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Irish Brides #2
Mistaken Bride
When William Black's mail-order bride fails to appear at the Boston docks, he's relieved when beautiful, vibrant Bridget Murphy steps in. However, she has a surprise in store. She will be a temporary nanny to his young twins...but she will not marry without love.
Faith Glen, Massachusetts, is worlds away from the poverty Bridget knew in Ireland. And William Black couldn't be more different from her faithless ex-fiance. Yet that integrity Bridget so admires binds William to a promise that could keep them apart forever. In this new land of opportunity, does she dare to wish for a happy ending?
Faith Glen, Massachusetts, is worlds away from the poverty Bridget knew in Ireland. And William Black couldn't be more different from her faithless ex-fiance. Yet that integrity Bridget so admires binds William to a promise that could keep them apart forever. In this new land of opportunity, does she dare to wish for a happy ending?
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First published May 1, 2012
52 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ryan
62 books710 followersRenee Ryan grew up in a small Florida beach town. Surfing didn’t work for her, but that didn’t keep her from watching others tackle the waves. To entertain herself during those countless hours of “laying-out”, she read many of the classics. It wasn’t until the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Florida State University that she read her first romance novel. Hooked from page one, she spent hours consuming one book after another while working on the best (and last!) tan of her life.
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
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July 13, 2025I read just around 50% in one sitting then put the book down. This was weeks ago and I have zero interest in picking it back up. I wasn't in love with the first book in this series but I enjoyed the ship setting. This one is flat and doesn't even have a compelling setting to keep me interested (a New England small town, lather rinse repeat). The heroine comes off pretty Mary Sue-ish (positively perfect and good in every way) and the hero has one of those Romancelandia ex-wives who "abandons" her family and I've got just enough experience with inspirational romances to know that this aspect of the story is likely to tick me off. Moving along....
May 30, 2019
I loved the first one and this one was just as great continuing the Irish sisters. Can't wait to read the 3rd one and see how it all ends up! I definitely recommend reading in order!
February 2, 2015
I am so glad this one is done! This book was so dragged out and boring that merely saying that it was predictable and repetitious would be a gross understatement. Not only was the content a big nothing but the writing style was so Mickey Mouse that it seemed targeted for no one beyond a fifth-grade reading level. For me a romance just doesn't work unless the obstacles keeping the couple apart also work, by being realistic and stronger than their love. In this case the obstacles were ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Two people in their mid-twenties actually had someone hurt their teensy feelings once upon a time; too bad no one ever advised them to put on their big kid panties and just grow up, then the book would have been a short story. It also exceeded my bizarre coincidences and inexplicable stupidities quotas. The unbelievably stupid plot twist gimmick near the end was so bad that it should have earned negative stars, if Goodreads had such a thing. If you think you would enjoy 50 pages worth of story dragged out with wheel-spinning repetition into a super-boring 288 pages with a plot twist so stupid that it makes your head hurt, then this is the book for you!
January 2, 2015
Excellent book. I loved Bridget and her way of helping everyone she met. Will had originally asked her to marry him, but purely as a business arrangement. He had been betrayed before and refused to open himself up to that kind of hurt again. Bridget would not marry him, but she offered to be his children's nanny. As soon as she met them, they started to come out of their withdrawn states and act more like children. Will also found himself healing from that previous hurt. They almost lost their chance, but everything worked out in the end. I enjoyed seeing people from the first book, including the McCorkle brothers. I also enjoyed seeing the beginnings of a relationship for Nora. I can't wait for the final book!
September 15, 2019
WHERE THERE IS NO RISK, THERE IS NO FAITH
The second story could read as a stand-alone but will be better if read after The Wedding Journey, where the story of the Murphy sisters begins in Ireland, and they journey across the Atlantic and landing in Boston. With the hope of claiming the home left to their late mother by Laird O’Malley. They will arrive in Boston, and while waiting for a carriage to take them to Faith Glen, Bridget will see a man frantically searching for someone and then people will point her way. This will be the story of Bridget and Will Black.
“She’s the one you’ve been searching for.”
William Black has sent to Ireland for a mail-ordered bride and is now trying to locate Bridget Collins. He will be sent to Bridget, only to learn she is not his intended, and then learn that his bride-to-be died on the voyage. But why is he attracted to Bridget Murphy? While he planned to marry again, it was in name only, to give his mother help and to have someone to be a mother to his twin children, Caleb and Olivia.
The plot will include Will running a business in Faith Glen, and when he learns that Bridget Murphy is there and seeing her interact with his children, he will eventually hire her as a nanny for his twins. His mother desperately needs the help, and the household thrives under the care of Bridget—but her presence also has Will questioning his plans.
“Had the Lord brought her to this home, at this precise moment in time, to make a difference for this family, to help them overcome their grief and sorrow?”
“Bridget wanted so much more. She wanted it all. Love, family, forever—someday.”
The story is a second chance romance but doesn’t come easy. Will doesn’t trust easily after he and his children suffered because of the selfishness of his former wife, Fanny. Bridget has her own sorrows before she left Ireland when Daniel abandoned her for someone else. Are these two scarred too bad from their past or will they see the gift God has blessed them with? The story is full of angst, issues, heartache, and trials. Just when life seems to settle down, a new storm is brewing and will cause destruction---but will God also help provide a solution?
“I don’t know where you found her, son, but that Bridget Murphy is a treasure. She told me a little about how she ended up in Faith Glen, If you ask me—I’d say Bridget’s appearance at such a time as this is a sure sign the Lord has smiled on our family at last.”
“Bridget Murphy was an extraordinary woman. Her heart was so pure, her compassion so strong, she gave all of herself. She deserved a man who could give her the same level of devotion she would provide him in return. She deserved a man who would give her his entire heart and hold nothing back.”
“The capacity to love isn’t finite. It’s a growing, expanding gift from God that only grows larger and fuller with use.”
“She journeyed to America with hope bursting in her heart. At every turn she’d clung to the Lord, knowing He was leading her to a new life and a new home. She never dreamed her destiny would include this incredible man and his adorable children.”
The second story could read as a stand-alone but will be better if read after The Wedding Journey, where the story of the Murphy sisters begins in Ireland, and they journey across the Atlantic and landing in Boston. With the hope of claiming the home left to their late mother by Laird O’Malley. They will arrive in Boston, and while waiting for a carriage to take them to Faith Glen, Bridget will see a man frantically searching for someone and then people will point her way. This will be the story of Bridget and Will Black.
“She’s the one you’ve been searching for.”
William Black has sent to Ireland for a mail-ordered bride and is now trying to locate Bridget Collins. He will be sent to Bridget, only to learn she is not his intended, and then learn that his bride-to-be died on the voyage. But why is he attracted to Bridget Murphy? While he planned to marry again, it was in name only, to give his mother help and to have someone to be a mother to his twin children, Caleb and Olivia.
The plot will include Will running a business in Faith Glen, and when he learns that Bridget Murphy is there and seeing her interact with his children, he will eventually hire her as a nanny for his twins. His mother desperately needs the help, and the household thrives under the care of Bridget—but her presence also has Will questioning his plans.
“Had the Lord brought her to this home, at this precise moment in time, to make a difference for this family, to help them overcome their grief and sorrow?”
“Bridget wanted so much more. She wanted it all. Love, family, forever—someday.”
The story is a second chance romance but doesn’t come easy. Will doesn’t trust easily after he and his children suffered because of the selfishness of his former wife, Fanny. Bridget has her own sorrows before she left Ireland when Daniel abandoned her for someone else. Are these two scarred too bad from their past or will they see the gift God has blessed them with? The story is full of angst, issues, heartache, and trials. Just when life seems to settle down, a new storm is brewing and will cause destruction---but will God also help provide a solution?
“I don’t know where you found her, son, but that Bridget Murphy is a treasure. She told me a little about how she ended up in Faith Glen, If you ask me—I’d say Bridget’s appearance at such a time as this is a sure sign the Lord has smiled on our family at last.”
“Bridget Murphy was an extraordinary woman. Her heart was so pure, her compassion so strong, she gave all of herself. She deserved a man who could give her the same level of devotion she would provide him in return. She deserved a man who would give her his entire heart and hold nothing back.”
“The capacity to love isn’t finite. It’s a growing, expanding gift from God that only grows larger and fuller with use.”
“She journeyed to America with hope bursting in her heart. At every turn she’d clung to the Lord, knowing He was leading her to a new life and a new home. She never dreamed her destiny would include this incredible man and his adorable children.”
July 24, 2020
This second book of the Irish Brides series tells a complete story but leaves a couple of obvious open threads for the final book in the series. It also builds heavily on the first book in the series which sets the stage for the three sisters from Ireland. I read this book alone and was satisfied, but if you intend to read the whole series, it is best to go in order. I doubt I will read the third book. So much has already developed in this book, that I have no interest in wading through more contrivances to keep the obvious remaining couple apart.
This is a pleasant romance novel. Unfortunately, the pace lags at times and there are no big highs or lows or serious obstacles. Like many books in the genre, much space is spent on introspection and speculation including much lament that "I could never marry her" or such. Having said that, this is a matter of degree and I think some of the space in this book would be better spent relationship building, having Bridget and William talk more, or developing some realistic obstacles.
There are a couple of twists toward the end which are indeed contrived but nevertheless do bring about a problem to be overcome.
Bridget is a little too perfect but at least one minor flaw that we might already have suspected is highlighted late in the story. Likewise William is a man of integrity who might seem too good even if he has a flaw or two. One of those flaws is his somewhat childish insistence that he will never allow himself to be hurt again, which he repeats too often.
This is a Christian book. The characters repeatedly profess trust in God's provision. Yet, the book does not get preachy.
Mature themes: not really. There is no sex at all unless you count some kissing. There are no fights. There is a mention of an earlier suicide resulting from perceived hopelessness.
This is a pleasant romance novel. Unfortunately, the pace lags at times and there are no big highs or lows or serious obstacles. Like many books in the genre, much space is spent on introspection and speculation including much lament that "I could never marry her" or such. Having said that, this is a matter of degree and I think some of the space in this book would be better spent relationship building, having Bridget and William talk more, or developing some realistic obstacles.
There are a couple of twists toward the end which are indeed contrived but nevertheless do bring about a problem to be overcome.
Bridget is a little too perfect but at least one minor flaw that we might already have suspected is highlighted late in the story. Likewise William is a man of integrity who might seem too good even if he has a flaw or two. One of those flaws is his somewhat childish insistence that he will never allow himself to be hurt again, which he repeats too often.
This is a Christian book. The characters repeatedly profess trust in God's provision. Yet, the book does not get preachy.
Mature themes: not really. There is no sex at all unless you count some kissing. There are no fights. There is a mention of an earlier suicide resulting from perceived hopelessness.
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July 20, 2019Book 2 in the multi series by three authors.
I loved book one where three sisters from Ireland have to leave their homeland and take a ship to America.
Book two now they are at the town their cottage is in that was built for their mother by an old love whom she turned down. He was still very much in love with her but when she made her choice, he went to America and built a cottage for her and her family, whoever needs it..
This story has the sister working and falling for their employer. Some adventure takes place and mostly a new romance stems from seeing a person for who they really are.
I really loved this story as I did the first. I highly recommend this one also as I did the first. You need to read the set as they go together.
Great character building and scenes are so vivid you feel you at there.
I love Bridget’s story as she finds her love and family. This is a touching, heart felt story. Get this book and the first on by Cheryl St John and the third by Winnie Griggs. All three stories fit together as the three sisters from Ireland realize more to their flight from Ireland to their God given rightful places in America.
I loved book one where three sisters from Ireland have to leave their homeland and take a ship to America.
Book two now they are at the town their cottage is in that was built for their mother by an old love whom she turned down. He was still very much in love with her but when she made her choice, he went to America and built a cottage for her and her family, whoever needs it..
This story has the sister working and falling for their employer. Some adventure takes place and mostly a new romance stems from seeing a person for who they really are.
I really loved this story as I did the first. I highly recommend this one also as I did the first. You need to read the set as they go together.
Great character building and scenes are so vivid you feel you at there.
I love Bridget’s story as she finds her love and family. This is a touching, heart felt story. Get this book and the first on by Cheryl St John and the third by Winnie Griggs. All three stories fit together as the three sisters from Ireland realize more to their flight from Ireland to their God given rightful places in America.
August 6, 2019
This book is the second of a trilogy about three sisters who leave Ireland for America after the potato famine. Each of the three books is by a different author. I enjoyed reading Bridget’s story. Her love for William Black and his children is very ended. Are they able to overcome their reservations, or will she always be his Nanny?
February 12, 2021
Too slow plot wise
February 16, 2023
I enjoyed the romance of this book, but I also enjoyed the story of two people finding new love and healing from their pasts. Very well written!
September 2, 2023
Sweet story of Bridget, being a nanny and bringing laughter back into William's family, turns her and Will's life into a love match.
March 5, 2017
Not having read book 1, I thought this was a bit slow at the beginning. William Black is looking for his mail order bride from Ireland when he comes across Bridget Murphy, fresh off the boat from Ireland. What will he do to bring his 3 yr old twins back to acting like children rather than reserved children and will Bridget be able to help?
April 26, 2012
Mistaken Bride by Renee Ryan 2nd book in LIH Irish Brides series
This series was written by different authors yet the story seems to effortlessly move along..Book #2 is the story of Bridget Murphy.
Bridget and her sisters came to America by ship "The Annie McGee". she is now on the docks waiting for her sisters to embark when she spys a rugged but handsome young man searching the docks and she watches him wondering what or whom he is looking for. He introduces himself to her -William Black- and he is looking for his mail order bride that was to come from Ireland on this ship. The woman he is to meet also is named Bridget, such a coincidence.
Soon the women will
One sister Maeve had been assistant to the dr on ship,Flynn, and after becoming close on the voyage they had married. The three sisters had a deed to property in Faith Glen Mass that they had found after their mother had died recently so they were to find this together and have a home in America. Maeve was going to stay in Boston at first with her new husband and the other two to go onto Faith Glen for now.
They soon met the sheriff of the town Cameron Long and he was a great help in locating the property and getting them settled.
Bridget and William Black soon find themselves again meeting and he enlist her help as nanny to his children-a young boy and girl who are twins. I know you will enjoy reading the story of Bridget and William as Renee moves this story right along so smoothly.
This series was written by different authors yet the story seems to effortlessly move along..Book #2 is the story of Bridget Murphy.
Bridget and her sisters came to America by ship "The Annie McGee". she is now on the docks waiting for her sisters to embark when she spys a rugged but handsome young man searching the docks and she watches him wondering what or whom he is looking for. He introduces himself to her -William Black- and he is looking for his mail order bride that was to come from Ireland on this ship. The woman he is to meet also is named Bridget, such a coincidence.
Soon the women will
One sister Maeve had been assistant to the dr on ship,Flynn, and after becoming close on the voyage they had married. The three sisters had a deed to property in Faith Glen Mass that they had found after their mother had died recently so they were to find this together and have a home in America. Maeve was going to stay in Boston at first with her new husband and the other two to go onto Faith Glen for now.
They soon met the sheriff of the town Cameron Long and he was a great help in locating the property and getting them settled.
Bridget and William Black soon find themselves again meeting and he enlist her help as nanny to his children-a young boy and girl who are twins. I know you will enjoy reading the story of Bridget and William as Renee moves this story right along so smoothly.
April 16, 2013
Dare I say it, but the hero **almost** reminded me of a Kleypas hero (if he wasn't a total rake/rogue thinking about SEX). I really don't read that many Inspys - really I don't - I've only read 4. But I really did like this one. There is no sex/intimacy - but the passion and caring/pining is there! It was sweet and heartwarming - nothing offensive (also nothing overly preachy). The characters are all unique and dynamic (fun to read) and the plot flowed perfectly. This one was set in the Irish immigration-era-1800's in Boston, MA area. The widower needs the heroine to watch over his kids (after his mail order bride is a no-show) and she doesn't agree to marriage-without-love, but her stay with him turns into love and eventually marriage. Again, I would be confident recommending this to other Inspirational fans (or any curious readers) despite my only having read so few. When the world is getting ugly and horrible, I can definitely imagine myself running to this Inspy romance for comfort - like a nighttime prayer to a guardian angel... just make everything okay and let us have our HEA. (Hey! - that rhymes!)
March 28, 2012
The second book in the Irish Brides series picks up where Wedding Journey left off. This time it's Bridget's story. She's mistaken on the Boston docks as a mail-order bride. When she and her sister Nora arrive in Faith Glen, Bridget didn't know that she'd keep encountering William Black, the man who mistook her for his mail-order bride. He needs help with his young twins and she agrees to become their nanny. Will he be able to love her the way she wants and will she allow herself a chance to be happy?
Having read several of Renee Ryan's books in the past, I was so excited to read this one. I loved Bridget and Will. The twins were precious. What I really liked was the fact that Will was such an honorable gentleman that when an obstacle arose, he was willing to do what was right and pray that somehow God would be honored.
Two sisters have found their happily ever after. I can't wait to read Nora's story next month.
Having read several of Renee Ryan's books in the past, I was so excited to read this one. I loved Bridget and Will. The twins were precious. What I really liked was the fact that Will was such an honorable gentleman that when an obstacle arose, he was willing to do what was right and pray that somehow God would be honored.
Two sisters have found their happily ever after. I can't wait to read Nora's story next month.
June 24, 2012
I loved this book. Great read, clean and good enough for my teen daughter. From the book: When William Black's mail-order bride fails to appear at the Boston docks, he's relieved when beautiful, vibrant Bridget Murphy steps in. However, she has a surprise in store. She will be a temporary nanny to his young twins...…but she will not marry without love. Faith Glen, Massachusetts, is worlds away from the poverty Bridget knew in Ireland. And William Black couldn't be more different from her faithless ex-fiancé. Yet that integrity Bridget so admires binds William to a promise that could keep them apart forever. In this new land of opportunity, does she dare to wish for a happy ending?
March 16, 2013
3 1/2 stars. The plot was very typical of the Love Inspired Historicals for most of the book. Not complaining, that's why I keep reading them. The twist at the end was pretty good, but I think the plot would have been better serviced if the twist was more towards the middle of the book and the book more focused on the characters' reactions and adjustments to the twist, I think that would have made a more unique novel. I will look for the other 2 books in the series about the other two sisters.
April 28, 2013
so I won this book as a goodreads giveaway quite a while ago and just found it again. I thought it was a really sweet story,and well written as well. it was nice to be able to learn about Irish history in an unconventional way, through the story. I found the characters well-developed and found myself sympathizing and understanding almost alkl of them. I hope to read the second book soon :)
May 28, 2012
I really did like this one, actually changes my mind from 3 stars to 4. I do like these clean historical novels. I loved the twins! I can't wait to read about sister #3 when her book comes out next week!
June 20, 2012
This is a sweet story. Ms. Ryan does an excellent job bringing history to life with details of the hero's chocolate factory business. Her characters are likeable, the romance believable and intriguing. Great read!
February 25, 2013
A great book!! I usually read Christian romances because I like that they are clean, but sometimes I get more scripture quoting and trials of faith than actual romance. That was not the case with this book! It was a lovely sweet romance that I will enjoy reading again and again!
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December 27, 2014Miniseries: Irish Brides
Category: Inspirational Romance
Category: Inspirational Romance
July 10, 2012
Cute story, but I felt a little lost in places. Then I realized this was the second in a series. LOL! So I guess it was my fault I was lost! :)
September 8, 2012
it was a fine story and I enjoyed th characters, it was just a little overdone with some of the fluffiness of the language.
May 29, 2013
The second in the Irish Brides trilogy, this story focuses on Bridget, the middle sister. Well written and plotted--I enjoyed this addition to the trio.
September 11, 2014
2.5
It was ok but forgettable. I dont know if it's the style but I didnt really root for the characters so much as the first book in the series
It was ok but forgettable. I dont know if it's the style but I didnt really root for the characters so much as the first book in the series
November 24, 2014
The book cover looks nice.
January 15, 2015
I read this book a few summers ago, and I enjoyed the romantic longing and excitement for a certain ending.
January 17, 2015
I loved it. It incorporated love and passion without compromising on their purity. The inner turmoil of the characters is really well portrayed.
July 29, 2015
Sweet story. Two broken souls who heal each other. Nice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews