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Alabama Brides #1
A Marriage of Convenience
In Martin Chapman's will, his final request is a peculiar one. Upon the day of their marriage, his caregiver Lily Meyers and his grandson Bryce Fowler will become joint beneficiaries of his entire estate, which includes the Chapman Quarter Horse Ranch. There's only one problem, Lily and Bryce have never met. For the past three years, Lily and her five-year-old son Joey have lived on the ranch with Martin, never knowing they might inherit anything. Will Lily uproot her son from the only stable home he's ever known, or will she marry a man she doesn't know to secure her son's future? Bryce's decision isn't an easy one either. Will he leave the fast pace and bright city lights of New York City to move to the sleepy little town in Trinity, Alabama, or will the cowboy life and Lily prove challenging enough to chase him back to his comfort zone?
332 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2014
94 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 13, 2014
There’s something about the marriage of convenience plot that piques my interest. Perhaps it’s because we live in a society where arranged marriages aren’t the norm, and it’s interesting to see how a couple with seemingly nothing in common are thrown together by circumstance (aka the plot machinations of the author), and discover there is some commonality between them after all.
A Marriage of Convenience, debut novel from Debra Lynn Collins, has a lot going for it. A beautiful cover. Cowboys and horses. Good writing. Likeable characters, and a solid plot that manages to make what could be a contrived arrangement somehow work.
Lily Meyers is the widowed mother of five-year-old Joey, and the man she’s been employed by for the last three years has just died. She never expected to feature in Martin Chapman’s will, much less to inherit half of the Chapman Quarter Horse Ranch. But there’s a condition: she has to marry Martin’s grandson, Bryce Fowler.
For his part, Bryce has resented his grandfather for years, ever since the old man threw in his New York job, moved to Alabama to breed and train horses, and never wrote or called despite the fact Bryce was his only grandchild. But he wants his inheritance, so decides he’s prepared to go through with a platonic marriage of convenience. At least, that’s the plan …
I had one other grouch. A Marriage of Convenience is Christian romance, but there's more to a Christian romance than a woman who goes to church. Specifically, there's that whole pesky bit about "unequally yoked", meaning both partners are Christians. I didn't see anything in A Marriage of Convenience that suggested Bryce had any personal faith, or was seeking faith, and I see this as a weakness.
I did enjoy A Marriage of Convenience, but recommend you stop reading at the end of Chapter Twenty Four.
A Marriage of Convenience, debut novel from Debra Lynn Collins, has a lot going for it. A beautiful cover. Cowboys and horses. Good writing. Likeable characters, and a solid plot that manages to make what could be a contrived arrangement somehow work.
Lily Meyers is the widowed mother of five-year-old Joey, and the man she’s been employed by for the last three years has just died. She never expected to feature in Martin Chapman’s will, much less to inherit half of the Chapman Quarter Horse Ranch. But there’s a condition: she has to marry Martin’s grandson, Bryce Fowler.
For his part, Bryce has resented his grandfather for years, ever since the old man threw in his New York job, moved to Alabama to breed and train horses, and never wrote or called despite the fact Bryce was his only grandchild. But he wants his inheritance, so decides he’s prepared to go through with a platonic marriage of convenience. At least, that’s the plan …
I had one other grouch. A Marriage of Convenience is Christian romance, but there's more to a Christian romance than a woman who goes to church. Specifically, there's that whole pesky bit about "unequally yoked", meaning both partners are Christians. I didn't see anything in A Marriage of Convenience that suggested Bryce had any personal faith, or was seeking faith, and I see this as a weakness.
I did enjoy A Marriage of Convenience, but recommend you stop reading at the end of Chapter Twenty Four.
June 22, 2015
"In Martin Chapman's will, his final request is a peculiar one. Upon the day of their marriage, his caregiver Lily Meyers and his grandson Bryce Fowler will become joint beneficiaries of his entire estate, which includes the Chapman Quarter Horse Ranch. There's only one problem, Lily and Bryce have never met. For the past three years, Lily and her five-year-old son Joey have lived on the ranch with Martin, never knowing they might inherit anything. Will Lily uproot her son from the only stable home he's ever known, or will she marry a man she doesn't know to secure her son's future? Bryce's decision isn't an easy one either. Will he leave the fast pace and bright city lights of New York City to move to the sleepy little town in Trinity, Alabama, or will the cowboy life and Lily prove challenging enough to chase him back to his comfort zone?"
I thought the story line for this book was AMAZING! There was a ton of drama hat kept he book Malvinas at a fast pace. The characters were really believable in their emotions. I wish there was more information about Bryce's family. All in all this was a really good book I would definitely reccomend this book if you like mail order bride books.
I thought the story line for this book was AMAZING! There was a ton of drama hat kept he book Malvinas at a fast pace. The characters were really believable in their emotions. I wish there was more information about Bryce's family. All in all this was a really good book I would definitely reccomend this book if you like mail order bride books.
November 2, 2014
A Marriage of Convenience
A really great storyline, it really caught my attention. You did a great job with the characters they came to life. Thanks.
A really great storyline, it really caught my attention. You did a great job with the characters they came to life. Thanks.
October 16, 2017
Enjoyed this book.. from the first page ... to the last.!
Sweet and romantic love story.... and with lots funny, heart breaking moments too.
I would have loved to meet Martin :
his caregiver Lily Meyers and grandson Bryce Fowler get to hear the terms of his will which leads
quite the opening scene at the reading of the will .... WOW . ....
<
... lovable little Joey .. :-)
loved hearing about life around the ranch. and everything about the horses too.
Looking forward to reading Wade's story ... the next book in Alabama ... but he will have to redeem himself his actions and disappointed me that left a scar on my heart ... will it be wiped away getting to hear his chance at love in the next Alabama Bridses #2.
Sweet and romantic love story.... and with lots funny, heart breaking moments too.
I would have loved to meet Martin :
his caregiver Lily Meyers and grandson Bryce Fowler get to hear the terms of his will which leads
quite the opening scene at the reading of the will .... WOW . ....
<
... lovable little Joey .. :-)
loved hearing about life around the ranch. and everything about the horses too.
Looking forward to reading Wade's story ... the next book in Alabama ... but he will have to redeem himself his actions and disappointed me that left a scar on my heart ... will it be wiped away getting to hear his chance at love in the next Alabama Bridses #2.
March 2, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! The characters were well developed and proved that just because you come from a family with no morals only greed, you don't have to follow in their footsteps. Bryce and Lily were forced together by his estranged grandfather's will and they realized his love for the two of them gave them a HEA. Fairytales do come true!!!!!!! I lost a lot of sleep reading this book because I couldn't put it down. I purchased the second book in the series as soon as I completed this one and hope the author will continue the series bringing out stories of the other characters on the ranch. Keep up the good writing.
April 18, 2023
Lily Meyers had taken care of Martin Chapman for three years after a fall that broke his hip and left him in a wheelchair. When he passed away, little did Lily and her adorable 5 year old son Joey know that, under certain conditions, she would inherit half of Martin's huge ranch. But would she be able to follow the conditions that involved Martin's grandson, Wade Haston?
Enjoyable romance that featured a 5 year old boy who brought a New Yorker and an Alabaman with very different ideas together.
Enjoyable romance that featured a 5 year old boy who brought a New Yorker and an Alabaman with very different ideas together.
June 18, 2019
Wonderful.
Learning to love again is wonderful. Lily and Bryce had learned to understand each other. Josh was a typical little boy. You will love this story of finding the right person to love. Enjoy.
Learning to love again is wonderful. Lily and Bryce had learned to understand each other. Josh was a typical little boy. You will love this story of finding the right person to love. Enjoy.
October 21, 2020
This was well-written and a nice, feel- good story. The author writes at an easy pace so that the reader has no problem following the storyline and the characters are likeable and realistic. It is a light read and an enjoyable one. I would recommend it.
September 3, 2024
North meets South. A marriage of convenience? Not!
The first page drew me in and endured Lily to my heart. Her work ethic, loyalty, and love for her son shine even during hard times. Read this if you love romance and stories that portray real life.
The first page drew me in and endured Lily to my heart. Her work ethic, loyalty, and love for her son shine even during hard times. Read this if you love romance and stories that portray real life.
May 27, 2017
Awesome
Just as good as the first time I read it... highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read. Great work!!
Just as good as the first time I read it... highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read. Great work!!
August 26, 2018
Contemporary Christian romance
I wanted to read something that wasn't to heavy to read and would be relaxing to relieve the stress of the day
I wanted to read something that wasn't to heavy to read and would be relaxing to relieve the stress of the day
June 18, 2021
Pretty cute story.
November 16, 2022
Cute story but I found it a bit boring, didn't hold my attention. Often these modern-day romances lack action unless they are a thriller / suspense or something similar.
February 17, 2017
Nice romance read. Nothing new, but interesting characters, a little bit of drama.
September 14, 2016
Cute story
Feel good love story. I didn't know it was a Christian romance no novel when I started reading this book.
Feel good love story. I didn't know it was a Christian romance no novel when I started reading this book.
January 27, 2016
Sweet & Warm-hearted
This is a beautiful love story. Lily is a good mother and cares about the ranch and community. James is a self proclaimed egotistical and self absorbed city slicker. But when the two find themselves tied together for the purposes of a will, they soon find themselves attracted to each other and seeing the good in each other. Add in a jealous ranch hand and conniving parents and you have a good story to read. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do.
This is a beautiful love story. Lily is a good mother and cares about the ranch and community. James is a self proclaimed egotistical and self absorbed city slicker. But when the two find themselves tied together for the purposes of a will, they soon find themselves attracted to each other and seeing the good in each other. Add in a jealous ranch hand and conniving parents and you have a good story to read. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do.
February 13, 2016
Wonderful story
I read LOTS and this one is a keeper. There are all the ingredients for a great read with twists thrown in to keep you reading. Even knowing it has to have a happy ending does not make it a predictable read. There are good guys, bad guys, laughter and tears, and even a child and a dog. One of my favorite books and well worth keeping for a reread. Highly recommended.
I read LOTS and this one is a keeper. There are all the ingredients for a great read with twists thrown in to keep you reading. Even knowing it has to have a happy ending does not make it a predictable read. There are good guys, bad guys, laughter and tears, and even a child and a dog. One of my favorite books and well worth keeping for a reread. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2014
This was a really fun read. Hard to believe someone in this day would pull this sort of a stunt with a will, but the story was great and the reason for the stunt was too. The characters were great. I liked the humor and the ease with which the relationships between Bryce and Lily and Bryce and Joey were built. I look forward to more from this author! Totally loved the cover too!!!
October 9, 2014
Great story!
it's a fairytale and that's why I liked it. Tough country girl, city boy, and a matchmaking old Grampy! Good clean story with all the best parts. A little boy, a little romance, a big dog, horses and cowboys! Nice to have a great story without all the sex most romances have.
it's a fairytale and that's why I liked it. Tough country girl, city boy, and a matchmaking old Grampy! Good clean story with all the best parts. A little boy, a little romance, a big dog, horses and cowboys! Nice to have a great story without all the sex most romances have.
September 10, 2014
Enjoyed this romance
Liked the different way the couple were drawn together. The way the rich boy showed he had more character depth was good. Lily showed she was a good mother and Joey was written well. Really liked the way the romance progresses. The clean approach was wonderful.
Liked the different way the couple were drawn together. The way the rich boy showed he had more character depth was good. Lily showed she was a good mother and Joey was written well. Really liked the way the romance progresses. The clean approach was wonderful.
March 6, 2015
.A marriage of convenience:
I enjoyed your book very much. And if there is love, Everything will work out. In seventeen days I would have celebrated my fifth seventh year with my best friend and husband.But I lost Him three years ago. So keep on writing.I hope we can see more hands together.Enjoy. These stories make your heart laugh.
I enjoyed your book very much. And if there is love, Everything will work out. In seventeen days I would have celebrated my fifth seventh year with my best friend and husband.But I lost Him three years ago. So keep on writing.I hope we can see more hands together.Enjoy. These stories make your heart laugh.
April 26, 2015
This was a great story. I couldn't put the book down. The romance of Lily and Bryce was so sweet. The book had you laughing and crying at times. It took me awhile to figure out Wade. I look forward to other books in this series. I hope Wade is the main character in one of them. This was an enjoyable read. This is a clean sweet romance.
September 6, 2016
Folksy
Just too cute for words and other cliches. All the folksy colloquialisms become too much. I am from the south and nobody is that full of them. It becomes quite irritating. So so and quite predictable plot.....and educated New Yorkers do not use "me and ....." as the subject of a sentence.
Just too cute for words and other cliches. All the folksy colloquialisms become too much. I am from the south and nobody is that full of them. It becomes quite irritating. So so and quite predictable plot.....and educated New Yorkers do not use "me and ....." as the subject of a sentence.
October 18, 2016
This book isn't as fast paced as what I prefer. I really like stories with a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat through the whole thing. This wasn't one of those, but I still enjoyed it. The storyline was pretty steady with one major upset, but even that was quickly resolved. However, it was also a very sweet and cute story that is well worth the read.
August 31, 2014
Loved it
Loved it
Great story so well written I felt like I was part of it. And the romance was heart melting, I loved it. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
Loved it
Great story so well written I felt like I was part of it. And the romance was heart melting, I loved it. Can't wait to read more books by this author.
September 18, 2014
4.5 stars. What a great plot idea. Imagine getting an inheritance to find out you have to date and marriage a total stranger after 4 months or get nothing and be homeless. This is a great book, a little predictable but great characters and plot. Great read.
October 2, 2014
FANTASTIC
I loved this story. I fell in love with Bryce's grandfather. Bryce's mother Sherry Ann was a piece of work. Wade worked my nerves but in the end he came around. The ladies from the church was funny. Lily was great. I love Christian love stories. FANTASTIC STORY.
I loved this story. I fell in love with Bryce's grandfather. Bryce's mother Sherry Ann was a piece of work. Wade worked my nerves but in the end he came around. The ladies from the church was funny. Lily was great. I love Christian love stories. FANTASTIC STORY.
October 25, 2014
Beautiful romance
This was a beautiful story of romance. It had enough ups and downs to be truly convincing as most relationships have many storms with the good times as well. It was a great read and I suggest it to others for sure!
This was a beautiful story of romance. It had enough ups and downs to be truly convincing as most relationships have many storms with the good times as well. It was a great read and I suggest it to others for sure!
November 7, 2014
Review of A Marriage of Convenience
This was a great book. I just couldn't seem to put it down. It was one of those books that keeps you in suspense and wanting to yell at the characters to talk to each other.
This was a great book. I just couldn't seem to put it down. It was one of those books that keeps you in suspense and wanting to yell at the characters to talk to each other.
November 7, 2014
Makes me smile
this book was so good. Though I would have preferred a little bit more Lilly leading Bryce to the Lord. Other than that it is a wonderful book.
I found it quite pleasant to read and found my self getting lost in the book. Will read more about this author
this book was so good. Though I would have preferred a little bit more Lilly leading Bryce to the Lord. Other than that it is a wonderful book.
I found it quite pleasant to read and found my self getting lost in the book. Will read more about this author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews