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The Bachelor Farmers
Set in northern Minnesota in the winter of 1919, THE BACHELOR FARMERS tells a story of two Norwegian brothers who learn the meaning of love from a most unlikely source. Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers, have just inherited land from their recently deceased father and set out to develop it, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed, Ojibwa woman, has been injured on their property and cannot work, he hires her to be their personal cook. Under the eye of his disapproving brother, Jon finds himself falling in love, but when a terrible blizzard blows into town without warning, the three of them must deal with the consequences and make decisions that will ultimately reshape their lives in profound and unimaginable ways. THE BACHELOR FARMERS takes us into a world where true meaning and healing are found in the complexity of human relationships and in the choices that are made in the face of adversity.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2012
279 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Sorrels
2 books17 followersBrenda Sorrels is a writer, blogger and the author of two novels:
The Bachelor Farmers and The Way Back 'Round.
She grew up in Fargo, N.D. and headed east to Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. She now lives in Wilton, Ct. with her small dog, Charlotte.
The Bachelor Farmers and The Way Back 'Round.
She grew up in Fargo, N.D. and headed east to Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y. She now lives in Wilton, Ct. with her small dog, Charlotte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 12, 2012
The Bachelor Farmers captured my interest right away and held it to the very end, especially since I am also a product of immigration. This story is a rich family saga which takes place in the 1900’s, and begins with the death of Old Man Gustafson and the reading of his will. He had come from a desperately poor family in Norway and, like all immigrants of that time, he worked extremely hard and sacrificed a great deal to leave his four sons a healthy inheritance. Two of the unmarried brothers, Hans and Jon, inherited the original home and part of the land, which they decided to work together. Their life in Gustafson Corridor, in freezing cold Minnesota, was a hard one. Ms. Sorrels adeptly describes the harshness of working the land and, likewise, the exquisite beauty of the mountains and the countryside. Her passion for the story shows through the passionless existence of these two men who are The Bachelor Farmers.
And then Mahal happens--and all their lives are changed.
Jon, the younger of the two, has unknowingly fallen madly in love with this beautiful young woman who is more Indian than white, and is already married. When she comes to work for them Brother Hans is not happy about it and tries to get Jon to make her go back to her sick husband who lives on the reservation. This book gives you a wonderful feel for the changing times, of the judgmental attitudes and ingrained prejudices of its citizens. The two young men were ambitious and accumulated even more wealth and land. But when the big blizzard came that winter, just months after Mahal’s arrival, everything changes again. And this time no one can deal with it.
I compliment Ms. Sorrels for bringing us this deeply moving story and for her very competent writing skills. I would love to read more about this extraordinary family, so I hope there is a second book on the way.
Mary Firmin, author of Deadly Pleasures.
And then Mahal happens--and all their lives are changed.
Jon, the younger of the two, has unknowingly fallen madly in love with this beautiful young woman who is more Indian than white, and is already married. When she comes to work for them Brother Hans is not happy about it and tries to get Jon to make her go back to her sick husband who lives on the reservation. This book gives you a wonderful feel for the changing times, of the judgmental attitudes and ingrained prejudices of its citizens. The two young men were ambitious and accumulated even more wealth and land. But when the big blizzard came that winter, just months after Mahal’s arrival, everything changes again. And this time no one can deal with it.
I compliment Ms. Sorrels for bringing us this deeply moving story and for her very competent writing skills. I would love to read more about this extraordinary family, so I hope there is a second book on the way.
Mary Firmin, author of Deadly Pleasures.
October 4, 2012
The Bachelor Farmers
By Brenda Sorrels
Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers, have just inherited land from their recently deceased father and set out to develop it, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed, Ojibwa woman, has been injured on their property and cannot work, he hires her to be their personal cook.
And with this the story start of two brothers who learn to that love is more valuable than money, stature and opinion. At times my heart broke for Jon, then again for Hans and by the end of the book I felt myself hurting for Mahal. The story is a fast easy read. The story though is true and touching. You will be engaged by the human aspects in this story and you will find yourself taking sides, most probably, in the end your allegiance will have shifted multiple times and you will find yourself scolding judgment of others as the true reason behind all the heart ache and pain.
A most gracious 4 * review for this book.
WaAr
By Brenda Sorrels
Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers, have just inherited land from their recently deceased father and set out to develop it, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed, Ojibwa woman, has been injured on their property and cannot work, he hires her to be their personal cook.
And with this the story start of two brothers who learn to that love is more valuable than money, stature and opinion. At times my heart broke for Jon, then again for Hans and by the end of the book I felt myself hurting for Mahal. The story is a fast easy read. The story though is true and touching. You will be engaged by the human aspects in this story and you will find yourself taking sides, most probably, in the end your allegiance will have shifted multiple times and you will find yourself scolding judgment of others as the true reason behind all the heart ache and pain.
A most gracious 4 * review for this book.
WaAr
February 19, 2013
The Bachelor Farmers gave me an unexpected pleasure in reading! I found myself alternating between emotions throughout the book. An easy read,Brenda Sorrels writes with a no-nonsense air and a great story telling flair. The descriptions of places,people and time are spot on without being unrealistic or over the top and boring. Its very easy to see the hardship farmers and immigrants faced around the turn of the century,and Ms.Sorrels puts you right there. My only wish is for more of the same. More of our brothers,more of their history,more understanding of who and what they are.There is an unwritten line within this story that leaves you aching to know more.
Historical and romantic,beautifully sad and compelling,The Bachelor Farmers is in a word - wonderful. The ending felt anti-climactic as it left space for a sequel? We can hope!
Carolyn Seiver
YA Book Addict reviewer
Bell,Book & Candle Reviews
Historical and romantic,beautifully sad and compelling,The Bachelor Farmers is in a word - wonderful. The ending felt anti-climactic as it left space for a sequel? We can hope!
Carolyn Seiver
YA Book Addict reviewer
Bell,Book & Candle Reviews
August 24, 2013
Synopsis: Set in Northern Minnesota in the winter of 1919, THE BACHELOR FARMERS tells a story of two Norwegian brothers who learn the meaning of love from a most unlikely source.
Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers, have just inherited land from their recently deceased father and set out to develop it, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed, Ojibwa woman, has been injured on their property and cannot work, he hires her to be their personal cook.
Under the eye of his disapproving brother, Jon finds himself falling in love, but when a terrible blizzard blows into town without warning, the three of them must deal with the consequences and make decisions that will ultimately reshape their lives in profound and unimaginable ways.
THE BACHELOR FARMERS takes us into a world where true meaning and healing are found in the complexity of human relationships and in the choices that are made in the face of adversity.
Review: This review does contain spoilers. I could not put this book down! I love the way this book started out! The prologue was so heartwarming. The love that their father had for them was wonderful. This family may have been separated for years but when they finally got to come back together they took care of one another. This is a story of love and loss. Hans and his brother Jon both fall in love with Mahal. Mahal is married and working for the brothers until her husband can get on his feet. Mahal finally realizes that she has feelings for Hans when she lives with Hans. She gives into him after being snowed in together. However her husband comes and takes her as soon as the snow clears. The brothers never see her again. Then you jump forward 20 years when Jon meets a young man at a horse auction and realizes it's his nephew, who was abandoned after Mahal died during child birth. When Jon confronts Hans and something bad happens and Hans is killed. The story ends with Jon speaking to his nephew, Nathaniel about his mother, and possibly about his real father. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so different than anything else that I have read. Brenda did a wonderful job on this book and I am so thankful that Brenda gifted this book to me at Sunshine and Mountains blog! Thank you Brenda!!!
Hans and Jon, the youngest of four immigrant brothers, have just inherited land from their recently deceased father and set out to develop it, thus perpetuating the family dream of success in America. When Jon learns that the husband of Mahal, a beautiful half-breed, Ojibwa woman, has been injured on their property and cannot work, he hires her to be their personal cook.
Under the eye of his disapproving brother, Jon finds himself falling in love, but when a terrible blizzard blows into town without warning, the three of them must deal with the consequences and make decisions that will ultimately reshape their lives in profound and unimaginable ways.
THE BACHELOR FARMERS takes us into a world where true meaning and healing are found in the complexity of human relationships and in the choices that are made in the face of adversity.
Review: This review does contain spoilers. I could not put this book down! I love the way this book started out! The prologue was so heartwarming. The love that their father had for them was wonderful. This family may have been separated for years but when they finally got to come back together they took care of one another. This is a story of love and loss. Hans and his brother Jon both fall in love with Mahal. Mahal is married and working for the brothers until her husband can get on his feet. Mahal finally realizes that she has feelings for Hans when she lives with Hans. She gives into him after being snowed in together. However her husband comes and takes her as soon as the snow clears. The brothers never see her again. Then you jump forward 20 years when Jon meets a young man at a horse auction and realizes it's his nephew, who was abandoned after Mahal died during child birth. When Jon confronts Hans and something bad happens and Hans is killed. The story ends with Jon speaking to his nephew, Nathaniel about his mother, and possibly about his real father. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was so different than anything else that I have read. Brenda did a wonderful job on this book and I am so thankful that Brenda gifted this book to me at Sunshine and Mountains blog! Thank you Brenda!!!
November 9, 2012
Some time ago I was approached by author Brenda Sorrels who wanted me to review her novel The Bachelor Farmers and I readily agreed. I couldn't help it, I was completely taken in by the summary of the novel and knew it would be the perfect book for me and you know what? It really was perfect for me.
I loved this book. I really did. It was so different from my usual type of historical fiction/historical romance novel that I would typically read and I thought that was great. I love discovering new authors and Brenda Sorrels truly has a new fan in me.
There was a lot of story packed into this 176 page novel. It was part family saga, historical fiction mixed with historical romance written with a distinct new voice in the writing world. I found the Bachelor Farmers to be an incredibly moving, dramatic read perfect for reading in the fall and winter to allow you to curl up and drift away to 1919 Minnesota.
The book focuses on two brothers Hans and Jon the youngest son's in their family and it takes place not very long after their parent's deaths. Since it is just the two of them on their family homestead now with there parents gone and their older brothers are off on their own with their families.
One day Jon happens upon a young half native girl named Mahal who is working to support her injured older husband and brings her home to be Hans and his housekeeper at home. Slowly, feelings for Mahal grow on both brothers sides for the young girl until one night changes everything for everyone involved. I loved how this novel gives a bit of insight into rural Minnesota during the early part of the 1919s.
The descriptive writing style the author employed is what really had me interested. The writing flowed wonderfully and the characters were incredibly well developed and her ability to evoke emotions was great. I'm really glad I gave this novel a chance and I really hope Brenda Sorrels continues her writing career. I hope to see more books from her in the future. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction with a romantic and dramatic twist.
*I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review.
I loved this book. I really did. It was so different from my usual type of historical fiction/historical romance novel that I would typically read and I thought that was great. I love discovering new authors and Brenda Sorrels truly has a new fan in me.
There was a lot of story packed into this 176 page novel. It was part family saga, historical fiction mixed with historical romance written with a distinct new voice in the writing world. I found the Bachelor Farmers to be an incredibly moving, dramatic read perfect for reading in the fall and winter to allow you to curl up and drift away to 1919 Minnesota.
The book focuses on two brothers Hans and Jon the youngest son's in their family and it takes place not very long after their parent's deaths. Since it is just the two of them on their family homestead now with there parents gone and their older brothers are off on their own with their families.
One day Jon happens upon a young half native girl named Mahal who is working to support her injured older husband and brings her home to be Hans and his housekeeper at home. Slowly, feelings for Mahal grow on both brothers sides for the young girl until one night changes everything for everyone involved. I loved how this novel gives a bit of insight into rural Minnesota during the early part of the 1919s.
The descriptive writing style the author employed is what really had me interested. The writing flowed wonderfully and the characters were incredibly well developed and her ability to evoke emotions was great. I'm really glad I gave this novel a chance and I really hope Brenda Sorrels continues her writing career. I hope to see more books from her in the future. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction with a romantic and dramatic twist.
*I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for my FREE and HONEST review.
July 23, 2012
This slim little book draws you into the environment with language. While the opening of the book lays out a deceptively simple family story, it is Sorrels dcrafted that takes it to another realm. From the first paragraph in the Prologue where "Old Man Gustafson laid on his bed facing a froze-up window, a blizzard raging beyond this gazeover the wintry back farmyard," you know it's cold. There is a "thin patch of grizzled beard," and details so acutely observed that you are immediately plunged into that stiff upper lip Minnesota landscape complete with heavy-hearted emotional restraint. Of course, once you have two handsome, rugged unmarried men living in the family homestead, with an inhertted mission to maintain and develop the snowy farmlands that are theirs, the reader will sense "threat." Enter the threat, a half-breed Indian woman who Sorrels portrays so equisitely that each time the character enters, I could see her. The visuals in this book and the classic dramatic plot structure complete with an "inciting incident" propel the plot forward. While the reader will know starting at Chapter Four what is most likely to transpire, it shouldn't take the pleasure away from reading this book. This book has "movie" written all over it. A lot of painstaking historical research went into this 148 page novel. The trick for the writer, and Sorrels mastered this trick, is to let the reader know the writer is reliable and that this is a true tale, even if it's not.
September 15, 2012
Hauntingly beautiful read and story! This book grabbed my attention from the first moments, with the death of the beloved father and his remonstration to his four sons that Love is the most important thing. From this point forward, we are treated to the example of love in action as the brothers manage business and family concerns with a constant eye to the welfare of others.
The author managed to incorporate seamless transitions in narrator voice, with strong character development and beautifully vivid settings. What emerges is a story that becomes a testament to love: found, lost and longed for. All fans of Garrison Keilor’s Prairie Home Companion will instantly ‘know’ the brothers, and find themselves willingly traversing the cold and snow in Minnesota to reach the end of the book.
I received a copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
The author managed to incorporate seamless transitions in narrator voice, with strong character development and beautifully vivid settings. What emerges is a story that becomes a testament to love: found, lost and longed for. All fans of Garrison Keilor’s Prairie Home Companion will instantly ‘know’ the brothers, and find themselves willingly traversing the cold and snow in Minnesota to reach the end of the book.
I received a copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 4, 2012
I was gifted this book by the author. This review does contain spoilers. I could not put this book down! Hans and his brother Jon both fall in love with Mahal. Mahal however is a married woman working for the brothers until her husband gets on his feet. Mahal finally realizes she lives Hans and gives into him after being snowed in together. However her husband cones and takes her as soon as the snow clears and the brothers never see her again. Jump forward 20 years when Jon meets a young man at a horse auction and realizes it's his nephew, who was abandoned since Mahal died during child birth. When Jon confronts Hans a tragic event takes place and Hans is killed. The story ends with Jon speaking to his nephew, Nathaniel about his mother, and hopefully father!
I loved this story, however I saw part 3 going a different way. I though Hans would atleast get the love of a farher/son relationship. But this is still an amazing story with many twists and turns! WaAR
I loved this story, however I saw part 3 going a different way. I though Hans would atleast get the love of a farher/son relationship. But this is still an amazing story with many twists and turns! WaAR
September 22, 2012
The Bachelor Farmers is a family tale, a history lesson and a love story wrapped around easy to read prose. I sat in the family house in the countryside of Minnesota, warmed myself by the fire, braved the bitter weather, browsed through a frontier store and soaked in the beauty of the land. Sorrels paints a beautiful tale with words that seamlessly carry the reader through the story. As I read through The Bachelor Farmers, I kept thinking to myself that this writer knows how to use words and descriptions to bring the reader into the story so that prose and story flow harmoniously together.The Bachelor FarmersBrenda Sorrels
July 27, 2012
Brenda Sorrels' The Bachelor Farmer is a charming, beautifully written, story that draws you in from the first page with a the death and dying of the father figure surrounded by his sons. The story then moves to the two sons, living together, farming together, in harmony until...a woman enters, creating the needed conflict to capture and hold the reader steadfast. The book starts out gentle and engagingly simple, easy to read, hard to put down, until it smacks you in the face in the second part - when the blizzard hits metaphorically and literally. Sorrels' is a master at bringing the storm into the reader's mind, making it impossible to put the book down. It unwinds and unfolds in unpredictable ways that leave you haunted by its visions long after the last page has been shut. Paulette Mahurin, Author of The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap
November 5, 2012
Each book is different, but I have to say that this book stuck with me for days after I read it. I fell in love with the characters and the story. I wanted to know more about each one. The development was great, and the story pulled me right in. It's a quick read- I finished it in one night. I'm not going to give anything away, but I can honestly say that I argued with the book over the ending!
Brenda has crafted a world that is imaginable and truthful. I could easily see this as someone's family history and a story that has been passed down through the years. Is it? I don't know.
Oh how I wanted more though! I give it 4.5 stars, well I would if GR let me! This is a great book for those that like Westerny books, books that take place with a little more rough outdoors and a little less civilization to get in the way. It's a romance with a twist. Check it out!
Brenda has crafted a world that is imaginable and truthful. I could easily see this as someone's family history and a story that has been passed down through the years. Is it? I don't know.
Oh how I wanted more though! I give it 4.5 stars, well I would if GR let me! This is a great book for those that like Westerny books, books that take place with a little more rough outdoors and a little less civilization to get in the way. It's a romance with a twist. Check it out!
October 21, 2012
I read this book for Lightening Book Promotions for a fair and honest review.
This book is about two brothers that had no interest in women or love. They were content to spend their lives together running the family farm. That was until Mahal walked into their lives.
Love and jealousy can ruin a man. Especially when the love is not returned.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I just wish the end was different. I would of liked to learn more about the relationship Jon ended up having with Nathaniel.
This book is about two brothers that had no interest in women or love. They were content to spend their lives together running the family farm. That was until Mahal walked into their lives.
Love and jealousy can ruin a man. Especially when the love is not returned.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I just wish the end was different. I would of liked to learn more about the relationship Jon ended up having with Nathaniel.
February 20, 2013
Brenda pens "The Bachelor Farmers" in a plot that contains realistic and vivid writing, with characters that were very well developed and believable. A wonderful and beautiful story of two immigrant brothers making their way during the hard times of the early 1900's. Highly recommended for all readers.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
July 3, 2014
It's AWESOME! What can I say? I hope everyone will check it out for themselves!
First Book Review from a major newspaper: The Bismarck Tribune!
Click on link to read:
http://bismarcktribune.com/entertainm...
First Book Review from a major newspaper: The Bismarck Tribune!
Click on link to read:
http://bismarcktribune.com/entertainm...
June 23, 2012
This is a beautiful little novel: a really good story well told. I thought I would like it because I am a genealogy buff and interested in American folk history, and I was not disappointed. I learned a great deal about how the Norwegian immigrants lived in the late 1800s in frigid Michigan and how they regarded their Ojibwa neighbors. If you found this review, then I know you will like it too!
October 12, 2012
The Bachelor Farmers is a wonderful historical romance with an engaging plot and appealing characters. It is a unique novel that is full of unforeseen twists and turns. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE.
September 19, 2013
No happy feeling at the end of this story. My initial visual of Hans didn't fit him when the snowstorm struck. My head had to do an auto correct with that to make it work. I appreciate the author's gift to write with feeling without using Harlequin descriptions. I just feel sad and cold when I think of the story. Sad for Nathaniel.
October 15, 2017
Lovely! A must read. Can’t wait for more from this author.
May 25, 2021
Good story by a high school classmate. Great job, Brenda!
July 3, 2013
“There’s always trouble when it comes to Indians and women. You know that.”
“The Bachelor Farmers” written by Brenda Sorrels is a family tale of the immigrant family Gustafson living in rural Minnesota in the early 1900’s. As children, Hans and Jon stayed in Oslo, Norway with relatives for seven years waiting for their parents to make enough money for their voyage across the ocean to rejoin the Gustafson family. Hans became somewhat a surrogate father to Jon during this time and this theme carries over throughout the story.
The Gustafson family thrived in America; upon the passing of Mrs. Gustafson soon followed by the Old Man, the family of four boys are well enough off to divide the property. The two older brothers, Bjorn and Emil, have families – wives and children – are given lands to fit their needs. Hans and Jon are bachelor famers left to share the main farmhouse.
Upon a visit to a camp store to replace his father’s broken ax, Jon meets the half Ojibwa Indian woman, Mahal, working at the shop. Mahal is a natural beauty with eyes the color of sea glass. Due to circumstances and perhaps a jealous wife of the store owner, Mahal is in need of a new job. She is married to a full Ojibwa Indian. Her husband was injured whilst working on the Gustafson farm and rumored to be abusive. What was Jon to do, after all the injury did occur on their land? Didn’t he owe Mahal? He brought home more than an ax that day.
In the turning point of the story a blizzard hits the Gustafson farm. Mahal must make an unexpected decision. This quick and startling choice will change the lives of everyone involved.
“There’s always trouble when it comes to Indians and women. You know that.”
As you can imagine there may also be trouble with two bachelor Norwegian farmers and a beautiful half Ojibwa Indian married woman living beneath one roof. Another theme of the book was “Gossip.” I wish I could tell you that I have only been on the receiving end. That would be a lie. Imagine if your two little brothers were living with a woman that was not merely beautiful but exotic and married. Yes, even today, I would have my reservations, I would protect my family. Unfortunately, the gossip was not just kept in the family. In small communities gossip seems to equal wild fire.
Attention all romantics, “The Bachelor Farmers,” is a book for you. I would recommend this to those that love to love. There is plenty of room for interpretation and day dreaming. I have definitely added one of the brothers to my list of fictional flames.
This is my fan letter to Mrs. Sorrels
Dearest Brenda Sorrels,
I would love to read a prequel of this story. I believe that there are many stories still untold hidden within the Gustafson family.
Sincerely,
Ann
ISBN-13: 9781105424427
Publisher: Lulu.com
Publication date: 2/24/2012
Pages: 174
Please contact Brenda Sorrels for ordering information at her website:
www.brendasorrels.com
“The Bachelor Farmers” written by Brenda Sorrels is a family tale of the immigrant family Gustafson living in rural Minnesota in the early 1900’s. As children, Hans and Jon stayed in Oslo, Norway with relatives for seven years waiting for their parents to make enough money for their voyage across the ocean to rejoin the Gustafson family. Hans became somewhat a surrogate father to Jon during this time and this theme carries over throughout the story.
The Gustafson family thrived in America; upon the passing of Mrs. Gustafson soon followed by the Old Man, the family of four boys are well enough off to divide the property. The two older brothers, Bjorn and Emil, have families – wives and children – are given lands to fit their needs. Hans and Jon are bachelor famers left to share the main farmhouse.
Upon a visit to a camp store to replace his father’s broken ax, Jon meets the half Ojibwa Indian woman, Mahal, working at the shop. Mahal is a natural beauty with eyes the color of sea glass. Due to circumstances and perhaps a jealous wife of the store owner, Mahal is in need of a new job. She is married to a full Ojibwa Indian. Her husband was injured whilst working on the Gustafson farm and rumored to be abusive. What was Jon to do, after all the injury did occur on their land? Didn’t he owe Mahal? He brought home more than an ax that day.
In the turning point of the story a blizzard hits the Gustafson farm. Mahal must make an unexpected decision. This quick and startling choice will change the lives of everyone involved.
“There’s always trouble when it comes to Indians and women. You know that.”
As you can imagine there may also be trouble with two bachelor Norwegian farmers and a beautiful half Ojibwa Indian married woman living beneath one roof. Another theme of the book was “Gossip.” I wish I could tell you that I have only been on the receiving end. That would be a lie. Imagine if your two little brothers were living with a woman that was not merely beautiful but exotic and married. Yes, even today, I would have my reservations, I would protect my family. Unfortunately, the gossip was not just kept in the family. In small communities gossip seems to equal wild fire.
Attention all romantics, “The Bachelor Farmers,” is a book for you. I would recommend this to those that love to love. There is plenty of room for interpretation and day dreaming. I have definitely added one of the brothers to my list of fictional flames.
This is my fan letter to Mrs. Sorrels
Dearest Brenda Sorrels,
I would love to read a prequel of this story. I believe that there are many stories still untold hidden within the Gustafson family.
Sincerely,
Ann
ISBN-13: 9781105424427
Publisher: Lulu.com
Publication date: 2/24/2012
Pages: 174
Please contact Brenda Sorrels for ordering information at her website:
www.brendasorrels.com
January 25, 2015
Hans and Jon after many years of being separated from their parents and other two siblings finally make the journey to America to join their Norwegian family on the farm. The farm has been a great success and their father has continued to buy up more land which will provide well for the four brothers and their families now and in the future.
Both of their parents fall ill and die leaving their sons with their own land and homes. The father has provided above and beyond for his sons. The now grown men, Hans and Jon are still single but the other two brothers are married with children.
Hans and Jon are definitely living the bachelor's life. They do their own housekeeping and cooking on top of all the chores on the farm and the paper work for the farm. When Jon is at their logging camp he notices, Mahal, a young beautiful green eyed Indian woman. She works as a cook at the camp. But she has just been told her help is no longer needed. She needs the job because she is supporting her husband ever since he way seriously injured in a logging accident on Jon and Hans property. Jon was told by his friend that her husband is abusive towards her leaving visual marks. Jon feels responsible for her since it was on his property that her husband was injured. Jon and Hans had been thinking of hiring a cook so he offers Mahal to come live on the farm and cook for the two brothers. Jon knows it is not appropriate for a married woman to live with two single men but he is so enamored he ignores propriety and hire her anyway. Mahal can tell that Jon is attracted to her but she needs the job and will just have to stay to herself and pretend to not notice.
Hans is not happy with the new cook and let's it known. Will this be too much for the two bachelors having a beautiful young woman living in the same house with them? Can Mahal keep them at bay?
The author has written a historical fiction about immigrants farmers that succeed in American. Love is abound and not easy to ignore.
The story was slow going in the first half of the book. There is one chapter in the book that does have sexual content but it was not offensive to my sensitivity. I found Jon's love for Mahal sweet but beings she was married he knew he should not be acting on his feelings.
I recommend this book.
I rated this book a 4 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from the author/Lightning Book Promotions for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.
Both of their parents fall ill and die leaving their sons with their own land and homes. The father has provided above and beyond for his sons. The now grown men, Hans and Jon are still single but the other two brothers are married with children.
Hans and Jon are definitely living the bachelor's life. They do their own housekeeping and cooking on top of all the chores on the farm and the paper work for the farm. When Jon is at their logging camp he notices, Mahal, a young beautiful green eyed Indian woman. She works as a cook at the camp. But she has just been told her help is no longer needed. She needs the job because she is supporting her husband ever since he way seriously injured in a logging accident on Jon and Hans property. Jon was told by his friend that her husband is abusive towards her leaving visual marks. Jon feels responsible for her since it was on his property that her husband was injured. Jon and Hans had been thinking of hiring a cook so he offers Mahal to come live on the farm and cook for the two brothers. Jon knows it is not appropriate for a married woman to live with two single men but he is so enamored he ignores propriety and hire her anyway. Mahal can tell that Jon is attracted to her but she needs the job and will just have to stay to herself and pretend to not notice.
Hans is not happy with the new cook and let's it known. Will this be too much for the two bachelors having a beautiful young woman living in the same house with them? Can Mahal keep them at bay?
The author has written a historical fiction about immigrants farmers that succeed in American. Love is abound and not easy to ignore.
The story was slow going in the first half of the book. There is one chapter in the book that does have sexual content but it was not offensive to my sensitivity. I found Jon's love for Mahal sweet but beings she was married he knew he should not be acting on his feelings.
I recommend this book.
I rated this book a 4 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from the author/Lightning Book Promotions for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.
January 19, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is a fantastic and compelling story of love and loss set in 1919. I really enjoyed it!
Jon Gustafson is the youngest son of four brothers. He is a wonderful character. He is kind, thoughtful and hardworking. I liked him very much.
Hans Gustafson is the next to youngest son. He too is a wonderful character. He has a very good head on his shoulders. Like his brother, he too is hardworking, but he is more taciturn and reserved. I liked him a lot too.
I do not usually read a lot of historical fiction, but the blurb intrigued me so I decided to give the book a try. This is not necessarily a fast paced tale, but it is most definitely a page turner! There are four Gustafson brothers, who are immigrants from Norway and now living in Duluth, but this story only follows the two youngest, Hans and Jon. They are both intriguing characters in their own way. Jon is a sensitive soul, so when he hears of Mahal's story, he impulsively employs her as their cook. Mahal's story is not a happy one, but she has a strength of character that filled me with awe! The story is told from Jon's, Hans's and Mahal's points of view, which allows the reader to get to know the thoughts and feelings of each of them. The author has brought the past to life with her detailed descriptions of people and places, and made me feel like I had traveled back in time. However, it is the last half of the story that really touched me. My heart broke for all the characters, and I ended up in tears. Therefore, be prepared with some tissues! This story is not a love story nor even a romance, but the story of betrayal, love, loss and forgiveness.
Brenda Sorrel has written a fantastic historical novel that is extremely touching and deeply moving. I love her writing style that, although not as fast paced as the other books I am used to reading, flowed beautifully. I would definitely read more of this author's work in the future.
Although there are scenes of an intimate nature, they are not explicit. I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction. - Lynn Worton
This is a fantastic and compelling story of love and loss set in 1919. I really enjoyed it!
Jon Gustafson is the youngest son of four brothers. He is a wonderful character. He is kind, thoughtful and hardworking. I liked him very much.
Hans Gustafson is the next to youngest son. He too is a wonderful character. He has a very good head on his shoulders. Like his brother, he too is hardworking, but he is more taciturn and reserved. I liked him a lot too.
I do not usually read a lot of historical fiction, but the blurb intrigued me so I decided to give the book a try. This is not necessarily a fast paced tale, but it is most definitely a page turner! There are four Gustafson brothers, who are immigrants from Norway and now living in Duluth, but this story only follows the two youngest, Hans and Jon. They are both intriguing characters in their own way. Jon is a sensitive soul, so when he hears of Mahal's story, he impulsively employs her as their cook. Mahal's story is not a happy one, but she has a strength of character that filled me with awe! The story is told from Jon's, Hans's and Mahal's points of view, which allows the reader to get to know the thoughts and feelings of each of them. The author has brought the past to life with her detailed descriptions of people and places, and made me feel like I had traveled back in time. However, it is the last half of the story that really touched me. My heart broke for all the characters, and I ended up in tears. Therefore, be prepared with some tissues! This story is not a love story nor even a romance, but the story of betrayal, love, loss and forgiveness.
Brenda Sorrel has written a fantastic historical novel that is extremely touching and deeply moving. I love her writing style that, although not as fast paced as the other books I am used to reading, flowed beautifully. I would definitely read more of this author's work in the future.
Although there are scenes of an intimate nature, they are not explicit. I highly recommend this book if you love historical fiction. - Lynn Worton
March 19, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for a honest unbiased review~~
The Bachelor by Brenda Sorrels
This is the first book I have read by this author and it sure will not be the last. I'm amazed and emotional after reading such a poetic story of love and loss. This book was expertly written and had intricately woven detail about the characters and scenes. The characters were immensely complex. Your heart just goes out to Mahal. The accident at the end out the book just breaks my heart. It shows how jealously and grudges can heart the person you love. It is a beautiful story of tragic love and uplifting ending. The tragic love story is up there with Romeo and Juliet. This author could be in the same league. This book carries you on a whirlwind of emotions through the twists and turns.
This story is about two brothers, Jon and Hans, who after there parents pass continue on their Pa's legacy. On one of his outings, Jon picks up the exotic Mahal to cook at the farm so that she can earn money while husband is recovering from his injury. Her husband is an abusive Indian man. Jon is instantly smitten with her and falls in love with her, although she does not share his affection. Hans a man of few words stays away as much as possible. During a horrendous blizzard, Hans and Mahal depend on each other to make it through. This will change the lives of all around them. I loved this book and give it 5 stars for how well written and amazing this book is!
The Bachelor by Brenda Sorrels
This is the first book I have read by this author and it sure will not be the last. I'm amazed and emotional after reading such a poetic story of love and loss. This book was expertly written and had intricately woven detail about the characters and scenes. The characters were immensely complex. Your heart just goes out to Mahal. The accident at the end out the book just breaks my heart. It shows how jealously and grudges can heart the person you love. It is a beautiful story of tragic love and uplifting ending. The tragic love story is up there with Romeo and Juliet. This author could be in the same league. This book carries you on a whirlwind of emotions through the twists and turns.
This story is about two brothers, Jon and Hans, who after there parents pass continue on their Pa's legacy. On one of his outings, Jon picks up the exotic Mahal to cook at the farm so that she can earn money while husband is recovering from his injury. Her husband is an abusive Indian man. Jon is instantly smitten with her and falls in love with her, although she does not share his affection. Hans a man of few words stays away as much as possible. During a horrendous blizzard, Hans and Mahal depend on each other to make it through. This will change the lives of all around them. I loved this book and give it 5 stars for how well written and amazing this book is!
November 19, 2012
I received this book from the author to give an honest review.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It was a true love story in so many ways, and I can honestly say the ending yielded two surprises for me.
I loved how the author described Mahal's eyes the way Hans was built and the way he wore his hair.
The Bachelor Farmers i a well written, beautiful story that has you from the beginning. You start out reading about a dying father and a bit of history with the brothers and their family. Then you move on to two of the sons, Hans and Jon! They live together on the family farm, and run their business each having their own side.
They are both single hence the book title.
Everything is running smoothly until Jon meets a beautiful Ojibwa woman named Mahal and offers her a job. Jon is instantly in love with her and tries everything to open her up. While his brother is not so keen on having her there. When a blizzard hits out of no where, Mahal and Hans get trapped indoors and things happen that no one expects.
If you enjoy reading about love, surprises, being captured from the beginning then I highly recommend this book.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It was a true love story in so many ways, and I can honestly say the ending yielded two surprises for me.
I loved how the author described Mahal's eyes the way Hans was built and the way he wore his hair.
The Bachelor Farmers i a well written, beautiful story that has you from the beginning. You start out reading about a dying father and a bit of history with the brothers and their family. Then you move on to two of the sons, Hans and Jon! They live together on the family farm, and run their business each having their own side.
They are both single hence the book title.
Everything is running smoothly until Jon meets a beautiful Ojibwa woman named Mahal and offers her a job. Jon is instantly in love with her and tries everything to open her up. While his brother is not so keen on having her there. When a blizzard hits out of no where, Mahal and Hans get trapped indoors and things happen that no one expects.
If you enjoy reading about love, surprises, being captured from the beginning then I highly recommend this book.
January 9, 2013
In today's world it has become increasingly easy for anyone to write a book and publish it. Self publishing is a wonderful thing. I myself am a huge fan of indie authors and support them all whole heartedly. That being said I have found quite a few that well are not horrible just are not that great. But then in comes Brenda's novel, The Bachelor Farmers. It is a beautiful heartwarming story and I absolutely loved it! Her writing and descriptions are spot on bringing you deep inside the pages of the book, making you feel as though you to are a part of the tale. I cannot wait to see what she writes next. I will be waiting impatiently!
October 23, 2012
The Bachelor Farmers by Brenda Sorrels took me by complete surprise. I'll be honest... the title had me second guessing reading it but now that I took the chance... I'm glad I did. The characters are believable and the plot seems well thought out. I can tell there was an extensive amount of time put into writing this book. The plot is hard to guess and the ending throws you in a loop you didn't see coming.
I enjoyed the read very much. Therefore, I give it 5 stars. I recommend it to everyone.
*I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
I enjoyed the read very much. Therefore, I give it 5 stars. I recommend it to everyone.
*I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
February 24, 2014
Not my typical book read but, so glad I got it. It had lots of small twist and turns along the way with some great facts of life in the early 1900's that I just found so facinating I couldnt put it down.
January 30, 2016
Really bad.
April 30, 2015
Hans and Jon are content living by themselves not even considering marriage. full of unseen twists and turns could not put the book down.
July 15, 2015
Great Wilton author! This is the book you want to read on a cold winter day in front of the fireplace.
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