What do you think?
Rate this book
Streiker #1
Streiker's Bride
An intriguing story by the author of The Chataine's Guardian. When a young teller is summoned to the bank president's office, she assumes that she will be fired for being late to work too many times. Instead she receives a mysterious offer from the bank's wealthy owner, via the president: he wants to meet--and marry--her.
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
9 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Robin Hardy
57 books47 followersI've written a new series! It's a distant sequel to The Annals of Lystra (begun in Chataine's Guardian) and The Latter Annals (begun in Nicole of Prie Mer). This is where it begins:
Thirty-five years after the assassination of Henry, Surchatain of Lystra, the province is no more and its capital Westford a shadow of its medieval greatness. With the fever now ravaging the palace, the army, and the town, a new Surchatain has ascended the throne of Westford, requiring a loyalty oath for all his subjects and soldiers.
Efran, Captain of the Red Regiment of the Army of Westford, is Polonti—a member of the brown-skinned, black-haired race generally regarded with contempt by Southerners on the Continent, including many in Westford. Knowing of the loyalty oath required on pain of death, Efran lays plans to leave once he has recovered from the fever himself.
But Efran is hindered by entanglements with the Surchatain’s two daughters—one who despises him and one who adores him.
He is appointed guardian of one Chataine. When the palace begins crumbling on its foundations, Efran takes his charge and a street urchin to an abandoned fortress south of Westford in the midst of wolf territory. While he gathers more homeless children at the fortress, the other Chataine prepares to lead an army against him for the legendary treasure hidden in the desolate Abbey of St. Benedict on the Sea.
The Stories of the Abbey of St. Benedict on the Sea comprise 36 novellas, each around 50,000 words, that make for one continuous story from the beginning to a definite end. To introduce this series, I'm offering free pdf and epub downloads of all the stories. Each pdf includes links, pronunciations, maps, and an illustration with notes. (The epubs contain all of the above except maps.)
Thirty-five years after the assassination of Henry, Surchatain of Lystra, the province is no more and its capital Westford a shadow of its medieval greatness. With the fever now ravaging the palace, the army, and the town, a new Surchatain has ascended the throne of Westford, requiring a loyalty oath for all his subjects and soldiers.
Efran, Captain of the Red Regiment of the Army of Westford, is Polonti—a member of the brown-skinned, black-haired race generally regarded with contempt by Southerners on the Continent, including many in Westford. Knowing of the loyalty oath required on pain of death, Efran lays plans to leave once he has recovered from the fever himself.
But Efran is hindered by entanglements with the Surchatain’s two daughters—one who despises him and one who adores him.
He is appointed guardian of one Chataine. When the palace begins crumbling on its foundations, Efran takes his charge and a street urchin to an abandoned fortress south of Westford in the midst of wolf territory. While he gathers more homeless children at the fortress, the other Chataine prepares to lead an army against him for the legendary treasure hidden in the desolate Abbey of St. Benedict on the Sea.
The Stories of the Abbey of St. Benedict on the Sea comprise 36 novellas, each around 50,000 words, that make for one continuous story from the beginning to a definite end. To introduce this series, I'm offering free pdf and epub downloads of all the stories. Each pdf includes links, pronunciations, maps, and an illustration with notes. (The epubs contain all of the above except maps.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 2, 2010
This was the most heart squeezing/grabbing/wrenching/thrilling love story I've ever read. The most handsome, ideal, romantic, loving (you add all the adjectives you want in a man) wants to marry Adair and to top it off he's a billionaire. There's one catch though that is so bizarre that you will be hooked on this story at once. This is a marvelous allegory about . . . I don't want to spoil it. Best book I've read and it's the first in a trilogy.
March 4, 2013
When Adair receives a third-party marriage proposal from billionaire philanthropist Fletcher Streiker, she's offered a way out of a miserable paycheck-to-paycheck existence at a job she's not even good at, and a way to pursue her love of ballet. The catch is, she'll have to agree to marry him before she can actually meet him. And while Mr. Streiker seems to know all about her, she'll have to make her decision aided only by a folder full of letters and newsclippings that reveal his character and personality.
I picked this up on a friend's recommendation and absolutely loved it. Peel back the layers of the beautiful love story, and you'll find a ministering picture of Christ's love for His Church. After I finished it--within a day, I seriously couldn't put it down--I brought my financial struggles to the Lord with a new faith that He's eager to take care of them for me. Even without the allegory, this book was a great, entertaining read that had me laughing and smiling from cover to cover. The setting was icing on the cake, because I am just soooo homesick for Dallas, TX! I knew every place and building Hardy referenced, and was like--ooh, I know where that is! Ooh, I can totally see that. Ooh, ooh! I want to go back home to Dallas!
Published twenty years ago, it does ding a lot of "don'ts" in the writing craft rules of today, but I was so wrapped up in the story that my internal editor went to sleep well before the halfway mark. There were a lot of phone conversations, some missed opportunities for great conflict, but my only real complaint was the hero's explanation at the end. I know it was done the way it was to fit the allegory, but I found it unsatisfying for the fiction side of the story. Nevertheless, I'm still giving it five stars and shelving it with others to re-read.
I picked this up on a friend's recommendation and absolutely loved it. Peel back the layers of the beautiful love story, and you'll find a ministering picture of Christ's love for His Church. After I finished it--within a day, I seriously couldn't put it down--I brought my financial struggles to the Lord with a new faith that He's eager to take care of them for me. Even without the allegory, this book was a great, entertaining read that had me laughing and smiling from cover to cover. The setting was icing on the cake, because I am just soooo homesick for Dallas, TX! I knew every place and building Hardy referenced, and was like--ooh, I know where that is! Ooh, I can totally see that. Ooh, ooh! I want to go back home to Dallas!
Published twenty years ago, it does ding a lot of "don'ts" in the writing craft rules of today, but I was so wrapped up in the story that my internal editor went to sleep well before the halfway mark. There were a lot of phone conversations, some missed opportunities for great conflict, but my only real complaint was the hero's explanation at the end. I know it was done the way it was to fit the allegory, but I found it unsatisfying for the fiction side of the story. Nevertheless, I'm still giving it five stars and shelving it with others to re-read.
July 29, 2010
I re-read this series every few years or so, it's that good...I mean GREAT! Streiker's Bride never fails to refresh my love for Jesus. It's an amazing contemporary allegory that brings to life just how much Jesus loves us. Do yourself a favor and read it. I have no doubt you'll be glad you did.
August 23, 2008
This is one of my favorite Romance Novels. It leaves you thinking about why things were done the way they were. When I want to escape I pick up this book.
June 20, 2019
Beautiful allegory of Ephesians 5:31-32. Don't let the title throw you off, this series is AMAZING.
October 19, 2019
I read the entire series, and I do think the Streiker books are very compelling. But I wish the author would rewrite them and smooth out some rough spots. In her own words, Fletcher Streiker is an imperfect representation of the resurrected Jesus Christ. I definitely agree with the "imperfect" part.
I think Adair is far more believable. The author skillfully describes Adair's struggles with trust and faith. With each chapter we see Adair grow a little more, until eventually, she is able to lead others (in book 3.)
One thing I definitely did not like... Fletcher and Adair have only been with each other for an hour (after finally meeting face-to-face for the first time) and they end up in his penthouse pawing the clothes off each other in the living room. I nearly gave up on the story at this point and the scene still bothers me; not because it was graphic but it was just so completely carnal. Very weird for an allegory of Christ, even if they are married.
I think the author was overly impressed with Fletcher's billionaire status. Despite all the money (which is mentioned often), Adair is always short of decent clothes to wear. When she does find a nice dress at Goodwill (of all places) the dress is ruined before the day is out. It's a good thing she went to Hawaii (in the second book) where muumuu's are easy to find, but she left Hawaii wearing a man's shirt and boxers. Fletcher's money is not doing her wardrobe any good, apparently.
Eventually we get to the third book, which I enjoyed until the bizarre ending. It doesn't wrap up Adair's story, it just stops. Abruptly. Leaving loose ends, a bizarre plot twist and vague hints of what actually happened to Adair. I had to buy yet another book from a different series in order to find out (sort of) what MAYBE happened to Adair. Leaving me wondering if I'd been tricked into buying a pointless series of books.
I gave 4 stars, primarily for Originality, as well as Adair's spiritual development which was very well done. But I think 4 stars is generous.
I'm a little surprised this book series was published by NavPress (The Navigators.) They are known for publishing Bible study materials and Bibles.
I think Adair is far more believable. The author skillfully describes Adair's struggles with trust and faith. With each chapter we see Adair grow a little more, until eventually, she is able to lead others (in book 3.)
One thing I definitely did not like... Fletcher and Adair have only been with each other for an hour (after finally meeting face-to-face for the first time) and they end up in his penthouse pawing the clothes off each other in the living room. I nearly gave up on the story at this point and the scene still bothers me; not because it was graphic but it was just so completely carnal. Very weird for an allegory of Christ, even if they are married.
I think the author was overly impressed with Fletcher's billionaire status. Despite all the money (which is mentioned often), Adair is always short of decent clothes to wear. When she does find a nice dress at Goodwill (of all places) the dress is ruined before the day is out. It's a good thing she went to Hawaii (in the second book) where muumuu's are easy to find, but she left Hawaii wearing a man's shirt and boxers. Fletcher's money is not doing her wardrobe any good, apparently.
Eventually we get to the third book, which I enjoyed until the bizarre ending. It doesn't wrap up Adair's story, it just stops. Abruptly. Leaving loose ends, a bizarre plot twist and vague hints of what actually happened to Adair. I had to buy yet another book from a different series in order to find out (sort of) what MAYBE happened to Adair. Leaving me wondering if I'd been tricked into buying a pointless series of books.
I gave 4 stars, primarily for Originality, as well as Adair's spiritual development which was very well done. But I think 4 stars is generous.
I'm a little surprised this book series was published by NavPress (The Navigators.) They are known for publishing Bible study materials and Bibles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
This book was highly recommended, but I found it dated, annoying, and unrealistic. The premise was interesting and the story started well. But the protagonist, Adair, made all kinds of bad decisions. In ways she was immature but also strangely stoic. Streiker was weirdly controlling and secretive. The whole story just kind of dragged. Then near the end the story shifted wildly and came to an abrupt end, I guess for the sake the series.
As I was reading other people's reviews the mentioned this being a brilliant allegory for Christ as the bridegroom and our relationship. In some ways that helped SO MUCH make so much more sense, but then other parts suddenly got weird and awkward.
As I was reading other people's reviews the mentioned this being a brilliant allegory for Christ as the bridegroom and our relationship. In some ways that helped SO MUCH make so much more sense, but then other parts suddenly got weird and awkward.
May 2, 2020
Getting reacquainted
Many years after reading the Lystra series I wanted to re-read them. In the process of finding those books I discovered this series as well as others by the same author. This first book did not disappoint! I'm not sure if the author intended to write an allegory of coming to faith and then growing in the Lord, but that is what I got reading this sweet romance. Already downloaded the next book .
Many years after reading the Lystra series I wanted to re-read them. In the process of finding those books I discovered this series as well as others by the same author. This first book did not disappoint! I'm not sure if the author intended to write an allegory of coming to faith and then growing in the Lord, but that is what I got reading this sweet romance. Already downloaded the next book .
Want to read
October 13, 2020Beautifully written and storyline has you hooked to the very end
July 26, 2023
Enjoyed the story
May 21, 2024
This novel came to me at the perfect time in my life… I absolutely love the allegory, and I relate to Adair so much it’s scary!!! I literally felt all her feelings. It was a truly sentimental read.
December 7, 2025
I read this one through (actually listened) and regretfully did not capture the message in the story. I was so frustrated, so I need to reread.
March 16, 2014
I read Streiker's Bride during my lunch hour whenever I could over several weeks. Those lunches were the highlight of my day. I found the story of Adair and the unusual courtship of her by the billionaire Fletcher to be engaging, suspenseful and fun. It reads in some ways like a detective mystery, where clues are revealed and the reader is always hoping to find out what will come next. Robin Hardy has a wonderful writing style and is a terrific storyteller. I remain struck at the different levels of meaning that she places within her books - out of this one, when one glimpses the depth of the story behind the story, what comes out is a sense of love that overwhelms you.
It was a real treat - I felt like Adair in the book dining at the fancy restaurant Poco's even though I was only having a sandwich.
The book ends a little too early I think - but then that is why I have purchased the sequel!
It was a real treat - I felt like Adair in the book dining at the fancy restaurant Poco's even though I was only having a sandwich.
The book ends a little too early I think - but then that is why I have purchased the sequel!
December 26, 2009
"Streiker's Bride" was a unique, fun, and intriguing romance. I quickly became immersed in this fast-paced story. The characters were engaging and complex, and I cared what happened to them. The characters dealt with realistic struggles, and the plot wasn't predictable.
The novel is a bit like "The Chronicles of Narnia" in that there's a deeper layer or meaning to the story. There's no religious talk since the novel isn't overtly Christian. A non-Christian could read the novel and assume it's a clean, secular romance (though part of the ending might seem a little improbable without the subtext). A Christian can read it and see thought-provoking hints of how Fletcher's and Adair's romance reflects Christ wooing us and becoming our bridegroom.
There was no bad language. There was no explicit sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written, clean novel.
The novel is a bit like "The Chronicles of Narnia" in that there's a deeper layer or meaning to the story. There's no religious talk since the novel isn't overtly Christian. A non-Christian could read the novel and assume it's a clean, secular romance (though part of the ending might seem a little improbable without the subtext). A Christian can read it and see thought-provoking hints of how Fletcher's and Adair's romance reflects Christ wooing us and becoming our bridegroom.
There was no bad language. There was no explicit sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this well-written, clean novel.
December 15, 2012
Great story and beautiful representation of Christ's love for us. The writing was ... eh ... not great but very ok. The story was angsty for me as I identified so closely to Adair, and I wanted so much what she wanted. I would recommend it especially to those who don't want a lot of "religion" in their story.
June 8, 2012
The Streiker Saga Trilogy is the first set of fiction books that I ever added to my personal library (we have an awesome library here) and the first trilogy that I have ever read more than once. I have to say that they are my favorite books of all time.
January 4, 2013
I read this book in the 90's I imagine. It is still just as good, if not better. It is an incredible adventure and love story between a woman who is living paycheck to paycheck and suddenly finds herself being sought by a man of great power, wealth, integrity, and love.
July 23, 2008
A wonder novel dipicting Christ's love for us and our blinded trust in His love for us.
March 28, 2009
Not of high literary merit, but I enjoyed this modern Christian allegory. First book in Streiker Saga Trilogy.
May 1, 2009
This was a good story, but my parents were convinced that it was a romance novel. (which it isn't)
April 28, 2015
I liked this book. It has a good analogy behind it.
August 27, 2014
WOW! I would have enjoyed this book SOOOO much more the first time if I'd known it was an allegory for the church's relationship with Christ, the Bridegroom!!!!
Read
April 23, 2012Loved this allegory re. choosing Christ without ever seeing Him. Set in modern day Dallas. Different take but I loved it!
April 8, 2014
4.5 stars. So many parallels to ponder when you finish this book. It was a hard one to put down!
August 20, 2014
It was an amazing story. An allegory on Christ and his love for us.
August 19, 2014
Nice beach book!
January 23, 2015
Exciting book! Tore through it in one day!
March 4, 2015
The fashions are quite dated (literally laughably so!), but the STORY is absolutely amazing! I truly wish it would be republished so a new generation could read its message.
September 9, 2024
This is clean romance.
May 1, 2017
Interesting concept; however, the book did start to drag toward the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews