A Bride For All Seasons, Book review and GIVEAWAY

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 18, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-1401688530

Synopsis:

It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue . . .

Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn't dishonest---not exactly. If he tweaks his clients' applications a bit, it's because he's looking out for their best interests.

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she'd travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks---and just the girl he needs.

Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there's no money to send them back. . .

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone---nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?


Here are my thoughts:


In 1870 Mail Order Brides seemed a perfectly normal way to seek a mate, not unlike lonesome hearts seeking their soul mate through online search these days. 

In the four novellas compiled in 'A Bride For All Seasons', Melvin Hitchcok, Editor of The Hitching Post Mail Order Bride catalogue 'for the discerning, lonely, or desperate' might just offer the answer for the four men who placed their advertisement in hopes of meeting the lady of their dreams. 
Melvin however decides to play Cupid and unbeknown to all parties involved edits their correspondence, at times with hilarious, even dramatic results.

Each Christian Historical novella offers a different seasonal background, colourful characters, fun and sweet plot lines, and provide readers with just the right entertainment during these hot Summer evenings. 

Of the four authors, only two were familiar (Hatcher and Connealy) and the novellas format is usually not my first choice yet each story seemed to flow perfectly together, proving these talented writers know their craft well and make a formidable team. 
I am happy to say the authors' interviews included with the four novellas revealed there will soon be a second book on the market called (Four weddings and a Kiss).

Note: Don't miss the Glossary of Mail Order Advertising Terms on page 98 guaranteed to bring a stitch or two! (My favourite is 'Possesses natural beauty: don't let the false hair, cosmetic paints, or bolstered bosom scare you!'.

Robin Lee Hatcher, Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley and Debra Clopton: Thank you for a fun read! Keep it coming Ladies!

Suitable for any age and earning a 5 stars!

 

 

Landing page: 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/BrideSeasons

About the Authors:

New York Times best-selling author Margaret Brownley has penned more than twenty-five historical and contemporary novels. Her books have won numerous awards, including Reader's Choice. She has published the Rocky Creek series, and A Lady like Sarah was a Romance Writers of America RITA (C) finalist. Happily married to her real life hero, Margaret and her husband have three grown children.


Award winning novelist Debra Clopton is the popular Mule Hollow series--the town readers wish was real. She has written 23 books since 2004 and writes books that give God the glory and helps you meet life with a smile. Her books are thought provoking, fun entertainment. Debra's awards include: Inspirational Readers Choice Award, Book Sellers Best, RT Book of the year and others. Her nominations include the prestigious Golden Heart, The Carol, The Holt among others.

Mary Connealy writes fun and lively "romantic comedy with cowboys" for the inspirational market. She is the author of the successful Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters series, and her novel Calico Canyon was nominated for a Christy Award. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband, Ivan, and has four grown daughters.

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the RT Career Achievement Award, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 65 novels.

Four novellas, four brides, and four stories to fall in love with. 


Enter the world of mail-order brides with four of your favorite authors: Mary Connealy, Robin Lee Hatcher, Debra Clopton, and Margaret Brownley. In A Bride for All Seasons (Thomas Nelson) each of the prospective brides is hopeful for a second chance at love—and that second chance always seems to come in an unexpected package.
 
The authors are celebrating with a fun 12 Days of Unexpected Packages Giveaway! Between July 12-23 visit the authors’ Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day. 

Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on July 23rd! Such fun! 

I received a paperback copy of this title from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.