5 stars~ *****
Deeply Delightful!
Review by Diana Flowers
Maggie Brendan takes us on a delightful, but painstaking journey of one mail-order bride's quest to find love and trust in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the late 1800s. Catharine Olsen leaves Holland with her two sisters to marry a man who she has only met through letters. As Catharine arrives in Wyoming with only her mother's Blue Willow tea set and a tragic past, she has high hopes that she can make a new start in life and find security, if not love, with the kind man with whom she has been corresponding, Peter Andersen.
Maggie Brendan takes us on a delightful, but painstaking journey of one mail-order bride's quest to find love and trust in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in the late 1800s. Catharine Olsen leaves Holland with her two sisters to marry a man who she has only met through letters. As Catharine arrives in Wyoming with only her mother's Blue Willow tea set and a tragic past, she has high hopes that she can make a new start in life and find security, if not love, with the kind man with whom she has been corresponding, Peter Andersen.
Peter Andersen, a Wyoming wheat farmer, is quite taken with his lovely new bride, but is quite chagrined as well, to see that she has brought along her two sisters, Anna and Greta. Catharine knows nothing about domestic skills, but does her best, in spite of being fought on every hand by Peter's mother, Clara, who had her heart set on her only child marrying the woman of her choice. Soon troubles abound as Greta starts sneaking out to see a young soldier, whom she fancies herself in love with...and Clara unearths a terrible secret concerning Catharine; one that threatens to loosen every bond of trust and love that she and Peter have worked so hard to build between them.
Clara has been a lonely widow for years, but will she finally find love in the private investigator who she hired to find out about Catherine, or will he betray her trust, as Catharine has betrayed Peter's? Will Catharine ever find forgiveness with Peter, and what important role does the beautiful Blue Willow China play in the restoration of this family?
I simply loved this story! Maggie Brendan knows how to tell a story that will keep you saying, "I'm gonna read one more chapter...just one more chapter." Her characters are easy to fall in love with and I miss them already...even Clara, who is simply a victim of loneliness and boredom. A story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness, that is guaranteed to leave your eyes filled with tears at the satisfying conclusion! Maggie Brendan's best yet...can't wait 'til the second book in The Blue Willow Brides Series!
Giveaway: We are giving away two of Maggie's books this week, your choice of format (paperback/Kindle) and book!
Giveaway: We are giving away two of Maggie's books this week, your choice of format (paperback/Kindle) and book!
Sounds great Diana!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Marian, or afternoon there, as the case may be! We rolled our clocks back here, so now I'm not sure what time it is in Holland. I think there is a 5 hrs. time difference now. Anyway, do you have any Blue Willow items, or since you live in The Netherlands is it something you don't collect, since you see it all the time? I haven't a clue! I love the cover of this book, because my mom was Dutch, as you know, and collected it. She passed away right before this cover came out, and it comforted me. I remember you and I discussing this cover and looking forward to the time of its release, Marian. Seemed like such a long time to wait, but this book was worth waiting for!
ReplyDeleteWe also rolled our clocks back a week before you did, so it's still 6 hours difference. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't collect Blue Willow items. My mom has some things she inherited from an older lady.
It's more the older generation that has blue willow items in their homes. It's not popular among the younger generation.
I like to see it, but not so much that I want to have it in my home. ;)
Yes, I remember talking about this book long before it was released, but I haven't read it yet.
It's great that the cover comforted you so much when you needed it. I think this book is a keeper for you, right?
This book sounds so good. I have never read this author before but always love trying new ones and adding more authors to my list of favorites. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteJen
Jen.whitney08@gmail.com
Marian, I think it's probably about the same here; I have never seen any young people collect it. It is beautiful, but I don't have any...guess that makes me part of the younger set. LOL! Oops, I think Carrie has some; I best be careful what I say.;)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, this book is definitely a keeper for me!
Jen, you will love her! I have read all of her books and I'm somewhat picky! Hope you win and get a chance to read one of your choice.:)
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to add to those of you who have never read any of Maggie's books, or maybe missed one, her first series is available right now in paperback or Kindle on Amazon, for only $5 and some change. Great deal! The first book in the series for you first time readers would be a great place to start...No Place For a Lady!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, Diana:)
ReplyDeleteI met Maggie at the AFCW conference this year. I sat next to her at the early bird class. She is a lovely lady and was such a sweetheart. She made this newbie feel so welcome.
I'd love a chance to win a copy and do a review.
Blessings to you ladies,
Robin Prater
Robin, thank you so much for your persistency. I'm glad you were finally able to get your comment through. Thank you for your kind words; I appreciate them and I know they will bless Maggie as well.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book - I would love a chance to read it. Please include me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Debbie
debdesk9(AT)verizon.net
Dianna, Thanks so much for your review of DD. A few weeks ago, it was the Amazon Deal of the Day! Very cool, as Amazon picks the deal not the publisher. Robin, I remember you! I had a lot of trouble sitting in that class, and when I saw my agent, she asked me, "What are you doing in here? You already do this naturally!" LOL. Well, needless to say at that point I scooted out of the class. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book. I would love to read it. Any form works.
ReplyDeletewsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
Got you covered Debbie...thanks for entering!
ReplyDeleteWendy, I'm with you, although I have to admit before I got my Kindle, I was sure I would still always enjoy paperbacks better. Now bring it on...whatever the format. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI've read a few of Maggie's books. They never fail to be satisfying! This one has such a lovely cover. I'm so shallow ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
I hope you are well, Diana!
Have a safe evening!!!
Anne, thanks for commenting. I'm glad you've enjoyed my books thus far. I agree the cover is awesome! They asked me what I envisioned the cover to be and I told them in detail, and wow! they did. I'm thrilled with the cover! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been fighting some kind of stomach bug and nasty headache, Anne, but thank you for your well wishes. I just messaged Carrie and told her that whenever one has a school age child around it seems impossible to stay well, in this case meaning my gson who is still living with us. This cover holds alot of meaning for me, Anne, and I love it, too!
ReplyDeleteWhen are you drawing for the winners?
ReplyDeleteHey lets do our first one, Jen! Let me get a count. Then we'll do our second by Sunday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the winner of our first book, beemama! We will do the second drawing this weekend. The odds are good to win the second one!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review. This sounds like such an emotional story as is the case with elements of betrayal and secrets. I think it also gives the characters a chance to redeem themselves and grow. For me, tears (and laughter) is the sign of a great story because I am connecting with it. Thank you for the chance to win her book. I hope I am commenting in the right place.
ReplyDeleteCambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
The review is strong encouragement to read this book, Diana! Thank you for making us aware that we will be missing something worthwhile if we do not read it. Earlier this year we went to the Blue Willow restaurant for my son's birthday so that adds a tad bit more interest for me.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing if I am to be the winning recipient of the book. If so, please be in touch at jsmithg at hotmail dot com.
Thanks, Janice
a wonderful review, diana...thanks for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Na, you sure are in the right place! We drew one winner and will draw another winner this weekend! I, too, feel that tears and laughter are a sign that I am totally caught up in the storyline, feeling what the characters are feeling and identifying with them. Thank you for your comment and am hoping for a win for you!
ReplyDeleteJanice, welcome to OTT and thank you for your warm compliment. If someone wants to read a book because of my review, I feel as though I've done my job. Not that it is a job, but it's so rewarding for me to have played a part in promoting that author, and sharing their lovely book with others.
ReplyDeleteHey, Karen, good to see you! Thank you so much and good luck to you! I truly hope you get a chance to read this wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteDiana thanks for the beautiful review. You always make the books come alive for us, I can't wait to read this. tsmathews61[at]gmail{dot}com
ReplyDeleteThank you, Teresa, for visiting us in the middle of all of your busyness and baking. AND since you are already in the kitchen some lemon squares would be nice! lol JK Teresa makes the best lemon squares for our church get-togethers! This is a wonderful book, can't wait for the next one!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Janice, You are our second winner! Check your email! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Jennifer and Janice! Happy Reading, ladies! I hope to see all of you AND more, back next week for Marcia Gruver week and another great giveaway!
ReplyDelete