Gold Rush Bride Hannah

Gold Rush Brides #1

by Linda Shenton Matchett

A brand-new widow, she's doesn't need another man in her life. He's not looking for a wife. But when danger thrusts them together, will they change their minds...and hearts? Hannah Lauman's husband has been murdered, but rather than grief, she feels...relief. She decides to remain in Georgia to work their gold claim, but a series of incidents makes it clear someone wants her gone...dead or alive. Is a chance at being a woman of means and independence worth risking her life? Jess Vogel never breaks a promise, so when he receives a letter from a former platoon mate about being in danger, he drops everything to help his old friend. Unfortunately, he arrives just in time for the funeral. Can he convince the man's widow he's there for her protection not for her money? Gold Rush Hannah is the first book in the exciting new series Gold Rush Brides . Steeped in romance, intrigue, and history, the story will keep you turning pages long into the night.

200 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2021

About the author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A self-professed history geek, she is a volunteer archivist and docent at the Wright Museum of World War II. Linda has published more than twenty-five books. When not writing, she enjoys exploring historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

Reviews

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been a nice story to read and I really liked the main characters. I loved the time period and learning about panning for gold. It sounds like very hard work and dangerous at times. As people found out that others had found gold, they needed to be aware of their surroundings. Times were tough in those days and it wasn’t unusual for someone to be killed for their fortune.

Hannah was a very strong, determined young woman. Losing her husband was devastating but she sure had determination to keep her gold claim safe. I was glad the author touched on the subject of how women were not treated fairly during this time. Men were not happy to see Hannah continue in her search for gold. I laughed when she wore pants and not a long , hot, uncomfortable dress to go hunting for gold in the water. I did pick up a few things about her in the story. She is angry with God, doesn’t like anyone to help her and she definitely has a pride issue.

Jess is an honorable man who comes to help his friend when a letter arrives asking him for help. Finding out he is too late, he decides to stay because of a promise. I love people who have integrity and Jess is a perfect example of that. Working beside Hannah he knows he may be in over his head. I loved the way he was always so supportive and patient with Hannah. When danger closes in on her, Jess steps up to protect her. There is a little intrigue in the story which I found to be well written. Overall a great book about pride, trusting and forgiveness. I look forward to the next book in this exciting new series.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold Rush Bride, Hannah is a Historical Romance that is written by the very talented
Linda Shenton Matchett. This is book 1 in the Good Rush Brides series. This book is set in 1829 in a place that is semi close to me. Well about 4 1/2 hours from me. This book is set in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Hannah’s husband has been murdered. Hannah chooses to continue to work their gold claim and doesn’t want to let her gender roles stand her way. However it’s clear that someone doesn’t want her succeed.

Jess Vogel arrives in town after receiving a letter that his former platoon mate was in trouble. He’s shocked to find out that he’s already gone. Now the catch is convincing Hannah that he wants to help protect her. He doesn’t want her gold claim.

I loved Hannah. She’s strong. She’s independent. She doesn’t let the fact that she’s a woman stop her. When she went gold panning. She wore pants. I love how the author writes how she’s angry with God. This time period wasn’t kind to women and I appreciated the author putting that aspect into the story.

The author puts a great deal of research into her stories. My husband who is from Georgia and knows the area told me all about the history which matched the story the author told us. I will be planning a trip with the kids to check it out in the near future.

As always this book contains well written characters. The storyline is unique and intriguing. I learned a lot about the gold rush in Georgia. I loved the characters. I’m very excited about the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. All thoughts are my own.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brace yourself for one of my favorite authors and a new series! She writes amazing historical fiction. I’m always amazed at the level of accuracy and research that goes into her books. It really shows!

In this book, we are stepping back onto the goldfields in search of gold. Well, this book is gold in my opinion!

Meet Hannah. She’s independent. She’s working on her gold claim. And she’s a widow all alone. It wouldn’t be that bad except this is a time of gold rustlers and claim stealers and she doesn’t know who to trust. And then there is the little matter of she’s actually not sad her husband was murdered. But hello he was murdered so that has to make anyone on edge.

Add in Jess. He was friends with Hannah’s late husband. And he got a letter from him saying he was in danger, but Jess shows up just in time for the funeral. Is the danger past now that he’s dead or is Hannah still in danger? What about Jess? Can he stay to help her or will he leave?

In this book, you’re going to have some suspense and danger. It’s going to keep you reading until late in the night! Add in some romance and you won’t want to put it down! I can’t wait for the next book to be out!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Randi Sampson]

Gold Rush Bride Hannah is the first book in Linda Shenton Matchett's Gold Rush Brides series... and what a good start to the series it was.

I've read a few books that have taken place during this part of history, and while I can't say it's my favorite type of historical read, I certainly have found it quite fascinating to read about the hardships and dangers that were associated with the gold rush. This story was quite unique in that after the death of her husband, Hannah decides to continue working their gold claim on her own. I always enjoy historical stories featuring strong female characters, far ahead of their time... and this certainly put Hannah in that boat. I appreciated her resilience and determination. She was a well written character that quickly drew me into her story.

If you enjoy a good historical fiction read with a strong female heroine, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to find a historical romance set in Dahlonega, Georgia, only about 70 miles from my home! Having visited the area, I was aware of the history of the gold rush there in the 1820s, but this story brought the history to life! The characters are endearing and realistic. Ms. Matchett aptly portrays the attitudes and legal restrictions women faced in that era which were very frustrating for Hannah, the strong-willed, independent heroine of the story. Honorable hero Jess is a perfect match for her with his integrity and strong faith. The well-crafted plot drew me in from the beginning and held me fast to the end. I especially appreciated the spiritual truths of God’s goodness and mercy that were conveyed in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, well-researched book and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more books in the Gold Rush Brides series.
I won a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama]

I love Linda Shenton Matchett's writing! I am so glad that I was introduced to her last year. This book is the beginning of a new series. The characters are well written and likable. We meet Hannah who is very independent and strong young woman. She loses her husband and is now facing life alone and keeping her claim to gold safe. She is definitely not happy with God and is very prideful. Jess is honorable and the perfect "hero" for our story. He comes out to help his friend but instead meets Hannah. He is so supportive and patient. It was great to see their relationship blossom throughout the story.

Overall I thought this book was enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in this series. If you enjoy christian historical romances then I suggest grabbing this book.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Lauman worked a gold claim with her husband, Quinn, in Georgia in the early 1800s. When he doesn’t return from a trip to deposit their recent finds in the bank, Hannah is left alone in the rugged gold rush town. Quinn’s war buddy shows up to help the widow out. Together they continue working the claim despite threats to the claim and their lives. Could the two troubled souls fall for each other too? This first novel in a new series offers plenty of action and trouble, along with suspense and a bit of romance. It’s not long so can easily be read in a day. The setting and characters seem well-crafted and true to life. I wasn’t aware of an early gold rush in that area, so it added to the interest for me. I like to learn about history in the fiction I read so I appreciate authenticity. I anticipate more compelling reads in this multi-author series. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gold Rush Bride Hannah begins the Gold Rush Brides series by Linda Shenton Matchett. I really enjoyed this quick read. It is a story of overcoming heartache, moving on, and having faith. I thought it was one that will be inspiring so many. It was great getting to know Hannah and I loved it that she met Jess when she needed it most. I could relate why she had a hard time trusting him. The book is a little predictable, but too sweet and heartwarming to put down. I liked it!

I am giving Gold Rush Bride Hannah four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I look forward to the next installment from Linda Shenton Matchett’s Gold Rush Brides series, Gold Rush Caroline.

I received a digital copy of Gold Rush Bride Hannah from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good historical book. I liked both Hannah and Jess. Both were very well written characters with good personalities and realistic lives. Jess dropped everything to go and help when Hannah's husband wrote and said he was in danger. That said a lot about him to me.

I loved that Hannah was determined to take care of herself. She was going to work the claim, but there is someone who really doesn't want her to. She and Jess are a good couple and I liked the distrust to more through the story. Overall it was a good read.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I think about the words “gold rush”, the state of Georgia does not jump to mind. However, I loved this book. Hannah and her husband pan for gold on their claim. But then he dies, and she decides to work the claim herself.

Jess comes to town after receiving a letter from Hannah’s husband stating that he was in danger. He works to keep her safe. The dedication, determination, and feelings demonstrated by the characters to life. So if you enjoy historical Christian fiction, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold Rush bride Hannah

Hannah’s husband is panning for Gold. Quinn is murdered so Hannah decides to carry on what he was doing. Jess shows up after receiving a letter from Quinn. He is surprised to find Hannah is a widow and in danger.

In Gold Rush Bride I admired how determined Hannah was. To stake her claim. I loved how Jess tried his best to keep her safe. Will he be able to keep her safe and keep his heart safe at the same time? A very good historical book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Gold Rush Bride, Hannah" by Linda Shenton Matchett is a short tale of lost and a second chance of love.

While reading, I really felt like I could feel what Hannah and Jess was feeling.

Along with a little history of what mining for gold, this tale has suspense and romance.

I also like that this tale has Indians helping instead of being the bad group of people they are often portrayed.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Susan Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first scene immediately sets up the reader to witness Hannah Lauman’s hard-won struggle in the harsh, male-dominated occupation of panning for gold. She’s the scrappy kind of female who perseveres through hard times rather than give up, but she meets her match for stubbornness when Jess Vogel shows up to help her.

The author does a superb job of providing enough detail to keep the story moving without rushing or ending it with a feeling of incompletion, which is no easy feat for a novella.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this first book, I look forward to the rest of the Gold Rush Bride series by Linda Shenton Matchett. Trust takes time to build but although her husband might have trusted Jess, Hannah is still cautious. Gold mining is hard work for men, much less a woman, so Hannah needs help. I enjoyed watching Jess convince Hannah he was dependable and actually much better choice than her late husband.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Oh, but this is a wonderful story for book one in this series. I would recommend that the reader read books 1, 2 and 3 in order, to follow the characters well. This is a wonderful story of Jess sharing his faith with Hannah. Hannah “can do this on her own”, but Jess is there to help anyway if needed. When Hannah shows up her faith is lost. This is a great story of second chances and friends to more. Can’t wait to read book 2cover. So much expression.

[D'anah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent full of adventure and action book. Loved Hannah, she is one determined, smart, capable, strong woman. Jesse is a great partner for her, he is honourable, has integrity and faith and can do all manner of jobs with apparent ease. Loved the Indians too. A really page-turning story with growth in faith and a satisfying ending. Recommend it.

[Cindi Klemm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gold Kills

Why do men have to be so greedy when it comes to gold. Hannah's husband ends up dead because someone coveted their gokd mine. Can Hannah put on her jeans and work their claim or will spciety demand she be married or give up the claim

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

An awesome story that has people panning for gold in Georgia. That’s a historical fact I did not know about before. Great characters and an engaging plot. So glad I choose to read this book now.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enthralled with the book and couldn't put it down. There were so many elements to the book that it is difficult to pinpoint specific moments and scenes that I enjoyed. Wonderful characters, page-turner, and inspirational. I look forward to reading more of Linda's books.

[Bobbi Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is so refreshing to see the gold rush era from a woman's point of view. I can't wait to read any other books in the Gold Rush Brides books.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

💞 Hannah and Jess 💞

Hannah was about as stubborn as they come, but tender hearted, patient Jess was just what she needed.

Loved this story!

[Rhonda Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really enjoyed this book. Hannah and Jesse's story was intriguing. I recommend this book to anyone that likes a good clean historical romance.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book!! The characters were amazing, the surprise twist, the suspense, and romance! So good!!!!