The Homestead Brides Collection reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

The Homestead Brides Collection

The Homestead Brides Collection: 9 Pioneering CouplesRisk All for Love and Land

by Various Authors

Barbour Books (February 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow - 5 Stars *****

Founding futures on America’s Great Plains

The Homestead Brides Collection is a gathering of nine inspiring tales telling of the adventurous pioneering folks of the bygone 1800’s. These brave pioneers battled the land and forces of nature in their quest to improve their land and build a secure future. When love came their way, often it was as unpredictable as the land. Ultimately, their lives were enriched far beyond their dreams. Each outstanding story in this collection gives its own reward to the reader. Highly recommended!

Homestead on the Range

by Mary Connealy

When the new homesteader Colin Samuelson meets Elle Winter, there is an immediate chemistry… that is until the father of three discovered this pretty woman had four children of her own! Considering himself a poor father of his own three, he was ready to run for the hills. That wasn't about to happen however because his land adjoined Elle’s, leaving them both fighting their attraction to each other along with the forces of nature, and their children’s antics. Absolutely loved this entertaining novella… It was amusing, romantic, informative, and beautifully illustrated how God is with us in the storms of life.

Priceless Pearl

by Darlene Franklin

What happens when an inexperienced family leaves the city to make the run for land in the Cherokee Strip in Oklahoma? Will this family survive the harsh winter with their inadequate knowledge and a tendency to be impractical from their days living comfortably in St. Louis?  Or might their neighbor who has his own deficiencies be able to trade off? This is a sweet story of hard work, hope, and love, with a future that promises to be as priceless as Grandma’s irreplaceable pearl!

Proving Up

by Carla Olsen Gade

Swedish Nils Svensson was ready to expand his lumber business and build a timber mill, and the property bordering his land was part of that plan. Discovering that the beautiful Elsa Lindstrom held the deed to the land he thought could become his, dispersed his dreams upon the prairie winds. Elsa had her own plans and when Nils despite himself, grew feelings for her, she accuses him of only wanting her land. Will it be possible for them to find a way to prove up on their land as well as their hearts? This is a wonderful story containing a fascinating forest of facts on the Timber Culture Act of 1873 that’s grafted into a blossoming love story!

Prairie Promises

by Ruth  Logan Herne

Philadelphia city boy Jack O’Donnell arrives at his widowed mothers Nebraska homestead, to a startling reception from a young pregnant woman that’s residing with his mother. He’s not sure whether to admire this pretty woman or be wary of her? Regardless, he means to take his mother home with him as he can’t leave her to this barren prairie and its harsh winter. How can he get his stubborn mother to agree to give up her land and more importantly, how will her plucky young widow friend that’s due to give birth soon, survive alone in a thatched soddy no less? A descriptive and beautifully told story that was refreshing, thoroughly engaging, and a delight to read!

This Land is our Land

by Pam Hillman

Mollie Jameson, orphaned and caring for a brood of siblings and a Grandpa with memory lapses, hasn't much time to spare to reach Lincoln, Nebraska if she wants to lay a claim to the land her father had homesteaded. They’ll all be homeless if she can’t make it in time, and when a blizzard sweeps in and slows them down, it seems that will be the case. Unless she can trust the cowpoke that they've only recently met who has no home or responsibility, to hightail it to the land office with their deed. Will the overburdened Mollie lose everything or gain more than she bargained for? This was a truly enjoyable and heart-warming story with endearing characters!

Flaming Starr

by DiAnn Mills

With anticipation swelling the closer Starr Matthews draws to her recently acquired homestead, she is relishing the thought of finally owning her own place to begin a new life. But her hopes were scattered like the tall grass prairie seeds when she discovers widower Aaron Conrad and his children have already claimed ownership. Although Aaron’s children would benefit from a mother and Starr’s soul heal from love and a new beginning, her pride and tainted past produce formidable barriers towards any happy outcome. Will Starr find her forever or the end in the town named Last Chance? Not too many novella’s touch me deeply enough to bring on tears, but this touching and memorable novella did. Loved it!

A Palace on the Plains

by Erica Vetsch

Hired as a seamstress for Walt Haskell’s upcoming wedding, Julie Farrington has arrived from the city to stay with Walt’s brother, Cyrus. The widowed Cyrus is none too happy having her and her ridiculous amount of luggage move into his tiny dugout that already houses his mother and two young sons. Julie wonders what she’s gotten herself into! She hadn't figured on encountering such a primitive dwelling with no space or privacy, or the gruff though admirable man she’s dwelling with. Julie’s true mettle is put to the test however, when she has to deal with sickness, arduous work, and extreme weather. Will Julie also find her happy ever after? I thoroughly enjoyed this absolute gem of a story, and found the incorporated information on building Soddy’s, completely fascinating!

Waiting on a Promise

by Becca Whitham

Marta Vogel is anxious that it’s taking so long for her fiancé to give her the go ahead to join him in Oklahoma. Ignoring his last letter again urging her to trust him and wait, she hops aboard the next train to Oklahoma Territory. But Karl Reinhardt had good reason to keep her away. He’s dealing with a land dispute and sabotage while trying to work on his land. When she arrives, he is fearful for her safety, especially when she makes friend with the enemy. Wow, what a great story! It’s not always easy to capture so much intrigue in a novella, but Becca manages to do that along with suspense, humor, and romance, in the talented strokes of her pen.

The Bogus Bride of Creed Creek

by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Iz McBride returns home to his Texas ranch in Creed Creek to discover a pregnant wife! Which is very strange seeing how he’s never met her before. And everyone in Creed Creek seems to love Cora McBride, even his traitorous dog. So does he evict her from his ranch or marry her proper? I loved the unique plot, and it was fun trying to figure out how this mixed-up tale of deceit and truths was going to unfold. The charming characters in this western tale strive to change past wrongs for future generations. A very sweet ending to this novella and to this wonderful book! 

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You will find this book at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; Books-A-Million; Book Depository.

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GIVEAWAY: This gorgeous book is up for giveaway to one very blessed commentator who leaves a comment below! E-book if the winner is outside of the US.