Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

A Bride’s Choice in Central City by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer is the third book in the Frontier Legacy Brides series. I was excited to read this story because I grew so attached to the characters in the first book, especially Nora. If anyone deserves to find a happily ever after, it is this humble, lovely lady.
It was interesting to see the conditions women, like Nora, who had no family or husband to support them had to endure. It was easy to see why so many would marry for protection, food, or shelter to avoid the more unsavory lifestyles some women were forced to choose to survive. Her storyline emphasized how brutal life in the Western United States could be--even for those who went in hopes of a brighter future.
But Nora’s story isn’t the only one in this novel. The main story arc follows Annabelle, a woman who, after discovering secrets about her past, is on a journey to find out who she truly is. It was heartbreaking to watch her question everything she knew about herself, but I was proud of her for standing up for herself. And I loved how Thaddeus played a role in her discovering her true self.
Thaddeus is such a sweet man (with an adorable and hilarious daughter), but he is such a workaholic! I loved watching his very persuasive daughter, Marianne, soften him up and make him realize what is really important in life. I enjoyed the slow romance between Annabelle and Thaddeus, and how easily Annabelle fit into their family--a family to fill her wounded heart.
Overall, I enjoyed this story! It was fun to follow familiar characters from the last book and to get to know Thaddeus and Annabelle, too. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction, especially stories set in the western United States, then you will enjoy A Bride’s Choice in Central City.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)

Love Finds an Outlaw is a delightful historical romance by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer. Mary and Wyatt's paths cross briefly at a party and then on the Santa Fe railroad's excursion trip from Kansas to Colorado. Each is pressured by a father, bound and determined to see his offspring wed to the proper spouse. But neither Mary nor Wyatt is ready. Mary wants to see the world and Wyatt is yearning to find the story that will launch his news reporter career. Brandmeyer writes with a bit of humor and keeps the reader's interest high with several mishaps and several out-of-the-ordinary characters. Mary finds her adventure but will she realize it is not about the place you end up but the trip you take to get there? I enjoyed this quick, easy-to-read novelette and look forward to reading more of Ms. Brandmeyer's books.
I was given a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.… (mehr)

A Bride’s Journey to the Colorado Territory by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer is the second book in the Frontier Legacy Bride’s series. I confess I haven’t read the first book, but after reading Cornelia, Raymond and Jake’s story, I want to!
The post-Civil War era is my favorite in historical fiction, and I enjoy reading stories about those people who were brave enough to travel through hardship across the country in search of a new beginning. The journey of a pioneer is inspiring but also full of hardship, and I thought the author captured this perfectly. The story is wonderfully detailed about everyday life while traveling and surviving across the plains--everything from what necessities were carefully packed in the wagon to what meals they would have eaten when they had no fire. It made the story feel even more authentic to have those details.
I love how the pioneer life allows people to have a second chance. For Cornelia and Raymond from Prussia, they were looking for a new home away from the unrest of their home country. For Jake, he was running from his past in Tennessee. Either way, the fresh trail gave them opportunities, and I loved to listen to them as they discussed their dreams along the way.
Cornelia is a strong, young woman, growing into the independence she desires now that she’s an American forging her path into the Frontier. I loved her big heart for others (fellow travelers and natives alike), her courage, and her ability to see other’s needs. She is a bit headstrong and argumentative at times, but it is all part of her finding her balance and her place in the freedom of her journey.
Jake is a man haunted by his past, but he is a good man at heart. It was comical when he struck a deal with Raymond to think of Cornelia as his sister. It didn’t take long for that promise to grate against the budding feelings he has for Cornelia. His self-restraint is admirable!
Overall, I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It was an historic adventure full of perils on the trail and in the heart. Any fan of Christian historical fiction would enjoy this story, especially if you like Western-type fiction.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)