to his home and says that Sara had told him of the famous painter and described Sara as attractive and there it was. “Another man finds her good looking…now I want her.” I’m sorry… but that’s not even remotely romantic for me. Not to mention for him to even stand to look her in the face she had to completely change who she was a person. He admits that he was wrong in the way he judged her, but only after she prettied up. Just sad.
December 23, 2014
Sara lives off the streets of NYC in the 1890s. Her mother died a year earlier and she lives in the basement of someone who is like a second mother to her, but she is unaware that she is staying there. Sara is content and lives day to day the best she can.
Tom lives in New Hampshire and makes a good living selling his paintings of things around Bethlehem, where he's lived his whole life. He is getting older and is being pressured to find a wife. He decides to write up an advertisement.
Sara's second mother sees the ad and responds on Sara's behalf to give Sara a better way of life. That's when things start going wrong for both Tom and Sara. Things keep screwing up and they hope that the Lord's will tells them of what they each should do.
It was a good story. It had some drama here and there and it was sweet but I didn't like how the ending went in the last few pages. It could have been a bit better, but it was still nice. 3.25 stars
Tom lives in New Hampshire and makes a good living selling his paintings of things around Bethlehem, where he's lived his whole life. He is getting older and is being pressured to find a wife. He decides to write up an advertisement.
Sara's second mother sees the ad and responds on Sara's behalf to give Sara a better way of life. That's when things start going wrong for both Tom and Sara. Things keep screwing up and they hope that the Lord's will tells them of what they each should do.
It was a good story. It had some drama here and there and it was sweet but I didn't like how the ending went in the last few pages. It could have been a bit better, but it was still nice. 3.25 stars
October 15, 2014
Such a charming novel. I really enjoyed the glimpses of the Old Man in the Mountain and the more quiet, sedate life of New Hampshire.
This is the story of two people from different worlds, who come to find a rare love. Tom Haskins is a brilliant artist from Bethlehem, New Hampshire, a man who counts Astor among his patrons. Poor Sara McGee is about as far from Tom's sheltered and rich life as one can be. She lives on the streets of New York, finding shelter in the basement of a building by night and seeking the charity of others by day. Yet, when Tom runs an ad for a mail order bride, her friend cannot help but respond on Sara's behalf.
Once in Bethlehem, Sara is immediately criticized for her ragged clothes and gruff manner. She eats like a stock hand and doesn't seem to have any concept of how a young lady should behave. There is little to endear her to Tom. Yet, with time, both come to see God's purpose in their lives and a future they may be able to share together.
This is the story of two people from different worlds, who come to find a rare love. Tom Haskins is a brilliant artist from Bethlehem, New Hampshire, a man who counts Astor among his patrons. Poor Sara McGee is about as far from Tom's sheltered and rich life as one can be. She lives on the streets of New York, finding shelter in the basement of a building by night and seeking the charity of others by day. Yet, when Tom runs an ad for a mail order bride, her friend cannot help but respond on Sara's behalf.
Once in Bethlehem, Sara is immediately criticized for her ragged clothes and gruff manner. She eats like a stock hand and doesn't seem to have any concept of how a young lady should behave. There is little to endear her to Tom. Yet, with time, both come to see God's purpose in their lives and a future they may be able to share together.
July 11, 2011
This was my first book from the Love Finds You series (which includes different appropriately named places from each state), and I was not disappointed. Set in the 1800s, the premise is great: Tom places an ad for a bride (hence why the time period is important) in a newspaper. Sara's friend responds to the ad for her because while Sara has a good heart, she is essentially homeless, and has no social training or education. There was plenty of good about this, including the fact that the twists were not predictable, but I would have liked some of the characters to be fleshed out more. The background characters were just that, and were very one-dimensional because of it.
February 16, 2019
I really liked all parts of this book. I really liked that the time period was placed in a time when mail order brides were not really popular/needed anymore. I L-O-V-E-D the characters too! I thought the characters were really clever from the popular artist Tom to the forward Annabelle to the sweet, loving, and ever faithful Sara. I just loved Sara's ever stronger faith in Christ and her sweet, humble personality. Tom is so like a dumb boy! Breaking two hearts at once and not even knowing it! He tries to do what's right for him but doesn't realize his actions hurt people! I also really liked the plot line and think that Lauralee is an AMAZING author!
August 16, 2016
Hmm, the slowest story I've read in awhile. Our hero Tom doesn't even get around to knowing our gal Sara until the book was 3/4 finished. Doesn't say much societies expectations of women at that time that our gal sits around and learns how to eat properly and dress properly to be a good wife for the first 3/4 of the book either, sometimes she seems to have a mind of her own and sometimes she just passively waits. I've got to say disappointing and wouldn't recommend unless you want something to put you to sleep at night.
November 12, 2020
Sara McGee has a friend who answers an ad for a bride for her. She ends up in Bethlehem NH on a path she is unsure of with a man she doesn’t know. Things don’t turn out as planned for either of them at first and it is hard to stay positive.
Christian romance is not my normal read but I am trying to get through a stack of these books to give to my Mom. This one had unnecessary tension and lots of missed communication. Not the best but did have characters that were easy to like. Also was a bit more religious than I like.
Christian romance is not my normal read but I am trying to get through a stack of these books to give to my Mom. This one had unnecessary tension and lots of missed communication. Not the best but did have characters that were easy to like. Also was a bit more religious than I like.
July 26, 2013
This Love Finds You novel has a sweet theme, and the writing style and theme remind me a great deal of Grace Livingston Hill's books. Sara McGee is like many of the characters from Ms. Hill's books. She comes from a poor background, has a deep abiding faith, and is looking to improve herself. I really like Sara's gumption and determination as well as her deep conviction that she has to listen for God's will. Another very good LFY novel.
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