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Bradley Farm #1
Bradley Farm
Rebellious love. Hidden secrets. It may just take a city girl to save the family farm…Jane dreams of marrying her high school sweetheart and raising a brood of kids on his beloved family farm. Despite her parents’ disapproval and her boyfriend’s draft card, she exchanges hurried vows before he ships off to Vietnam. Back on the farm, Jane must fight her own battle with a mother-in-law who frowns on her big city upbringing.
Determined to prove she’s cut out for country living, the fiery redhead rolls up her sleeves to explore every inch of the family business. Beneath creaking floorboards and layers of dust, she unearths ghostly secrets… and a rising mountain of debt that threatens to tear her dreams for the future apart. To save the homestead, she schemes up a plan to bring the old farm into the modern age and out of the hands of the collectors.
Under the shadow of unsolved mysteries and the critical eye of her mother-in-law, can she hold on to a home-sweet-home worthy of her heroic husband… if he ever returns at all?
Bradley Farm is the first romantic mystery in a sweeping family saga series. If you like touching tales of young love, strong-willed heroines, and rustic country backdrops, then you’ll love Mary Jane Forbes’ story of finding your way home.
Buy Bradley Farm to sow the seeds of a heartwarming family history today!
Determined to prove she’s cut out for country living, the fiery redhead rolls up her sleeves to explore every inch of the family business. Beneath creaking floorboards and layers of dust, she unearths ghostly secrets… and a rising mountain of debt that threatens to tear her dreams for the future apart. To save the homestead, she schemes up a plan to bring the old farm into the modern age and out of the hands of the collectors.
Under the shadow of unsolved mysteries and the critical eye of her mother-in-law, can she hold on to a home-sweet-home worthy of her heroic husband… if he ever returns at all?
Bradley Farm is the first romantic mystery in a sweeping family saga series. If you like touching tales of young love, strong-willed heroines, and rustic country backdrops, then you’ll love Mary Jane Forbes’ story of finding your way home.
Buy Bradley Farm to sow the seeds of a heartwarming family history today!
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2015
394 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 5, 2023
This is book 1 in the Bradley Farm series. Jane and Danny get married a few days before he ships out to Vietnam. She settles into life on his family farm under the eye of her mother in law who is not happy. Jane is determined to save the farm and have it prosper when Danny gets home. She encounters many obstacles and eventually makes everyone happy. A sweet great read.
October 27, 2020
I'm trying to figure out why this book is classed as a cozy mystery. There are oddities, but no mysteries are solved.
Terribly disappointed at the word usage. Apostrophe 's' used for plurals, "women" in place of "woman", odd italics, for example.
Further, there are at least two instances of timeline inaccuracies. One woman in the doctor's office is listening to earbuds -- in 1970???? And Scarpetti wonders about the filter basket in his coffeemaker, but filter baskets weren't marketed until late 1972.
The story itself is sweet - young love, true love and all that - with strong characters in the Bradleys and nearly nonexistent characters in the O'Neills. The characters are all over the place.
I do want to know what happened to the jewels - are they there? Is the painting an original? Do we care who belongs to the skeleton? I just couldn't get excited enough to go looking for the further books in the series.
Terribly disappointed at the word usage. Apostrophe 's' used for plurals, "women" in place of "woman", odd italics, for example.
Further, there are at least two instances of timeline inaccuracies. One woman in the doctor's office is listening to earbuds -- in 1970???? And Scarpetti wonders about the filter basket in his coffeemaker, but filter baskets weren't marketed until late 1972.
The story itself is sweet - young love, true love and all that - with strong characters in the Bradleys and nearly nonexistent characters in the O'Neills. The characters are all over the place.
I do want to know what happened to the jewels - are they there? Is the painting an original? Do we care who belongs to the skeleton? I just couldn't get excited enough to go looking for the further books in the series.
July 28, 2021
It was obvious from the first few pages that this book is self-published. Unnecessary and incorrect apostrophes, misplaced modifiers, unclear antecedents for pronouns, wrong-case pronouns, stilted dialogue, unrealistic circumstances (finding a skeleton in the basement then just sitting down to eat dinner?). Anyway, amateurish writing aside, the story was actually pretty interesting once the reader makes peace with those faults and skips-reads to follow the simple story. Actually, the characters’ response to finding a skull in their house is just bizarre in its unrealism.
*If anybody reads this besides me: I write these reviews for my own information in selecting future reads. I am a writing teacher, and much of my reading enjoyment comes from seeing/analyzing the structure of the piece.
*If anybody reads this besides me: I write these reviews for my own information in selecting future reads. I am a writing teacher, and much of my reading enjoyment comes from seeing/analyzing the structure of the piece.
July 7, 2025
Feels Like Home...
There are many reasons we choose a book to read. And this book was a surprise to me. It was a bit slow in the beginning... but Mary Jane Forbes knows exactly how to write a story -- so strong that you can smell the bacon frying and coffee perking!
When you grow up on a farm with 3 brothers and Uncle, parents and extras that needed help or just some family comforting... President assassination,
Viet Nam, the Draft, Nixon, impeachment/resignations...
We were taught to feel patriotism when watching TV and Our National Anthem was played, Dad taught us to stand with our hand over our heart!
Farming and animal husbandry is hard work! But we all grew up working, giving support and comfort to those that need and no one ever left our dinner table hungry.
This Bradley Farm was all those things!!
Goodness was leaking from the pages!!
I cried through the last half of her story!
Although she did not describe this detail, I think there were a few lace doilies in the decor! And on my mini-farm (complete with Daisy the milk cow), I had white sheer Priscilla curtains in my dining room! I love the details and the thriftiness that was a huge part of the story.
Read this author!
PS. My Momma--Jane, grandmother-- Mary,
Me--CJane, Daughter--J Marijane, Granddaughter-- L Marijane, Granddaughter with my first name -- S Constance!
That is a lot of Marijane's!
Love this story and I am into the next Bradley Farm book!
There are many reasons we choose a book to read. And this book was a surprise to me. It was a bit slow in the beginning... but Mary Jane Forbes knows exactly how to write a story -- so strong that you can smell the bacon frying and coffee perking!
When you grow up on a farm with 3 brothers and Uncle, parents and extras that needed help or just some family comforting... President assassination,
Viet Nam, the Draft, Nixon, impeachment/resignations...
We were taught to feel patriotism when watching TV and Our National Anthem was played, Dad taught us to stand with our hand over our heart!
Farming and animal husbandry is hard work! But we all grew up working, giving support and comfort to those that need and no one ever left our dinner table hungry.
This Bradley Farm was all those things!!
Goodness was leaking from the pages!!
I cried through the last half of her story!
Although she did not describe this detail, I think there were a few lace doilies in the decor! And on my mini-farm (complete with Daisy the milk cow), I had white sheer Priscilla curtains in my dining room! I love the details and the thriftiness that was a huge part of the story.
Read this author!
PS. My Momma--Jane, grandmother-- Mary,
Me--CJane, Daughter--J Marijane, Granddaughter-- L Marijane, Granddaughter with my first name -- S Constance!
That is a lot of Marijane's!
Love this story and I am into the next Bradley Farm book!
June 8, 2018
Hurdles, pain and jubilation
A terrific family saga with similar vibes to works by Maeve Binchy and Debbie Macomber. Two high school teens fall in love when he asks her to tutor him. He is a strapping football captain whilst she is a petite, redheaded nerd. Her parents try to split them up when they move to LA but she insists on coming back for graduation when the couple get engaged. Neither her parents or his mother are really that keen but they have the full support of his father. How will the young couple cope with a quick wedding (he got drafted and will soon be going overseas), the death of his father, the unexpected pregnancy, theft, the news that he has been injured and the possibility of losing their home (the farm that has been in the family for decades). A heartwarming tale that is beautifully crafted and with characters that you will adore.
A terrific family saga with similar vibes to works by Maeve Binchy and Debbie Macomber. Two high school teens fall in love when he asks her to tutor him. He is a strapping football captain whilst she is a petite, redheaded nerd. Her parents try to split them up when they move to LA but she insists on coming back for graduation when the couple get engaged. Neither her parents or his mother are really that keen but they have the full support of his father. How will the young couple cope with a quick wedding (he got drafted and will soon be going overseas), the death of his father, the unexpected pregnancy, theft, the news that he has been injured and the possibility of losing their home (the farm that has been in the family for decades). A heartwarming tale that is beautifully crafted and with characters that you will adore.
January 23, 2021
Jane marries her high school sweetheart before he ships off to Viet Nam. Her parents disapprove. On the farm, Jane, a fiery redhead, is determined to prove she’s cut out for a country living. She unearths secrets and rising debt. To save the homestead, she schemes up a plan to bring the old farm into the modern age and out of the hands of the collectors.
Interesting read during a troubling time for America. (Much like today.) I like the description of Jane: fiery redhead. That says it all. She's going to push through all struggles.
Interesting read during a troubling time for America. (Much like today.) I like the description of Jane: fiery redhead. That says it all. She's going to push through all struggles.
July 12, 2019
The first book in the Bradley Farm series by an Author I have not read before even though I bought the book last year. Jane married Danny in a quick ceremony before he ships off to Vietnam, but Danny comes back a changed man. They will have so much to go through. There is break and entry, a body, drama, twists, turns, and two people trying to find their way back to each other. I want to read more of this series and I hope the other books have a little more on Wolfe. I recommend this book.
June 12, 2020
A very good read!! I read this heart-warming story in one day! Mary Jane Forbes creates believable characters that you just can't help but fall in love with.
**Spoiler here** My only issue is that some of the plot points seemed to happen too fast - get married, have kids, go off to war, return from war - all within the span of a few months. I recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, good-hearted loving-family story!
**Spoiler here** My only issue is that some of the plot points seemed to happen too fast - get married, have kids, go off to war, return from war - all within the span of a few months. I recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, good-hearted loving-family story!
April 13, 2019
Great story!
This was a very warm story. The characters were wonderful. My heart warmed at the inter action between each of the characters. The love the mother-in-law and daughter-in law developed was amazing. I would recommend this warm loving story to all. Be prepared to shed a tear or two at the struggles and joys of these two women.
This was a very warm story. The characters were wonderful. My heart warmed at the inter action between each of the characters. The love the mother-in-law and daughter-in law developed was amazing. I would recommend this warm loving story to all. Be prepared to shed a tear or two at the struggles and joys of these two women.
February 22, 2025
Love this story !
Jane and Danny were perfect for each other ! I love how his parents took care of Jane while Danny was away, and thrilled when Jane was pregnant with twins !! What a blessing Wolfe and Georgie were to the family (and vice versa) So sad Arnie passed away before the twins were born and before Danny came back home…
Jane and Danny were perfect for each other ! I love how his parents took care of Jane while Danny was away, and thrilled when Jane was pregnant with twins !! What a blessing Wolfe and Georgie were to the family (and vice versa) So sad Arnie passed away before the twins were born and before Danny came back home…
October 14, 2018
Great read
Wonderfully written story Never under estimate the power and resourceful women in life they can handle almost anything. The story pulls you in and keeps you wanting more
Wonderfully written story Never under estimate the power and resourceful women in life they can handle almost anything. The story pulls you in and keeps you wanting more
May 4, 2019
Bradley Farm
A Vietnam war love story which made me sigh with pure joy. Simple and sweet but also filled with life's tragedies along with life's joys, Jane and Danny face it all together.
A Vietnam war love story which made me sigh with pure joy. Simple and sweet but also filled with life's tragedies along with life's joys, Jane and Danny face it all together.
June 29, 2019
Young love
I kept waiting for th story to turn ugly, but the characters showed amazing resilience in the face of trials that could bring lesser person's to their knees.
Now, I need to know "the rest of the story"!
I kept waiting for th story to turn ugly, but the characters showed amazing resilience in the face of trials that could bring lesser person's to their knees.
Now, I need to know "the rest of the story"!
June 2, 2020
Beautiful family story, starts with Jane and Danny. The trials and tribulations of young love, war, family life on a farm. Loss of life, birth of babies, the usual trials of life written in a moving story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2020
Excellent read
I enjoyed this book. It was a story of breaking barrier, avoiding negative people who suck the life out of you, family, friends, helping others and most important....finding the positive in all situations by looking outside the box and working together.
I enjoyed this book. It was a story of breaking barrier, avoiding negative people who suck the life out of you, family, friends, helping others and most important....finding the positive in all situations by looking outside the box and working together.
February 13, 2021
Really enjoyable story about a young couple finding their way , he being deployed right after their wedding and she learning to be a farm wife and living with his parents. A bit of an unsolved mystery is part of the story.
July 19, 2023
Love helps you overcome so much
A great story of a young couple who loved each other very much. They were willing to do what was necessary to succeed. Today couples need this attitude to make life better. Never give up!
A great story of a young couple who loved each other very much. They were willing to do what was necessary to succeed. Today couples need this attitude to make life better. Never give up!
January 30, 2025
A good read
An engaging story about two lovers and their families. I enjoyed the descriptions of that period of American history, and how it affected the people. I liked the characters who were well crafted and felt like people who I knew.
An engaging story about two lovers and their families. I enjoyed the descriptions of that period of American history, and how it affected the people. I liked the characters who were well crafted and felt like people who I knew.
February 24, 2025
Bradley farm!! A must read.
Such a great book. I like how this book keeps you reading. From the skeleton in the cellar to a houseful of babies. This book let's you see the love this family has in the good times and bad times.
Such a great book. I like how this book keeps you reading. From the skeleton in the cellar to a houseful of babies. This book let's you see the love this family has in the good times and bad times.
October 15, 2018
Good reading
Really enjoyed reading this book. It was a little slow in the beginning but was a very good book at the end
Really enjoyed reading this book. It was a little slow in the beginning but was a very good book at the end
March 21, 2019
Good
This book is one that is about a young women and young man fell in love and after graduation from high school.
This book is one that is about a young women and young man fell in love and after graduation from high school.
June 26, 2019
Interesting and a good quick book.
Enjoyed reading this and getting to know the characters. I was waiting to find out more about the mystery involved in this.
Enjoyed reading this and getting to know the characters. I was waiting to find out more about the mystery involved in this.
August 9, 2020
Love the book
This book is exactly what is needed if you want to revisit a farm, your younger years, and what determination can do. I can hardly wait for the next book.
This book is exactly what is needed if you want to revisit a farm, your younger years, and what determination can do. I can hardly wait for the next book.
August 11, 2020
.
Really enjoyed this book! Well written keeping me looking forward to picking it up again to continue. Looking forward to reading another one of your books!
Really enjoyed this book! Well written keeping me looking forward to picking it up again to continue. Looking forward to reading another one of your books!
August 18, 2020
Loved
I loved getting to know the Bradley family, and can't wait to read the next story to read more about them. Also enjoyed the small town romance with some mystery.
I loved getting to know the Bradley family, and can't wait to read the next story to read more about them. Also enjoyed the small town romance with some mystery.
January 21, 2021
Times of the past
Nice story of time in the past, that was filled with love and understanding. Makes you wish we as a society could go back a little and realize what we had.
Nice story of time in the past, that was filled with love and understanding. Makes you wish we as a society could go back a little and realize what we had.
March 28, 2021
Simple plot. Easy read. YA
June 25, 2021
Enchanting
When you are in the mood for a comfortable and gentle love story, consider reading this book. The insight into the Vietnam War is an extra bonus.
When you are in the mood for a comfortable and gentle love story, consider reading this book. The insight into the Vietnam War is an extra bonus.
July 25, 2021
I thought this was a pretty good book. You will meet all kinds of people in this story and you'll enjoy each and every one of them. Give it a try. I don't think you'll be sorry.
January 30, 2025
Very good
This book is well written, the characters are well developed, and the plot was not expected. It's rather long and I prefer to not read about someone's wedding night. Other than that, it was excellent.
This book is well written, the characters are well developed, and the plot was not expected. It's rather long and I prefer to not read about someone's wedding night. Other than that, it was excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews