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His Accidental Bride
Dorothy Bednar is living a life she despises. Forced to work as a double-dealing saloon girl, Dorothy has finally had enough. The next train out of town is her ticket to freedom, and Dorothy jumps aboard without a thought for where she’s going—until she meets a kind woman aboard the train. Her fellow passenger was originally traveling to Colorado to marry a man she’d never met, but her cold feet offer Dorothy the perfect opportunity to set up roots somewhere new. Dorothy soon finds herself posing as the mail-order bride—after all, marrying a stranger can’t be worse than what she left behind.
Young Colorado lawyer Ronald Smith is astonished when he spies the lovely woman who comes to greet him—the woman who is to be his wife. Dorothy is beyond Ronald’s wildest dreams, a kindhearted partner eager to be a homemaker and mother. To Dorothy, Ronald is the most gentlemanly man she’s ever met—a man who makes her feel safe and cherished. What begins as a deception soon deepens into true love, but too soon, Dorothy’s secret past threatens the beautiful life she’s built—a life that feels truer than anything she’s ever known.
Young Colorado lawyer Ronald Smith is astonished when he spies the lovely woman who comes to greet him—the woman who is to be his wife. Dorothy is beyond Ronald’s wildest dreams, a kindhearted partner eager to be a homemaker and mother. To Dorothy, Ronald is the most gentlemanly man she’s ever met—a man who makes her feel safe and cherished. What begins as a deception soon deepens into true love, but too soon, Dorothy’s secret past threatens the beautiful life she’s built—a life that feels truer than anything she’s ever known.
264 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2021
About the author
Carolyn Twede Frank
27 books86 followersAbout my writing: I don't like to write candy for the brain. But I do like to try to make my books not only fulfilling, but entertaining. Candy is nice, but a meal of meat, potatoes, and veges can leave you more satisfied. My books give the reader a good taste of history and/or science along with a dash of mystery folded into the story.
About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.
About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
December 14, 2020
This started out so good. The excitement of her running away from her brother was great. Dorothy is sweet, but is a girl who has been controlled by her brother to long. She makes her escape and falls into a marriage of convenience plot that goes nowhere fast. They don't get married right away and that always kills these kinds of books for me. The awkwardness of the leading man did me in and I just couldn't finish this one. Completely lost interest. The writing is good, not juvenile and silly, I just got board.
January 1, 2021
I choose this book without knowing anything about the author. I admired the cover and it got my attention.
His accidental bride is a cute story, a little slow for me and I want to be honest, I do not enjoy the stories told from the 3rgd point of view.
I did not like the part when Dorothy choose to lie Ronald for the reasons that she did not want to hurt his feelings. *when are lying and treason better than hurting one's feelings? * And she claimed that she had a strong belief in God. Also, that part with the courting for 2 months was strange..
I liked that Dorothy seemed so experience some character growth and that lasted me, knowing her past and the villains that she had to face.
The writing, unfortunately, did not inspire me and I had a difficult time finishing it, but lately, I found myself not enjoying regency and very clean romances., so other readers may enjoy this style or the book.
#netalley #hisaccidentabride
His accidental bride is a cute story, a little slow for me and I want to be honest, I do not enjoy the stories told from the 3rgd point of view.
I did not like the part when Dorothy choose to lie Ronald for the reasons that she did not want to hurt his feelings. *when are lying and treason better than hurting one's feelings? * And she claimed that she had a strong belief in God. Also, that part with the courting for 2 months was strange..
I liked that Dorothy seemed so experience some character growth and that lasted me, knowing her past and the villains that she had to face.
The writing, unfortunately, did not inspire me and I had a difficult time finishing it, but lately, I found myself not enjoying regency and very clean romances., so other readers may enjoy this style or the book.
#netalley #hisaccidentabride
January 8, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
Dorothy Bednar may be young, not quite 21 years old, but she's lived through a lot of heartache and hard times in the past 10 years. Her mother died when she was 10, followed shortly by her father, and although her older brother Vincent takes her in, saving her from living on the street, it's hard living a life deceiving and cheating others. Dorothy doesn't think she has much of a choice since her brother is her legal guardian who abuses her when she doesn't bend to his wishes.
Having had enough working in saloons and helping Vincent cheat at cards for the past 5 years, Dorothy makes a run for it and hops on a train with just the saloon dress on her back. She barges into the compartment of Wilhelmina Cooper who's going to Craig, CO to marry a Ronald Smith she's been corresponding with. Wilhelmina gets cold feet before reaching Colorado, and gives Dorothy a letter for Ronald explaining she's changed her mind. Instead of giving Ronald the letter, Dorothy lets him assume she's Wilhelmina and he proceeds to court her with the intend to marry after 2 months. Of course Dorothy's secret comes out but by then she and Ronald have developed feelings for each other. With less than 2 weeks until their wedding, Vincent finds Dorothy thanks to another gambler who really dislikes Ronald.
This story started out very interesting--Dorothy escapes, meets Wilhelmina and arrives in Craig. I enjoyed the townspeople in Craig, especially Logan and Sunny (who runs the restaurant/saloon), but I found the part where Ronald leaves to go to Chicago to find the real Wilhelmina Cooper uninteresting. The idea that he might move back to Chicago and marry Wilhelmina just to be married was kind of unbelievable considering that he mentions how dull she is several times. The story then gets interesting again right before Ronald and Dorothy's wedding is supposed to take place. I did feel the last chapter could've been longer, it was kind of rushed. One minute Dorothy's in Denver and the next she's surprising Ronald back in Craig and bam! they're married.
I liked how much Ronald enjoyed being a lawyer and helping people even if some of them could only pay him with eggs, and produce. I liked that his character was less rigid at the end of the book, he was a little more flexible than when we first met him. I liked the character of Logan and his wonderful outlook on life, although his life was far from easy. I really liked Sunny, that Dorothy opened up to her about everything, and that Sunny had wonderful advice for her. I did like the theme of forgiveness and starting over that was in the story.
This was my first book by this author, and I'd read another one of her books. I love the cover of this one.
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Dorothy Bednar may be young, not quite 21 years old, but she's lived through a lot of heartache and hard times in the past 10 years. Her mother died when she was 10, followed shortly by her father, and although her older brother Vincent takes her in, saving her from living on the street, it's hard living a life deceiving and cheating others. Dorothy doesn't think she has much of a choice since her brother is her legal guardian who abuses her when she doesn't bend to his wishes.
Having had enough working in saloons and helping Vincent cheat at cards for the past 5 years, Dorothy makes a run for it and hops on a train with just the saloon dress on her back. She barges into the compartment of Wilhelmina Cooper who's going to Craig, CO to marry a Ronald Smith she's been corresponding with. Wilhelmina gets cold feet before reaching Colorado, and gives Dorothy a letter for Ronald explaining she's changed her mind. Instead of giving Ronald the letter, Dorothy lets him assume she's Wilhelmina and he proceeds to court her with the intend to marry after 2 months. Of course Dorothy's secret comes out but by then she and Ronald have developed feelings for each other. With less than 2 weeks until their wedding, Vincent finds Dorothy thanks to another gambler who really dislikes Ronald.
This story started out very interesting--Dorothy escapes, meets Wilhelmina and arrives in Craig. I enjoyed the townspeople in Craig, especially Logan and Sunny (who runs the restaurant/saloon), but I found the part where Ronald leaves to go to Chicago to find the real Wilhelmina Cooper uninteresting. The idea that he might move back to Chicago and marry Wilhelmina just to be married was kind of unbelievable considering that he mentions how dull she is several times. The story then gets interesting again right before Ronald and Dorothy's wedding is supposed to take place. I did feel the last chapter could've been longer, it was kind of rushed. One minute Dorothy's in Denver and the next she's surprising Ronald back in Craig and bam! they're married.
I liked how much Ronald enjoyed being a lawyer and helping people even if some of them could only pay him with eggs, and produce. I liked that his character was less rigid at the end of the book, he was a little more flexible than when we first met him. I liked the character of Logan and his wonderful outlook on life, although his life was far from easy. I really liked Sunny, that Dorothy opened up to her about everything, and that Sunny had wonderful advice for her. I did like the theme of forgiveness and starting over that was in the story.
This was my first book by this author, and I'd read another one of her books. I love the cover of this one.
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 30, 2020
If you add up a good-for-nothing brother, a mail-order bride, physical abuse, and a really great guy who wants to get married you get His Accidental Bride. There is more to the story, but I feel that these are some of the prominent plot points.
Dorothy Bednar is a good young lady who is caught up in a life that she wants to run away from. Her older brother has her commit crimes and beats her when she doesn't comply. A quick run to the train station leads her to Miss Cooper, who is traveling West to meet her groom. Dorothy's intrusion gives Miss Cooper an excuse to run away from her situation. Win/Win!? No, it never turns out pretty when those things happen.
Dorothy had good intentions to deliver the letter from Miss Cooper to Mr. Ronald Smith, but he was too nice and she kept getting lost for words. Next thing you know, everyone thinks that she is Miss Cooper. What is a nice girl to do? Play along until she can extract herself from the situation.
This was a cute book. I loved Dorothy and Ronald. I hated Dorothy's brother and another bad guy in the book. I loved the setting of a small town in Colorado set in the 1800s. I also loved that the book was about forgiveness and making a fresh start.
There were a few places where the pacing was a bit slow, but overall, I didn't feel like it detracted from the story.
This is a good, clean, fun novel that left me feeling good at the end.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Dorothy Bednar is a good young lady who is caught up in a life that she wants to run away from. Her older brother has her commit crimes and beats her when she doesn't comply. A quick run to the train station leads her to Miss Cooper, who is traveling West to meet her groom. Dorothy's intrusion gives Miss Cooper an excuse to run away from her situation. Win/Win!? No, it never turns out pretty when those things happen.
Dorothy had good intentions to deliver the letter from Miss Cooper to Mr. Ronald Smith, but he was too nice and she kept getting lost for words. Next thing you know, everyone thinks that she is Miss Cooper. What is a nice girl to do? Play along until she can extract herself from the situation.
This was a cute book. I loved Dorothy and Ronald. I hated Dorothy's brother and another bad guy in the book. I loved the setting of a small town in Colorado set in the 1800s. I also loved that the book was about forgiveness and making a fresh start.
There were a few places where the pacing was a bit slow, but overall, I didn't feel like it detracted from the story.
This is a good, clean, fun novel that left me feeling good at the end.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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June 3, 2021
***ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review***
What a lovely cover on this historical romance. Dorothy has had a hard life growing up. Orphan from a young age and often abused by her older brother, Dorothy decides to run away. In the train, she meets Wilhemina, who is going to marry a man she met by correspondence. Dorothy assumes her identity and goes to meet Ronald in her stead.
I didn't particulary like Ronald but I found Dorothy interesting. Also, some of the side characters were well fleshed and fun.
The ending was a bit rushed though and the writing style didn't hold my interest through-out unfortunately.
What a lovely cover on this historical romance. Dorothy has had a hard life growing up. Orphan from a young age and often abused by her older brother, Dorothy decides to run away. In the train, she meets Wilhemina, who is going to marry a man she met by correspondence. Dorothy assumes her identity and goes to meet Ronald in her stead.
I didn't particulary like Ronald but I found Dorothy interesting. Also, some of the side characters were well fleshed and fun.
The ending was a bit rushed though and the writing style didn't hold my interest through-out unfortunately.
January 2, 2021
Nice romance with an arranged marriage in western setting
Heroine is escaping from an abusive brother and ends up married as a mail order bride
Ronald Smith is a nice and decent hero I liked him
Nice and safe a little too slow for my taste
His Accidental Bride by Carolyn Twede Frank. #HisAccidentalBride #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL
Heroine is escaping from an abusive brother and ends up married as a mail order bride
Ronald Smith is a nice and decent hero I liked him
Nice and safe a little too slow for my taste
His Accidental Bride by Carolyn Twede Frank. #HisAccidentalBride #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL
January 30, 2021
I always enjoy reading many different genres and it has been a little bit since I'd read one set in the early west. This was delightful. Great characters, a fun location (which I want to return to), an intriguing storyline, a sweet love story, friendships, family struggles, characters learning to grow and change, and a little touch of suspense.
Dorothy's past is hard. And she's trying to be a good person but some of the choices she's having to make aren't easy because they go against everything she believes. But she doesn't see a way out, until one night. I loved watching her make that quick decision and just running. I loved the people she met along the way. And I really loved how she didn't set out to deceive but was pulled unexpectedly into a plot already in the works. Talk about the perfect set of circumstances and timing and assumptions to make this delightful story. And even when her reveal happens I loved the people in Craig, Colorado and their reactions.
If you're looking for a sweet love story as well, this one definitely was that. Dorothy and Ronald are very sweet and darling together. They made me smile and giggle over their different personalities and the fun friendship that was built.
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril, talk about gambling and drinking and saloon girls (not brothel girls). Nothing more than a few sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Dorothy's past is hard. And she's trying to be a good person but some of the choices she's having to make aren't easy because they go against everything she believes. But she doesn't see a way out, until one night. I loved watching her make that quick decision and just running. I loved the people she met along the way. And I really loved how she didn't set out to deceive but was pulled unexpectedly into a plot already in the works. Talk about the perfect set of circumstances and timing and assumptions to make this delightful story. And even when her reveal happens I loved the people in Craig, Colorado and their reactions.
If you're looking for a sweet love story as well, this one definitely was that. Dorothy and Ronald are very sweet and darling together. They made me smile and giggle over their different personalities and the fun friendship that was built.
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril, talk about gambling and drinking and saloon girls (not brothel girls). Nothing more than a few sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
December 9, 2020
This novel was good in the sense of the growth of the main character, she really finds her way in life and despite the conditions and circumstances of her life, she makes great decisions and eventually climbs out of the whole that life buried her in.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2021
It was so nice to read a book with a simple, cute storyline and such sympathetic characters. You definitely cheer for this very odd couple of Dorothy Bednar and Ronald Smith. A train, a chance meeting, a letter, and a little bit of deception leads to a budding romance. I loved coming back to the town of Craig, Colorado with so many of the same characters we've already met in previous books as "Heart of the West," "Saving Susannah Jones," and "Under the Stars." It's always like going back home when you return to a series with previously beloved characters. I especially loved how fourteen-year-old Logan was a main character in this story. His cheery and bold nature kept Ronald on his toes.
It was nice this time to finally have the awkward, and stiff lawyer Ronald Smith find love; even if it was through a Mail-Order Bride. Once he meets Dorothy, he starts changing and loosening up his ridged ways. Poor Dorothy has been taken advantage of by her evil brother in his schemes to cheat men out of their money in card games. After many years she escapes him but is still plagued by the years of abuse. In many ways, Ronald changes Dorothy too by showing her that she is of great worth. Together, they make a great team, even though there are many trials along the way. Especially when Ronald finds out the truth about his dearest Dorothy.
This lovely, Western Historical Romance is an easy read that will sweep you away to the old West. The innocence of the two characters and their acceptance of each other makes this an engaging read. It's a clean historical romance that teens and adults will love. This book can be read alone but it will mean so much more if you've read the previous three books first.
It was nice this time to finally have the awkward, and stiff lawyer Ronald Smith find love; even if it was through a Mail-Order Bride. Once he meets Dorothy, he starts changing and loosening up his ridged ways. Poor Dorothy has been taken advantage of by her evil brother in his schemes to cheat men out of their money in card games. After many years she escapes him but is still plagued by the years of abuse. In many ways, Ronald changes Dorothy too by showing her that she is of great worth. Together, they make a great team, even though there are many trials along the way. Especially when Ronald finds out the truth about his dearest Dorothy.
This lovely, Western Historical Romance is an easy read that will sweep you away to the old West. The innocence of the two characters and their acceptance of each other makes this an engaging read. It's a clean historical romance that teens and adults will love. This book can be read alone but it will mean so much more if you've read the previous three books first.
January 12, 2021
I think it’s so fun when an author writes about the same city, containing the same people over and over. That’s the case with Carolyn Twede Frank. She has written several in the city of Craig, Colorado. If I were you, I’d start with Heart of the West. It made me happy to see characters again that I’d already grown to love. And add new characters to them.
I loved the characters in this one! Dorothy was a great character, so strong. She seemed to be stuck in a terrible situation, forced by her brother to do his bidding. But she changed her life by running away and hopping on a train. I loved the scene when she ran into Wilhelmina. A kind soul who believed that Dorothy was a good person. When she gave her a chance, Dorothy’s confidence grew. And that started her growth that continued through the whole book.
Ronald Smith has advertised for a mail-order bride. He thought he was getting Wilhelmina Cooper. And he’d made all kinds of plans. Ronald is a make a list and stick to it guy. I think that works in some things. But he needed to learn a lesson about not having to stick so closely to his own plans. Something I really liked about Ronald is that he really is like all of us. We make plans, but sometimes they just don’t work out the way we think we will. And we need to learn to adapt to whatever we end up being given.
I loved the plot of this one! Dorothy ends up pretending to be Wilhelmina. That lands her in some really funny and sticky situations. And, of course, she ends up in danger and needing to be saved. Will she save herself or will Ronald become her hero and save her just when she needs him.
I loved this book!
I was sent a copy of His Accidental Bride as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved the characters in this one! Dorothy was a great character, so strong. She seemed to be stuck in a terrible situation, forced by her brother to do his bidding. But she changed her life by running away and hopping on a train. I loved the scene when she ran into Wilhelmina. A kind soul who believed that Dorothy was a good person. When she gave her a chance, Dorothy’s confidence grew. And that started her growth that continued through the whole book.
Ronald Smith has advertised for a mail-order bride. He thought he was getting Wilhelmina Cooper. And he’d made all kinds of plans. Ronald is a make a list and stick to it guy. I think that works in some things. But he needed to learn a lesson about not having to stick so closely to his own plans. Something I really liked about Ronald is that he really is like all of us. We make plans, but sometimes they just don’t work out the way we think we will. And we need to learn to adapt to whatever we end up being given.
I loved the plot of this one! Dorothy ends up pretending to be Wilhelmina. That lands her in some really funny and sticky situations. And, of course, she ends up in danger and needing to be saved. Will she save herself or will Ronald become her hero and save her just when she needs him.
I loved this book!
I was sent a copy of His Accidental Bride as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2021
This novel fell flat for me. I liked the set up for the story. There was excitement in Dorothy’s escape from her abusive and controlling brother and there was some tension in the fact that Dorothy allowed herself to be caught up in lies to the man who believed her to be his mail order bride.
It was hard for me to see Dorothy allow lie upon lie to continue to build, however, I did understand her fear and hope for a fresh start. I just couldn’t really connect with these two characters. Although I felt for Ronald wanting to marry and start a family, he was just such a bland and awkward character. I know this was intentional and important to who he was in the story, but it really put me off from caring about him. I didn’t connect with Dorothy either, so I was unable to care about their storyline in general.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
It was hard for me to see Dorothy allow lie upon lie to continue to build, however, I did understand her fear and hope for a fresh start. I just couldn’t really connect with these two characters. Although I felt for Ronald wanting to marry and start a family, he was just such a bland and awkward character. I know this was intentional and important to who he was in the story, but it really put me off from caring about him. I didn’t connect with Dorothy either, so I was unable to care about their storyline in general.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 5, 2021
His Providential Accident!
While the plot isn't new, the would be bride as a saloon girl is a bit off the beaten path, & her dilemma immediately drew me in to the book.
I liked the story. Logan & Sunny were wonderful side characters who nearly stole the show (though now that I think of it, perhaps that's why the story was a little drawn out at times - not quite as focused & the secondaries' stories caused it to meander a bit). The dialogue used to distinguish the higher class characters from the lower class was frequently overly stilted & unnatural. It would have worked for Dorothy who was trying to fake it, but sounded odd in the others.
However, Dorothy is a highly sympathetic character. Ronald is, too, though his character is a little wooden. But I loved that Ronald helped Dorothy figure out how to take charge of her life & that Dorothy helped Ron figure out how to stop worrying so much over little things & take time to find joy in life. It's a message that particularly resonates right now!
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
While the plot isn't new, the would be bride as a saloon girl is a bit off the beaten path, & her dilemma immediately drew me in to the book.
I liked the story. Logan & Sunny were wonderful side characters who nearly stole the show (though now that I think of it, perhaps that's why the story was a little drawn out at times - not quite as focused & the secondaries' stories caused it to meander a bit). The dialogue used to distinguish the higher class characters from the lower class was frequently overly stilted & unnatural. It would have worked for Dorothy who was trying to fake it, but sounded odd in the others.
However, Dorothy is a highly sympathetic character. Ronald is, too, though his character is a little wooden. But I loved that Ronald helped Dorothy figure out how to take charge of her life & that Dorothy helped Ron figure out how to stop worrying so much over little things & take time to find joy in life. It's a message that particularly resonates right now!
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Want to read
January 6, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
July 7, 2021
Rating 3.5
I thought this book was really cute. Who wouldn't love a story about a broken girl finally getting her happy ending with a good guy?! I liked the two main characters and thought her brother was a good villain. However, it seemed a little insta-love for me and I found the 'problem' of the story to not be that real of a problem. I kept wanting the main character to just tell the truth so the story would progress quicker. The author did a great job of describing the setting and time the story took place. Overall, this book was enjoyable and will take you on a nice getaway to a different time.
**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
I thought this book was really cute. Who wouldn't love a story about a broken girl finally getting her happy ending with a good guy?! I liked the two main characters and thought her brother was a good villain. However, it seemed a little insta-love for me and I found the 'problem' of the story to not be that real of a problem. I kept wanting the main character to just tell the truth so the story would progress quicker. The author did a great job of describing the setting and time the story took place. Overall, this book was enjoyable and will take you on a nice getaway to a different time.
**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
December 9, 2020
HIS ACCIDENTAL BRIDE
BY CAROLYN TWEDE FRANK
Dorothy worked in a saloon helping albeit as an unwilling participant to aid her older brother Vincent cheat while she delivers drinks to the tables she aids Vincent by helping him win card games. Her mother died giving birth and so she is stuck with living with her older brother. During one of these card games as Dorothy is delivering drinks she goes up to the man tending bar named Walter and asks to use the privy. She headed for the back door, grabbing her coat and handbag from the hooks in the storeroom. She runs to the train station and has very little money, less than a dollar. Dorothy bolted into the train not bothering to buy a ticket among the crowd boarding it. While riding on a train from Missouri she meets a kind woman named Wilhelmina Cooper who tells the conductor that Dorothy is sharing her sleeping compartment with her sister to fool the sheriff who just gave Dorothy's description. Wilhelmina can see that Dorothy is bruised below her eye and on her arm and asks Dorothy to describe what happened to her. She offers her one of the bunks to sleep on and gives her a pink nightgown to sleep in. The next morning Wilhelmina has ordered breakfast and tea for the two of them and says she has a business proposition for her.
Wilhelmina tells Dorothy that she had placed an advertisement in a magazine to be a mail order bride and that she had been corresponding with a lawyer in Colorado with a man named Ronald who she was travelling from Chicago to meet. She said on the way she got cold feet and thinks delivering the news by telegraph is too impersonal and if Dorothy delivers the news to him in person she can keep three fine outfits. Dorothy arrives as the mail order bride and the two of them are happy with each other. Dorothy is not yet 21 years old and she is striking in appearance and Ronald Smith is a gentleman that Dorothy is quite happy with because she is not used to being treated so much like a fine lady. They court and she has mixed feelings about all of the deception but has little money so she approaches the woman who owns the saloon in Craig, Colorado and asks if she needs help in the restaurant and Dorothy becomes a waitress while she already feels bad that Ronald Smith is paying all of her expenses in the room she is staying which is rather nice.
To say anymore would spoil the story which gets bogged down with all of the details during their two month courtship. I thought that this was a lovely story and there are still quite a few surprises left. I just feel like this moved along at a slow pace and would have been better if there was not so long a novel to get to the climax of this narrative. I did find it entertaining and enjoyed this novel very much. A lot more happens but you will have to read it to find out. I do recommend this wholesome story that is pleasant reading. This was a pleasure to read and the genre is suitable for fans of historical fiction with romance.
Publication Date: January 4, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, Carolyn Twede Frank and Covenant Communications for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#HisAccidentalBride #CarolynTwedeFrank #CovenantCommunications #NetGalley
BY CAROLYN TWEDE FRANK
Dorothy worked in a saloon helping albeit as an unwilling participant to aid her older brother Vincent cheat while she delivers drinks to the tables she aids Vincent by helping him win card games. Her mother died giving birth and so she is stuck with living with her older brother. During one of these card games as Dorothy is delivering drinks she goes up to the man tending bar named Walter and asks to use the privy. She headed for the back door, grabbing her coat and handbag from the hooks in the storeroom. She runs to the train station and has very little money, less than a dollar. Dorothy bolted into the train not bothering to buy a ticket among the crowd boarding it. While riding on a train from Missouri she meets a kind woman named Wilhelmina Cooper who tells the conductor that Dorothy is sharing her sleeping compartment with her sister to fool the sheriff who just gave Dorothy's description. Wilhelmina can see that Dorothy is bruised below her eye and on her arm and asks Dorothy to describe what happened to her. She offers her one of the bunks to sleep on and gives her a pink nightgown to sleep in. The next morning Wilhelmina has ordered breakfast and tea for the two of them and says she has a business proposition for her.
Wilhelmina tells Dorothy that she had placed an advertisement in a magazine to be a mail order bride and that she had been corresponding with a lawyer in Colorado with a man named Ronald who she was travelling from Chicago to meet. She said on the way she got cold feet and thinks delivering the news by telegraph is too impersonal and if Dorothy delivers the news to him in person she can keep three fine outfits. Dorothy arrives as the mail order bride and the two of them are happy with each other. Dorothy is not yet 21 years old and she is striking in appearance and Ronald Smith is a gentleman that Dorothy is quite happy with because she is not used to being treated so much like a fine lady. They court and she has mixed feelings about all of the deception but has little money so she approaches the woman who owns the saloon in Craig, Colorado and asks if she needs help in the restaurant and Dorothy becomes a waitress while she already feels bad that Ronald Smith is paying all of her expenses in the room she is staying which is rather nice.
To say anymore would spoil the story which gets bogged down with all of the details during their two month courtship. I thought that this was a lovely story and there are still quite a few surprises left. I just feel like this moved along at a slow pace and would have been better if there was not so long a novel to get to the climax of this narrative. I did find it entertaining and enjoyed this novel very much. A lot more happens but you will have to read it to find out. I do recommend this wholesome story that is pleasant reading. This was a pleasure to read and the genre is suitable for fans of historical fiction with romance.
Publication Date: January 4, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley, Carolyn Twede Frank and Covenant Communications for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#HisAccidentalBride #CarolynTwedeFrank #CovenantCommunications #NetGalley
January 8, 2021
I really enjoyed the previous book by this author, Under the Stars, so I was excited to read this latest release! And can we talk for a minute about how gorgeous this cover is?
The first few chapters were intriguing as the main character makes a major life change in a split second decision. After that, though, the story fell a little flat for me. The plot was slow moving and the intriguing mail order bride storyline turned into a two-month courtship. The main characters were an odd combination and the romance felt forced at times. I did enjoy some of the side characters, especially Logan and Sunny. I was disappointed and a little confused at the ending, though, and wish there had a been another chapter or even an epilogue.
I will keep reading books by this author as I enjoyed her previous one. Readers who enjoy historical western romance may really enjoy this book as there are definitely good things there! It just wasn't my favorite by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
The first few chapters were intriguing as the main character makes a major life change in a split second decision. After that, though, the story fell a little flat for me. The plot was slow moving and the intriguing mail order bride storyline turned into a two-month courtship. The main characters were an odd combination and the romance felt forced at times. I did enjoy some of the side characters, especially Logan and Sunny. I was disappointed and a little confused at the ending, though, and wish there had a been another chapter or even an epilogue.
I will keep reading books by this author as I enjoyed her previous one. Readers who enjoy historical western romance may really enjoy this book as there are definitely good things there! It just wasn't my favorite by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
December 28, 2020
Ronald is unlucky in love and orders a mail-order bride. Dorothy is running away and has a secret. Who holds the high card? Love is the ultimate high stakes game that none were expecting to play.
♥️
This is my first book by Frank but I’ve seen other Western books by her. By the names of some people I’m assuming their stories are in the other books.
♦️
Dorothy is a saloon girl and helps her brother cheat a poker. She runs away onto a train and meets a mail-order bride on her way out west. But the mail-order bride gets cold feet and asks Dorthy to deliver a letter for her.
♣️
When Dorthy gets into town - everyone expects her to be the mail-order bride and showers her with kindness. Something she’s not used to. Maybe she can deliver the letter tomorrow after a good nights sleep in a big bed.
♠️
Ronald is lawyer out west where his clients pay him in eggs and chicken breast. But it works for him. After courting another lady in the past didn’t work - he got a book about courting. And ordered for a mail-order bride. He’s very analytical and orderly so while some might say it’s crazy he did that - to him it makes sense. He’s written to his mail-order bride Wilhelmina Cooper and she seems just as logical as he. He has it all planned out! They’ll court for 2 months to get to know each other better.
♥️
Ronald didn’t know what to expect but he was happily surprised to see who came to town on the stagecoach.
♦️
This was fun book with secret identity, action towards the end with high stakes poker. It wasn’t as predictable as I thought it’d be. Towards the end with the climax it was a little jarring. But I think I would still enjoy reading the other books in this series.
♣️
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Covenant Communications. This book releases in 1 week.
♥️
This is my first book by Frank but I’ve seen other Western books by her. By the names of some people I’m assuming their stories are in the other books.
♦️
Dorothy is a saloon girl and helps her brother cheat a poker. She runs away onto a train and meets a mail-order bride on her way out west. But the mail-order bride gets cold feet and asks Dorthy to deliver a letter for her.
♣️
When Dorthy gets into town - everyone expects her to be the mail-order bride and showers her with kindness. Something she’s not used to. Maybe she can deliver the letter tomorrow after a good nights sleep in a big bed.
♠️
Ronald is lawyer out west where his clients pay him in eggs and chicken breast. But it works for him. After courting another lady in the past didn’t work - he got a book about courting. And ordered for a mail-order bride. He’s very analytical and orderly so while some might say it’s crazy he did that - to him it makes sense. He’s written to his mail-order bride Wilhelmina Cooper and she seems just as logical as he. He has it all planned out! They’ll court for 2 months to get to know each other better.
♥️
Ronald didn’t know what to expect but he was happily surprised to see who came to town on the stagecoach.
♦️
This was fun book with secret identity, action towards the end with high stakes poker. It wasn’t as predictable as I thought it’d be. Towards the end with the climax it was a little jarring. But I think I would still enjoy reading the other books in this series.
♣️
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Covenant Communications. This book releases in 1 week.
June 24, 2021
I wanted to rate this book higher. I liked the characters, the pace of the romance, etc... But, I had a problem with the errors in the book.
- People have platonic relationships, not "plutonic". (Not just a typo, but used twice in a row.)
- Authors, please learn the difference between shined and shone. "He shined his boots", but "The sun shone through the window".
- Reigned vs. reined.
- Worse vs. worst.
- A man loses just a "couple thousand dollars", as though it is no big deal. That $2,000 in 1897 would be almost $65,000 today. I think that is a big deal that a card shark would not forgive so easily.
- When taking a turn as dealer in a poker game, the dealer does not also deal himself a hand to play.
How does no one notice these errors when beta/proof reading before it goes to print?!?
- People have platonic relationships, not "plutonic". (Not just a typo, but used twice in a row.)
- Authors, please learn the difference between shined and shone. "He shined his boots", but "The sun shone through the window".
- Reigned vs. reined.
- Worse vs. worst.
- A man loses just a "couple thousand dollars", as though it is no big deal. That $2,000 in 1897 would be almost $65,000 today. I think that is a big deal that a card shark would not forgive so easily.
- When taking a turn as dealer in a poker game, the dealer does not also deal himself a hand to play.
How does no one notice these errors when beta/proof reading before it goes to print?!?
November 23, 2020
His Accidental Bride is an enjoyable read. Dorothy tries to escape from her abusive brother, and meets Wilhemena, who then gives her a ticket to a Colorado town she was heading to as a mail order bride. She just changed her mind. Dorothy goes because she has no other place to go. She then meets Ronald, Wilhemena's betrothed, and a deceitful friendship begins. Dorothy is not happy with her deception, but she just doesn't know how to handle this situation. She does eventually come clean, and Ronald still accepts her. Then her brother shows up and stirs up trouble for her. Great story, clean, with a great ending!
December 20, 2020
I have enjoyed Carolyn Twede Frank's Craig Colorado series and after totally loving Under the Stars (which I highly recommend reading if you haven't done so already) I was super excited to read His Accidental Bride. The premise of the story really sounded interesting and to me full of potential. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me and I felt like the author missed a few opportunities to really make this story shine. While containing western dialogue and flair, it just didn't have the "it" factor I was expecting/hoping for.
What I liked was Dorothy's strength and goodness even when she thought she was a terrible person for having helped her brother with his cons. I enjoyed that she saw Ronald for the gentleman and real qualities that made him a perfect match for her. They had so much potential to make a cute couple and be a great match, I just wish the author would have developed that romance a bit more and given a bit more dimension to Ron's character and the two of them together during their courtship. Ronald ended up being boring to me and I kept waiting for that to change. I did like how things worked out in the end between Dorothy and her brother Vincent getting his just desserts, but felt like the ending needed either one more chapter or maybe an epilogue to solidify things more with Dorothy and Ronald themselves. It didn't feel complete and what I was hoping would be an entertaining story really fell flat.
The historical aspects were interesting and I could envision the setting which was fun.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What I liked was Dorothy's strength and goodness even when she thought she was a terrible person for having helped her brother with his cons. I enjoyed that she saw Ronald for the gentleman and real qualities that made him a perfect match for her. They had so much potential to make a cute couple and be a great match, I just wish the author would have developed that romance a bit more and given a bit more dimension to Ron's character and the two of them together during their courtship. Ronald ended up being boring to me and I kept waiting for that to change. I did like how things worked out in the end between Dorothy and her brother Vincent getting his just desserts, but felt like the ending needed either one more chapter or maybe an epilogue to solidify things more with Dorothy and Ronald themselves. It didn't feel complete and what I was hoping would be an entertaining story really fell flat.
The historical aspects were interesting and I could envision the setting which was fun.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read
January 30, 2021Review to come.
October 10, 2021
I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. The premise was a good idea with Dorothy escaping her abusive brother. But it was just too slow paced for my liking. Ronald was an interesting character and a good opposite for Dorothy. But there were too many things that just felt unrealistic for the time.
Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the eARC!
August 13, 2023
Though again I don't like deception this one was interesting.
December 28, 2020
There are two aspects to a historical romance - the romance and the history. People who rank the romance higher will probably enjoy this one more than I did. There were a number of anachronisms (and mispellings) that took me out of the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.
December 20, 2020
While the story had promise, there really wasn’t enough of a story for a full novel. This was a short story at best. What the author added to make it a full novel was mostly filler and boring stuff. There was no real character development until the very end and only for Dorothy. Ron never got an iota of development and there was no explanation for his supposedly plain appearance and stickler attitude. His brother was rude and unkind and served no purpose. The idea of a safari came completely out of left field and did not fit the character we were given. I finished it but I’m left rather confused and unsatisfied by the whole book.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2021
I've read a few books with a similar trope, the wrong mail order bride showing up. I always wonder why they don't confess in the beginning. I understand not being the woman he sent away for, but he sent away for someone who was practically a stranger, so why not her. However, with Ronald being so by the book I'm sure he would have sent Dorothy packing if he knew in the beginning. This was an interesting story with a few surprises, but not really. At times it was really easy to see what was coming. I enjoyed the story, but wasn't satisfied with the ending. I felt it wrapped up too quicky and nicely. I wanted to know more about those six months, especially regarding Ronald. However, I did love the people in Craig and wouldn't mind reading stories about other town members.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley, but this is my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley, but this is my honest review.
January 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know more about the people of Craig, Colorado. I loved how in this book Ronald Smith, the sweet but socially awkward lawyer, finally gets his perfect match. I loved that this was a mail-order bride story. I really loved how Ronald helped Dorothy to learn how to plan things so she could escape her horrible situation she was in and I loved how Dorothy helped Ronald to be more spontaneous. I loved how they were a perfect match even though they were so different. I thought this was a great western romance and I would love there to be more books about the people of Craig.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
November 24, 2020
His Accidental Bride by Carolyn Twede Frank was a sweet historical romance book that I am glad that I took the chance on! Dorothy Bednar is living a life that she despises. She is forced to work as a double-dealing saloon girl, but she has had enough. She hops on a train and meets a kind woman who was traveling to Colorado to be a mail order bride. However when the woman gets cold feet, Dorothy finds herself posting as the mail-order bride, anything was better than the life she left behind. Young Coloradoan Ronald Smith is smitten when he spies the lovely woman who is to be his wife. Dorothy is beyond his wildest dreams, a kindhearted partner eager to be homemaker and mother. Ronald is everything Dorothy could have wanted, a man who makes her feel safe and cherished. Although their relationship stars in deception, it soon deepens into true love. But Dorothy's secret past comes up to haunt her and threaten the beautiful life she’s built.
I felt so bad for Dorothy, she was forced into a life that she didn’t choose. However I thought that she was so strong. She tried so hard to start a life for herself, something that was better than the life she had previously lived. She was smart and kind, it was fun to see her interact with Ronald. Ronald treated her like a lady. She thought that he was such a sweet guy. But Dorothy had to learn to stand up to her brother and fight for the future she wanted. Will she get the courage to tell Ronald the truth about her past or will she lose everything?
Ronald was such a sweet guy. He was kind of awkward, but he was really kind. I really liked him and I loved reading about him with Dorothy. He was such a nice guy and he really wanted to get Dorothy to like him. He started to fall for Dorothy from the beginning, but he also wanted to protect his heart. I wanted him to accept Dorothy immediately but everything ended up working out. I also loved his relationships with the townspeople, especially Logan.
Dorothy and Ronald were a cute couple, I really wanted them to find their happy ending. I adored Logan, the boy Ronald basically took in. Logan was such a fun character and he really liked both Dorothy and Ronald. I was interested in this book and I really enjoyed it! I think the pace was great and I had to keep on reading to see how Dorothy and Ronald were going to end up together. I thought that the ending was a bit more abrupt, but otherwise I really liked it.
His Accidental Bride was a great book. I loved the characters!I would definitely recommend it! It is a clean sweet historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
I felt so bad for Dorothy, she was forced into a life that she didn’t choose. However I thought that she was so strong. She tried so hard to start a life for herself, something that was better than the life she had previously lived. She was smart and kind, it was fun to see her interact with Ronald. Ronald treated her like a lady. She thought that he was such a sweet guy. But Dorothy had to learn to stand up to her brother and fight for the future she wanted. Will she get the courage to tell Ronald the truth about her past or will she lose everything?
Ronald was such a sweet guy. He was kind of awkward, but he was really kind. I really liked him and I loved reading about him with Dorothy. He was such a nice guy and he really wanted to get Dorothy to like him. He started to fall for Dorothy from the beginning, but he also wanted to protect his heart. I wanted him to accept Dorothy immediately but everything ended up working out. I also loved his relationships with the townspeople, especially Logan.
Dorothy and Ronald were a cute couple, I really wanted them to find their happy ending. I adored Logan, the boy Ronald basically took in. Logan was such a fun character and he really liked both Dorothy and Ronald. I was interested in this book and I really enjoyed it! I think the pace was great and I had to keep on reading to see how Dorothy and Ronald were going to end up together. I thought that the ending was a bit more abrupt, but otherwise I really liked it.
His Accidental Bride was a great book. I loved the characters!I would definitely recommend it! It is a clean sweet historical romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
September 8, 2021
I thought that this book was so cute... until it wasn't. This would have definitely been a 4-5 star book in my ratings, but the last section of the book just sucked.
Stating the good things, I LOVED Ronald so much! I liked how he was an untalkative/socially awkward but sweet guy. He wasn't drop dead gorgeous, but he was just what Dorothy needed. I really like how this is actually more realistic/relatable to life in that aspect. He and Dorothy were definitely a cute couple with cute encounters and interactions. I also loved Sunny and all the other characters as well, except for Vincent and Stanley Jones, they're dirtbags.
My first complaint has to do with the progression of events/storyline. I know that it creates more drama, but I think that this story could have been equally as cute had she delivered the letter to begin with, started off with honesty, and could still been as cheesy and romantic. The only reasons for not telling him were because she didn't want to hurt him (spoiler: you always hurt someone when you lie!) and because she didn't know if she could have stayed in town. Well, if you created a character (Ronald) that is consistent and developed, he would have let her stay in Wilhelmina's place. Also, Wilhelmina was did dirty in this book; I expect a story between her and Ronald's brother in a different one.
**SPOILERS**
Lastly, the last section of the book. Oh my gosh, it no doubtedly needed a revision. Having a "10 months later" thing just took me out of the book and seemed ridiculous. After discussing with my sister (another reader of these cheesy romance books), we both agreed that a immediate save/rescue would have been the correct decision to make. Instead, as a reader, you're taken out of the setting, everything that I read prior became unimportant in my eyes, and I no longer was connected as a reader. Their decision to go to India at the end didn't evoke emotion, it just made me think, "really?" Instead of continuing to develop your relationship (especially after Dorothy FINALLY truly escapes her abusive brother, don't tell me that doesn't leave some trauma) in a comfortable environment, they decide to throw even more factors into the equation! Also, what about all the friends coming to the wedding?!?!? ARGH!! This was just so frustrating, I don't know if I adequately conveyed in words.
All in all, this book was enjoyable, cute, and fun... until the last section which undermined everything prior. Some appropriate revisions would be appreciated. :)
Stating the good things, I LOVED Ronald so much! I liked how he was an untalkative/socially awkward but sweet guy. He wasn't drop dead gorgeous, but he was just what Dorothy needed. I really like how this is actually more realistic/relatable to life in that aspect. He and Dorothy were definitely a cute couple with cute encounters and interactions. I also loved Sunny and all the other characters as well, except for Vincent and Stanley Jones, they're dirtbags.
My first complaint has to do with the progression of events/storyline. I know that it creates more drama, but I think that this story could have been equally as cute had she delivered the letter to begin with, started off with honesty, and could still been as cheesy and romantic. The only reasons for not telling him were because she didn't want to hurt him (spoiler: you always hurt someone when you lie!) and because she didn't know if she could have stayed in town. Well, if you created a character (Ronald) that is consistent and developed, he would have let her stay in Wilhelmina's place. Also, Wilhelmina was did dirty in this book; I expect a story between her and Ronald's brother in a different one.
**SPOILERS**
Lastly, the last section of the book. Oh my gosh, it no doubtedly needed a revision. Having a "10 months later" thing just took me out of the book and seemed ridiculous. After discussing with my sister (another reader of these cheesy romance books), we both agreed that a immediate save/rescue would have been the correct decision to make. Instead, as a reader, you're taken out of the setting, everything that I read prior became unimportant in my eyes, and I no longer was connected as a reader. Their decision to go to India at the end didn't evoke emotion, it just made me think, "really?" Instead of continuing to develop your relationship (especially after Dorothy FINALLY truly escapes her abusive brother, don't tell me that doesn't leave some trauma) in a comfortable environment, they decide to throw even more factors into the equation! Also, what about all the friends coming to the wedding?!?!? ARGH!! This was just so frustrating, I don't know if I adequately conveyed in words.
All in all, this book was enjoyable, cute, and fun... until the last section which undermined everything prior. Some appropriate revisions would be appreciated. :)
November 18, 2020
Dorothy Bednar hates her life. Although she has a strong moral compass telling her that lying is wrong, her evil brother forces her (through physical and verbal intimidation) to help him out with his gambling swindles in saloons. When an opportunity to escape arises, Dorothy makes a dash for it. She boards a train and meets a woman headed west to meet her fiance (the woman had placed an ad seeking a husband in a magazine). The woman gets cold feet and asks Dorothy to deliver a letter to a small town in Colorado letting her intended know about her change of heart.
When Dorothy arrives in Colorado, she doesn't want to start lying again, but she also doesn't want to hurt Ronald Smith's feelings. So she lies a little, just to spare him. Ronald wants to court her for two months, unlike other men who want to marry within minutes of meeting their bride.
Dorothy goes along with the plan and discovers Ron is the sweetest, most gentlemanly man she's ever known. They start to have feelings for each other.
Why I Struggled with This Book
Although the book had a great premise, the hero's character development felt flat. The villains made the story seem more like a melodrama than a historical romance. Dorothy does experience character growth as she overcomes her past, but some of her decisions seem out of character.
Although billed as an 'inspirational romance,' it felt more like just a plain old clean romance. Three-fourths of the way through the book Dorothy suddenly discloses that she has a strong faith in God--something there had been no evidence of prior to this scene. There were ample opportunities to introduce faith earlier in the book (the couple could have blessed their food at their first picnic, Dorothy could have prayed for help as she escaped her brother, etc.). Ron's only interaction with anything inspirational was going to visit a pastor to see if he could use the church for his wedding.
If the reader is seeking an inspirational romance, other books fit the genre much better. If the reader wants a clean historical romance, the book fits the bill a little better. The writing style didn't spark my interest, and I had a difficult time finishing the book. It might appeal to other readers, though.
When Dorothy arrives in Colorado, she doesn't want to start lying again, but she also doesn't want to hurt Ronald Smith's feelings. So she lies a little, just to spare him. Ronald wants to court her for two months, unlike other men who want to marry within minutes of meeting their bride.
Dorothy goes along with the plan and discovers Ron is the sweetest, most gentlemanly man she's ever known. They start to have feelings for each other.
Why I Struggled with This Book
Although the book had a great premise, the hero's character development felt flat. The villains made the story seem more like a melodrama than a historical romance. Dorothy does experience character growth as she overcomes her past, but some of her decisions seem out of character.
Although billed as an 'inspirational romance,' it felt more like just a plain old clean romance. Three-fourths of the way through the book Dorothy suddenly discloses that she has a strong faith in God--something there had been no evidence of prior to this scene. There were ample opportunities to introduce faith earlier in the book (the couple could have blessed their food at their first picnic, Dorothy could have prayed for help as she escaped her brother, etc.). Ron's only interaction with anything inspirational was going to visit a pastor to see if he could use the church for his wedding.
If the reader is seeking an inspirational romance, other books fit the genre much better. If the reader wants a clean historical romance, the book fits the bill a little better. The writing style didn't spark my interest, and I had a difficult time finishing the book. It might appeal to other readers, though.
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