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The Bartered Bride Collection
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Button String Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Entering into marriage without love is not the dream of most brides, but nine women from days gone by commit to saying I do before they barely know their grooms. Four sisters travel in answer to an ad before even corresponding with potential husbands. Two women bend to the will of their parents in taking husbands. A widow commits to a stranger in name only. And two women on the Oregon Trail hitch their lives to men they ve just met. Amid the angst brought on by conveniently arranged marriage, can love be found and firmed by faith?
Button String Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Entering into marriage without love is not the dream of most brides, but nine women from days gone by commit to saying I do before they barely know their grooms. Four sisters travel in answer to an ad before even corresponding with potential husbands. Two women bend to the will of their parents in taking husbands. A widow commits to a stranger in name only. And two women on the Oregon Trail hitch their lives to men they ve just met. Amid the angst brought on by conveniently arranged marriage, can love be found and firmed by faith?
448 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
39 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Marie Hake
87 books616 followersAs a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 23, 2018
I am always so excited to see a Barbour Romance collection being released. I have been reading these collections for almost 20 years now and they never fail to excite me with a new arrival. It's so much fun to be invested in the characters and see how their lives and their situation develop. I will always highly recommend Barbour Collections!
Pub Date 01 May 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 01 May 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2018
5 stars.
This is nine short stories all around marriage and how the unexpected can lead to the love of your life. Four of the stories are connected and about four sisters that are sold off by their unscrupulous brother in law, but before you get to those stories which honestly I think are the heart of the book there are three stories before them. The first wasn’t really to my taste and if that was the only story in the book it wouldn’t have scored high.
I loved the second Story as it centered around the Oregon trail and the trails that could come with it. It also taught me some history around marriage of that time that even I wasn’t aware of. The third story was one I had read in another anthology also set on the Oregon trail but just not as good.
Now four through seven those were the stories of sisters sent to an old west town where they are the only reputable women. It was all a mail order bride mixup and each sister gets her own story full of heart and emotion you will enjoy these sisters. Be it Jim and Matty, Corri and Luke, Bess and Gideon or Bertie and Thomas each unique sister as her own heart to the very story.
Then there is eight another story I had to force myself to get through. It just didn’t seem genuine and very slap dash thrown together.
Then there is the last story one for the ages to fall in love with.
So well there where a few off kilter stories it still gets five stars for the great hidden gems in the pages. Pick it up if you want some good short historical reads.
This is nine short stories all around marriage and how the unexpected can lead to the love of your life. Four of the stories are connected and about four sisters that are sold off by their unscrupulous brother in law, but before you get to those stories which honestly I think are the heart of the book there are three stories before them. The first wasn’t really to my taste and if that was the only story in the book it wouldn’t have scored high.
I loved the second Story as it centered around the Oregon trail and the trails that could come with it. It also taught me some history around marriage of that time that even I wasn’t aware of. The third story was one I had read in another anthology also set on the Oregon trail but just not as good.
Now four through seven those were the stories of sisters sent to an old west town where they are the only reputable women. It was all a mail order bride mixup and each sister gets her own story full of heart and emotion you will enjoy these sisters. Be it Jim and Matty, Corri and Luke, Bess and Gideon or Bertie and Thomas each unique sister as her own heart to the very story.
Then there is eight another story I had to force myself to get through. It just didn’t seem genuine and very slap dash thrown together.
Then there is the last story one for the ages to fall in love with.
So well there where a few off kilter stories it still gets five stars for the great hidden gems in the pages. Pick it up if you want some good short historical reads.
January 16, 2016
The Bartered Bride Collection
Nine Stories by Seven Authors
Joie De Vivre © 2006 by Lynette Sowell
1819 Louisiana
Edouard LeBlanc had lost much in the war. A scarred face, a bad leg and the loss of his one true love. He lived in a cabin on the Bayou and stayed away from people as much as he could. And then his father went and betrothed him to the lovely Josee.
Josee Broussard was taken into the LeBlanc family when she was orphaned at age six. Now she was eighteen and if she had to marry she hoped it would be her fun loving friend, Jacques LeBlanc. Instead it was his older brother Edouard who was always dark and brooding. Josee resigned herself to a loveless marriage. Or did God have bigger plans?
Button Strong Bride © 2001 by Cathy Marie Hake
Widower Ethan Cole is traveling to Oregon with his two children. His sister started out with him but when she had the chance to turn tail and run, she did. When the opportunity comes to help a young woman who lost both parents on the trail and in return she can help him Ethan takes on Charity Davis. As feelings for the young woman grow he realizes that she’s a wealthy lady and he’s a simple carpenter. Worlds apart. Can God cross that divide?
The Wedding Wagon © 2002 by Cathy Marie Hake
Dr. Joshua Rogers quickly fell for Bethany Handley after she spent a Christmas with them. He was pleased that she agreed to marry and go on the Oregon Trail with him. Joshua was quickly falling in love with her but did the beautiful orphan marry him only because of her close friendship with his sister Penny? And was it because with Papa and Penny she had a family? And would the secret Bethany kept from her husband, for fear that he wouldn’t want to marry her, damage their relationship as well?
The next four stories are all connected. Originally part of the Barbour Novella, Bride for a Bit
From Halter to Altar © 2003 by Cathy Marie Hake
Ellis Stack had four sister-in-laws to get off his hands. When he reads a notice for a man wanting a bridle order he misunderstands it as bridal and sends Matilda, Corrine, Bess and Bertie Craig off to James Collingswood in Lickwind. When Jim meets the train to get his bridles he instead has four women. What is he to do with them now?
From Carriage to Marriage © 2003 by Janelle Burnham Schneider
This is the continued story from Halter to Altar. Luke Collingswood was pulled towards Corrie Craig from the start. The young widow who was already in the family way seemed so fragile and something in him felt the need to protect her. He’d like that responsibility for good but would the young widow ever learn to love a second time or forever mourn her late husband?
From Pride to Bride © 2003 by JoAnne A. Grote
This is the third story in the continuing sage with the four brides instead of bridles that arrived in Lickwind, Wyoming. Bess Craig is considered bossy and very independent. Gideon Riker is the local saloon owner but is there more to him than meets the eye? This unusual team join forces when he offers to rent his brand new house to Bess and Bertie to start a business out of.
From Alarming to Charming © 2003 by Pamela Kaye Tracy
The fourth and final book of the Craig sisters and Lickwind, Wyoming. Thomas Hardin is returning to Lickwind after seven long years. At age fifteen his father and him were chased out of town. His dad was labeled a cattle rustler. He knew returning wouldn’t be easy. And it wasn’t.
Bertie Craig found that for the first time in her life she wanted to be noticed as a female. She didn’t understand why she felt different around Thomas but she did know his ranch was the first time she felt like she was home in many a year. If only he didn’t think of her as nothing more than a squirt.
A Vow Unbroken © 2000 by Amy Rognlie
James Parrish was so excited, his future wife was to arrive on the train. God had answered his prayers and he would have a wife to love and share his life with. When Abby Cantrell arrived James thought her to be absolutely beautiful. And then his world shattered. She was not the same woman he expected and this one carried several burdens. Would God bring her into his life to torture him or was there hope for a real marriage?
Finishing Touches © 2007 by Kelly Eileen Hake
Captain Gregory Royce was looking forward to wedding the love of his life….until she ran off with another and he was left with her spinster sister, Libby Collier. The happiest day of his life became the worse day. Unlike Libby who had a secret longing to be loved by the handsome Captain but knew he loved her sister. How can anything good come from this?
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
Nine Stories by Seven Authors
Joie De Vivre © 2006 by Lynette Sowell
1819 Louisiana
Edouard LeBlanc had lost much in the war. A scarred face, a bad leg and the loss of his one true love. He lived in a cabin on the Bayou and stayed away from people as much as he could. And then his father went and betrothed him to the lovely Josee.
Josee Broussard was taken into the LeBlanc family when she was orphaned at age six. Now she was eighteen and if she had to marry she hoped it would be her fun loving friend, Jacques LeBlanc. Instead it was his older brother Edouard who was always dark and brooding. Josee resigned herself to a loveless marriage. Or did God have bigger plans?
Button Strong Bride © 2001 by Cathy Marie Hake
Widower Ethan Cole is traveling to Oregon with his two children. His sister started out with him but when she had the chance to turn tail and run, she did. When the opportunity comes to help a young woman who lost both parents on the trail and in return she can help him Ethan takes on Charity Davis. As feelings for the young woman grow he realizes that she’s a wealthy lady and he’s a simple carpenter. Worlds apart. Can God cross that divide?
The Wedding Wagon © 2002 by Cathy Marie Hake
Dr. Joshua Rogers quickly fell for Bethany Handley after she spent a Christmas with them. He was pleased that she agreed to marry and go on the Oregon Trail with him. Joshua was quickly falling in love with her but did the beautiful orphan marry him only because of her close friendship with his sister Penny? And was it because with Papa and Penny she had a family? And would the secret Bethany kept from her husband, for fear that he wouldn’t want to marry her, damage their relationship as well?
The next four stories are all connected. Originally part of the Barbour Novella, Bride for a Bit
From Halter to Altar © 2003 by Cathy Marie Hake
Ellis Stack had four sister-in-laws to get off his hands. When he reads a notice for a man wanting a bridle order he misunderstands it as bridal and sends Matilda, Corrine, Bess and Bertie Craig off to James Collingswood in Lickwind. When Jim meets the train to get his bridles he instead has four women. What is he to do with them now?
From Carriage to Marriage © 2003 by Janelle Burnham Schneider
This is the continued story from Halter to Altar. Luke Collingswood was pulled towards Corrie Craig from the start. The young widow who was already in the family way seemed so fragile and something in him felt the need to protect her. He’d like that responsibility for good but would the young widow ever learn to love a second time or forever mourn her late husband?
From Pride to Bride © 2003 by JoAnne A. Grote
This is the third story in the continuing sage with the four brides instead of bridles that arrived in Lickwind, Wyoming. Bess Craig is considered bossy and very independent. Gideon Riker is the local saloon owner but is there more to him than meets the eye? This unusual team join forces when he offers to rent his brand new house to Bess and Bertie to start a business out of.
From Alarming to Charming © 2003 by Pamela Kaye Tracy
The fourth and final book of the Craig sisters and Lickwind, Wyoming. Thomas Hardin is returning to Lickwind after seven long years. At age fifteen his father and him were chased out of town. His dad was labeled a cattle rustler. He knew returning wouldn’t be easy. And it wasn’t.
Bertie Craig found that for the first time in her life she wanted to be noticed as a female. She didn’t understand why she felt different around Thomas but she did know his ranch was the first time she felt like she was home in many a year. If only he didn’t think of her as nothing more than a squirt.
A Vow Unbroken © 2000 by Amy Rognlie
James Parrish was so excited, his future wife was to arrive on the train. God had answered his prayers and he would have a wife to love and share his life with. When Abby Cantrell arrived James thought her to be absolutely beautiful. And then his world shattered. She was not the same woman he expected and this one carried several burdens. Would God bring her into his life to torture him or was there hope for a real marriage?
Finishing Touches © 2007 by Kelly Eileen Hake
Captain Gregory Royce was looking forward to wedding the love of his life….until she ran off with another and he was left with her spinster sister, Libby Collier. The happiest day of his life became the worse day. Unlike Libby who had a secret longing to be loved by the handsome Captain but knew he loved her sister. How can anything good come from this?
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...#
March 18, 2018
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Josee Broussard was taken in by the LeBlanc family after her parents died at age 6. Now at eighteen she is ready to have a family of her own. Her and Jacques LeBlanc were the best of friends he was the younger son of the family. She was hoping she would be marrying him but Mr LeBlanc is having her wed his older son Edouard.
Edouard has had a rough lie. After the war he was left with a scared face and while gone his first love married some one else. He has no use for a wife much less Josee. Can these two come together before the marriage?Will they find love and happiness.
I like Josee and Edouard both their characters both needed some love and healing. It was nice to see how these two came together and worked things out. The banter between the two was lovely. I enjoyed this story.
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
We meet Ethan Cole who is traveling with the wagon train to Oregon with his two small children. He is a widow and had his sister and her family with them and she had to give up. He helps a young lady Charity who had lost her parents on the trail. They combine their things and keep going. Charity helps with the kids and they fall in love with her. She adores them and is a god fearing woman.
These two characters were great both needed healing as Ethan still loved his wife and Charity just wanted a nice simple life if she could find love. I liked them two getting to know each other and the help they both offered along the way was nice to see.
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
Bethany Handley was a close friend of Penny’s back in school. She visited their house on Christmas and Penny’s brother, Joshua fell hard and asked Bethany to go with him on the Oregon Trail and be his wife.
Joshua is a doctor and adores Penny but Penny acts like she just came along for his father and sister. Can she see that the truly loves her? Can she love him?
Bethany was great see come to life and know love. We see her grow in a short amount of time and watch Joshua grow as well. Jealousy and bad communication can lead to broken heart or restore them.
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
Ellis Stack place an add for 4 bridles in the paper and The Collingswood brothers need some. So they ordered them and agreed to a price.
Imagine Jim’s surprise when he shows up at the train station and 4 ladies get off the train expecting to get married. The girls are so upset they don’t know what to do so the Collingswood’s let the girls stay in their house until things can get straight.
We have twins Matty and Corrie, Bess and young Bertie. Corrie is pregnant with her late husbands baby and the other ladies have never been married. Matty and Jim clash a few times can these two get a long and what about all these men town folk coming out to try and win one of these ladies as their brides.
Matty and Jim were great to read about along with his brother Luke and the rest of Matty’s sisters. They can make you laugh and cry. A great story of the love Matty and Jim share.
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
Corrie’s baby is coming closer to being born. Luke has taken it upon himself to take care of her chores. She wants to do something with her lot help take care of her and her child. She starts to bake.
Luke is a man who like to help anyone in need. He feels the need to protect her and he sees what Matty and Jim have. Can they have the same kind of relationship? Will Corrie let him take care of her and her child.
Corrie and Luke were fun to read about. The way Luke steps up and helps Corrie and her family is remarkable.
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
Bess and Berdie are the last of the Craig sisters and they can’t stay with Jim and Luke forever so they try and buy the jail house to run their bakery/ kitchen. Bess wants the church to meet at the saloon hall since it is raining and their is no real church yet in the town. Gideon of course lets the town meet there and then Bossy Bess as she is known needs help.
The town won’t let the Craig sister’s rent the jail so what is left for Gideon to do but rent the house he just built to them. The ladies thrive in baking and cooking. Bess starts to teach while cooking. But can they be more with Gideon and Bess. Can she see past him being a saloon owner?
The sisters are great to read about and you get to see more of each of them as each sister has her own story. Bess was great to see come out of her shell a bit.
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
Bertie is called a boy by Thomas who has come back to town to set things right. He is surprised he is a she. He asked her to help with his horses off the train. Bertie sees she needs to be more of a lady for Thomas to really take notice of her.
Thomas is know as the son of a cow rustler. He has come back to town richer and more successful then when the town ran his family out. He gets help from the town to get things going and he sees Bertie as a squirt. But can she change his mind?
The last of the Craig stories and this one did not disappoint in the least. It was great seeing the little sister grown up and be a great young woman. She takes over the teaching from Bess and all the ladies thrive. Wonderful stories I would like to read again.
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
James Parrish is glad to have his intended coming to town until he meets the lady he thought he was marrying is someone else. Abby has come in the place of James’s intended and she is carrying someone else’s baby.
He takes her to his sisters boarding house. Can Abby find real love or will she have to leave or find other ways to take care of herself and her baby?
It was nice to see James and Abby come together and make things work.
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Captain Royce has been looking forward to his wedding that is until she left him for another person and left Royce with her spinster sister Libby.
Poor Libby secretly loved Captain Royce but knew he loved her sister. What can she do to help him get over his grief. Will he see her as someone he can love ?
I wish we could have learned more but a great story to end the collection.
Josee Broussard was taken in by the LeBlanc family after her parents died at age 6. Now at eighteen she is ready to have a family of her own. Her and Jacques LeBlanc were the best of friends he was the younger son of the family. She was hoping she would be marrying him but Mr LeBlanc is having her wed his older son Edouard.
Edouard has had a rough lie. After the war he was left with a scared face and while gone his first love married some one else. He has no use for a wife much less Josee. Can these two come together before the marriage?Will they find love and happiness.
I like Josee and Edouard both their characters both needed some love and healing. It was nice to see how these two came together and worked things out. The banter between the two was lovely. I enjoyed this story.
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
We meet Ethan Cole who is traveling with the wagon train to Oregon with his two small children. He is a widow and had his sister and her family with them and she had to give up. He helps a young lady Charity who had lost her parents on the trail. They combine their things and keep going. Charity helps with the kids and they fall in love with her. She adores them and is a god fearing woman.
These two characters were great both needed healing as Ethan still loved his wife and Charity just wanted a nice simple life if she could find love. I liked them two getting to know each other and the help they both offered along the way was nice to see.
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
Bethany Handley was a close friend of Penny’s back in school. She visited their house on Christmas and Penny’s brother, Joshua fell hard and asked Bethany to go with him on the Oregon Trail and be his wife.
Joshua is a doctor and adores Penny but Penny acts like she just came along for his father and sister. Can she see that the truly loves her? Can she love him?
Bethany was great see come to life and know love. We see her grow in a short amount of time and watch Joshua grow as well. Jealousy and bad communication can lead to broken heart or restore them.
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
Ellis Stack place an add for 4 bridles in the paper and The Collingswood brothers need some. So they ordered them and agreed to a price.
Imagine Jim’s surprise when he shows up at the train station and 4 ladies get off the train expecting to get married. The girls are so upset they don’t know what to do so the Collingswood’s let the girls stay in their house until things can get straight.
We have twins Matty and Corrie, Bess and young Bertie. Corrie is pregnant with her late husbands baby and the other ladies have never been married. Matty and Jim clash a few times can these two get a long and what about all these men town folk coming out to try and win one of these ladies as their brides.
Matty and Jim were great to read about along with his brother Luke and the rest of Matty’s sisters. They can make you laugh and cry. A great story of the love Matty and Jim share.
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
Corrie’s baby is coming closer to being born. Luke has taken it upon himself to take care of her chores. She wants to do something with her lot help take care of her and her child. She starts to bake.
Luke is a man who like to help anyone in need. He feels the need to protect her and he sees what Matty and Jim have. Can they have the same kind of relationship? Will Corrie let him take care of her and her child.
Corrie and Luke were fun to read about. The way Luke steps up and helps Corrie and her family is remarkable.
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
Bess and Berdie are the last of the Craig sisters and they can’t stay with Jim and Luke forever so they try and buy the jail house to run their bakery/ kitchen. Bess wants the church to meet at the saloon hall since it is raining and their is no real church yet in the town. Gideon of course lets the town meet there and then Bossy Bess as she is known needs help.
The town won’t let the Craig sister’s rent the jail so what is left for Gideon to do but rent the house he just built to them. The ladies thrive in baking and cooking. Bess starts to teach while cooking. But can they be more with Gideon and Bess. Can she see past him being a saloon owner?
The sisters are great to read about and you get to see more of each of them as each sister has her own story. Bess was great to see come out of her shell a bit.
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
Bertie is called a boy by Thomas who has come back to town to set things right. He is surprised he is a she. He asked her to help with his horses off the train. Bertie sees she needs to be more of a lady for Thomas to really take notice of her.
Thomas is know as the son of a cow rustler. He has come back to town richer and more successful then when the town ran his family out. He gets help from the town to get things going and he sees Bertie as a squirt. But can she change his mind?
The last of the Craig stories and this one did not disappoint in the least. It was great seeing the little sister grown up and be a great young woman. She takes over the teaching from Bess and all the ladies thrive. Wonderful stories I would like to read again.
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
James Parrish is glad to have his intended coming to town until he meets the lady he thought he was marrying is someone else. Abby has come in the place of James’s intended and she is carrying someone else’s baby.
He takes her to his sisters boarding house. Can Abby find real love or will she have to leave or find other ways to take care of herself and her baby?
It was nice to see James and Abby come together and make things work.
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Captain Royce has been looking forward to his wedding that is until she left him for another person and left Royce with her spinster sister Libby.
Poor Libby secretly loved Captain Royce but knew he loved her sister. What can she do to help him get over his grief. Will he see her as someone he can love ?
I wish we could have learned more but a great story to end the collection.
August 29, 2015
The Bartered Bride Collection gathers together 9 novellas on the theme of arranged or "convenient" marriages. I felt like most of the stories fell into that last category - which seemed odd to me as there is an entirely separate collection of stories by Barbour called The Convenient Bride. But I digress...
Overall, these novellas were enjoyable with likable characters and believable plots that didn't feel forced or rushed. The four stories included in the middle of the book were my favorites; not coincidentally, these four novellas all centered around a group of sisters who descend on a man-heavy town thinking they had been bought as mail order brides. I liked the continuity between these particular stories - in seeing the same characters and the same setting and the progress of the relationships and the theme. In fact, Barbour could pull those four out and publish them in a separate book and have another good thing going. (Maybe they already have, lol. Too many books to keep up with!!!)
Overall, these novellas were enjoyable with likable characters and believable plots that didn't feel forced or rushed. The four stories included in the middle of the book were my favorites; not coincidentally, these four novellas all centered around a group of sisters who descend on a man-heavy town thinking they had been bought as mail order brides. I liked the continuity between these particular stories - in seeing the same characters and the same setting and the progress of the relationships and the theme. In fact, Barbour could pull those four out and publish them in a separate book and have another good thing going. (Maybe they already have, lol. Too many books to keep up with!!!)
April 25, 2018
The Bartered Bride Romance Collection 9 Historical Stories of Arranged Marriages is a fabulous collection of nine stories. These stories include:
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Button String Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
From Halter to Altar by Cathy Marie Hake
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
From Pride to Bride by JoAnn A. Grote
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
A Vow Unbroken by Amy Rognlie
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
I enjoyed most of these stories. My favorite would have to be Kelly Eileen Hake’s Finishing Touches.
I give this collection 4 1/2 stars.
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Button String Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
From Halter to Altar by Cathy Marie Hake
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
From Pride to Bride by JoAnn A. Grote
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
A Vow Unbroken by Amy Rognlie
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
I enjoyed most of these stories. My favorite would have to be Kelly Eileen Hake’s Finishing Touches.
I give this collection 4 1/2 stars.
May 19, 2018
Enjoyable collection of Christian historical romances…This is an enjoyable collection of Christian historical romances. The stories range from an arranged marriage to a different brother than expected to substitute brides, and four connected stories about four sisters who find their true loves in a small town. I received a copy of this collection from the publisher through Net Gallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a collection that you can savor and pick up and reread later
November 29, 2013
While a few of the stories were enjoyable, overall this anthology was a disappointing read. I'm glad I picked it up cheaply.
October 27, 2013
Another great collection of Christian books.
April 29, 2018
Barbour Books has put together another enjoyable collection of historical romances. This set of stories spans a number of time periods and locations and focuses on arranged marriages.
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
When Josée Broussard turned 18, she thought if she had to marry someone it would be her childhood friend. Instead, his parents have arranged for her to marry their reclusive oldest son, Edouard LeBlanc.
-I like when there are troubles and a character has to go through a hard time; unlike Edouard’s brother who wasn’t responsible and lived a charmed life.
-I found Josée too fickle and she and Edouard fell in love too fast.
-I enjoyed learning about the culture, especially during this time period.
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
Charity Davis loses her parents along the grueling Oregon Trail. She combines wagons with widower Ethan Cole so he can help her and she can take care of his children. When a potentially embarrassing situation happens they must turn to God and follow his will.
-This was one of my favorites in the collection! There were lots of interesting details and I liked the characters, plots and time period. I really liked learning about the traditions like the button string.
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
Bethany Handley grew up without a family. After meeting her friend’s brother, Joshua Rogers, at Christmas and exchanging letters they decide to marry before hitting the Oregon Trail. While learning more about each other, they must also learn to put each other before others.
-I liked a lot about this story. The time period, historical details, and characters were excellent. I also liked the real life relationship issues and the fact that they were struggling to put their spouse first. There were so many true to life situations.
-The ending seemed abrupt and I wish it could have been extended with more details.
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
James Collingswood sends a request for horse bridles and instead receives 4 mail order brides. Despite his every intention, will he lose his heart?
-I really enjoyed this one. This was such an interesting and funny concept for a story! For a short story, I was surprised at how much depth each character had.
-This story, along with the next 3, really fit with the book title because the brother in law was bartering for the women and treating them like chattel.
-I stayed up late finishing this one then realized the next one was a continuation. I was excited that the story would continue, yet sad I would have to wait to read it. 🙂
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
The story continues with Luke Collingswood and Corrine who is a recent widow and in the family way. While Luke feels protective of all the sisters, he begins to fall in love with Corrine. If he rushes things, will he lose any chance with her?
-This was an adorable continuation of “From Halter to Alter”.
-Luke was my favorite character in this story. I love how he acted with all the sisters as well as the children.
-Even though the story will continue in “From Pride to Bride”, I still wish the last scene in this story would have been a little longer.
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
The “bridle” sister stories continue with Bess and Bertie moving into town and running a baking business. “Bossy Bess” pushes her way into saloon owner Gideon’s life by taking over his saloon for a church and a school. Will she also be able to take over his heart and lead it back to God?
-Like the previous ones, I loved this continuation.
-The message in this story that God wants us to help all souls was a great one. I also like that the hero wasn’t “perfect” and that Bess could see his hurting heart and the reasons he made the choices he did.
-Like the other sister stories, I would have loved for this story to be longer.
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
Tomboy Bertie Craig meets Thomas Hardin and wishes that she was more mature, feminine and no longer a squirt. Thomas comes back years after he and his father had been run out of town on charges of cattle rustling. Will Thomas be able to get over his past? And will Bertie always be seen as a squirt?
-The series continues with interesting characters and good storylines. However, this book definitely could have benefited from being longer. The shorter length did not do it justice.
-Though I appreciate seeing more on the characters, I am not a fan of epilogues with so many new characters in such a condensed space. It seemed more like a listing of names.
-Overall, this story was a good wrap-up to the series.
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
Through letters, James and Caroline agreed to marry. Instead of his fiancée, James is greeted with Caroline’s pregnant widowed niece, Abby, who arrived in her place. James instantly falls in love but Abby has made a vow to God that she will never love again.
-Unfortunately, this was my least favorite story in the collection.
-It was dishonest of elderly Aunt Caroline to correspond with James and agree to marry him when she had no intention of doing so. She also most likely misrepresented herself.
-I didn’t like that James fell instantly in love, even though he admits he doesn’t even know Abby.
-Throughout this story, I was wondering how this situation could possibly resolve itself successfully. I don’t think it ever did. James agreed that his marriage would be one of convenience and knew that Abby didn’t want a real marriage but he expected to change her mind and would get angry when she didn’t agree. This wasn’t just about a small issue, Abby made a vow to God.
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Right before Gregory’s wedding, his future bride Tabitha runs away and elopes with another man. Due to pride and a financial arrangement, he is forced to marry Tabitha’s sister Libby who has secretly had feelings for him. Will Gregory be able to forget Tabitha and love Libby for who she is?
-I liked most of this story, however, the way Gregory’s heart started to turn seemed superficial.
-Gregory’s actions bothered me at times. While I can understand the emotions he was going through, he reacted to them in a negative, though entirely human, way. Libby was a strong, faithful character. There were many times she could have hidden herself away but she strived to do God’s will and be the best wife she could be.
-This story was a nice ending to this collection.
More reviews here: https://timelessnovels.wordpress.com/
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
When Josée Broussard turned 18, she thought if she had to marry someone it would be her childhood friend. Instead, his parents have arranged for her to marry their reclusive oldest son, Edouard LeBlanc.
-I like when there are troubles and a character has to go through a hard time; unlike Edouard’s brother who wasn’t responsible and lived a charmed life.
-I found Josée too fickle and she and Edouard fell in love too fast.
-I enjoyed learning about the culture, especially during this time period.
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
Charity Davis loses her parents along the grueling Oregon Trail. She combines wagons with widower Ethan Cole so he can help her and she can take care of his children. When a potentially embarrassing situation happens they must turn to God and follow his will.
-This was one of my favorites in the collection! There were lots of interesting details and I liked the characters, plots and time period. I really liked learning about the traditions like the button string.
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
Bethany Handley grew up without a family. After meeting her friend’s brother, Joshua Rogers, at Christmas and exchanging letters they decide to marry before hitting the Oregon Trail. While learning more about each other, they must also learn to put each other before others.
-I liked a lot about this story. The time period, historical details, and characters were excellent. I also liked the real life relationship issues and the fact that they were struggling to put their spouse first. There were so many true to life situations.
-The ending seemed abrupt and I wish it could have been extended with more details.
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
James Collingswood sends a request for horse bridles and instead receives 4 mail order brides. Despite his every intention, will he lose his heart?
-I really enjoyed this one. This was such an interesting and funny concept for a story! For a short story, I was surprised at how much depth each character had.
-This story, along with the next 3, really fit with the book title because the brother in law was bartering for the women and treating them like chattel.
-I stayed up late finishing this one then realized the next one was a continuation. I was excited that the story would continue, yet sad I would have to wait to read it. 🙂
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
The story continues with Luke Collingswood and Corrine who is a recent widow and in the family way. While Luke feels protective of all the sisters, he begins to fall in love with Corrine. If he rushes things, will he lose any chance with her?
-This was an adorable continuation of “From Halter to Alter”.
-Luke was my favorite character in this story. I love how he acted with all the sisters as well as the children.
-Even though the story will continue in “From Pride to Bride”, I still wish the last scene in this story would have been a little longer.
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
The “bridle” sister stories continue with Bess and Bertie moving into town and running a baking business. “Bossy Bess” pushes her way into saloon owner Gideon’s life by taking over his saloon for a church and a school. Will she also be able to take over his heart and lead it back to God?
-Like the previous ones, I loved this continuation.
-The message in this story that God wants us to help all souls was a great one. I also like that the hero wasn’t “perfect” and that Bess could see his hurting heart and the reasons he made the choices he did.
-Like the other sister stories, I would have loved for this story to be longer.
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
Tomboy Bertie Craig meets Thomas Hardin and wishes that she was more mature, feminine and no longer a squirt. Thomas comes back years after he and his father had been run out of town on charges of cattle rustling. Will Thomas be able to get over his past? And will Bertie always be seen as a squirt?
-The series continues with interesting characters and good storylines. However, this book definitely could have benefited from being longer. The shorter length did not do it justice.
-Though I appreciate seeing more on the characters, I am not a fan of epilogues with so many new characters in such a condensed space. It seemed more like a listing of names.
-Overall, this story was a good wrap-up to the series.
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
Through letters, James and Caroline agreed to marry. Instead of his fiancée, James is greeted with Caroline’s pregnant widowed niece, Abby, who arrived in her place. James instantly falls in love but Abby has made a vow to God that she will never love again.
-Unfortunately, this was my least favorite story in the collection.
-It was dishonest of elderly Aunt Caroline to correspond with James and agree to marry him when she had no intention of doing so. She also most likely misrepresented herself.
-I didn’t like that James fell instantly in love, even though he admits he doesn’t even know Abby.
-Throughout this story, I was wondering how this situation could possibly resolve itself successfully. I don’t think it ever did. James agreed that his marriage would be one of convenience and knew that Abby didn’t want a real marriage but he expected to change her mind and would get angry when she didn’t agree. This wasn’t just about a small issue, Abby made a vow to God.
Numbers 30:2 – If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
Deuteronomy 23:21 – When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
Right before Gregory’s wedding, his future bride Tabitha runs away and elopes with another man. Due to pride and a financial arrangement, he is forced to marry Tabitha’s sister Libby who has secretly had feelings for him. Will Gregory be able to forget Tabitha and love Libby for who she is?
-I liked most of this story, however, the way Gregory’s heart started to turn seemed superficial.
-Gregory’s actions bothered me at times. While I can understand the emotions he was going through, he reacted to them in a negative, though entirely human, way. Libby was a strong, faithful character. There were many times she could have hidden herself away but she strived to do God’s will and be the best wife she could be.
-This story was a nice ending to this collection.
More reviews here: https://timelessnovels.wordpress.com/
November 1, 2012
Stories Included:
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
For the sake of this book, and in fairness, I will review the book as a whole, and some of the individual stories within.
The Bartered Bride Collection:
I enjoyed this book. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t what I expected, and was quite different. It was fun reading the continuing stories – that fed off eachother, but where by different authors. I enjoyed it, but was kind of disapointed that it was so different from what I was expecting.
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
This was a decent short story.
As a child, Josee if orphaned, the LeBlanc family takes her in, and raises her as one of their own. On Josee’s 18th birthday, the father announces that she, and their oldest son Edouard will be wed in two weeks down when the priest passes through town. Both Josee and Edouard do not know of this decison before it is announced, and it comes as a shock to both of them.
This story follows the short ‘engagement’ and early life of the newlyweds. Both Josee and Edouard have to learn to live together, and live with one another – as well as get used to different routines and lifestyles. Something they haven’t really been comfronted with up to this point in life.
I did enjoy this book, However I did not enjoy the frequent french in the novel, with very little – if any – translation. I do not mind when this happens normally, as long as there is some way to determine what is meant, but that was not the case in this little story.
I also would of liked this to be longer. This is a tale that would do well if expanded slightly, a little more character development, and it could be a novel on it’s own. Overall I liked it, but due to the language barrier, I am not sure if I would read more by this particular author.
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
I REALLY enjoyed this story.
Go back in time to when we where travelling across the US to find better and more furtile land in groups of covered wagons, called “trains”. And you’ll meet Charity and Ethan.
Charity is 19 years old from a very wealthy family. However in the course of the journey so far, both of her parents (she is an only child) have passed away. Leaving her alone, with a large wagon and four oxen to care for alone – along with other shared responsibilities that happen in the journey. Ethan is a carpenter and a widower, with 2 children Tad (male) and Cricket (female). It is decided by the council that Ethan and Charity are to combine wagons and resources for the benefit of everyone – including them. With little resistance they find homes for the extra Oxen, and supplies that have come along for Charity’s parents.
Charity and Cricket both have button strings. The tale behind them is that each girl collects buttons from when they are born – and no two buttons can be the same. The guy who gives them the 1000th button is to be their husband. Charity is a mear few buttons from having her 1000th, what will happen, and who will give Charity her 1000th? How will Ethan react? How will Charity react?
This was a incredible story, not only of learning to live with eachother, but learning to love. And learning to accept God’s plan, even though you may not even see the path set before you when you start your journey.
I loved this little story, and highly recommend it to everyone!
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
A beautiful story, though deffinately not my favorite. Bethany attends a finishing school with a friend, Penny. One year Bethany meets Penny’s brother, Josh, and sometime later the two decide to marry. Not so much a barterring, as a mutual agreement between Bethany and Josh – even though they may not infact love eachother, but rather done out of convience.
Josh and Bethany depart on a wagon train to Oregon. Josh’s Papa and sister Penny come with them, in their own wagon. However Bethany and her friendship with Penny can quickly cause trouble, as they seemm to have a deeper bond that she does with Josh, her new husband. However, with Granny Willodene along for the ride, it is sure to be an educational trip across the land with lots of bumps along the way.
This was a very good story, but it hardly held my attention. I did enjoy it however, and have discovered a new ‘sub genre’ of reading that I enjoy – different perspectives of wagon trains to Oregon.
On to the next story in the book….
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
This was a very enjoyable little tale.
Jim, and his brother Lucas send away for Bridles. Ellis responds, and agrees to sell him Bridals. And then Matty, Beth, Corine, and Bertie are four sisters sent off to Wyoming in trade. Jim doesn’t realize what is actually being sent his way – and neither does Ellis or the four sisters realize the mistake. What results was a truely delicious tale of falling in love and what can happen in the wild west.
This was a tale you could truely completely wrap yourself up in, and not want to put down. I enjoyed it greatly, and highly recommend it.
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
I liked this book. In a large way it was a continuation of the previous book, From Halter to Alter (By Cathy Marie Hake). This book continues with the four sisters, Matty, Beth, Corine, and Bertie, as well as brother Jim and Lucas – but it focuses a lot more on pregnanct widowed Corine and Lucas. Corine lost her husband 3 days after she found out she was pregnant. However that didn`t stop he Brother in Law Ellis from sending her with the rest of her sisters to Wyoming. Corine has a lot to deal with while pregnant and trying to get on her feet. Lucas is interested, but doesn`t want to over step his boundries.
Overall a nice, quick tale. There wasn`t some of the suspense the other stories offered – nor was their really an “issue” other than that that the two characters themselves where dealing with – very little outside influence or instigation.
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
From Pride to Bride by JoAnne A. Grote
From Alarming to Charming by Pamela Kaye Tracy
A Vow Unbroke by Amy Rognlie
Finishing Touches by Kelly Eileen Hake
For the sake of this book, and in fairness, I will review the book as a whole, and some of the individual stories within.
The Bartered Bride Collection:
I enjoyed this book. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t what I expected, and was quite different. It was fun reading the continuing stories – that fed off eachother, but where by different authors. I enjoyed it, but was kind of disapointed that it was so different from what I was expecting.
Joie De Vivre by Lynette Sowell
This was a decent short story.
As a child, Josee if orphaned, the LeBlanc family takes her in, and raises her as one of their own. On Josee’s 18th birthday, the father announces that she, and their oldest son Edouard will be wed in two weeks down when the priest passes through town. Both Josee and Edouard do not know of this decison before it is announced, and it comes as a shock to both of them.
This story follows the short ‘engagement’ and early life of the newlyweds. Both Josee and Edouard have to learn to live together, and live with one another – as well as get used to different routines and lifestyles. Something they haven’t really been comfronted with up to this point in life.
I did enjoy this book, However I did not enjoy the frequent french in the novel, with very little – if any – translation. I do not mind when this happens normally, as long as there is some way to determine what is meant, but that was not the case in this little story.
I also would of liked this to be longer. This is a tale that would do well if expanded slightly, a little more character development, and it could be a novel on it’s own. Overall I liked it, but due to the language barrier, I am not sure if I would read more by this particular author.
Button Strong Bride by Cathy Marie Hake
I REALLY enjoyed this story.
Go back in time to when we where travelling across the US to find better and more furtile land in groups of covered wagons, called “trains”. And you’ll meet Charity and Ethan.
Charity is 19 years old from a very wealthy family. However in the course of the journey so far, both of her parents (she is an only child) have passed away. Leaving her alone, with a large wagon and four oxen to care for alone – along with other shared responsibilities that happen in the journey. Ethan is a carpenter and a widower, with 2 children Tad (male) and Cricket (female). It is decided by the council that Ethan and Charity are to combine wagons and resources for the benefit of everyone – including them. With little resistance they find homes for the extra Oxen, and supplies that have come along for Charity’s parents.
Charity and Cricket both have button strings. The tale behind them is that each girl collects buttons from when they are born – and no two buttons can be the same. The guy who gives them the 1000th button is to be their husband. Charity is a mear few buttons from having her 1000th, what will happen, and who will give Charity her 1000th? How will Ethan react? How will Charity react?
This was a incredible story, not only of learning to live with eachother, but learning to love. And learning to accept God’s plan, even though you may not even see the path set before you when you start your journey.
I loved this little story, and highly recommend it to everyone!
The Wedding Wagon by Cathy Marie Hake
A beautiful story, though deffinately not my favorite. Bethany attends a finishing school with a friend, Penny. One year Bethany meets Penny’s brother, Josh, and sometime later the two decide to marry. Not so much a barterring, as a mutual agreement between Bethany and Josh – even though they may not infact love eachother, but rather done out of convience.
Josh and Bethany depart on a wagon train to Oregon. Josh’s Papa and sister Penny come with them, in their own wagon. However Bethany and her friendship with Penny can quickly cause trouble, as they seemm to have a deeper bond that she does with Josh, her new husband. However, with Granny Willodene along for the ride, it is sure to be an educational trip across the land with lots of bumps along the way.
This was a very good story, but it hardly held my attention. I did enjoy it however, and have discovered a new ‘sub genre’ of reading that I enjoy – different perspectives of wagon trains to Oregon.
On to the next story in the book….
From Halter to Alter by Cathy Marie Hake
This was a very enjoyable little tale.
Jim, and his brother Lucas send away for Bridles. Ellis responds, and agrees to sell him Bridals. And then Matty, Beth, Corine, and Bertie are four sisters sent off to Wyoming in trade. Jim doesn’t realize what is actually being sent his way – and neither does Ellis or the four sisters realize the mistake. What results was a truely delicious tale of falling in love and what can happen in the wild west.
This was a tale you could truely completely wrap yourself up in, and not want to put down. I enjoyed it greatly, and highly recommend it.
From Carriage to Marriage by Janelle Burnham Schneider
I liked this book. In a large way it was a continuation of the previous book, From Halter to Alter (By Cathy Marie Hake). This book continues with the four sisters, Matty, Beth, Corine, and Bertie, as well as brother Jim and Lucas – but it focuses a lot more on pregnanct widowed Corine and Lucas. Corine lost her husband 3 days after she found out she was pregnant. However that didn`t stop he Brother in Law Ellis from sending her with the rest of her sisters to Wyoming. Corine has a lot to deal with while pregnant and trying to get on her feet. Lucas is interested, but doesn`t want to over step his boundries.
Overall a nice, quick tale. There wasn`t some of the suspense the other stories offered – nor was their really an “issue” other than that that the two characters themselves where dealing with – very little outside influence or instigation.
August 8, 2018
The Bartered Bride Romance Collection is one of my favorite Romance Novella Collections. It contains 9 Novellas and each one is almost better than the last - almost - each one stands alone and each one is delightful yet complicated, adventurous and downright descriptive, jam-packed - with light hearted moments, hearts being torn, soulful and full of trusting in the LORD - as it should be... The first one is about pre-arrangement, deeply disappointment, feels like wrong brother is picked - will she ever love him? You have one that is about loss and desperate situations arising and learning to follow the will of GOD, Another is about love arranged in writing - another is about accidental love - another is about very protective love - another is about take over ever thing love? another is about preconceived perceptions - will they be able to get over it? Another one is about misrepresentation's, love at first sight and a vow to GOD. - what will win out? Lastly you have one about pre-arrangement, elopement, pride and financial arrangement - will he love the runner up? I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in the review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com
January 17, 2018
Wonderful collection of 9 novelettes about the practice of 'mail order brides' being sent--sometimes without their permission/against their will--to the emerging American West.
I really appreciated the concise, yet convincing portrayal of the the young, and not so young, women who went West to become wives and/or housekeepers for the lonely men who paid their way out.
The first several selections covered the lives of the four Craig sisters who were sent to Lickwind, WY, by their scheming brother-in-law so that he could have the family's dairy farm. He sold them to the Collingwood Ranch for $1.50 each. He claimed that the owner of the ranch 'ordered' them via telegram.When, in truth, he had ordered horse bridles, not brides! Eventually, it all worked out well for the young women, and the ranchers of the area. But, with many interesting side stories along the way.
I really appreciated the entire collection for the unique and totally believable way in which the stories
were presented. Very well written and readable with a background of traditional religious values.
I really appreciated the concise, yet convincing portrayal of the the young, and not so young, women who went West to become wives and/or housekeepers for the lonely men who paid their way out.
The first several selections covered the lives of the four Craig sisters who were sent to Lickwind, WY, by their scheming brother-in-law so that he could have the family's dairy farm. He sold them to the Collingwood Ranch for $1.50 each. He claimed that the owner of the ranch 'ordered' them via telegram.When, in truth, he had ordered horse bridles, not brides! Eventually, it all worked out well for the young women, and the ranchers of the area. But, with many interesting side stories along the way.
I really appreciated the entire collection for the unique and totally believable way in which the stories
were presented. Very well written and readable with a background of traditional religious values.
February 24, 2025
I sometimes find it difficult to read a collection of short stories in one book, but this was actually captivating. I love how the authors made sure that they resolved the issues the main characters had at the beginning of each stories. I always was a fan of how an arrange marriage will unfold until the end, how the main characters will learn to love each other. It’s really nice to see characters who felt so really. It wasn’t actually difficult to care about the main characters because they all had different situations that you could actually relate to, like how Edouard LeBlanc had to forego life disappointments and learn to love again. Also, how Charity and Ethan might be in different social classes but learned to see through it. Seeing all the main characters getting through all difficulties in life and learn to love again is what I love about this collection.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in short stories with interesting characters that are very realistic. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in short stories with interesting characters that are very realistic. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
October 28, 2018
The Bartered Bride Romance Collection is a collection of nine historical stories of arranged marriages during the 1800s. The short, clean romance stories are written by a variety of authors: Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, JoAnn A. Grote, Amy Rognlie, Lynette Sowell, Janell Burnham Schneider and Pamela Kaye Tracy. Many have a flavor of Christian fiction mixed in as well. I enjoyed this book very much but did not read it all at once. I read some stories and then read something else and came back to it a couple times just to give me some variety. These were all light, fun reads though and I enjoyed the humor in most. My favorites were the stories about the four sisters, Maddy, Corrie, Bess, and Bertie, who were sent to Lindwick (fictional western town) by their brother-in-law in response to an ad for brides. I recommend this book if you want an enjoyable, entertaining historical fiction read. (Karen's review)
December 26, 2018
Nice long read. I hate a good book to end, so it's nice to read a collection like this that keeps it going. I also think it takes a little something extra to write a really interesting story with depth and still be novella length. These are all master storytellers. You don't feel like the story is cut short. Each is a unique experience, holds interesting experience and walk of faith. A few of the stories are linked together, their being sisters who were an answer to an ad - or were they? God has plans for us that we don't always understand, but He knows what we need all along.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.
September 22, 2020
This collection had some sweet little stories of couples trying to figure out love, forgiveness, and faith. Perhaps I should give it a higher star rating but most of the stories were okay overall. Some of the characters were well done and had historical elements that I fund interesting, but several of the stories had men and women I just found irritating or hard to relate to. There were a few editing mistakes, some of the pacing seemed off, and most had rather sudden changes that needed a bit more of a build-up for it to feel right in the story. This is a Christian fiction with some stories quoting scripture and talking about prayer and faith more so than others, but they all reflect on God's will for them on some level.
April 5, 2021
This was a light read, which I like! And it's the genre I like too...historical fiction christian romance.
Each story was short, but really good. Not sure which one I liked the best. Each one I liked, but I think I liked the first one "Joie De Vivre" by Lynette Sowell.
It is set in 1819 in Louisianna. Josée Broussard was orphaned at a young age. The LeBlanc's took her in as their own. As custom to their village, when she is of age to marry, she is to marry their oldest son Edouard, by an arranged marriage. They both aren't happy at first. He's had some things in the past that's made him all "rough around the edges". But soon they learn to love each other.
Each of the stories are either an arranged marriage, mail-order-bride or something along the lines of that.
Each story was short, but really good. Not sure which one I liked the best. Each one I liked, but I think I liked the first one "Joie De Vivre" by Lynette Sowell.
It is set in 1819 in Louisianna. Josée Broussard was orphaned at a young age. The LeBlanc's took her in as their own. As custom to their village, when she is of age to marry, she is to marry their oldest son Edouard, by an arranged marriage. They both aren't happy at first. He's had some things in the past that's made him all "rough around the edges". But soon they learn to love each other.
Each of the stories are either an arranged marriage, mail-order-bride or something along the lines of that.
April 13, 2018
An endearing collection of short stories of Christian, Western historical fiction. There are three of the stories that have the same cast of characters centered around the fictional town of Lickwind, Wyoming. I loved these stories and I know that it will warm your heart while you are treated to sweet stories of love and family.
The Bartered Bride Romance Collection will be available from Barbour Books on May 1, 2018. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
The Bartered Bride Romance Collection will be available from Barbour Books on May 1, 2018. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
May 23, 2017
Joie De Vivre - 2 stars
Button String Bride - 3 stars
The Wedding Wagon - 2 stars
From Halter to Alter - 4 stars
From Carriage to Marriage - 3 stars
From Pride to Bride - 3 stars
From Alarming to Charming - 3 stars (mainly because I liked the characters and the fact that they finished up the Craig sisters stories)
A Vow Unbroken - 2 stars
Finishing Touches - 3 stars
Button String Bride - 3 stars
The Wedding Wagon - 2 stars
From Halter to Alter - 4 stars
From Carriage to Marriage - 3 stars
From Pride to Bride - 3 stars
From Alarming to Charming - 3 stars (mainly because I liked the characters and the fact that they finished up the Craig sisters stories)
A Vow Unbroken - 2 stars
Finishing Touches - 3 stars
April 12, 2018
This is a wonderful collection of historical stories of hardship and love in mid to late 1800's.
I enjoyed every book in the collection. The stories are of chance meetings on the prairie, marriages of convenience or of mail order brides. These books will pull at your heartstrings. Each book has biblical messages of hope and faith. I highly recommend this collection.
I enjoyed every book in the collection. The stories are of chance meetings on the prairie, marriages of convenience or of mail order brides. These books will pull at your heartstrings. Each book has biblical messages of hope and faith. I highly recommend this collection.
June 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this romance collection. I read the first story in this collection a few years ago, 'Joie De Vivre', and I was excited to see that in this collection. I've always enjoyed reading about the LeBlanc family, and I recall reading this very story before and loved it. I look forward to reading more stories written by these authors.
September 4, 2020
This was nice collection of historical fictional novellas. Four of the stories are about sisters written by different authors. The 2nd one, “From Carriage to Marriage” by Janelle Burnham Schneider has to be my favorite. It was so sweet. I would have love that to be a full length novel.
Thank you NetGalley!
Thank you NetGalley!
March 25, 2021
I’m not sure I like short stories. I rated, and sort of reviewed, them individually in my “reading activity”. Ended up skipping 2 of them, and the last one I didn’t like. But there were a few really good ones in there. I don’t think I read the title, just saw the wagon on the front and thought I’d get a collection of wagon train stories, maybe that all meshed together.
October 29, 2017
I enjoyed this sweet collections of novellas. Cathy Marie Hake is a favorite of mine. I was surprised and thoroughly enjoyed Amy Rognlie as a new author to me with her spiritual view and depth in her love story. Nicely done collection!
November 27, 2019
Some I liked more, some less. I may try a full length novel from one of the authors to see if she improves on acquaintance.
I do like that the US historical romances aren't all about the noble classes. . .
I do like that the US historical romances aren't all about the noble classes. . .
August 3, 2021
2+ stars
Only two stories were about "bartered" brides. Bummer.
A few of the stories were not too preachy. A couple were overwhelmingly preachy, and one had scripture seemingly thrown in here and there.
Only two stories were about "bartered" brides. Bummer.
A few of the stories were not too preachy. A couple were overwhelmingly preachy, and one had scripture seemingly thrown in here and there.
December 10, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this collection of SHORT stories! My problem is that I felt like I was "shorted" out of what should have been some wonderful stories! I felt like I was handed two slices of bread for a sandwich, but that's all!
January 9, 2023
a lovely collection of short novellas by some popular authors! I'd read a couple of them before when they were part of other novella collections. But they are fun short stories. Pace moves very fast. No buildup of characters. Just typical style of novellas!
July 27, 2019
Such an enjoyable bunch of stories. Great read. Really enjoyed this collection.
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