A Sweet Misfortune - A Review

Published - February 2016, Revell Books
Series - Virtues and Vices of the Old West Book 2
Author - Maggie Brendan
Title - Sweet Misfortune
Format - ebook, paper
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Summary from Amazon:
Rachel Matthews isn't one to rely on others to take care of her. Destitute and alone, she still wants to make her own way and her own money--even if she's forced into the life of a dance hall girl. Horrified by her circumstances, Rachel's brother sends a friend--the widely admired cattle baron John McIntyre--to rescue her, then sets off to earn enough money to buy back the family ranch. But when months pass without her brother's return, Rachel isn't sure she can take one more day in John McIntyre's home--especially once she discovers that he's the one who holds the deed to her family's ranch.

My Thoughts:
This was a quick read. A really quick  read, and for that I was very grateful. It's also not very in depth, but it was still a fun, good book.

I loved watching John and Rachel interact. Sometimes, they were quite hilarious. Other times, I wanted to shake them both. But still, their story was a light-hearted read.

While this is book 2 of a series, it stands completely alone. It's set a few years earlier than book 1, and none of the characters overlap. I'll still read book 3 because I'm enjoying this series.

I received this book for free from Revell for the purpose of reviewing. My thougths and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Karen Witemeyer, Maggie Brendan, westerns, historical romance

Rating - 4 stars

Trouble With Patience - A Review

I realize that today is Saturday and that I normally do a Saturday Scribbles post, but I forgot I had to get this review up by today. If I'd remembered, I'd have posted it yesterday. ~Dawn

Published - February 2015, Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group
Series - Virtues &  Vices of the Old West Book 1
Author - Maggie Brendan
Title - The Trouble With Patience
Format - ebook, paper
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Summary (From Amazon)
Patience Cavanaugh has lost hope in romance. The man she yearned to marry is dead and her dreams are gone with him. Now she is consumed with restoring a dilapidated boardinghouse in order to support herself. 

Despite Patience's desire for solitude, Jedediah Jones, the local marshal with a reputation for hanging criminals, becomes an ever-looming part of her life. It seems like such a simple arrangement: She needs someone with a strong back to help her fix up the boardinghouse. He needs a dependable source of food for himself and his prisoners. But as she gets to know this "hanging lawman," Patience finds there is far more to him than meets the eye--and it could destroy their tenuous relationship forever.

My Thoughts:
I've read several of Maggie Brendan's books in the past and have found them to be quick reads. This was no exception. It was a fast read.

There were times when I thought that it lacked depth, but still it was good. 

I really enjoyed the interactions between Patience and her friend Emily. I thought those two were quite a pair. I also enjoyed Jedediah too. His attempts at romancing Patience were rather funny at times. But in the end, they worked out their differences.

This is a book that those who enjoy fluffy, no-thought novels. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical romance, Christian fiction, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer

Rating - 4 stars

Perfectly Matched - A Review

Anna Olsen decides to follow in the footsteps of both of her sisters and become a mail-order bride. She answers the advertisement of a man in Denver, Edward Parker. Anna and Edward are as different as night and day. He likes things done perfectly and on a precise schedule. She's impulsive, prone to daydream, and has a heart for animals. On their wedding day, Edward even gives Anna a list of chores he expects her to do on a daily basis. Can these two people who are so different find love and happiness with each other?

This is the third and final book in the Blue Willow Brides series. I've enjoyed each and every one of the books, but I think that Anna's story is my favorite. Anna's tender heart shows through in how she adopts stray dogs and cats and hopes Edward will go along with it. Edward really doesn't know what to think of Anna - or her animals. I have to give him credit. He does change and grow through the book. He learns that things don't have to be perfect. I loved the way that they managed to find their footing in their marriage. I also loved the way that Anna set about starting an SPCA society in Denver. True this is the third book in a series, but it stands alone. Each book can be enjoyed without having read the others in the series.

I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of mail order bride stories, Tracie Peterson, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, and historical fiction.

Rating - 4 stars. It's really a 4.5 star book.

Available October 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Twice Promised - A Review

 Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado as mail-order bride. When she steps off the train, she finds out that she's not the only bride for Jess Gifford, his brother, Zach, meets the train, and her prosepctive groom has no idea that he even ordered one bride, let alone two! Both Greta and the other bride, Cora, find themselves being courted by a different brother. Will the women fall for the brother that is courting them? Or will they fall for the one courting the other bride? Will both women get the happy endings and new starts that they long for?

This is book 2 in the Blue Willow Bride Series, and they don't have to be read in order. I'd met Greta on the pages of Deeply Devoted and enjoyed being able to read her story now. While this was a fun, light-hearted read, there were times I was a bit annoyed with the characters, especially when it came to their lack of communication! I'd have to say my favorite character in the book was by far Granny. She's got a lot of spunk and knows how to put her grandsons in their place. Looking forward to reading the third book, Anna's story.

I received this book for free from the publisher, Revell Books, for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Find Twice Promised in October, 2012 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Recommended to fans of tender romances, mail-order bride stories, Lori Wick, Janelle Mowery

Rating - 4 stars

Deeply Devoted - A Review

Catharine Olsen leaves Holland as a mail-order bride with her two sisters in tow. When they arrive in Wyoming, Catharine and her groom, Peter Andersen, immediately marry and begin their life together. Catharine's keeping some secrets from her new husband about her past. Peter's mother is hurt that her son had the nerve to marry someone without her permission, so she seeks to find out all she can about her son's bride's background. Peter finds himself falling for Catharine yet torn between his wife and his mother. When the truth of Catharine's past comes to light, will Peter be able to forgive Catharine and will Catharine find the love she longs for?

This is the first book in the Blue Willow Brides series. I enjoyed reading it. Trust is an important theme in the book and both Catharine and Peter have to learn to trust not only each other but also God. A tender love story, fans of Janette Oke will be sure to pick up this book. I look forward to reading others in the series because I want to see if my questions are answered.

My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating - 4 stars