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| The Homestead Brides Collection |
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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