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| Sixty Acres and a Bride |
Sixty Acres and a Bride
by Regina Jennings
(Bethany House Publishers, 2012)
5 stars~*****
Tremendous Debut Novel!
Reviewed by Diana L. Flowers
In Sixty Acres and a Bride, Regina Jennings takes us on a epic journey to Texas in 1864; a beautiful land of vast prairies, verdant hills, giant cacti, and diverse ranches, but it is also a place of great dangers, fraught with prairie storms, prejudice, and manipulative, vile men.
The vivacious, dark haired Mexican beauty, Rosa Garner and her
mother-in-law, Louise, return to Texas from Mexico, where a mine cave in has left them both widows. Moving to Louise's Texas ranch seems the logical thing to do, until they discover the previous tenants left owing back taxes, and the widows have but three months in which to pay them. Rosa does what she can to help her mother-in-law earn the money, but she is not use to the customs of this strange land, and falls prey to prejudiced townsfolk, gossip mongers, and a deceitful man who is determined to use her naivete to have her.
On the neighboring ranch, lives Rosa's late husband's cousin, Weston Garner, a man torn by guilt from his wife's death years earlier, and determined never to marry again. But, why does this lovely widow get under his skin so?...and when Rosa dances The Mariposa, an alluring native dance at a ranch BBQ, what causes Weston to pull her away from the other dancers, much to Rosa's embarrassment? And what daring plan does Rosa come up with to help pay the taxes on Louise's ranch, and can she live with the consequences?
I am amazed that this is Regina Jennings' debut novel! Her characters were realistically flawed, and I fell in love with every one of them (almost!), especially the fiery and devoted Rosa. The plot was exciting, and I loved the correlation between Rosa and Louise's relationship to Naomi and Ruth in the Bible. With a climactic, satisfying conclusion, this is a must read for all historical fiction lovers. I simply cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us in the future!
Regina's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book stores.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. Regina's debut book in your choice of format*. Void where prohibited by law. *International winners will only receive the book in ebook format not as a paperback.
Sounds like a GREAT book, DIANA! And again a great review! I think I'll have to make time for this one. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, MARIAN! Yes, do put this one at the top of that tumbling over TBR stack of yours! ;)
ReplyDeleteAnother Wonderful Review DIANA! And I agree it was a wonderful book also.
ReplyDeleteThank you, TERESA~
ReplyDeleteWould so love to win this book! I love to find new authors
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE, it's great to see you! One thing about Regina's books is you would never know she is new at this! Here's hoping for a win for you!
ReplyDeleteDIANA, this book has been on my Kindle for awhile, and I've read numerous reviews of it, but none have peaked my interest as much as yours. I commented on the other post that it is now being moved UP the list. Y'all do that to me, you know :) So, if I win, I want the pre-order book ;)
ReplyDeleteANNE, your wish is our command! lol Thank you...you are such an encourager! I hope you will get some time to read this one, and perhaps you will win the preorder!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great review, DIANA!!! I think REGINA has found a lot of fans, right out of the gate with her debut book. And I understand she has an amazing editorial team!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, CARRIE! Yes, I believe readers took one look at this fabulous cover, and simply could not resist! And the inside is just as compelling as the outside!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great story. I can't wait to read more by this author
ReplyDeleteI loved this book! Great review. Would love a chance to win her new one. :)
ReplyDeletesunshine6892 at hotmail dot com
I read this book and really enjoyed it, Rosa was a strong leading lady. Great review, Diana :)
ReplyDeleteCrazi.swans at gmail dot com
KIM, the next release is in early 2013!
ReplyDeleteCATHY - the next book sounds awesome, too!
FAYE!!! I love seeing your smiling face!!!
I do, too, CARRIE! FAYE is just so cute! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies, for coming by and lots of luck to all!
MARIAN and TERESA - I agree that DIANA did a great review. Thanks, DIANA for taking the time to share your opinion. You ladies are so sweet.
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE - Thanks for giving us new authors a try. :)
ANNE - My TBR list is quite lengthy and gets longer every week.
Yes, CARRIE, I have some great editors in Dave Long and Sharon Asmus. I'm privileged to work with the best.
KIM - Thanks for the encouragement. Love in the Balance is nearing its final stages and I'm working on a third. Good reports help me along.
CATHY - I'm so glad you liked Rosa's story. Good luck in the drawing.
FAYE - Nice to see you here. Thanks for stopping in to share a good word.
Right in the second paragraph when you started describing the story, I thought, "What a great rendition of the Ruth and Naomi story!" Sounds like a wonderful read. Put me in the drawing. (Do I get an extra entry since my name is Naomi? Lol!)
ReplyDeletemuschfarm at yahoo dot com
NAOMI - You should get a bonus! Actually Rosa's mother-in-law was named Naomi in the book, but we were afraid to draw too close of an association to the Bible story, so it got changed to Louise. I'm glad you got to keep your name.
ReplyDeleteI love this review. It gives me a better glimpse inside the book. Which convinces me even more that I need this book.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to read anything by Miss Regina, I think. No, I don't think I have yet. And I love reading things by new authors. It always gives me such hope.
Anyway, I'd love a print copy of "Sixty Acres and a Bride". (Ick, how many times have I wrote that?) Thank you for a chance to win. God bless!
katelynmwhitley@yahoo.com
NAOMI, you should get an extra entry and I have become a blog stalker trying to win The Black Rose! lol! I have your other two books on my kindle and want to read them back to back! Thanks for coming by!
ReplyDeleteKATELYN, your words concerning the review were music to my ears. Thank you, honey, and just know we never get tired of reading your comments. You are a delight!
ReplyDeleteNAOMI, I'll put you in for extra drawing because you are on my prayer list, too! And because your name is Naomi, which was my aunt's name, too. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what the need is, NAOMI, but God does, and prayers are going up here as well! How could He not be mindful of a "NAOMI?" :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! You've convinced me, this will be the next book I pick up out of my towering TBR pile! I'd love to win the pre-order, the cover is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com
I agree, LIZ! As a matter of fact, both covers are gorgeous! Regina is so blessed to have great ppl to do her covers! I'm so glad I convinced you to read this one next. :) I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteKATELYN - If you haven't read Sixty Acres, then you haven't read anything of mine yet. It's my first book and I'm so grateful to ladies like Diana, Carrie, Marian and Teresa who spread the word. If you like it, please tell others, too. :)
ReplyDeleteLIZ - I was absolutely flabbergasted at this cover. Bethany House puts the "art" in art department.
I really enjoyed Sixty Acres and A Bride! Can't wait to read the next book. Please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteBattles2001@hotmail.com
MELISSA, got your name in the hat, gf! Thank you for sharing your support of REGINA'S book!
ReplyDeleteMELISSA - Good to see you here! Good luck on the drawing.
ReplyDeleteYes please!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent review there, Diana!
This sounds goood :-)
Ganise
ganise_4life (at) hotmail (dot) com
HI GANISE!
ReplyDeleteThanks, this IS a really good book!
I love historical romance books...and I want to win a copy of this one...I am one of those people who love to read. My favorite time is at night when the house is quiet and everyone but me is asleep.I get on the couch with a quilt, some sweet icetea and my furry dog kids. Herma Shelton jshelton@foothills.net
ReplyDeleteI go to church with Regina and have know her since she was a little girl. I loved reading her first book and look forward to the next one.
ReplyDeletemwilliams@unioncity.k12.ok.us
HERMA, you're in good company here-we ALL love to read!! :) I love your description of where you love to read, and with who! :) Good luck in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMWILLIAMS, you are one blessed person to have known REGINA since she was a little girl. She sure is a sweet lady and a very talented one!
ReplyDeleteEVERYONE-Keep CARRIE in your prayers for traveling mercies and a wonderful time on her trip.
ReplyDeletea great review...thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
HERMA - What a peaceful scene you describe. It sounds wonderful. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteMRS. MARILYN - How are you? I was just telling someone this weekend about our days on Glen Lane with your girls and the Kamphauses. Thanks for coming by and I'll see you soon.
Thank you, KARENK! I certainly hope you get the chance to read REGINA'S wonderful book. Perhaps a win for you here!
ReplyDeleteDiana, What a good review, I love historical novels . The story sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThe stack of books on my wish list is also tumbleing over just because of the reviews that ate written on this site, so it's nice to be able to win a book or two :) I just changed my name to Ruth am I also eligible to enter my nam twice in the drawing? My e mail still has my old name but that does not matter I hope :)
Mirjam(at)fotoflits(dot)com
LOL! MIRJAM, we need to enter you twice just for your great sense of humor! Love your new name! :)
ReplyDeleteI know all about that tumbling over TBR stack...I now have several stacks! Good luck in the giveway and I'm so glad our reviews are enticing to you. lol
The mine cave in really touched close to home! Its really a segregating occurrence. I was hooked by that alone. I would love to read this book! Lcenlow@sit-co.net
ReplyDeleteStarted the book and had to stay up til 2 am to finish it. Love the book and the author!! Can't wait to read the next one!
ReplyDeleteLOL MIRJAM!! :))
ReplyDeleteDIANA, I also have several stacks. One is really huge called KINDLE. ;)
This looks like a very interesting book! I'm afraid I would be like Good Life Girl once I started reading it... If the book is as good as the review it will be an interesting read. Thanks again for introducing new books out there - makes it easier for me to find good reading material.
ReplyDeletejking23(at)kent(dot)edu
Havent read this one yet but sounds like a winner,
ReplyDeletealways like to read about two people that think they dont want to have anything to do with the other then end up falling in love, sounds like this might be just that type.
thanks for sharing Diane.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
MIRJAM/RUTH - I vote that you get two entries for your cleverness. The heroine in the second book is Molly, so be prepared to change again.
ReplyDeleteGOOD LIFE GIRL - Those are the reports I love...although I can't be held responsible for your missed sleep. ;) Thanks for the encouragement.
JEN - Thanks for giving a new author a chance. I appreciate it.
PAULA - I love it when we fall in love with both characters before they fall in love with each other. Then you're just agonizing... as long as there's a happy ending. :)
That's cute, REGINA. Molly...I believe I will let MIRJAM have that one, too. I don't think I would make a very good Molly. ;)
ReplyDeleteI have that stack, too, MARIAN. lol Do you think that we will ever got caught up? I'm thinking not, unless all the authors will quit writing for a few years...long enough for us to catch up. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read her book! Looks like a great story! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteEmreilly303(At)gmail(dot)com
Can't wait to get my hands on a copy! I've never read any of her books, but your review has got me interested!
ReplyDeleteDreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi, EMILY! I'm pretty sure you will love this story!
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE, I believe once you do get ahold of a copy, REGINA will have another reader fan!
ReplyDeleteDIANA and ALL--THANKS for the travel prayers== we almost got creamed twice on the way up here. Need more prayers for energy tomorrow. Am zonked. Told Hubby I am going to be a shut in when we get home. Just sit on couch and write and never leave the house, lol!
ReplyDeleteOh!! I've been dying to read this book!! :)
ReplyDeleteRuth is my favorite Bible story besides Christ and the Gospel. I can't wait to read this story!
ReplyDeletebskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net
CARRIE, we are missing you already! Thank God for His angels encamped round about you! I hate the freeway! I used to love to travel when I felt better, but I'm a homebody definitely. Prayers going up for your energy level and continued safety.
ReplyDeleteThis is a whole different take on Ruth and Naomi, TEDDY, but Rosa definitely is devoted to her mother in law and is such an admirable heroine!
ReplyDeleteJENNA K., I'm so hoping for a win for you!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, hope you both get good rest tonight! I would like to be put in the drawing for Regina's second book!! Kathleen
ReplyDeletelanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Thank you, Diana, for this notice I received in my e-mails: "GIVEAWAY! Even if you have already entered, leave a comment on my review of Sixty Acres and a Bride for another chance to win it, or a preorder of Regina Jennings upcoming book, Love in the Balance!"
Here's my second post for "another chance to win." After my mother died, my stepmother's name was Ruth. True. Qualifying post?? Kathleen
ReplyDeletelanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
KATHLEEN, I believe you! And keep your fingers crossed, your arms crossed, your eyes crossed, and anything else that can be crossed, for a win, girl! lol!
ReplyDeleteI love hearing good reviews for debut authors. I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteBC
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
I can't wait to read this book!! BC
ReplyDeletemarissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love this story because it is based on the story from the Bible and I love stories based on Bible characters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
BC
WENDY and MISSKALLIE, thank you for coming by and showing your support for REGINA'S books!
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing an interest in REGINA's debut book, WENDY MARPLE! You have won a copy in our giveaway-your choice of book and format!! Congrats to you!!
ReplyDelete