Tuesday, July 23, 2013

"a bride for all seasons" by margaret brownley, debra clopton, mary connealy & robin lee hatcher

About the book (from Litfuse): It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue . . .

Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests.

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . .

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

My take: It's been a long time since I've enjoyed an anthology as much as I enjoyed this one! First of all, the subject matter is right in my wheelhouse—marriage of convenience stories are my favorite, so a mail-order bride collection is perfect for me. Secondly, the stories are connected only because all of the characters used the same mail-order bride catalog, so different authors don't have to try to write the same characters.

As for the novellas themselves, I don't think I could even pick a favorite—I loved them all! I did find Mary-Jo's extremely superstitious nature in "And Then Came Spring" a bit off-putting, but I suspect I was supposed to feel that way. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this collection of novellas. Each one can be read in an hour or so, making them a nice way to wind down after a long day.

My rating: 4-1/2 stars.

See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my reviews of Connealy's In Too Deep, Over the Edge, and Swept Away.


About the authors: Margaret Brownley is a NEW YORK TIMES best-selling author and has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. @margaretbrownley

Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christy and RITA award-winning author. Her books often appear on bestseller lists. @robinleehatcher

Mary Connealy is a Carol Award winner, an a RITA, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. @MaryConnealy

Debra Clopton is an award winning author of sweet, heartfelt, western romance that face life with a smile. With over 2 million books in print, Debra has her first book coming as a movie starring LeAnn Rimes. @debraclopton

About the giveaway: Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with. 
BrideBlogButton
Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.
 
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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