Book Description
Humorous Historical Romance Novella
Collection Offers Love and Laughs
Four
top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to
offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen
Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the
reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever.
Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded
by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger
arrives.
Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger
getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a
dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the
Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often
sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun
blend of history and romance that will delight readers.
My Review
With this Ring?
Mary Connealy, Karen
Witemyer, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears come together with a collection
of novellas, mixing humor and romance with a dash of adventure. Is there any
less to be expected by these four famous authors?
The Husband Maneuver
In this short story
we revisit two characters from Karen Witemeyer’s book “A Worthy pursuit”. Daniel Barret, Or Dead-eye Dan affectionately
known to those who have read the book, is ready to build his own place and his
own business, but Marietta isn’t ready for him to go, at least not without her
as his wife.
Fear and love push
Marietta into action. Trying to maneuver the quiet Daniel into a marriage
proposal.
Most men will
probably going “Aha” right about now,
but trust me when I saw that Marietta loved Daniel, and if you thought you’d
lose someone forever you might be willing to do the same thing yourself.
It was a great
pleasure to see these two beloved characters once again, and to see how their
story ended. I also enjoyed reading experts from the last Dead-eye Dan book at
the beginning of each chapter, what a fun treat!
Her Dearly Unintended
This story is a
coming of age story for our two characters Josiah Huckabee and Katie Ellen
Watson. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was pleased to find Regina
Jennings in her element, as always.
Josiah, a fearless young man, wants to woo Katie Ellen, but she will
have nothing to do with him. A logical, crafty, young woman Katie Ellen holds
onto two years of pain caused by one small moment in time with Josiah, using it
as a shield against Josiah. But things don’t quite go as any of them expected,
with an old man taking residence in Katie Ellen’s home, and her only source of
protection from the stranger is Josiah’s.
I enjoyed seeing the
barriers come down around Katie’s heart, and that it taught me that the little
details shouldn’t be stressed over so much, not when it comes to the ones you
love.
Runaway Bride
I have no clue how
many of Mary Connealy’s books are connected in this one little short story, but
by the amount of names I feel I should know in here I am guessing a lot. Carrie
Halsey, sister to Audra Halsey, is on the run from the fate her father forced
upon her older sibling. As in most of Mary Connealy’s books there are twists of
romance, action, and suspense even in this short story. I won’t spoil this
story, but for all those Connealy fans out there I am sure they will love this
quick stop on there way to the next novel.
Engaging the Competition
Now, Melissa Jagears
story I was a little weary of, after learning about her book “A Bride in Store”
from my sister. I did expect much from this story. Gladly I was very wrong
about this one.
You would never
expect rivals to make a good couple, Harrison Gray thought the same. He and
Charlotte used to be the best of friends, until their competiveness got in the
way. Because of his impaired sight and the need to wear glasses Harrison felt
he couldn’t match up to Charlotte, and even the one time he felt he could best
her he realized he was trying to publicly humiliate a woman. He did not want to
be known as that type of man. With their friendship over Harrison didn’t think
he would have to deal with her again. God had other plans.
Charlotte ends up
breaking his glasses, and to make up for it she helps him teach his school
class.
An interesting and
sweet story that will have you captivated from the first few pages.
The book was a joy to
read, and though I found the lack of faith a little odd, I
still would recommended it for many readers.
With laughter, struggle, and love abound many will find themselves lost
for an hour or two in one of these novellas.
I give this book a 4 out of 5!
I received this book for free from the publisher’s in exchange for this honest and unbiased review as part of Bethany House Review program.
