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The Blue Willow Brides #3
Perfectly Matched
Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters' examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife. Almost immediately it's painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God's timing is always perfect.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God's timing is always perfect.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2013
85 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Brendan
19 books276 followersMaggie Brendan is a CBA bestselling author, of the Heart of the West and The Blue Willow Brides series. Winner of the 2014 Book Buyers Best Award (OCC/RWA) for Inspirational Fiction and the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, she was a finalist for the 2013 Published Maggie Award of Excellence and the 2013 Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award. Her new series Virtues and Vices of the Old West began with The Trouble with Patience released in February, 2015. A Sweet Misfortune will release February 2016. Follow Maggie on her website www.MaggieBrendan.com, her blog www.SouthernBelleWriter.blogspot.com, Twitter: @MaggieBrendan and Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/maggiebrendan/
Instagram:https://www.instgram.com/maggiebrendan.
Instagram:https://www.instgram.com/maggiebrendan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 26, 2013
If I could give this book ten stars, I would. This historical novel was set in 1888 in Denver, Colorado, so the setting was one of my favorites, too. There is something about mail-order bride stories that I really enjoy reading. It probably has to do with a newly married couple -- essentially strangers before the wedding -- discovering their love for each other.
This is the best mail-order bride story I've ever read. Ironically, the second best one was also in this series. I think Ms. Brendan has a gift when it comes to writing about romantic love between newly married couples. Add to that the tender heart the heroine has for animals and rescuing them from abuse and you have an intriguing book.
The hero was a sweetheart. Yeah, he had a pretty rigid personality at first, but as his love grew for his new bride, his strict boundaries became blurred and he learned to be spontaneous and not take life so seriously that it's predictable and boring. I loved experiencing the softening of his heart as he fell in love with her. The heroine's desire to please her husband while remaining true to herself is a good lesson for young women to learn. This novel illustrates that beautifully.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It's heartwarming and sensual at the same time, as newly married love should be. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year, if not at the top of my list!
This is the best mail-order bride story I've ever read. Ironically, the second best one was also in this series. I think Ms. Brendan has a gift when it comes to writing about romantic love between newly married couples. Add to that the tender heart the heroine has for animals and rescuing them from abuse and you have an intriguing book.
The hero was a sweetheart. Yeah, he had a pretty rigid personality at first, but as his love grew for his new bride, his strict boundaries became blurred and he learned to be spontaneous and not take life so seriously that it's predictable and boring. I loved experiencing the softening of his heart as he fell in love with her. The heroine's desire to please her husband while remaining true to herself is a good lesson for young women to learn. This novel illustrates that beautifully.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It's heartwarming and sensual at the same time, as newly married love should be. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year, if not at the top of my list!
March 9, 2016
I usually enjoy mail-order bride stories, but this one didn't keep my interest. The pacing was slow, bogged down by boring details. The plot was not compelling and the characters seemed two dimensional.
(ARC was provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)
(ARC was provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)
October 30, 2013
Reading from the back cover of Maggie Brendan’s novel, Perfectly Matched, “His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure. But God's timing is always perfect.” was only a small hint of what Ms Brendan had in store for her readers! Stories about mail order brides are fascinating – and imagine having a parallel in this day and age with online dating. Imagine email brides!!
Social decorum in the 1880s was very different from today, and it’s a joy to read how good manners played out back in the old days, when courting and wooing were diverse from dating and romance…except for mail ordering a bride….then the courting took place after marriage. Most of the characters in Perfectly Matched were quite loveable to likeable and vice versa when animals and pets are added to the blend. Of extreme interest was learning about the development of the ASPCA. It was a nice fact to store in my knowledge vault about this wonderful organization being founded in the 1800’s. The ethics of animal treatment are upright and close to my heart.
Anna Olsen and Edward Parker each had a different motive for seeking marriage. Anna did not want to burden her sisters and their growing families by using the tight residential space in their homes, consequently deciding to follow their examples as mail order brides – theirs fruitful and blissful through God’s grace. Edward was looking for someone to take care of his house and cook the meals – as simply stated as that. From the beginning of their relationship, they were mismatched. Anna reminded me of a butterfly, flitting here and there with regard to matters of her heart and compassion to God’s creatures, human and animal. She was gifted with creativity – except in the art of culinary experience. Edward, is a clock maker/jeweler by profession and believed that every moment of the day had a time and purpose – akin to the saying in Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; however it appears doubtful that Edward believes wholeheartedly in heaven. A perfectionist with an OCD personality, he devised a list of wifely duties, right down to the “time” to consummate the marriage and handed the list to Anna as soon as her last name became Parker.
Finding out the particulars of whether their marital harmony grew sharp or flat is up to the reader who is encouraged to obtain Maggie Brendan’s appealing story. Those details might appear in the reviews before mine, and have no wish to be repetitious. My personal enjoyment of this fun story was very satisfying. To be witness to the changes in Edward and Anna in their communication and relationship with one another was a lovely experience. My own faith deepened with each page – not only in God, but human nature when “the butterfly” signifying new life lands in their hearts. Kudos to Maggie Brendan for another entertaining story of the heart.
“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Revell Blog Tour Network sent me a copy of Book 3 in The Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched, by Maggie Brendan. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.
Social decorum in the 1880s was very different from today, and it’s a joy to read how good manners played out back in the old days, when courting and wooing were diverse from dating and romance…except for mail ordering a bride….then the courting took place after marriage. Most of the characters in Perfectly Matched were quite loveable to likeable and vice versa when animals and pets are added to the blend. Of extreme interest was learning about the development of the ASPCA. It was a nice fact to store in my knowledge vault about this wonderful organization being founded in the 1800’s. The ethics of animal treatment are upright and close to my heart.
Anna Olsen and Edward Parker each had a different motive for seeking marriage. Anna did not want to burden her sisters and their growing families by using the tight residential space in their homes, consequently deciding to follow their examples as mail order brides – theirs fruitful and blissful through God’s grace. Edward was looking for someone to take care of his house and cook the meals – as simply stated as that. From the beginning of their relationship, they were mismatched. Anna reminded me of a butterfly, flitting here and there with regard to matters of her heart and compassion to God’s creatures, human and animal. She was gifted with creativity – except in the art of culinary experience. Edward, is a clock maker/jeweler by profession and believed that every moment of the day had a time and purpose – akin to the saying in Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; however it appears doubtful that Edward believes wholeheartedly in heaven. A perfectionist with an OCD personality, he devised a list of wifely duties, right down to the “time” to consummate the marriage and handed the list to Anna as soon as her last name became Parker.
Finding out the particulars of whether their marital harmony grew sharp or flat is up to the reader who is encouraged to obtain Maggie Brendan’s appealing story. Those details might appear in the reviews before mine, and have no wish to be repetitious. My personal enjoyment of this fun story was very satisfying. To be witness to the changes in Edward and Anna in their communication and relationship with one another was a lovely experience. My own faith deepened with each page – not only in God, but human nature when “the butterfly” signifying new life lands in their hearts. Kudos to Maggie Brendan for another entertaining story of the heart.
“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
Revell Blog Tour Network sent me a copy of Book 3 in The Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched, by Maggie Brendan. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.
October 31, 2013
The portrayal of the “odd couple” in this novel was perfectly stereotypical – he as the rigid, wants-everything-to-be-perfect man and she as the flighty, unorganized girl. While this made for an interesting storyline and some nice setups for conflict, it seemed as if the resolutions that were presented were often one-sided. I got the impression that Edward was required to change more than Anna. He has to be less rigid and get rid of his lists and such, but she can continue to be flighty and completely thoughtless? I think Anna needed to do a little bit more growing as well, especially in her attitude towards her duties in her home.
Their relationship as the odd couple was further complicated by their extreme lack of communication, especially when they would just kiss and make up without really solving anything. The back and forth of their relationship made my head spin. Therefore, it was nice when closer to the end of the novel they were able to learn how to better communicate.
The ASPCA aspects of this book were interesting and unique and something that I was not expecting from the summary on the back of the book.The spiritual part of this novel seemed a little glossed over to me. The characters prayed and claimed to have faith in God, but it wasn’t always clear and sometimes seemed to be an afterthought rather than Christ being at the center of their lives.
Finally, I feel I must mention something about this novel that concerned me. I read Christian fiction romances because I like the boy-meets-girl stories, but I prefer to avoid the sensuality that comes with most secular novels of that type. Since Anna and Edward in this story are newlyweds, I realize that there will be issues of a sexual nature that will arise, and I would not want Christian novels to shy away from this subject.
However, the endless descriptions of the couple’s passionate moments were way, way too much in this novel. It got in the way of the overall story a lot.
While some things in this novel were unique and entertaining, there were just too many other things that kept me from enjoying this book completely.
See my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
Their relationship as the odd couple was further complicated by their extreme lack of communication, especially when they would just kiss and make up without really solving anything. The back and forth of their relationship made my head spin. Therefore, it was nice when closer to the end of the novel they were able to learn how to better communicate.
The ASPCA aspects of this book were interesting and unique and something that I was not expecting from the summary on the back of the book.The spiritual part of this novel seemed a little glossed over to me. The characters prayed and claimed to have faith in God, but it wasn’t always clear and sometimes seemed to be an afterthought rather than Christ being at the center of their lives.
Finally, I feel I must mention something about this novel that concerned me. I read Christian fiction romances because I like the boy-meets-girl stories, but I prefer to avoid the sensuality that comes with most secular novels of that type. Since Anna and Edward in this story are newlyweds, I realize that there will be issues of a sexual nature that will arise, and I would not want Christian novels to shy away from this subject.
However, the endless descriptions of the couple’s passionate moments were way, way too much in this novel. It got in the way of the overall story a lot.
While some things in this novel were unique and entertaining, there were just too many other things that kept me from enjoying this book completely.
See my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
October 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book! What a switch from most Christian romance books which end at a marriage proposal. This book began with a mail order bride wedding and demonstrated growing love in marriage. Anna is a feisty young bride that loves to paint and animals in need. Edward is a groom that loves order and for his schedule to run by clockwork. When these two fall for each other, wow, there are fireworks.
December 31, 2013
Honestly I wasn't able to finish this book. I found myself constantly asking myself why do I care about these characters. It didn't help either that the author's voice went in and out of the story. One minute I felt like I was inside the book getting to know the characters and the next I'm being handed a list of items the characters did or being told what is happening, which set me apart from the book.
October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan, ©2013
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing
The Blue Willow Brides; Book Three
She sighed and sipped her tea, then set the cup down. "The Blue Willow reminds me of my mother and sisters."
"The tea set was my grandmother's," he said fondly, circling the rim of his cup with his thumb. "I use it on special occasions."
--Perfectly Matched, 78-79
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure
justice for those being crushed.
--Proverbs 31:8 NLT
Anna Olsen arrived yesterday as a mail-order bride and today, this minute, is saying her vows to Edward Parker. Preoccupied in thought, she almost misses her part. Everything is so different here in Denver than being at her sister's in Cleveland.
Edward had everything planned about today. In fact, upon arrival at their home, he produces a list of a schedule he has prepared for her ~ for each day to keep everything running smooth as clockwork. No pun intended, for he is a clock maker and a jeweler. His shop adjoins the house, so he will be nearby. He likes everything on time.
Mrs. Edward Parker is an adventurer and prone to a softness of bringing home an old, rheumatic dog that has been scavenging at the downtown shops for handouts. She has a conversation with the bank president, rescuing "Moose" from his ill treatment in front of his bank door. Moose will join Baby, her little dog she had shipped from her sister's... at least until she gets him cleaned up and his ribs not showing.
Edward is coming out of his perfect list for Anna's days when he discovers she has other creativity than cleaning. She has begun a rescue for animals, and others come to help her in her efforts. Friends rally around this couple as they become entwined with their church and neighbors.
As much as it is a humorous and cute story of learning to live together and be open with friends forming closeness, I cannot recommend this novel to my review readers. Throughout there is too much information behind their private doors.
***Revell Blog Tour Network sent me a copy of Book 3 in The Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched, by Maggie Brendan. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Perfectly Matched by Maggie Brendan, ©2013
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing
The Blue Willow Brides; Book Three
She sighed and sipped her tea, then set the cup down. "The Blue Willow reminds me of my mother and sisters."
"The tea set was my grandmother's," he said fondly, circling the rim of his cup with his thumb. "I use it on special occasions."
--Perfectly Matched, 78-79
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure
justice for those being crushed.
--Proverbs 31:8 NLT
Anna Olsen arrived yesterday as a mail-order bride and today, this minute, is saying her vows to Edward Parker. Preoccupied in thought, she almost misses her part. Everything is so different here in Denver than being at her sister's in Cleveland.
Edward had everything planned about today. In fact, upon arrival at their home, he produces a list of a schedule he has prepared for her ~ for each day to keep everything running smooth as clockwork. No pun intended, for he is a clock maker and a jeweler. His shop adjoins the house, so he will be nearby. He likes everything on time.
Mrs. Edward Parker is an adventurer and prone to a softness of bringing home an old, rheumatic dog that has been scavenging at the downtown shops for handouts. She has a conversation with the bank president, rescuing "Moose" from his ill treatment in front of his bank door. Moose will join Baby, her little dog she had shipped from her sister's... at least until she gets him cleaned up and his ribs not showing.
Edward is coming out of his perfect list for Anna's days when he discovers she has other creativity than cleaning. She has begun a rescue for animals, and others come to help her in her efforts. Friends rally around this couple as they become entwined with their church and neighbors.
As much as it is a humorous and cute story of learning to live together and be open with friends forming closeness, I cannot recommend this novel to my review readers. Throughout there is too much information behind their private doors.
***Revell Blog Tour Network sent me a copy of Book 3 in The Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched, by Maggie Brendan. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
November 2, 2013
I have enjoyed previous books in the series, but, I didn't quite enjoy this one. There were a few main threads of the story: the heroine's interest in animals, the hero's obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the couples enjoyment of being intimate. While I would say that many Christian historical romances are "safe" enough to give young(er) readers (middle grade on up), that isn't the case with this one. Not that it was as bad as mainstream smut, but, it was way too much in my opinion. It didn't feel like a clean read at all...
For readers who like historical romances set in Colorado in the 1880s, OR, for readers who enjoy mail-order bride stories, OR,
for readers who love, love, love animals...this one has potential.
Anna Olsen, I believe, is the last remaining sister to offer herself as a mail-order-bride in Maggie Brendan's series. She marries Edward Parker. They return home from the ceremony and he hands her a list telling her of his expectations. It's an informative list, a bit opinionated. He is "helping" her know how to spend her time each day of the week. How thoughtful, right?! She's not thrilled, and, she only "keeps" to the list part of the time, not that she's out of her way to be inconsiderate, but, she's not easily managed in that way. Her husband does not know yet how to speak her love language.
One of the many things this couple argues about is animals. He wants no pets, she wants hundreds of pets. Well, it seems that way to him. She wants to take into their home ANY animal (dog, cat, horse) that "needs" her for whatever reason. He thinks that's too much, that she is a bit out of control. They do, of course, reach a compromise.
There were elements of the story that felt extremely predictable. For example, when her husband is hired by the bank to be in charge of the bank's new safe which operates by a timer. I saw this as foreshadow, which, of course, it was. You can't introduce a bank vault (or safe) without a bank robbery coming into it somewhere... I thought this "extra" bit of plot was ridiculous and unnecessary. Nothing is gained by this misadventure, in my opinion.
For readers who like historical romances set in Colorado in the 1880s, OR, for readers who enjoy mail-order bride stories, OR,
for readers who love, love, love animals...this one has potential.
Anna Olsen, I believe, is the last remaining sister to offer herself as a mail-order-bride in Maggie Brendan's series. She marries Edward Parker. They return home from the ceremony and he hands her a list telling her of his expectations. It's an informative list, a bit opinionated. He is "helping" her know how to spend her time each day of the week. How thoughtful, right?! She's not thrilled, and, she only "keeps" to the list part of the time, not that she's out of her way to be inconsiderate, but, she's not easily managed in that way. Her husband does not know yet how to speak her love language.
One of the many things this couple argues about is animals. He wants no pets, she wants hundreds of pets. Well, it seems that way to him. She wants to take into their home ANY animal (dog, cat, horse) that "needs" her for whatever reason. He thinks that's too much, that she is a bit out of control. They do, of course, reach a compromise.
There were elements of the story that felt extremely predictable. For example, when her husband is hired by the bank to be in charge of the bank's new safe which operates by a timer. I saw this as foreshadow, which, of course, it was. You can't introduce a bank vault (or safe) without a bank robbery coming into it somewhere... I thought this "extra" bit of plot was ridiculous and unnecessary. Nothing is gained by this misadventure, in my opinion.
October 27, 2013
Anna Olsen decides to follow in the footsteps of both of her sisters and become a mail-order bride. She answers the advertisement of a man in Denver, Edward Parker. Anna and Edward are as different as night and day. He likes things done perfectly and on a precise schedule. She's impulsive, prone to daydream, and has a heart for animals. On their wedding day, Edward even gives Anna a list of chores he expects her to do on a daily basis. Can these two people who are so different find love and happiness with each other?
This is the third and final book in the Blue Willow Brides series. I've enjoyed each and every one of the books, but I think that Anna's story is my favorite. Anna's tender heart shows through in how she adopts stray dogs and cats and hopes Edward will go along with it. Edward really doesn't know what to think of Anna - or her animals. I have to give him credit. He does change and grow through the book. He learns that things don't have to be perfect. I loved the way that they managed to find their footing in their marriage. I also loved the way that Anna set about starting an SPCA society in Denver. True this is the third book in a series, but it stands alone. Each book can be enjoyed without having read the others in the series.
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of mail order bride stories, Tracie Peterson, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, and historical fiction.
Rating - 4 stars. It's really a 4.5 star book.
Available October 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
This is the third and final book in the Blue Willow Brides series. I've enjoyed each and every one of the books, but I think that Anna's story is my favorite. Anna's tender heart shows through in how she adopts stray dogs and cats and hopes Edward will go along with it. Edward really doesn't know what to think of Anna - or her animals. I have to give him credit. He does change and grow through the book. He learns that things don't have to be perfect. I loved the way that they managed to find their footing in their marriage. I also loved the way that Anna set about starting an SPCA society in Denver. True this is the third book in a series, but it stands alone. Each book can be enjoyed without having read the others in the series.
I received this book for free from Revell Books for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of mail order bride stories, Tracie Peterson, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, and historical fiction.
Rating - 4 stars. It's really a 4.5 star book.
Available October 2013 at your local bookstore from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ebook-review-to-read
February 19, 2020Now this is a novel with some unique characters when you match a scatterbrained mail-order-bride with an eccentric and OCD clock maker, but what is beautiful is the romance that blossoms. How two people with the Song of Solomon involved learn to make their marriage a trinity with God involved and let up a bit on their own expectations and compromise for love. There is also quite a bit of puppy love in the canine sense as well that definitely keeps things interesting!
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
February 22, 2019
This is a zero heat romance—nothing more than chaste kissing on the page—which is fine. But the story is soooooo boring and overly earnest. The couple have the same argument/misunderstanding approximately 357 times. Seemingly important happenings that might lead to excitement are mentioned and then dropped with zero believable resolution.
August 8, 2020
This 3rd book in the Blue Willow Brides series tells a complete story and concludes the series. Perhaps more than either of the other two books, this book could stand alone or be read out of order. Even the first book of the series which lays the background for the sisters really isn't necessary to enjoy this book.
In my mind, this book had a strike against it almost from the beginning. I am an "ask permission" kind of person, not an "ask forgiveness" one. Not only is Anna the latter, but she is impulsive almost to the point of recklessness. She may be passionate about her causes, but doesn't have enough restraint in those areas for her own safety and well-being, not to mention the well-being of her marriage. I had trouble liking her.
One reviewer comments to the effect that Edward made most of the compromises implying that Anna didn't make as much effort. Certainly Edward made drastic growth in his basic personality. But Anna made big changes also. Perhaps the story skirts just how much she did and perhaps that is one way reading the first book would help appreciating what takes place in this one. Anna, as she starts out, is not just easily distracted, but totally adverse to regular chores. This book does make that clear, but minimizes how quickly she starts doing regular chores. The teenage Anna only did chores when either shamed into it or when she realized how much she was letting down Catharine. Several times in this book, we see that Anna goes off on adventures, but most often it is also noted that she has done at least most of her chores. I say all this to be fair to Anna, but she is still not a character that I'm going to be totally comfortable with.
Edward is equally annoying in the other direction as almost everyone acknowledges. So there is inherent conflict brewing and often boiling over in this marriage. That brings me to another problem with this story, which has existed in each of the three books of the series at least to some degree. It seems that every time Anna and Edward come together in harmony that the situation is initiated by lust or at least physical playfulness. I won't go as far as one reviewer who thinks there is too much description of a sexual nature for a Christian book. To the contrary, the author goes out of her way to avoid description of activity common to the bedroom, yet there is a lot of description of activity that obviously leads up to that. My problem is absolutely not the content or how much of it. My problem is that for these couples, the usual conflict resolution seems to begin with physical intimacy.
Many reviewers found it interesting how much of the book revolved around early developments of the ASPCA. There were certainly interesting historical aspects of that. My preference, however, would have been to spend more time moving along the central couple's relationship through communication and time spent together either playing or working together in cooperation. For me the story dragged.
I will say, that there is a certain amount of humor generated by some of the misunderstandings or messy accidents.
Toward the end there is a crisis or conflict which I won't describe. I do want to say that I saw it coming. But more than that, I didn't like how it was handled in the story. The mechanics of the whole thing were poorly done with too many plot holes. The author points out one of the long term outcomes and then ignores it. ***Definite spoilers***
Near the beginning of the crisis is the point where I gave up on the story emotionally and scanned to the end rather than following a normal recreational reading pace.
This is a Christian book, but not a particularly preachy one. If there is any preaching it is about God's love for animals, or at least his aversion to cruelty. I can't say this added to my interest in the book. The author goes so far as to present a controversial view that leans toward having animals in the afterlife. I say "controversial" but I can't definitely preclude that it might be possible. I don't think the evidence in favor of it is substantial.
Mature themes: sex is not described, but as I mentioned there is a lot of physical activity between a married couple that stops short of it. There is an attempted robbery of a woman that develops into an attempted sexual assault. There is some moderate animal cruelty. There is backstory drunkenness which may or may not have included domestic abuse.
In my mind, this book had a strike against it almost from the beginning. I am an "ask permission" kind of person, not an "ask forgiveness" one. Not only is Anna the latter, but she is impulsive almost to the point of recklessness. She may be passionate about her causes, but doesn't have enough restraint in those areas for her own safety and well-being, not to mention the well-being of her marriage. I had trouble liking her.
One reviewer comments to the effect that Edward made most of the compromises implying that Anna didn't make as much effort. Certainly Edward made drastic growth in his basic personality. But Anna made big changes also. Perhaps the story skirts just how much she did and perhaps that is one way reading the first book would help appreciating what takes place in this one. Anna, as she starts out, is not just easily distracted, but totally adverse to regular chores. This book does make that clear, but minimizes how quickly she starts doing regular chores. The teenage Anna only did chores when either shamed into it or when she realized how much she was letting down Catharine. Several times in this book, we see that Anna goes off on adventures, but most often it is also noted that she has done at least most of her chores. I say all this to be fair to Anna, but she is still not a character that I'm going to be totally comfortable with.
Edward is equally annoying in the other direction as almost everyone acknowledges. So there is inherent conflict brewing and often boiling over in this marriage. That brings me to another problem with this story, which has existed in each of the three books of the series at least to some degree. It seems that every time Anna and Edward come together in harmony that the situation is initiated by lust or at least physical playfulness. I won't go as far as one reviewer who thinks there is too much description of a sexual nature for a Christian book. To the contrary, the author goes out of her way to avoid description of activity common to the bedroom, yet there is a lot of description of activity that obviously leads up to that. My problem is absolutely not the content or how much of it. My problem is that for these couples, the usual conflict resolution seems to begin with physical intimacy.
Many reviewers found it interesting how much of the book revolved around early developments of the ASPCA. There were certainly interesting historical aspects of that. My preference, however, would have been to spend more time moving along the central couple's relationship through communication and time spent together either playing or working together in cooperation. For me the story dragged.
I will say, that there is a certain amount of humor generated by some of the misunderstandings or messy accidents.
Toward the end there is a crisis or conflict which I won't describe. I do want to say that I saw it coming. But more than that, I didn't like how it was handled in the story. The mechanics of the whole thing were poorly done with too many plot holes. The author points out one of the long term outcomes and then ignores it. ***Definite spoilers***
Near the beginning of the crisis is the point where I gave up on the story emotionally and scanned to the end rather than following a normal recreational reading pace.
This is a Christian book, but not a particularly preachy one. If there is any preaching it is about God's love for animals, or at least his aversion to cruelty. I can't say this added to my interest in the book. The author goes so far as to present a controversial view that leans toward having animals in the afterlife. I say "controversial" but I can't definitely preclude that it might be possible. I don't think the evidence in favor of it is substantial.
Mature themes: sex is not described, but as I mentioned there is a lot of physical activity between a married couple that stops short of it. There is an attempted robbery of a woman that develops into an attempted sexual assault. There is some moderate animal cruelty. There is backstory drunkenness which may or may not have included domestic abuse.
July 8, 2018
The characterization in this novel very juvenile. As an adult consumer I simply could not get into this story. Yes, I know the times were different and this was a mail order bride situation. Perhaps if the story leading UP to the characters marriage had been expanded it might have helped but the way it was presented left me annoyed. How any woman could be attracted to a dud of a man like Edward "the clock repair guy" is beyond my imagination.
January 3, 2017
This was the third in the Blue Willow Brides series but definitely not my favorite. The story just seemed to go on and on, focusing on how Anna and Edward were learning to adjust to each other and about her efforts to begin a SPCA in Denver. Too much sameness for me.
October 2, 2018
I liked the characters but there was no conflict just Anna and Edward trying to get to know each other as a married couple.
July 1, 2019
Not a vary empowering book for women. Honestly the 2 side characters where hands down my favorite and I felt like they had more character and just were all around AWESOME characters!
December 31, 2020
Missed the big sisters; but still a good read.
August 2, 2021
OK read
March 5, 2025
I just pulled this off the shelf at my church as I needed a quick read. I must say that I am pass this kind of reading. I like things alittle more depth to it.
October 25, 2013
Maggie Brendan's third and final installment in The Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched, again takes up the idea of mail order brides in the old west. Set in Denver, Colorado in 1888, readers are treated to a storyline that centers around the marriage of an impressionable young woman, who is anything but organized to man whose life is completely ordered and precise. The obstacles between the hero and heroine take up a great portion of the book, as they learn to embrace their differences and accept each other for who they are. Brendan also explores the mistreatment of animals as the heroine starts to set up her own animal shelter. Both aspects of this book combine to make it a unique and interesting addition to the series.
The Blue Willow Brides series has followed the lives of three sisters, all of whom, have become mail order brides. I have always thought that mail order brides was a interesting premise for a novel, having read, Sarah, Plain and Tall when I was younger. Brendan has taken this idea and really ran with it. I like the fact that Brendan chose to put the marriage of Edward and Anna in the beginning of Perfectly Matched because there is a kind of finality to that, since both are Christians. They are going to have to figure out a way for this to work. Brendan shows readers all of the difficulties involved in this kind of union. The couples barely know each other, they have only corresponded by mail and in those days, that was not a speedy process. They are going into the marriage blind. Unfortunately, I still think that happens today. I liked the fact that Brendan gives readers the historical significance of mail order marriages, as well as, the emotional significance.
Anna was certainly a free-spirited young woman. She was not accustomed to running a household and had her own ideas about how it should be done. She would rather have spent her time on other passions as opposed to cleaning house. I loved the way she respected animals and wanted to stop the mistreatment she encounters. Her dream of setting up an animal shelter is one that resonated with me, because I am an animal lover myself. I think readers who love animals will really identify with this character and her struggles. Anna was very different from Edward. She was more spontaneous and had a zeal for life that was missing with Edward. She was a wonderful character and Brendan did an excellent job of showing how she begins to learn compromise and how to accept Edward for who he is.
Edward, Edward, Edward... There is so much to say about this character. I admit to having a hard time getting into him as the hero of the book. He is a clockmaker and jeweler. His life is order and somewhat obsessive compulsive. He wants things to have a place and everything has to be in it's place. He wants his household run a certain way without exception. He is the complete opposite of Anna. He doesn't like the animals because of the hair and messes they make and he doesn't understand a lot of Anna's ways. But the redeeming quality about Edward is that he is determined to make this marriage a success. Even though they are so fundamentally different he wants to show Anna every kindness he can. He may not like her ideas about the animal shelter but he doesn't hinder her and eventually he comes around. I liked the fact that both characters had their flaws and Brendan was able to show readers an underlying theme of compromise and making a marriage work despite the obstacles that come up.
Overall I think Brendan's attempt to show that marriage is more than just giving it a try was very successful. It is a commitment that both people make to each other and to God. I think in today's society we give up way to easily. I'm not saying that there are not times when circumstances make it impossible for couples to stay together, but for the most part, people are going into marriage with the idea that if it doesn't work out, they'll just move on to the next one. Brendan is showing a couple who are so very different yet they are able to compromise and come together to make their marriage work. I liked the fact that eventually these two find common ground and a deep love for each other.
This one may not have been my favorite in the series, but I liked it a lot. There were two different themes at work her and Brendan approaches both of them with gusto. The relationship between Anna and Edward is paramount to the story, but the animal shelter theme is also important to the book as well. Though this book was technically a romance there is a lot more going on here. Some readers will enjoy that, while others will not. All in all I would say this was a successful ending to a very enjoyable series about mail order brides and finding love against the odds.
The Blue Willow Brides series has followed the lives of three sisters, all of whom, have become mail order brides. I have always thought that mail order brides was a interesting premise for a novel, having read, Sarah, Plain and Tall when I was younger. Brendan has taken this idea and really ran with it. I like the fact that Brendan chose to put the marriage of Edward and Anna in the beginning of Perfectly Matched because there is a kind of finality to that, since both are Christians. They are going to have to figure out a way for this to work. Brendan shows readers all of the difficulties involved in this kind of union. The couples barely know each other, they have only corresponded by mail and in those days, that was not a speedy process. They are going into the marriage blind. Unfortunately, I still think that happens today. I liked the fact that Brendan gives readers the historical significance of mail order marriages, as well as, the emotional significance.
Anna was certainly a free-spirited young woman. She was not accustomed to running a household and had her own ideas about how it should be done. She would rather have spent her time on other passions as opposed to cleaning house. I loved the way she respected animals and wanted to stop the mistreatment she encounters. Her dream of setting up an animal shelter is one that resonated with me, because I am an animal lover myself. I think readers who love animals will really identify with this character and her struggles. Anna was very different from Edward. She was more spontaneous and had a zeal for life that was missing with Edward. She was a wonderful character and Brendan did an excellent job of showing how she begins to learn compromise and how to accept Edward for who he is.
Edward, Edward, Edward... There is so much to say about this character. I admit to having a hard time getting into him as the hero of the book. He is a clockmaker and jeweler. His life is order and somewhat obsessive compulsive. He wants things to have a place and everything has to be in it's place. He wants his household run a certain way without exception. He is the complete opposite of Anna. He doesn't like the animals because of the hair and messes they make and he doesn't understand a lot of Anna's ways. But the redeeming quality about Edward is that he is determined to make this marriage a success. Even though they are so fundamentally different he wants to show Anna every kindness he can. He may not like her ideas about the animal shelter but he doesn't hinder her and eventually he comes around. I liked the fact that both characters had their flaws and Brendan was able to show readers an underlying theme of compromise and making a marriage work despite the obstacles that come up.
Overall I think Brendan's attempt to show that marriage is more than just giving it a try was very successful. It is a commitment that both people make to each other and to God. I think in today's society we give up way to easily. I'm not saying that there are not times when circumstances make it impossible for couples to stay together, but for the most part, people are going into marriage with the idea that if it doesn't work out, they'll just move on to the next one. Brendan is showing a couple who are so very different yet they are able to compromise and come together to make their marriage work. I liked the fact that eventually these two find common ground and a deep love for each other.
This one may not have been my favorite in the series, but I liked it a lot. There were two different themes at work her and Brendan approaches both of them with gusto. The relationship between Anna and Edward is paramount to the story, but the animal shelter theme is also important to the book as well. Though this book was technically a romance there is a lot more going on here. Some readers will enjoy that, while others will not. All in all I would say this was a successful ending to a very enjoyable series about mail order brides and finding love against the odds.
March 14, 2024
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
Proverbs 31:8 NLT
Love this scripture!
Proverbs 31:8 NLT
Love this scripture!
November 7, 2013
Anna Olsen knows it's time to leave her sister's ever growing and cramped house and start a life of her own. So, following both of her sister's examples, she becomes a mail order bride, and after a short correspondence, moves to Denver to become a wife to a man she knows next to nothing about. Anna looks forward to becoming a wife and moving to Denver. Her free spirit and artistic tendencies are in love with her new home, but they may clash with her new husband's.
Clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker is a very fastidious man who likes things just so. Wanting everything to be perfect, Edward knows there needs to be expectations and schedules so he does the unthinkable, he hands his brand new wife a list of chores on their wedding day. After that, it soon becomes apparent to Edward just how different their personalities are and he wonders how it will ever work between them.
With obvious differences when it comes to house work, ideas, and hobbies, Anna and Edward have to try and look past their differences to make their marriage work, even if it means some changing for the both of them. As the two of them try an figure out how to be married, their attraction and love for one another grows and the more they realize that neither wants to end what they have, despite their differences. If they can work through their problems, they might just have a loving, happy home.
Can Anna learn to do things Edward's way or will she be stubborn when it comes to his ways? Will Edward learn to relax or will he remain too particular and drive his new wife away wit his unrealistic expectations? Will they be able to accept and love the others differences or will they grow to resent each other because of them? Will rah persons passion bring them closer together or farther apart?
---------------------------
I haven't read very many of Maggie Brendan's books but the few that I have read, I've enjoyed. This book is no different. I think this is one of my favorites by her and I enjoyed following along with Anna and Edward's story. Maggie Brendan did an amazing job with this story and the different take on romance. Maggie Brendan created a wonderful book and another fan to add to her roster.
The romance was my favorite part of this book. What I loved was the fact that I got to see the characters fall in love and figure out how to be married all at the same time. It's not very often that I get to read a book based in the beginning stages of marriage and I loved the realistic outlook on love and marriage. This romance was a realistic view of how I imagine most mail order bride relationships started. I absolutely loved the new perspective on mail order brides.
My favorite character was actually Edward because, even though he wasn't perfect, once he learned to relax a little, he became my dream husband. Even though he struggled with his OCD like ways and his jealousy, he was supportive of Anna and gave her flowers and romance frequently. His change was the most apparent and amazing. Anna's character was captivating in a different way, but because my passions didn't really align with hers, I had a hard time relating to her.
The storyline of this book isn't very fast-paced but packed with strife nonetheless. I really enjoyed the whole "after the wedding but before they know each other" phase that this book is placed in. Not many books take place during that time that a couple learns to be married and co-habitate with a spouse. The working through phase was definitely the spotlight in this book and I loved the different point of view this gave me about marriage.
Maggie Brendan has created another fan with this book. I think this book is the perfect conclusion to this series all about mail order brides. Her ability to create believable characters and lovable pets and gorgeous scenery is a gift all in its own. Maggie is a natural storyteller and is great at what she does. I look forward for reading more from this author and I highly recommend this book.
Overall, I loved this book and I think this is perfect for people who want a little bit different of a western romance. This book is definitely best left to the adults. I give this book a four out of five.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
October 30, 2013
Maggie Brendan in her new book “Perfectly Matched” Book Three in The Blue Willow Brides series published by Revell Books takes us into the life of Anna Olsen in 1888.
From the back cover: His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure. But God’s timing is always perfect.
Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters’ examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife.
Almost immediately it’s painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God’s timing is always perfect.
I like Mail Order Bride stories. Maybe it is because they portray the woman with such a sense of adventure and trust. She has to pack up everything, say goodbye to family, probably for the last time, and move to a different City and State to marry someone she did not know nor had yet to meet. This is what Anna Olsen agrees to as she travels out to Denver. Anna and her new husband, Edward, are two different personalities. Ms. Brendan has done it again. She has provided a story that has real substance to it, as to what makes a good marriage, while showing us the fun in learning about another person. I think that “Perfectly Matched” is a winner and may be Maggie Brendan’s best story to date. ”Perfectly Matched” is a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I liked it a lot and am sorry that this series is over however I am looking forward to the next book by this highly talented author.
You can find “Perfectly Matched” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/br...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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.”
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
From the back cover: His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure. But God’s timing is always perfect.
Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters’ examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife.
Almost immediately it’s painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
Maggie Brendan closes her Blue Willow Brides series with a heartwarming tale of true love despite misunderstanding, showing readers that God’s timing is always perfect.
I like Mail Order Bride stories. Maybe it is because they portray the woman with such a sense of adventure and trust. She has to pack up everything, say goodbye to family, probably for the last time, and move to a different City and State to marry someone she did not know nor had yet to meet. This is what Anna Olsen agrees to as she travels out to Denver. Anna and her new husband, Edward, are two different personalities. Ms. Brendan has done it again. She has provided a story that has real substance to it, as to what makes a good marriage, while showing us the fun in learning about another person. I think that “Perfectly Matched” is a winner and may be Maggie Brendan’s best story to date. ”Perfectly Matched” is a wonderful, sweet story with power and depth that will keep you flipping pages. I liked it a lot and am sorry that this series is over however I am looking forward to the next book by this highly talented author.
You can find “Perfectly Matched” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/br...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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.”
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
September 2, 2013
Perfectly Matched is the third book in The Blue Willow Brides series and it is by far the one I most enjoyed - though that's not saying much, considering I only somewhat enjoyed the first one and strongly disliked the second.
I loved how this book begins right in the middle of Anna and Edward's wedding ceremony. Immediately both characters personalities and quirks were apparent which was great. I especially loved what Edward gives Anna when he takes her to their home for the first time - it made me laugh so much!
Anna is such a sweet character! I loved her heart for caring for stray animals and to stop animals from being abused. However, several times she referred to animals as both "dumb animals" & "God's dumb creatures" which I found to be both annoying and completely opposite of the way she behaved. I think she meant that they were helpless and we needed to take care of them, but the terminology wasn't one I would have ever used - it just sounds mean.
Edward is a great character too, even though at first I wasn't to sure about him. It becomes evident how much he cares for Anna and the lengths he is willing to go to make her feel happy and loved.
There is a bit of an age discrepancy for Anna between this book and Deeply Devoted , the first book in the series. Deeply Devoted takes place in the spring of 1887 and Anna is fifteen. However in Perfectly Matched, which is set fall 1888, Anna is seventeen and turns eighteen towards the end of the story (around November the same year). I personally see no way for this to work, but this is just a small issue - it took away nothing from the story except that it made me check to see if I was mistaken about her age in the other book.
One of the things I didn't care for in the book was the constant repetitive sentences. A person would say something to someone then later that someone would say nearly the exact same thing to the original person and then the original person would behave as though they had never heard/thought of it before - even though chapters before they said it! Another thing I didn't care for was how characters would say something which, to me, came across as they were angry then the other character would say something snippy back and then they would both smile at each other as if nothing bad was said to each other - and they weren't acting, they meant it. Both of these thing were very annoying to say the least!
If you enjoy reading mail-order novels, you would probably find this one to be a nice read. The books in this series can be read out of order, in my opinion, and you wouldn't miss anything and the only things spoiled for you would be who ends up with whom but that's something you can usually figure out just by reading the back cover.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
I loved how this book begins right in the middle of Anna and Edward's wedding ceremony. Immediately both characters personalities and quirks were apparent which was great. I especially loved what Edward gives Anna when he takes her to their home for the first time - it made me laugh so much!
Anna is such a sweet character! I loved her heart for caring for stray animals and to stop animals from being abused. However, several times she referred to animals as both "dumb animals" & "God's dumb creatures" which I found to be both annoying and completely opposite of the way she behaved. I think she meant that they were helpless and we needed to take care of them, but the terminology wasn't one I would have ever used - it just sounds mean.
Edward is a great character too, even though at first I wasn't to sure about him. It becomes evident how much he cares for Anna and the lengths he is willing to go to make her feel happy and loved.
There is a bit of an age discrepancy for Anna between this book and Deeply Devoted , the first book in the series. Deeply Devoted takes place in the spring of 1887 and Anna is fifteen. However in Perfectly Matched, which is set fall 1888, Anna is seventeen and turns eighteen towards the end of the story (around November the same year). I personally see no way for this to work, but this is just a small issue - it took away nothing from the story except that it made me check to see if I was mistaken about her age in the other book.
One of the things I didn't care for in the book was the constant repetitive sentences. A person would say something to someone then later that someone would say nearly the exact same thing to the original person and then the original person would behave as though they had never heard/thought of it before - even though chapters before they said it! Another thing I didn't care for was how characters would say something which, to me, came across as they were angry then the other character would say something snippy back and then they would both smile at each other as if nothing bad was said to each other - and they weren't acting, they meant it. Both of these thing were very annoying to say the least!
If you enjoy reading mail-order novels, you would probably find this one to be a nice read. The books in this series can be read out of order, in my opinion, and you wouldn't miss anything and the only things spoiled for you would be who ends up with whom but that's something you can usually figure out just by reading the back cover.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
October 27, 2013
Perfectly Matched
The Blue Willow Brides #3
By Maggie Brendan
Perfectly Matched is the third book in The Blue Willow Brides series. This book follows Anna Olsen as she marries a man whom she has met only in letters when he advertised for a mail-order bride. Leaving the comfort of what she has known behind Anna travels to Denver where she weds Edward Parker.
But can two such different people who don't really know one another truly ever become a harmonious couple? Anna's youthful caring heart is about disrupt Edward's orderly world in a way he never expected. Her exuberant spirit both attracts and distracts him. While his orderly structure annoys Anna especially when it is presented in a list of expected daily duties and chores the moment she enters her new home.
When Anna finds a need in Denver she decides this is the mission that has been given her. But Edward doesn't want any animals in his home much less the entire stray population that roams the city streets. Is there any hope of compromise and a happy understanding?
Perfectly Matched has Anna bringing the ASPCA to Denver as she attempts to be a champion for the abandoned and abused animals of Denver. Along the way she makes friends who help her with her endeavor and she learns the value of give-and-take in marriage.
I have to say what I liked best in Perfectly Matched were some of Anna's antics like playing peeping-tom on the neighbors and her first suggestion for the literary circle's reading selection. Though she's impetuous Anna has a caring heart, and I'm sure when she gets a little age and experience (after all she's 18) she'd be an outstanding person in everything she puts her mind to after giving it careful thought. Edward and Anna need each other to balance one another and to draw out what each lacks in themselves - thus they are Perfectly Matched.
I love the cover of this book with the Blue Willow design in the background and Anna's lacy blouse / dress is so lovely with the Battenberg lace. The cover alone would have convinced me to review this title, if I hadn't read Maggie Brendan's previous Blue Willow Brides title.
There was a little too much intimacy in the book to suit my personal reading preferences so I was a little disappointed in this book. Maybe there should have been a little pre-wedding story before the wedding. I really liked the previous two titles in this series so I was a little surprised with this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
The Blue Willow Brides #3
By Maggie Brendan
Perfectly Matched is the third book in The Blue Willow Brides series. This book follows Anna Olsen as she marries a man whom she has met only in letters when he advertised for a mail-order bride. Leaving the comfort of what she has known behind Anna travels to Denver where she weds Edward Parker.
But can two such different people who don't really know one another truly ever become a harmonious couple? Anna's youthful caring heart is about disrupt Edward's orderly world in a way he never expected. Her exuberant spirit both attracts and distracts him. While his orderly structure annoys Anna especially when it is presented in a list of expected daily duties and chores the moment she enters her new home.
When Anna finds a need in Denver she decides this is the mission that has been given her. But Edward doesn't want any animals in his home much less the entire stray population that roams the city streets. Is there any hope of compromise and a happy understanding?
Perfectly Matched has Anna bringing the ASPCA to Denver as she attempts to be a champion for the abandoned and abused animals of Denver. Along the way she makes friends who help her with her endeavor and she learns the value of give-and-take in marriage.
I have to say what I liked best in Perfectly Matched were some of Anna's antics like playing peeping-tom on the neighbors and her first suggestion for the literary circle's reading selection. Though she's impetuous Anna has a caring heart, and I'm sure when she gets a little age and experience (after all she's 18) she'd be an outstanding person in everything she puts her mind to after giving it careful thought. Edward and Anna need each other to balance one another and to draw out what each lacks in themselves - thus they are Perfectly Matched.
I love the cover of this book with the Blue Willow design in the background and Anna's lacy blouse / dress is so lovely with the Battenberg lace. The cover alone would have convinced me to review this title, if I hadn't read Maggie Brendan's previous Blue Willow Brides title.
There was a little too much intimacy in the book to suit my personal reading preferences so I was a little disappointed in this book. Maybe there should have been a little pre-wedding story before the wedding. I really liked the previous two titles in this series so I was a little surprised with this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
October 20, 2013
Maggie Brendan knows how to write good stories, plain and simple. Perfectly Matched is probably my favorite of the Blue Willow Brides series and that's saying a lot since I fairly gushed over the first two books. It wasn't the heroine, although she was great, and it wasn't the hero who was pretty special too, but the fact that stray animals played such an important role in the story. If you have a soft spot for dogs, cats, horses. etc. you will definitely like that Anna Olsen stands up for sick, hurt, and abandoned animals -- so much so that I think she'd give Sarah Mclachlan a run for her money! Even her new husband, Edward, can't say no to Anna when it comes to her heart for caring for the towns sick and abandoned animals. I loved how Ms. Brendan threaded the history of the ASPCA into this great western romance. I don't think I've ever read a Christian book that featured such a great cast of four-legged critters who added such joy and fun to a story.
Even though they definitely lightened the mood of the story, this book wasn't all about animals. Edward's and Anna's budding romance, of course, took center stage. Edward was a bit of a control freak to say the least and definitely had problems adapting to Anna's free spirited ways. Sometimes he came across as bit of a jerk, he was such a stick in the mud! It was definitely interesting to say the least to see them both adapt to their newlywed status. It was nice to see both Anna and Edward gain confidence in who they were AND in their relationship.
As the final book in the Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched is a real winner. I'm so sorry to see this series at and end, but if this series and Maggie Brendan's Heart of the West series are any indication, her next book will be well worth buying and reading! Kudos to Ms. Brendan on a job well done!
~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars -- A favorite! ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
Even though they definitely lightened the mood of the story, this book wasn't all about animals. Edward's and Anna's budding romance, of course, took center stage. Edward was a bit of a control freak to say the least and definitely had problems adapting to Anna's free spirited ways. Sometimes he came across as bit of a jerk, he was such a stick in the mud! It was definitely interesting to say the least to see them both adapt to their newlywed status. It was nice to see both Anna and Edward gain confidence in who they were AND in their relationship.
As the final book in the Blue Willow Brides series, Perfectly Matched is a real winner. I'm so sorry to see this series at and end, but if this series and Maggie Brendan's Heart of the West series are any indication, her next book will be well worth buying and reading! Kudos to Ms. Brendan on a job well done!
~ My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars -- A favorite! ~
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
May 28, 2014
Series The Blue Willow Brides book #3 "Perfectly Matched" by Maggie Brendan
I have not read the other books in this series but each book is about a mail-order Bride so they can be read stand alone..
#3 is about Anna Olsen who had been living with a sister till she was eighteen and then decided she needed a home of her own, choosing the path that her sisters had taken ...she chose to be a mail-order Bride.
Anna and Edward wrote letters back and forth getting to know one another that way and she just knew he had a wonderful heart and they would get along..
Anna is a feisty young woman that would rather be outdoors having an adventure then homemaking chores like cooking and cleaning. This will take a lot of getting used to when she meets Edward in person and finds out he is very particular and soon after becoming a Bride she was given a list of chores that she would need to attend to.
Now these two seemed like a mismatched pair of socks one blue and one green but as we all know when you put the two together they give a nice shade of purple so Anna and Edward learned to compromise as the months went by...becoming Perfectly Matched.
The book touches on the society began long ago to help abused animals called ASPCA, Anna had a heart to help creatures that couldn't help themselves so began a chapter to help in their community. She had much help from the community and even Edward's heart began to soften.
This is a wonderful story showing us how we don't always have to be so strict but with a willing heart can compromise and get done what is needed along with what we choose to add to our lives..
I loved reading the story of Anna's experience and know you will too.
I am sure I will go back and read the other sister's stories sometime as I like reading about Mail-Order Brides....
I have not read the other books in this series but each book is about a mail-order Bride so they can be read stand alone..
#3 is about Anna Olsen who had been living with a sister till she was eighteen and then decided she needed a home of her own, choosing the path that her sisters had taken ...she chose to be a mail-order Bride.
Anna and Edward wrote letters back and forth getting to know one another that way and she just knew he had a wonderful heart and they would get along..
Anna is a feisty young woman that would rather be outdoors having an adventure then homemaking chores like cooking and cleaning. This will take a lot of getting used to when she meets Edward in person and finds out he is very particular and soon after becoming a Bride she was given a list of chores that she would need to attend to.
Now these two seemed like a mismatched pair of socks one blue and one green but as we all know when you put the two together they give a nice shade of purple so Anna and Edward learned to compromise as the months went by...becoming Perfectly Matched.
The book touches on the society began long ago to help abused animals called ASPCA, Anna had a heart to help creatures that couldn't help themselves so began a chapter to help in their community. She had much help from the community and even Edward's heart began to soften.
This is a wonderful story showing us how we don't always have to be so strict but with a willing heart can compromise and get done what is needed along with what we choose to add to our lives..
I loved reading the story of Anna's experience and know you will too.
I am sure I will go back and read the other sister's stories sometime as I like reading about Mail-Order Brides....
December 5, 2013
Anna has been living with her sister and her family but its getting very crowded. Both of her sisters were mail-ordered-brides and it worked out for them. She replies to an ad and heads to Denver to meet her husband. He meets her at the station, takes her to his sister's house to get ready for the wedding but doesn't give her time to press her wedding dress. He gives her a critical look but hopes she will improve when they get to his house. Once the wedding is over and they have gone to his house he gives her a list of all her chores, when they are to be done and how to do them. He is a perfectionist and he expects her to be the same way. Uh oh, Anna is a free spirit, artist and knows very little about cooking nor cleaning. The second problem to pop up is when her huge dog is delivered by the people from the train. He doesn't want it; however, before he knows it there are 2 dogs and a cat (strays) that have been added to his household. Sit back, enjoy this couple as they try to merge their lives and personalities into one family. Anna follows Edward to his literary group meeting (she wasn't invited) and they hear a noise outside. Yep, it was Anna but can't tell you what happens without spoiling the fun. This book was delightful. I had heard that Maggie Brendan was a terrific author but I had never read her before. Next trip to the bookstore I will be buying more of her books.
I received this book through www.bookfun.org to read and leave an honest review. I found the book delightful, fun, and hated to see it end.
I received this book through www.bookfun.org to read and leave an honest review. I found the book delightful, fun, and hated to see it end.
November 15, 2013
Easy read. For me this was a relatively easy read. Maggie depicts married life (especially new married life) realistically. Sickeningly sweet at times LOL! and fighting like cats and dogs at others; as two people with completely different personalities strive to learn how to cohabitate. I really enjoyed the mix of the characters hobbies, occupations, and interests. From painting to watch making it has a broad spectrum of interesting topics. Especial the addition of the ASPCA. I really enjoyed the addition of all the animals! I love to read a book with animals from an author that knows animals! From their good aspects to their somewhat crazy mishaps, Maggie gets them all when writing about the four legged friends. I also really like how the characters grow and change throughout the book and how they overcome difficulties. Plus the setting for me is an added bonus! I love Colorado and really enjoyed Denver! After reading this book I long to visit again. :) Love is in the air all over Denver in this sweet read!
Soundtrack: "Star Spangled Banner (The National Anthem)" by US Coast Guard Band, "Holy Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty - Church Organ" by Faithful Fathers, "He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought" by Discovery Singers, and "Onward Christian Soldiers" from Various Artist
Proverbs 31:8
~ASC
*I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it this in no way affected my opinion and the above is my honest opinion. ~ASC
Soundtrack: "Star Spangled Banner (The National Anthem)" by US Coast Guard Band, "Holy Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty - Church Organ" by Faithful Fathers, "He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought" by Discovery Singers, and "Onward Christian Soldiers" from Various Artist
Proverbs 31:8
~ASC
*I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it this in no way affected my opinion and the above is my honest opinion. ~ASC
October 31, 2013
Maggie Brendan in her new book “Perfectly Matched” Book Three in The Blue Willow Brides series published by Revell Books takes us into the life of Anna Olsen in 1888.
From the back cover: His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure. But God’s timing is always perfect.
Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters’ examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife.
Almost immediately it’s painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
I enjoyed the overall story in the book, however I kept waiting for some conflict to take place. It was a little boring to me. It was a very pleasant story overall.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Goodreads.com.
From the back cover: His life runs like clockwork. Hers is a spontaneous adventure. But God’s timing is always perfect.
Anna Olsen knows it’s time to leave her sister’s increasingly crowded house and start a life of her own. Following her sisters’ examples, she becomes a mail-order bride, and after a short correspondence with clock maker and jeweler Edward Parker, she moves to Denver to become his wife.
Almost immediately it’s painfully apparent that Anna and Edward are very different. Anna is a free spirit who would rather be painting and enjoying the company of friends than cleaning house. Edward is a consummate perfectionist who, on their wedding day, hands Anna a list of chores that need to be done around the house daily.
Can this mismatched couple see past their differences to a harmonious future? Or will their disparate passions create obstacles neither is willing to surmount?
I enjoyed the overall story in the book, however I kept waiting for some conflict to take place. It was a little boring to me. It was a very pleasant story overall.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Goodreads.com.
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