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The Coulson Series #1
Coulson's Wife
The beginning of the Coulson Empire, 1918:
Mary Ellen’s father didn’t trade her for a house–exactly. Marrying the wealthy and handsome Randall Coulson is not something Mary Ellen wants to do, but being the obedient daughter she agrees to the marriage.
Randall Coulson wants Mary Ellen for one reason–to give him sons. He has no desire to form a bond of love or friendship with his young bride. His own heart is already taken.
A bittersweet story of love, lies and family secrets, taking place during a turbulent period of American history, when the perception of women and their role in society changed in one woman’s lifetime.
THE COULSON SERIES
Coulson's Wife
Coulson's Crucible (Coming Nov 2013)
Coulson's Lessons
Coulson's Secret
Coulson's Reckoning (Coming 2014)
Mary Ellen’s father didn’t trade her for a house–exactly. Marrying the wealthy and handsome Randall Coulson is not something Mary Ellen wants to do, but being the obedient daughter she agrees to the marriage.
Randall Coulson wants Mary Ellen for one reason–to give him sons. He has no desire to form a bond of love or friendship with his young bride. His own heart is already taken.
A bittersweet story of love, lies and family secrets, taking place during a turbulent period of American history, when the perception of women and their role in society changed in one woman’s lifetime.
THE COULSON SERIES
Coulson's Wife
Coulson's Crucible (Coming Nov 2013)
Coulson's Lessons
Coulson's Secret
Coulson's Reckoning (Coming 2014)
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First published November 6, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 7, 2014
I got this book for free, probably, on my kindle, so I can't complain too much. I've been reading, bit by bit, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. That book is rather heavy and intense along with being very long. So I stop now and then and read something else much lighter. That's how I came to read Coulson's Wife. However, the writing in Coulson's Wife was so surfacey that I began to think it must be a young adult selection. I cannot believe it was written by TWO women.
This book started off describing the appalling attitude that the protagonist's father and fiance had toward her and women in general. I found this description a bit over the top. It lacked any subtlety. It just did not resonate with me somehow. Then this cruelty was somewhat abruptly dropped. I found much of the story very predictable. The letters at the end were tedious and boring.
There is not a whole lot I can say about this book except that I found it lacked depth and seemed like a naive first try.
This book started off describing the appalling attitude that the protagonist's father and fiance had toward her and women in general. I found this description a bit over the top. It lacked any subtlety. It just did not resonate with me somehow. Then this cruelty was somewhat abruptly dropped. I found much of the story very predictable. The letters at the end were tedious and boring.
There is not a whole lot I can say about this book except that I found it lacked depth and seemed like a naive first try.
January 29, 2015
If you are looking for a quick and engaging read look no further. Not your typical love story.. I loved the time-setting of this book. The author did a great job in adequately portraying the era. I found myself countless times comparing either present day to Mary Ellen's situation or placing myself in her shoes. This is definitely a book you will find yourself rooting for a particular outcome even when you sense it going into a different direction. If a dominating male is your fancy you won't find that here, but don't let that deter you. You may be pleasantly surprised that there is enough drama to appease your thirsty appetite. I think the author could have stretched out the events from midway though to the end because things began to take a very fast pace but it isn't enough to deter you from reading the book.
February 4, 2015
Coulson’s Wife is book one of the Coulson series. It is written by Anna J. McIntyre. It is a very good book and easily read in one or two extended sittings. Have that Kleenex handy though. The characters are completely believable and very well described. The setting is Philadelphia beginning in 1819.
Mary Ellen Browning was the only daughter of Sally and Edward who had ten other children, all boys. Her father had arranged her marriage to Randall Coulson. Randall was looking for a wife and Mary Ellen, although only seventeen seemed to fit the criteria. Once he got her to Philadelphia and made sure she had the social skills needed, she would be an asset to his company. She would produce the sons he needed and not interfere in his life. His best friend and partner, William Hunter, questioned his need to marry a child but knew that once Randall made up his mind, he didn’t waver. Thus Mary Ellen and her Aunt Rachael traveled to Philadelphia and her marriage to Randall took place immediately. Aunt Rachael went back home on the evening train. Only she wrote to Mary Ellen as the arrangements he had made with Edward included no communication. Mary Ellen was now left on her own.
Randall had been brought up by a brutal father and his mother could not interfere with his upbringing. Although he loved his mother and sister, Randall seemed incapable of love to those who knew him now. In fact, the first days of his marriage made Mary Ellen believe that. Not that he was harsh or brutal to her, by no means did Randall intend to continue that part of his heritage, instead Randall was instead cold and indifferent to her. They shared a home and a bed and that was all. When business took him to Chicago, Randall was ready to go. He knew, from something Rachael had said, when Mary Ellen was to have her period and once she missed it, he concluded she was pregnant so he could go on and go to Chicago. Little did he know that she was only late by a few days. There was no baby; but Mary Ellen went to lengths not to let anyone know she was not pregnant.
William Hunter was Randall’s partner. He grew up as a neighbor and best friend to Randall. William grew up with his grandparents due to the death of his parents. Unlike Randall, William was a warm and outgoing man. He was Randall’s conscience and many times had managed to lead Randall to a new path without excesses. They were a perfect business duo. Now William was left in Philadelphia to handle the business and at Randall’s suggestion, to make sure Mary Ellen was OK. In his phone calls to Randall, William continued to make suggestions for Mary Ellen’s care. She needed a husband to love her and care for her. Randall needed to talk to her and realize she was intelligent and would definitely be an asset to Randall if he would just open his eyes. William was very concerned about Mary Ellen because he had fallen in love with her.
What will become of this trio? Will William be able to keep his love hidden? What will happen if he doesn’t? What is the secret Randall is so very careful to keep hidden? Is Mary Ellen destined to just be a pawn?
Mary Ellen Browning was the only daughter of Sally and Edward who had ten other children, all boys. Her father had arranged her marriage to Randall Coulson. Randall was looking for a wife and Mary Ellen, although only seventeen seemed to fit the criteria. Once he got her to Philadelphia and made sure she had the social skills needed, she would be an asset to his company. She would produce the sons he needed and not interfere in his life. His best friend and partner, William Hunter, questioned his need to marry a child but knew that once Randall made up his mind, he didn’t waver. Thus Mary Ellen and her Aunt Rachael traveled to Philadelphia and her marriage to Randall took place immediately. Aunt Rachael went back home on the evening train. Only she wrote to Mary Ellen as the arrangements he had made with Edward included no communication. Mary Ellen was now left on her own.
Randall had been brought up by a brutal father and his mother could not interfere with his upbringing. Although he loved his mother and sister, Randall seemed incapable of love to those who knew him now. In fact, the first days of his marriage made Mary Ellen believe that. Not that he was harsh or brutal to her, by no means did Randall intend to continue that part of his heritage, instead Randall was instead cold and indifferent to her. They shared a home and a bed and that was all. When business took him to Chicago, Randall was ready to go. He knew, from something Rachael had said, when Mary Ellen was to have her period and once she missed it, he concluded she was pregnant so he could go on and go to Chicago. Little did he know that she was only late by a few days. There was no baby; but Mary Ellen went to lengths not to let anyone know she was not pregnant.
William Hunter was Randall’s partner. He grew up as a neighbor and best friend to Randall. William grew up with his grandparents due to the death of his parents. Unlike Randall, William was a warm and outgoing man. He was Randall’s conscience and many times had managed to lead Randall to a new path without excesses. They were a perfect business duo. Now William was left in Philadelphia to handle the business and at Randall’s suggestion, to make sure Mary Ellen was OK. In his phone calls to Randall, William continued to make suggestions for Mary Ellen’s care. She needed a husband to love her and care for her. Randall needed to talk to her and realize she was intelligent and would definitely be an asset to Randall if he would just open his eyes. William was very concerned about Mary Ellen because he had fallen in love with her.
What will become of this trio? Will William be able to keep his love hidden? What will happen if he doesn’t? What is the secret Randall is so very careful to keep hidden? Is Mary Ellen destined to just be a pawn?
June 22, 2014
I purchased this book free this morning, and finished it this afternoon. The chapters were pretty short, and the story was something different for me to read, since I have been up to my eyeballs in textbooks for college.
I enjoyed this book, even though I wanted to hit the protagonist's husband a few times throughout it. The depictions of the periods in history in which the story takes place were pretty spot-on, although I don't think it was necessary to inform the readers of what was occurring at that time in history (or maybe it's just me, the history nerd who had read up on that stuff years before).
There were grammatical errors here and there, which at times bugged this Creative Writing major, but nothing like what I have seen in other Kindle versions of books I have read in the past. I also saw much of what occurred in the plot happening before the big reveals.
All in all, this is a book I would recommend to a friend.
I enjoyed this book, even though I wanted to hit the protagonist's husband a few times throughout it. The depictions of the periods in history in which the story takes place were pretty spot-on, although I don't think it was necessary to inform the readers of what was occurring at that time in history (or maybe it's just me, the history nerd who had read up on that stuff years before).
There were grammatical errors here and there, which at times bugged this Creative Writing major, but nothing like what I have seen in other Kindle versions of books I have read in the past. I also saw much of what occurred in the plot happening before the big reveals.
All in all, this is a book I would recommend to a friend.
January 6, 2015
FRUSTRATING BOOK! (a little bit of a spoiler here)
This was a quick but frustrating read.
Mary Ellen is "traded" for a house to a man she's only ever met once or twice and who doesn't love her. Randall is a man who needs a wife to give him sons to carry on his name. Love is not necessary. William is Randall's business partner and best friend since childhood. He is the Randall's conscience, as well. These are the three main characters and this book revolves around them.
The author gave enough depth to each of the characters to make me feel for them. I laughed and cried but was mainly frustrated. I kept waiting for the HEA a romance novel usually gives but it didn't come to pass and that made me sad (and mad).
This is the first book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is told in its entirety with no cliffhanger ending. I don't know if I'll buy the rest of the books in the series but this one was good.
Solid 3 stars
This was a quick but frustrating read.
Mary Ellen is "traded" for a house to a man she's only ever met once or twice and who doesn't love her. Randall is a man who needs a wife to give him sons to carry on his name. Love is not necessary. William is Randall's business partner and best friend since childhood. He is the Randall's conscience, as well. These are the three main characters and this book revolves around them.
The author gave enough depth to each of the characters to make me feel for them. I laughed and cried but was mainly frustrated. I kept waiting for the HEA a romance novel usually gives but it didn't come to pass and that made me sad (and mad).
This is the first book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is told in its entirety with no cliffhanger ending. I don't know if I'll buy the rest of the books in the series but this one was good.
Solid 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2014
Predictable With Interesting Surprises
A wonderful read!!! Engaging from the very beginning. I planned to simply preview the book to see if it would appeal to me for a future time. Instead, I was drawn in at the very beginning and continued to read until it was finished, a one day read. I found the book predictable, very predictable actually. Credit to the author because I kept reading, and reading, and reading. I was so engaged that I continued reading what I perceived as predictable. Even so, I was not disappointed in the least. I enjoyed the characters, so much so that I even became attached to some. I recommend this book to anyone seeking an easy read that you will be tempted to polish off in no time. Enjoy!!!
A wonderful read!!! Engaging from the very beginning. I planned to simply preview the book to see if it would appeal to me for a future time. Instead, I was drawn in at the very beginning and continued to read until it was finished, a one day read. I found the book predictable, very predictable actually. Credit to the author because I kept reading, and reading, and reading. I was so engaged that I continued reading what I perceived as predictable. Even so, I was not disappointed in the least. I enjoyed the characters, so much so that I even became attached to some. I recommend this book to anyone seeking an easy read that you will be tempted to polish off in no time. Enjoy!!!
April 11, 2014
Very bittersweet
September 7, 2015
This novel is the first in a series about the Coulson family. Quick plot synopsis: young woman is forced by her father into a loveless marriage at the end of World War I. Her new husband has arranged the marriage with the hopes of having sons to carry on his legacy. She falls for her husband's best friend. She becomes pregnant by the friend but stays in the loveless marriage because she believes she has no viable alternative. Her husband tells her he is unable to love her the way she needs him to and hints he will look the other way if she looks for what she needs elsewhere. She eventually learns the secret that keeps her husband from loving her. And so on...
I'm giving this book points for the plot. There are extenuating circumstances that make the forbidden love between the wife and husband's best friend bittersweet and this could have been a great story in the hands of a better author. But this book isn't very well written.
I'm giving this book points for the plot. There are extenuating circumstances that make the forbidden love between the wife and husband's best friend bittersweet and this could have been a great story in the hands of a better author. But this book isn't very well written.
December 31, 2015
I don't normally read American historical stories, but this one really caught my interest. Mary Ellen is forced into what is essentially an arranged marriage with a man she hardly knows. She's shipped off to the city, away from her family and the life she's always known, to be greeted by a cold and distant husband, and his charming and handsome best friend. The reason for Randall's indifference becomes clear by the end of the novel, and I can honestly say I felt for both of them. Coulson's Wife is a bittersweet tale of forbidden love, as the characters struggle to find happiness against the conventions of the society in which they live.
April 17, 2014
Sweet but a little dull in places. I knew pretty early on why the husband behaved the way he did. Some aspects were far too predictable: but if you like 'historical chick-lit' then it's fine, just lacking in some real conflict.
June 24, 2014
Free Kindle book - romance yes, but how she and he changes so quickly is sorta strange. Started off well, but then went too fast with change and life. Abruptly ended ... pace needs work. Liked the characters though and all in all for free...it was a good read for mindless vacation.
July 19, 2016
This was theoretically a romance, but I absolutely hated it. The lies, the infidelity, the misogyny, the separation of the protagonists by death... It was all painful to read, and not at all romantic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2016
Great read!!
I have downloaded the entire Coulson series. I cannot wait to read the others. I couldn't put this book down. Great story line. Even though I secretly wished Mary Ellen and William would have eventually gotten married.
I have downloaded the entire Coulson series. I cannot wait to read the others. I couldn't put this book down. Great story line. Even though I secretly wished Mary Ellen and William would have eventually gotten married.
January 15, 2017
Coulson's Wife, is pretty interesting. I enjoyed reading it.
January 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The characters are all so well developed and I'm glad I chose to read this story.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series. The characters are all so well developed and I'm glad I chose to read this story.
January 22, 2019
Grudgingly impressed that Randall didn't jealously punish Mary Ellen for winning the love of his long-time crush.
Top Quote:
" 'I understand.' She really didn't."
Top Quote:
" 'I understand.' She really didn't."
June 25, 2022
I am not a fan of stories set so far back in time, unless they have a current timeline as well but I've read lots of her books under the Bobbi Holmes name and I have always enjoyed those so thought I'd try it. I greatly enjoyed it. And I REALLY loved the letters she put at the end.....a terrific addition. I'm going to stick with this series for sure. There are some great characters here. I adored Mary Ellen and William and even liked Randall a lot more as we went along. Lily the maid is another lovely creation....I liked her a lot.
There were the odd mistakes....like writing peaking and not peeking, and a couple of words missing in sentences but that was it, which is pretty darned good going.
I hadn't heard of the dust storms in America before so googled after I finished and that was an intriguing read.
It's a lovely book, though one line near the end had me sobbing like a child !! It even made me sniffy again now rereading it for this review....
I really like the covers she currently has on this set. The original ones are WAY too modern. The ones she has now are way more typical of the era so go with the stories so much better, and they're more attractive altogether.
I look forward to reading the remainder of this series and I also need to get back to the Haunting Danielle series as I really like that a great deal, too.
There were the odd mistakes....like writing peaking and not peeking, and a couple of words missing in sentences but that was it, which is pretty darned good going.
I hadn't heard of the dust storms in America before so googled after I finished and that was an intriguing read.
It's a lovely book, though one line near the end had me sobbing like a child !! It even made me sniffy again now rereading it for this review....
I really like the covers she currently has on this set. The original ones are WAY too modern. The ones she has now are way more typical of the era so go with the stories so much better, and they're more attractive altogether.
I look forward to reading the remainder of this series and I also need to get back to the Haunting Danielle series as I really like that a great deal, too.
January 8, 2019
Amateurish
This story had lots of potential but the author’s amateurish writing style, poor editing and cliched characterization prevented that. Instead of world building through dialog and description, the author chose to set the scene by describing world events during each phase of the characters lives from 1919 to about 1947. So, chapters 1-27 started with a brief historical overview and then the last 2 chapters were a series of diary entries. I found both techniques to be a bit lazy. Finally the three main characters, Mary Ellen, Randall and William were intolerably cliched. Mary Ellen is saccharine sweet, Randall, a bit like Snidely Whiplash, especially in the beginning, and William, the self-sacrificing knight-in-shining armor. The situation that melds them together is the stuff of melodramatic soap opera.
Bottom line: the description of this book was intriguing. Unfortunately it turned out to be a poorly written soap opera.
This story had lots of potential but the author’s amateurish writing style, poor editing and cliched characterization prevented that. Instead of world building through dialog and description, the author chose to set the scene by describing world events during each phase of the characters lives from 1919 to about 1947. So, chapters 1-27 started with a brief historical overview and then the last 2 chapters were a series of diary entries. I found both techniques to be a bit lazy. Finally the three main characters, Mary Ellen, Randall and William were intolerably cliched. Mary Ellen is saccharine sweet, Randall, a bit like Snidely Whiplash, especially in the beginning, and William, the self-sacrificing knight-in-shining armor. The situation that melds them together is the stuff of melodramatic soap opera.
Bottom line: the description of this book was intriguing. Unfortunately it turned out to be a poorly written soap opera.
January 26, 2019
I laughed and I cried when reading this book, and I am considering continuing the series. I suppose many would not like the book, especially as it does not have a particularly happy ending, not in the way many romance novels do. But this is not a romance novel, and the ending is sadly satisfying. It is a look at life in 1918 - what made men successful - what women tolerated.
One of the weaknesses that bothered me when reading the story is the author's tendency to switch points of view, often between paragraphs, which has the reader rereading certain sections rather than to keep to the flow of the tale.
Personally, I dislike split infinitives, and there were quite a few in the tale: to carefully consider, to fully appreciate, to now have, to be properly managed, to adequately provide, to financially support, etc.
One of the weaknesses that bothered me when reading the story is the author's tendency to switch points of view, often between paragraphs, which has the reader rereading certain sections rather than to keep to the flow of the tale.
Personally, I dislike split infinitives, and there were quite a few in the tale: to carefully consider, to fully appreciate, to now have, to be properly managed, to adequately provide, to financially support, etc.
August 17, 2018
Captivating
When I need to escape from my stressful life I pick up a book. This morning I picked up Coulsons Wife and immediately fell in love with Mary Ellen, her odd husband Randall and his best friend, William. I became lost in the love affair between William and Mary Ellen and the friendship between Mary Ellen and Randall. Although the story itself was beautiful the ending was nothing short of amazing. I'm the end Mary Ellen gets everything she ever wanted.
When I need to escape from my stressful life I pick up a book. This morning I picked up Coulsons Wife and immediately fell in love with Mary Ellen, her odd husband Randall and his best friend, William. I became lost in the love affair between William and Mary Ellen and the friendship between Mary Ellen and Randall. Although the story itself was beautiful the ending was nothing short of amazing. I'm the end Mary Ellen gets everything she ever wanted.
September 2, 2020
This story is very complicated, yet easy to follow. At times it's heart wrenching to read, but the writing is excellent and the reader feels the emotions of the main character, Mary Ellen. The setting is Philadelphia and 1819 in the beginning of the story.
Mary Ellen is the only daughter in a large family and is handed over to be the wife of a wealthy businessman for a new house for her parents. The story is the typical harsh husband of the era, but love is found.
Mary Ellen is the only daughter in a large family and is handed over to be the wife of a wealthy businessman for a new house for her parents. The story is the typical harsh husband of the era, but love is found.
January 10, 2019
This was a very quick read, which I like. Was able to read it in about 4 hours. I love the era that this book is set in, which made it all the more enjoyable. I loved the characters and felt like I knew them very well. It was very well written.
As for the story, it was good. It was realistic. And although I wish there was a happily ever after, I appreciated the ending. Good read overall.
As for the story, it was good. It was realistic. And although I wish there was a happily ever after, I appreciated the ending. Good read overall.
January 10, 2019
A nice read
This is a nice read with some solid characters and a pretty compelling plot. The letters towards the end were like a fast forward through history, but the final chapter pulls things back together for an ending that did make me tear up a bit. Recommended for romance fans.
This is a nice read with some solid characters and a pretty compelling plot. The letters towards the end were like a fast forward through history, but the final chapter pulls things back together for an ending that did make me tear up a bit. Recommended for romance fans.
October 31, 2022
Coulson's Wife (Coulson's Family Saga Book 1)
The story of Mary Ellen, William and Randall. Mary Ellen's father inform her, she was to marry Randall Coulson's and move to Philadelphia and family was to get a new house. Mary Ellen and Randall marry was like any marry all he want was sons from her. Can Mary Ellen find love? Ok story.
The story of Mary Ellen, William and Randall. Mary Ellen's father inform her, she was to marry Randall Coulson's and move to Philadelphia and family was to get a new house. Mary Ellen and Randall marry was like any marry all he want was sons from her. Can Mary Ellen find love? Ok story.
June 12, 2018
Good
The book was good. I liked the three main characters. There were good story lines and it moved quickly. The ending was disappointing though. Too sudden. I will probably not read the second book.
The book was good. I liked the three main characters. There were good story lines and it moved quickly. The ending was disappointing though. Too sudden. I will probably not read the second book.
January 13, 2019
This was okay, but a lot of head hopping (sometimes sentence to sentence) and no real plot. Never felt a lot for or from the characters, more of a telling of a semi-interesting life story. Not sure I'll continue on unless on sale or library or something.
Read
January 24, 2020Okay ish
Thought it was sad. The story begins when she is 17 almost 18. It ends when she dies at 49. Tragic love story. Fyi there's sex but not explicit. I cried. I might read the series.
Thought it was sad. The story begins when she is 17 almost 18. It ends when she dies at 49. Tragic love story. Fyi there's sex but not explicit. I cried. I might read the series.
December 23, 2020
Woah
This book was a whole perfect ride taking you through the pages of history and connecting you with the lives of all three main characters. Though the name remains Coulson saga , technically it is now Hunter saga which I am pretty excited to further delve into.
This book was a whole perfect ride taking you through the pages of history and connecting you with the lives of all three main characters. Though the name remains Coulson saga , technically it is now Hunter saga which I am pretty excited to further delve into.
February 21, 2021
Excellent historical saga
I enjoyed the story along with the history I
I enjoyed the story entwined with historical facts of America in early 1900 - 1950. I read it twice. Looking forward to#2
I enjoyed the story along with the history I
I enjoyed the story entwined with historical facts of America in early 1900 - 1950. I read it twice. Looking forward to#2
March 4, 2021
A pleasant enough book, but there was no real passion in this book. It was very modulated, with no real highs or lows. Not sure where the series goes from here because my two favorite characters have passed away. But I'll give it a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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