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Prairie Promises #3
The Bride Blunder
One name...
When Gavin Miller is hired on to set up a gristmill for the prospering town of Buttonwood, Nebraska, he's looking to build more than a business. For the first time, Gavin is in a position to request the hand of the woman he's never forgotten: Miss Marguerite Chandler.
Divided between two cousins,
When Marge steps down from the stagecoach, Gavin realizes the terrible blunder he's made. While he never forgot Marguerite was the French word for Daisy, he’d failed to recall that the two cousins shared their grandmother’s name, and Marge was the nickname of the wrong Miss Marguerite Chandler!
Equals big trouble for three hearts!
Marge rejects his offer of marriage when she discovers the truth and goes about setting up a school in town. She's found a place in Buttonwood, but just when Gavin's beginning to think maybe Marge holds a place in his life, a distraught Daisy descends upon the town with a broken heart—and a broken engagement.
Can God's will become clear even after The Bride Blunder?
When Gavin Miller is hired on to set up a gristmill for the prospering town of Buttonwood, Nebraska, he's looking to build more than a business. For the first time, Gavin is in a position to request the hand of the woman he's never forgotten: Miss Marguerite Chandler.
Divided between two cousins,
When Marge steps down from the stagecoach, Gavin realizes the terrible blunder he's made. While he never forgot Marguerite was the French word for Daisy, he’d failed to recall that the two cousins shared their grandmother’s name, and Marge was the nickname of the wrong Miss Marguerite Chandler!
Equals big trouble for three hearts!
Marge rejects his offer of marriage when she discovers the truth and goes about setting up a school in town. She's found a place in Buttonwood, but just when Gavin's beginning to think maybe Marge holds a place in his life, a distraught Daisy descends upon the town with a broken heart—and a broken engagement.
Can God's will become clear even after The Bride Blunder?
297 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2009
68 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Eileen Hake
44 books188 followersKelly Eileen Hake is a reader favorite of Barbour's Heartsong Presents series, where she has released several books. A credentialed Secondary English teacher in California, she is pursing her MA in Writing Popular Fiction. Known for her own style of witty, heartwarming historical romance, Kelly is currently writing the Prairie Promises trilogy, her first full-length novels. She has been writing since she could hold a pen and was first published at the tender age of eighteen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 21, 2011
I don’t read a lot of inspirational romances, but once in a while my interest is piqued. I was intrigued by the blurb on this book, it sounded like it could be fun and, I hoped, not overly preachy, as some inspirations tend to get. I’m happy to say that I enjoyed The Bride Blunder quite a bit.
Daisy and Marge are cousins and both carry their grandmother’s name, Marguerite, thus the reason for their nicknames. Daisy is the pretty one, the one expected to marry well. Marge is bookish and a little plain, the one Daisy goes to whenever a problem crops up.
There is a wedding in the works, Daisy has found the man of her dreams, though Marge doesn’t care for him. But she’s happy for her cousin. When a marriage proposal by letter arrives addressed to Marguerite, Daisy realizes it must be meant for Marge because the sender, their friend Gavin Miller, is on her guest list for the wedding, so he knows Daisy is off the market.
Excited that Gavin returns her feelings, Marge makes her way west to the man she’s always hoped would be more than a friend. However, her hope and joy are soon dashed when she learns the truth- Gavin really wants Daisy. But for Gavin’s faulty memory and Marge’s rush to grab happiness instead of her usual overthinking every situation, she’d still be in Boston with a whole heart.
Gavin is stunned when it’s Marge who steps off the stage instead of Daisy, the bride he sent for. It doesn’t take much for him to realize his mistake. But what’s done is done. Marge is the one here and he’ll live up to his obligations. But it’s Marge who puts the brakes on the marriage Gavin is prepared to go through with. The woman wants him to prove he truly desires to marry her.
And the man tries. He really does. He gets it wrong part of the time. The other part he does pretty good at. His confusion and frustration create smiles and teasing he doesn’t appreciate, but the poor guy goes with the flow, all the while becoming more and more attracted to his bride-to-be.
I enjoyed their gradual getting to know one another, though it is peppered with two other romances taking place at the same time. I would have liked more of the story to be dedicated to Gavin and Marge, despite the fact that I also like Amos and Midge very much. Daisy’s story goes in a direction you don’t expect, especially because she’s the golden girl, the one everybody loves. I’m curious to know if perhaps she might get her own book. I like the way Ms. Hake took her situation and I’d like to see what happens with the budding relationship that culminates from it.
I think it interesting that Ms. Hake went with Amos and Midge’s story to focus on faith in God. It works and she’s done a good job with this couple. All the characters have their moments asking God for direction in life and it’s done mostly through prayer, leaving Amos and Midge to bring home the inspired message in the book. I was a little dubious at times of some of the prayers offered up, but that’s a small nitpick overall.
The characters are engaging and charming. Their plights are common for their day and their reactions are believable. The author balances everyday life with prayer and church so it’s not overdone and preachy. A very enjoyable story.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Daisy and Marge are cousins and both carry their grandmother’s name, Marguerite, thus the reason for their nicknames. Daisy is the pretty one, the one expected to marry well. Marge is bookish and a little plain, the one Daisy goes to whenever a problem crops up.
There is a wedding in the works, Daisy has found the man of her dreams, though Marge doesn’t care for him. But she’s happy for her cousin. When a marriage proposal by letter arrives addressed to Marguerite, Daisy realizes it must be meant for Marge because the sender, their friend Gavin Miller, is on her guest list for the wedding, so he knows Daisy is off the market.
Excited that Gavin returns her feelings, Marge makes her way west to the man she’s always hoped would be more than a friend. However, her hope and joy are soon dashed when she learns the truth- Gavin really wants Daisy. But for Gavin’s faulty memory and Marge’s rush to grab happiness instead of her usual overthinking every situation, she’d still be in Boston with a whole heart.
Gavin is stunned when it’s Marge who steps off the stage instead of Daisy, the bride he sent for. It doesn’t take much for him to realize his mistake. But what’s done is done. Marge is the one here and he’ll live up to his obligations. But it’s Marge who puts the brakes on the marriage Gavin is prepared to go through with. The woman wants him to prove he truly desires to marry her.
And the man tries. He really does. He gets it wrong part of the time. The other part he does pretty good at. His confusion and frustration create smiles and teasing he doesn’t appreciate, but the poor guy goes with the flow, all the while becoming more and more attracted to his bride-to-be.
I enjoyed their gradual getting to know one another, though it is peppered with two other romances taking place at the same time. I would have liked more of the story to be dedicated to Gavin and Marge, despite the fact that I also like Amos and Midge very much. Daisy’s story goes in a direction you don’t expect, especially because she’s the golden girl, the one everybody loves. I’m curious to know if perhaps she might get her own book. I like the way Ms. Hake took her situation and I’d like to see what happens with the budding relationship that culminates from it.
I think it interesting that Ms. Hake went with Amos and Midge’s story to focus on faith in God. It works and she’s done a good job with this couple. All the characters have their moments asking God for direction in life and it’s done mostly through prayer, leaving Amos and Midge to bring home the inspired message in the book. I was a little dubious at times of some of the prayers offered up, but that’s a small nitpick overall.
The characters are engaging and charming. Their plights are common for their day and their reactions are believable. The author balances everyday life with prayer and church so it’s not overdone and preachy. A very enjoyable story.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
November 17, 2011
Two cousins - both named Marguerite after their grandmother. One goes by Daisy (which means Marguerite in French apparently) and the other by Marge. What could go wrong when a marriage proposal by mail arrives at their home? Simple - it's addressed to "Marguerite".
The heroine of this story, Marge, is a pretty young woman but has some serious self-esteem issues. Raised by her aunt after the death of her parents, she has always felt second best to her equally pretty cousin/sister Daisy. She envies Daisy's vivacious personality and charm and has retreated into the background somewhat, teaching and keeping order for her family. Daisy, to her credit, actually envies Marge for her wisdom and self confidence in her own abilities, so it was nice not to have the "evil" sister trope in this story.
When a marriage proposal arrives by mail from their mutual friend Gavin, addressed simply to "Marguerite", Daisy tells Marge it has to be for her because Daisy is already engaged and Gavin should know this, having received a wedding invitation. Marge is shocked but elated, having always secretly loved Gavin, and heads west to be his mail order bride. Needless to say everyone is shocked when Marge arrives - and not Daisy, as Gavin had intended (he never received Daisy's wedding invite) - and the story really picks up from there.
I felt so bad for Marge. When she discovers that Gavin had meant the proposal for Daisy, she's humiliated and hurt. Any woman would be, but with her self esteem issues, it really takes a toll on her bruised heart and ego. Gavin, to his credit, owns up to the mistake and offers to marry her but Marge won't hear of it. She's not a woman to play "second best" to anyone, despite her heart breaking. Gavin moves into the storeroom of his business and Marge moves in with Gavin's crotchety grandmother until she decides what she wants to do. (Going back to Baltimore is out of the question - everyone knew she was coming West to get married.) I loved Gavin's grandmother to bits! She was crotchety and outspoken and made her opinion known to everyone - and she was usually right on the money.
Watching Gavin attempt to right his wrong, court Marge the proper way and learn that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, was fun to read. He made some seriously stupid mistakes courting Marge and more than once I wanted to throttle him myself. But in the end of course it works out and Gavin falls for the woman Marge is, not the woman he thought he was getting in Daisy, and finds Marge is everything he's ever wanted but never realized until he lost it.
4 stars and a recommended read!
The heroine of this story, Marge, is a pretty young woman but has some serious self-esteem issues. Raised by her aunt after the death of her parents, she has always felt second best to her equally pretty cousin/sister Daisy. She envies Daisy's vivacious personality and charm and has retreated into the background somewhat, teaching and keeping order for her family. Daisy, to her credit, actually envies Marge for her wisdom and self confidence in her own abilities, so it was nice not to have the "evil" sister trope in this story.
When a marriage proposal arrives by mail from their mutual friend Gavin, addressed simply to "Marguerite", Daisy tells Marge it has to be for her because Daisy is already engaged and Gavin should know this, having received a wedding invitation. Marge is shocked but elated, having always secretly loved Gavin, and heads west to be his mail order bride. Needless to say everyone is shocked when Marge arrives - and not Daisy, as Gavin had intended (he never received Daisy's wedding invite) - and the story really picks up from there.
I felt so bad for Marge. When she discovers that Gavin had meant the proposal for Daisy, she's humiliated and hurt. Any woman would be, but with her self esteem issues, it really takes a toll on her bruised heart and ego. Gavin, to his credit, owns up to the mistake and offers to marry her but Marge won't hear of it. She's not a woman to play "second best" to anyone, despite her heart breaking. Gavin moves into the storeroom of his business and Marge moves in with Gavin's crotchety grandmother until she decides what she wants to do. (Going back to Baltimore is out of the question - everyone knew she was coming West to get married.) I loved Gavin's grandmother to bits! She was crotchety and outspoken and made her opinion known to everyone - and she was usually right on the money.
Watching Gavin attempt to right his wrong, court Marge the proper way and learn that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, was fun to read. He made some seriously stupid mistakes courting Marge and more than once I wanted to throttle him myself. But in the end of course it works out and Gavin falls for the woman Marge is, not the woman he thought he was getting in Daisy, and finds Marge is everything he's ever wanted but never realized until he lost it.
4 stars and a recommended read!
November 14, 2010
This book begins with two cousins in the mid 1800s Baltimore. They are both named Marguerite which came from their grandmother, hence the nicknames Daisy and Marge. Daisy is the debutante, while Marge is the proverbial down to earth, organized, girl next door. Daisy is into the social scene and all about marrying for all the right reasons- social standing and wealth. Marge has only been interested in one person and he moved away.
Gavin Miller is the mutual acquaintance that moved out to the Nebraska Territory who is now ready to start a family, so he sends a proposal letter. It's addressed to Marguerite and they both assume that the letter is for Marge as Gavin is on Daisy's wedding guest list and the invites have already been sent.
"If hope sprang eternal, Marge had packed for it.When she’d prepared a list of things to bring, she’d thought long and hard about what she’d need for a lifetime in a small frontier town. What her family would need, and since she’d always been a big believer in being prepared for anything, the list took on a life of it's own."
Of course, as soon as she steps into view, Gavin knew what a mistake he'd made. What happens after that? Gavin is the honorable type guy who doesn't back down from a handshake deal once it's made and soon he's reminded how much he liked Marge too. But Marge doesn't want a 'pity invite' to her own wedding. She wants the real deal. Here's where the fun, heartbreak, and frustration begins.
While I really liked Bride Backfire's heat, Blunder was lukewarm. The main characters were more a part of the story rather than the story. For myself, I would like to have seen more sparks between them. I really enjoyed reading the spiritual struggle of both Gavin and Marge as they try to walk in God's will.I loved Gavin's Aunt Ermintrude! Her spunkiness (is that a word?) and how she sees the truth in it all. The premise of a bride mix up is a good one and makes for some funny, some heartbreaking, and some frustrating moments. Hope you enjoy the read like I did.
Gavin Miller is the mutual acquaintance that moved out to the Nebraska Territory who is now ready to start a family, so he sends a proposal letter. It's addressed to Marguerite and they both assume that the letter is for Marge as Gavin is on Daisy's wedding guest list and the invites have already been sent.
"If hope sprang eternal, Marge had packed for it.When she’d prepared a list of things to bring, she’d thought long and hard about what she’d need for a lifetime in a small frontier town. What her family would need, and since she’d always been a big believer in being prepared for anything, the list took on a life of it's own."
Of course, as soon as she steps into view, Gavin knew what a mistake he'd made. What happens after that? Gavin is the honorable type guy who doesn't back down from a handshake deal once it's made and soon he's reminded how much he liked Marge too. But Marge doesn't want a 'pity invite' to her own wedding. She wants the real deal. Here's where the fun, heartbreak, and frustration begins.
While I really liked Bride Backfire's heat, Blunder was lukewarm. The main characters were more a part of the story rather than the story. For myself, I would like to have seen more sparks between them. I really enjoyed reading the spiritual struggle of both Gavin and Marge as they try to walk in God's will.I loved Gavin's Aunt Ermintrude! Her spunkiness (is that a word?) and how she sees the truth in it all. The premise of a bride mix up is a good one and makes for some funny, some heartbreaking, and some frustrating moments. Hope you enjoy the read like I did.
October 10, 2023
This is a fun story. I didn't like it quite as much as the second one, but I still found it better than the first in the series. I love Midge and Marge. I think they're great characters. I also love the bride mixup, as I thought that was a great storyline. Overall, this series was pretty good and I'm glad I read it.
did-not-finish
May 24, 2023DNF @ 30%
So... when you pick up a book for fifty cents at the library, you get... varied results. Some really good ones... others... not so good.
Plots and Pans has been on my TBR for a while, so when I saw another Kelly Eileen Hake western, I decided to give it a try. I had several serious complaints with this book. I'm going to assume that you've read the plot for this book, so I'm not going to attempt to explain the complicated mix-up in this situation. Instead, let me just list a couple of things of which I wasn't a fan.
For one... Gavin. He seemed very arrogant, and he had a very egotistical sort of manner. His whole 'I sent for you, I own you' kind of attitude really just made me dislike him. I am entirely sure that he corrects that attitude in the last two-thirds of this book, but he drove me crazy for the portion I did read. And, with my complaints about Gavin, his mistake in the letter was... ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Sorry, that's an absurd mistake to make.
Okay, on to another thing, the head-jumping. We changed people's perspectives so many times, and I spent a lot of time just asking "Okay, who's point of view is this?" I just wanted this to be a very casual read, but it wasn't, because I was having so much trouble keeping track of characters and their own individual plot lines.
Now, on to my big complaint, the one that actually made me DNF this story... Daisy and Trouston. I had gotten a really bad feeling from this relationship early on, and I'm sad to say that I was right to feel that way. We had a scene that I really thought was sort of a fade-to-black scene between a woman and her fiancee... and it was. Then, we have him coming to her later, and breaking off their engagement because she was 'soiled goods'. I'm sorry, but I really don't need to read any more Christian fiction books with these types of characters. And then, I went back and re-read the synopsis, and realized that she would be coming and trying to take Gavin from the main girl, and... yeah, I just really didn't need that.
Sad to say that this book just wasn't it for me. I hope that some of the other author's books are better, because I'm always in the mood for Christian western books, but I will be a little more hesitant going forward with this author's stories.
So... when you pick up a book for fifty cents at the library, you get... varied results. Some really good ones... others... not so good.
Plots and Pans has been on my TBR for a while, so when I saw another Kelly Eileen Hake western, I decided to give it a try. I had several serious complaints with this book. I'm going to assume that you've read the plot for this book, so I'm not going to attempt to explain the complicated mix-up in this situation. Instead, let me just list a couple of things of which I wasn't a fan.
For one... Gavin. He seemed very arrogant, and he had a very egotistical sort of manner. His whole 'I sent for you, I own you' kind of attitude really just made me dislike him. I am entirely sure that he corrects that attitude in the last two-thirds of this book, but he drove me crazy for the portion I did read. And, with my complaints about Gavin, his mistake in the letter was... ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Sorry, that's an absurd mistake to make.
Okay, on to another thing, the head-jumping. We changed people's perspectives so many times, and I spent a lot of time just asking "Okay, who's point of view is this?" I just wanted this to be a very casual read, but it wasn't, because I was having so much trouble keeping track of characters and their own individual plot lines.
Now, on to my big complaint, the one that actually made me DNF this story... Daisy and Trouston. I had gotten a really bad feeling from this relationship early on, and I'm sad to say that I was right to feel that way. We had a scene that I really thought was sort of a fade-to-black scene between a woman and her fiancee... and it was. Then, we have him coming to her later, and breaking off their engagement because she was 'soiled goods'. I'm sorry, but I really don't need to read any more Christian fiction books with these types of characters. And then, I went back and re-read the synopsis, and realized that she would be coming and trying to take Gavin from the main girl, and... yeah, I just really didn't need that.
Sad to say that this book just wasn't it for me. I hope that some of the other author's books are better, because I'm always in the mood for Christian western books, but I will be a little more hesitant going forward with this author's stories.
December 31, 2009
Overall, Hake produced an enjoyable read.
Marge, the main character, moves from Baltimore to Nebraska. I just find this so ironic since I did the same thing, but I'm not the story, Marge is.
Publishers classify the book as historical fiction, romance, and Christian.
Historical fiction wise, it's not my level of historical fiction. I absolutely love when authors teach me about eras and civilizations in history. I feel Hake mostly used the the Midwest as a setting and did not delve into the politics of the time, etc.
Romance wise, honesty it was fairly predictable.
Christian wise, it's probably the one change I'd make to the book. Each of the characters' prayers are written in italics. I am a Christian and support praying, but sometimes the prayers were better left unwritten. I found myself becoming annoyed when a character prayed, "I know this is Your will God, or please lead me to the right man," etc. I felt I knew the character well enough to know what he or she would be praying and often skimmed over the italic prayers.
It's unlikely I'll pick up another book by Hake, but it's not because I didn't enjoy her book, it's just not my genre. Believe it or not, I like lots of history in my historical fiction, and this just wasn't it.
Marge, the main character, moves from Baltimore to Nebraska. I just find this so ironic since I did the same thing, but I'm not the story, Marge is.
Publishers classify the book as historical fiction, romance, and Christian.
Historical fiction wise, it's not my level of historical fiction. I absolutely love when authors teach me about eras and civilizations in history. I feel Hake mostly used the the Midwest as a setting and did not delve into the politics of the time, etc.
Romance wise, honesty it was fairly predictable.
Christian wise, it's probably the one change I'd make to the book. Each of the characters' prayers are written in italics. I am a Christian and support praying, but sometimes the prayers were better left unwritten. I found myself becoming annoyed when a character prayed, "I know this is Your will God, or please lead me to the right man," etc. I felt I knew the character well enough to know what he or she would be praying and often skimmed over the italic prayers.
It's unlikely I'll pick up another book by Hake, but it's not because I didn't enjoy her book, it's just not my genre. Believe it or not, I like lots of history in my historical fiction, and this just wasn't it.
March 26, 2012
Dear Marguerite . . .
Those are the words that begin the letter with the proposal. But in the Chandler family, there are two Marguerites. Marge and her cousin, Daisy, both of whom share the same given name. But Daisy is already engaged to be married so the letter must be for Marge.
Which sends the Chandler family into ecstasy and Marge onto the train headed west to join her new husband, Gavin.
Who has completely forgotten that there are two Marguerites. And somehow never received the invitation to Daisy’s wedding. And is in for the shock of his life when the wrong Marguerite gets off that train.
The Bride Blunder is a sweet, humorous account of two perfectly well-meaning people caught in the awkward circumstances of their own folly. And it’s possible that eventually Gavin will realize that the right girl got off the train. The greater question is whether Marge will be strong enough to believe him.
Those are the words that begin the letter with the proposal. But in the Chandler family, there are two Marguerites. Marge and her cousin, Daisy, both of whom share the same given name. But Daisy is already engaged to be married so the letter must be for Marge.
Which sends the Chandler family into ecstasy and Marge onto the train headed west to join her new husband, Gavin.
Who has completely forgotten that there are two Marguerites. And somehow never received the invitation to Daisy’s wedding. And is in for the shock of his life when the wrong Marguerite gets off that train.
The Bride Blunder is a sweet, humorous account of two perfectly well-meaning people caught in the awkward circumstances of their own folly. And it’s possible that eventually Gavin will realize that the right girl got off the train. The greater question is whether Marge will be strong enough to believe him.
December 30, 2009
Even though this book is the 3rd in a series, it stands on its own. I have not read the first 2 in the series and was still able to follow and enjoy The Bride Blunder.
The characters in this book are well developed and entertaining. The author obviously has a great sense of humor and this is reflected in her characters and story line. It is particularly evident in regards to misunderstandings between men and women.
Overall, this is a quick and enjoyable read with plenty to keep the reader entertained and turning the pages.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
The characters in this book are well developed and entertaining. The author obviously has a great sense of humor and this is reflected in her characters and story line. It is particularly evident in regards to misunderstandings between men and women.
Overall, this is a quick and enjoyable read with plenty to keep the reader entertained and turning the pages.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
May 3, 2024
This was an ok book. It kinda started out slow but than it got better as I kept reading it though. I may try to read more if the books by this same author.
July 19, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. The interpersonal conflict was plausible, not contrived. The characters were clearly drawn. Their strengths and weaknesses were realistically present. Sometimes their strengths were also their weaknesses--just like in life. The story is populated with a variety of characters and yet each one seems clearly understood by the author, giving each one depth and believably. I appreciated the way the thoughts and motivations of the characters were presented. At times I had to reread a bit for clarification as to who was expressing what, but getting the opposing internal perspectives was quite revealing. It's a wonder anyone actually communicates! Part of this good story was humor. KEH is really pretty clever and I'll be seeking out more of her writing.
December 24, 2009
Captivating romance with a spiritual underlying theme. Two women share the same name--"Marguerite", but that is all--they are so very different in every way. A young man that they both know goes out west to create a home and business, and then he writes to request that "Marguerite" marry him. The one that answers the proposal just happens to be the wrong one.
The author has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are there. She helps you relate to the characters and events and doesn't spend a lot of time on describing everything around them, which I find a little tiresome with some books. There is enough room that my mind can fill in the gaps with my own imagination.
The author has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are there. She helps you relate to the characters and events and doesn't spend a lot of time on describing everything around them, which I find a little tiresome with some books. There is enough room that my mind can fill in the gaps with my own imagination.
December 21, 2009
Hake is a great writer and this story really captures a way of life that is sometimes forgotten. Filled with excellent dialogue and unique characters, Hake creates a wonderful tale. She is a real inspiration to young readers and writers alike, and her ability to write historical fiction marks her as an emerging best writer!!! Great book, great writer!!!
February 2, 2022
This was the worst book in the trilogy. There was no discussion between Marge and Daisy of Daisy's attack and abuse at the hands of her ex-fiancé or comfort given to support her healing. That not only is disgraceful in its own right but taints the entire story as ruined.
October 15, 2015
I liked this series. The last one was my favorite, but they were all good.
August 2, 2020
Okay. I'm gonna be honest there was a bit of annoyance for me with the characters. I thought maybe it was just me but I was listening to a book podcast and she said she was having difficulty with annoying characters during the pandemic and I said thank goodness me too.
Marge. I mean in real life I guess you would be really upset and waffle about whether to marry Gavin. But reading it...man I just wanted to tell him to say he liked her because she was like 'no. not me!' ugh. And then her cousin just made the story even more annoying.
Basically the story is Gavin sends a letter back East to propose to Marguerite...meaning Daisy. But she is engaged (and he was invited to the wedding?) so it ends up going to Marguerite, meaning Marge. Marge actually likes Gavin and is very excited that he proposed, is all around a better choice for him & life in the West (which he comes to realize after she has been out West for a while). But somehow when Marge arrives the whole mix up is actually brought up (I think by Gavin's sassy grumpy grandmother) making Marge question whether or not she should marry him. She just figures she'll work at the school and never marry, putting aside her dreams of happiness and all her hopes for the future. (yeah it feels like that). She spends a lot of time spurning Gavin or not believing his wooing. I mean he picked her flowers and she found issue with them, poor guy.
The one saving grace for this story (besides the happy ending where all the crap is worked out) was Midge & Amos. Whenever they were talked about the book immediately became better. For reals.
The last book in the series you got to see happy endings for a lot of the characters you met along the way. Worth it even with the stupid women.
Quotes:
“'Don’t tell me you’re going to be melodramatic or make a bid for martyrdom.’ Her friend’s eyes narrowed. ‘You didn’t strike me as the “oh woe is me” type. I’ve never liked that type, to tell you the truth.’
Nettled, Marge lifted her chin. ‘Neither have I, though I’ve inclined slightly toward the mopes since I found out my groom isn’t really mine at all. Difficulty deserves recognition just as do the kinder things in life. I won’t pretend I’m pleased with the way things turned out.’”(p. 92).
“'I’d be forced to remind you that hypocrisy makes men far less attractive.’ She gave him an arch glance. ‘And considering the way you kept asking questions about me when I showed interest in answering, you’ve a good dose of nosy in your own makeup.’
‘I don’t indulge in nosiness.’ His brows rose so high his hat brim went up. ‘When I have a vested interest in matters, I may, however, investigates’”(p. 221).
Marge. I mean in real life I guess you would be really upset and waffle about whether to marry Gavin. But reading it...man I just wanted to tell him to say he liked her because she was like 'no. not me!' ugh. And then her cousin just made the story even more annoying.
Basically the story is Gavin sends a letter back East to propose to Marguerite...meaning Daisy. But she is engaged (and he was invited to the wedding?) so it ends up going to Marguerite, meaning Marge. Marge actually likes Gavin and is very excited that he proposed, is all around a better choice for him & life in the West (which he comes to realize after she has been out West for a while). But somehow when Marge arrives the whole mix up is actually brought up (I think by Gavin's sassy grumpy grandmother) making Marge question whether or not she should marry him. She just figures she'll work at the school and never marry, putting aside her dreams of happiness and all her hopes for the future. (yeah it feels like that). She spends a lot of time spurning Gavin or not believing his wooing. I mean he picked her flowers and she found issue with them, poor guy.
The one saving grace for this story (besides the happy ending where all the crap is worked out) was Midge & Amos. Whenever they were talked about the book immediately became better. For reals.
The last book in the series you got to see happy endings for a lot of the characters you met along the way. Worth it even with the stupid women.
Quotes:
“'Don’t tell me you’re going to be melodramatic or make a bid for martyrdom.’ Her friend’s eyes narrowed. ‘You didn’t strike me as the “oh woe is me” type. I’ve never liked that type, to tell you the truth.’
Nettled, Marge lifted her chin. ‘Neither have I, though I’ve inclined slightly toward the mopes since I found out my groom isn’t really mine at all. Difficulty deserves recognition just as do the kinder things in life. I won’t pretend I’m pleased with the way things turned out.’”(p. 92).
“'I’d be forced to remind you that hypocrisy makes men far less attractive.’ She gave him an arch glance. ‘And considering the way you kept asking questions about me when I showed interest in answering, you’ve a good dose of nosy in your own makeup.’
‘I don’t indulge in nosiness.’ His brows rose so high his hat brim went up. ‘When I have a vested interest in matters, I may, however, investigates’”(p. 221).
June 24, 2020
First time reading anything by this author. I knew it was part of a trilogy but I felt it stood fine on its own. Interesting premise of two cousins sharing the same birth name and both go by nicknames. A man they both knew sends a formal marriage proposal via letter, after going out west, and the wrong bride arrives. Marge's doubt in herself vs her cousin got tiring after awhile but was very believable. It was definitely a religious Christian novel with praying and conversion of one character a main storyline. It deals with heavy topics: prostitution, physical abuse, date rape, to name a few but does so tastefully. I wanted to puke when Trouston was in the story, so many negative feelings about him. I really enjoyed the wit and banter throughout and the small western town feel. Overall a good read I'd get from the library but not own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2017
This was an attempt to try out a book by an author new to me. No luck here. I read one third of it and couldn’t go on. I enjoyed the premise of a mix up in brides but beyond that I did not enjoy it at all. The relationship between Marge and Gavin had potential but it just irked me. The relationship with Midge and Amos seemed to intrude and take up an inordinate amount of space in the story. Plus, it seemed more like a stalker relationship. And poor Daisy....that was just going from bad to worse I assume when I gave this up. The “banter” between and among all parties was a real turn off. I do not think this is an author for me. Plus, I returned the book to Amazon (Kindle) for a refund.
April 5, 2018
This was a fun read. I picked it up from the library knowing I’d read other books from the author before. When I started it, I realized I’d read books in this series before! It was nice and had a good ending, but I felt like the mail male character could have been a bit more developed. In the middle, I found the secondary couple more enjoyable than the main characters. I just didn’t know Gavin well enough to root for him. He seemed to be super dense when it came to women. I feel like I could have excused that if I were a bit more sure of his good character. I still liked the book, and by the ending things were better, but that’s why 4 and not 5 Stars
October 5, 2025
The first two helped me get out of a reading slump, but this one… wasn’t doing it for me.
I rate this four stars for Amos and Midge. This story really should have just been about them.
If going off of the book summary? Two stars for the absolutely, hair-pulling, frustrating romance of Gavin and Marge. Gavin should have done more to pursue Marge, because she kept fleeing. For being a teacher, she’s not very intelligent. Amos honestly could have given Gavin some tips to woo this lady.
Anyway, a nice close with the discussion of hypocrisy. Midge using that as her cover while truly caring deeply about others was well done.
I rate this four stars for Amos and Midge. This story really should have just been about them.
If going off of the book summary? Two stars for the absolutely, hair-pulling, frustrating romance of Gavin and Marge. Gavin should have done more to pursue Marge, because she kept fleeing. For being a teacher, she’s not very intelligent. Amos honestly could have given Gavin some tips to woo this lady.
Anyway, a nice close with the discussion of hypocrisy. Midge using that as her cover while truly caring deeply about others was well done.
June 7, 2018
Normally, a character's thinking doesn't bother me too much as long as it stays generally true to the character. But this one got to me. I still finished it, probably more because I wanted to finish Midge's story than anything, but it would have gone better for me if Marge had stopped (or at least battled) her ridiculous thinking twenty or thirty pages earlier. Otherwise, it was a good story and a fitting ending to the series, but it was my least favorite of the three books.
November 6, 2019
Excellent
This series has all the elements of a good read. My only comment is between books the author forgot names . Such as in book two Clara and Saul's baby was Matilda, then called Maddie. In book 3 she became Maggie. In book 1 the villain for Midge was Rodney. In book 2 he was Randy, back to Rodney bin book 3.
This series has all the elements of a good read. My only comment is between books the author forgot names . Such as in book two Clara and Saul's baby was Matilda, then called Maddie. In book 3 she became Maggie. In book 1 the villain for Midge was Rodney. In book 2 he was Randy, back to Rodney bin book 3.
August 8, 2018
This story had a fun premise, but not enough character development for me. A side story seemed to take up as much of the book as the title story. Also, though I expect Bible references, etc., in Christian fiction, it seemed that about 1/3 of the book was spent evangelizing a side character.
December 18, 2023
He ordered a mail order bride and got her cousin but when the real gal he wanted finally showed up, he had already fell in love with the first cousin. Very good book but wording was hard to follow at times.
August 6, 2018
I liked the story line of this book. I felt it got a little bogged down at times, but it was an interesting plot. I would have given it a higher score, but I didn't like the grandmother in the story.
February 23, 2021
Delightful, easy to read...relaxing story:)
July 21, 2021
The BEST and hardest story of the series to read. Everything worked its way right and the right people ended up together FINALLY 😉.
January 1, 2022
This was a fun book! Loved it
January 13, 2022
Liked it.not your typical love story.
April 23, 2019
This is a wonderful series! Hated for it to end!!
This author really captured my attention from the first book through this, the third and final book. I love these books and hate that they are over! Give these a try they are fantastic!!
This author really captured my attention from the first book through this, the third and final book. I love these books and hate that they are over! Give these a try they are fantastic!!
March 27, 2010
I had the privilege of interviewing Kelly Eileen Hake, on our radio show "Kingdom Highlights", for her new book, "The Bride Blunder", Book Three in her, "Prairie Promises" series published by Barbour. If you haven't read the first two books you have missed getting to know the people of Buttonwood, Nebraska and you have missed a real treat. These are really nice people and, if they existed outside of Ms. Hake's fertile mind, they would be people that you would want to invite over to your house to hang out with them. My personal opinion is that this is Kelly Hakes best work and Ms. Hake has ended the series on a very high note indeed.
Gavin Miller is the miller for the town of Buttonwood and he has prospered enough to finally send for the woman he loves and marry: Marguerite Chandler. However what he forgets is that there are two Marguerite Chandlers and they are cousins. The one he sends for is engaged to be married so everyone assumes it is the other one. So she packs up everything and leaves for Buttonwood for she is in love with Gavin from her childhood. Of course she is not what Gavin expected when she got off the coach and she is terribly hurt when she figures out the error. Gavin wants to do the honorable thing and marry her but she wants to be married for love. Now the romance begins as Gavin realizes that he is in love with her but has to win her over and prove his love.
There is also the story of Midge and Amos as she works through her problems from her childhood before she was adopted. This is a book of emotional trauma and how do we go about the healing process of our emotions when we can't medicate or put bandages on them. Ms. Hake handles this theme exceptionally well and you root for the men to win over their respective women with their love.
I recommend this book highly and while I am sorry to leave the people of Buttonwood behind I am greatly looking forward to the next series.
If you missed the interview for "The Bride Blunder" and would like to listen to it and/or would like to hear the previous interviews where we discussed the first and second books please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour 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.”
Gavin Miller is the miller for the town of Buttonwood and he has prospered enough to finally send for the woman he loves and marry: Marguerite Chandler. However what he forgets is that there are two Marguerite Chandlers and they are cousins. The one he sends for is engaged to be married so everyone assumes it is the other one. So she packs up everything and leaves for Buttonwood for she is in love with Gavin from her childhood. Of course she is not what Gavin expected when she got off the coach and she is terribly hurt when she figures out the error. Gavin wants to do the honorable thing and marry her but she wants to be married for love. Now the romance begins as Gavin realizes that he is in love with her but has to win her over and prove his love.
There is also the story of Midge and Amos as she works through her problems from her childhood before she was adopted. This is a book of emotional trauma and how do we go about the healing process of our emotions when we can't medicate or put bandages on them. Ms. Hake handles this theme exceptionally well and you root for the men to win over their respective women with their love.
I recommend this book highly and while I am sorry to leave the people of Buttonwood behind I am greatly looking forward to the next series.
If you missed the interview for "The Bride Blunder" and would like to listen to it and/or would like to hear the previous interviews where we discussed the first and second books please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Barbour 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.”
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