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The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection: 9… von Angela Bell
1-The Substitute Bride by Angela Bell
I wouldn't want to appear picky, but I was a bit disappointed to find the first novella is a proper British story set in an English lord’s house when the collection is titled Lassoed by Marriage. There were no cowboys, lassos, or anything of that nature. The story had merit, but might have been better showcased in a British collection. The characters, though interesting, came across a bit stuffy. Their fresh occupations carried the story for me in the end, she being a bookbinder and he a tinker in automata. However, this novella didn’t seem as much a romance as a tale of two prejudiced strangers becoming friends under the framework of a name-only marriage. The relationship’s conflict might have been resolved with an honest conversation, but the characters never were frank with one another. Even in the end their conflict was resolved with a conversation steeped in vague subtext. A British custom, perhaps? There are a few refreshing nods to classic literature as the heroine repairs books in the hero’s library, treating works such as, Jane Eyre, Silas Marner, and Austen’s novels as old friends. A book lover will enjoy this tale as will novelists, since the main plot centers around a love of bookish things. This is a new author for me, but her love of the classics tempts me to read more of her writings.
2-Bridal Whispers by Angela Briedenbach
This story set around a general store and a farm wasn’t exactly a boots & spurs type story either, but the theme of love by choice proved poignant and touching. With the tough road of a widower hero coming to care for his dead wife’s cousin and the cousin-heroine’s struggle to be loved for who she is, this tale took on a real-life feel as the characters battled their own natures and others’ perceptions head-on to find a way for love. This is more than your average strawberries and whipped-cream romance fluff--kudos to the author for that. The relationship portrayed finds its foundation in self-sacrifice and determination to make a better marriage. I look forward to reading more work by Ms. Briedenbach, also a new-to-me author.
3-Mule Dazed by Lisa Carter
Confession: as I read through this collection, I wrote each novella’s review into a document while the story was bright in my mind. Now my document seems to have erased the review for this one. :( Grr. But I’ll rewrite one just to say I loved so many aspects about this story. A new sheriff looking to prove himself is bested at every turn by an annoying woman who hero-worships him. And another problem? Mischief clings to her like ticks on a…well, a mule for instance. The continuity in this novella was as satisfying as a fresh-baked biscuit. The comedy was hilarious, especially toward the end where the hero starts singing “Bringing In the Sheaves”—I laughed out loud. The romance was sweet and the characters down-to-earth. To be honest, I thought the hero’s “cornpone and grits” type dialogue a little too countrified during the first few paragraphs (and I’m from the South!), but his accent and colloquialisms soon mellowed out into honest-to-goodness country boy talk you couldn’t help but fall in love with. I’ve known the name Lisa Carter from her career as a suspense novelist, but I hope to read many more stories like this from her.
4-The Sweetwater Bride by Mary Connealy
Mary once again takes us on a romping romantic comedy with a delightful web of our favorite characters. Like visiting old friends again. This wasn’t exactly a forced marriage story, since the characters fell in love before the wedding, but the story was full of laughs as well as sweet moments and explorations of human nature. Like most of Mary’s novels, this little story is deeper than it lets on. Well done.
5-A Highbrow Hoodwink by Rebecca Jepson
This novella ranges from upper crust society to life in the shadowy dens of 1880s Denver. Not exactly a cowboy story, but sort of a rags to riches tale. I liked the premise and the way the author included an adorable small child. The main characters were interesting and well constructed. Some of the timeline was unclear, however. Apparently the story spans two years or so. Much of the romantic conflict could’ve been solved by an honest conversation, and the hero seemed a godless profligate until the very end when he quoted scripture as if devout. Though I prefer comedy to drama, this story still held my interest until the end.
6-Not So Pretty Penny by Amy Lillard
This novella is so fresh and different. I loved the journey. A post Civil War homestead is the setting where unique characters, a strong, unrefined woman and a prisoner set to hang, strike a match that will send sparks flying to kingdom come. One offense the heroine holds against the hero seemed a bit cliche, but overall this is a fun, sweet story and makes me want to read more from this author.
7-All's Fair by Gina Welborn
I’ve never read a novella quite like this one. Set near the river in the town of Wathena, Kansas, this early 1900s twist on the Hatfields & McCoys/Romeo & Juliet plots is delightfully fresh and unpredictable. The characters bond with the reader so you wish there was a full-length novel chronicling their journey. This is the second work of fiction I’ve read from Gina Welborn. The novella pulled me into the character’s actions and feelings from the start. I plan to read more from this author. She has a special gift for storytelling.
8-The Colorado Coincidence by Kathleen Y'Barbo
English nobility meets the Colorado ranching class in this sweet story about a desperate widow and a no-account gambler. Evil plots behind the scenes and greedy, murderous neighbors, as well as the question, “Will this marriage survive?” make this novella a page-turner. A few glitches include one Irish character later being described as Scottish, author “filter words.” An enjoyable story from one of my favorite authors through the years.
9-Railroaded into Love by Rose Ross Zediker
The sweet romance of a preacher and his best friend-turned-outlaw’s sister. To protect her from her evil brother and rescue her from captivity of singing songs in a bawdy house, Noah marries Molly in name only. A little boy adds depth to the story and brings the hero and heroine closer together. I might have enjoyed more action and less introspection. I didn’t understand the hero’s not responding immediately when he discovered his wife loved him and wanted to run away to save him her troubles. But in the end it all worked out. Also, the heroine put her fists on her hips a bit too often, but the setting was fresh and the plot as well.
Overall a fun, romantic trip into historical times. I would recommend to anyone who loves a good, sweet love story.
I received an e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection: 9 Historical Romances Begin After Saying "I Do" © 2016
Review of Rebecca Jepson's A Highbrow Hoodwink novella
Aspen, Colorado ~ 1883
It has been a little over a year and a half that I agreed for a frequent diner at the Claredon Hotel to give me a ride home on a warm July evening. So naive, unaware what a simple kiss unknowingly could lead to. Jackson Baxter was his name; he hasn't come and seen his son.
My little Georgie is almost a year old when the father's family comes to claim him. As hard as it is to work in town in the hotel dining room and have his care in the country where I must leave him until my day off, I stand my ground. I will not be separated from him.
Marriage-of-convenience is offered to me in exchange for a safe harbor.
Worried that my past will be discovered as not measuring up to their social status resulting in loss of their business ventures in Denver, the prestigious family must find where their true alliance stands.
A surprise ending brings another change for the family.
***Thank you to author Rebecca Jepson for sending me a print copy of The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection so I may review A Highbrow Hoodwink novella. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
The Substitute Bride by Angela Bell
This story is a different take on the story book “The Ugly Duckling”, and takes place in England. Gwendolyn is the ugly duckling old maid sister to a beautiful out going Cynthia. Cynthia is to marry Lord Carlyle; she has hooked a bigger fish and Gwendolyn is persuaded by her ham fisted mother and manipulating Cynthia to step in at the altar and marry Lord Carlyle. Follow Gwen and Lord Carlyle through all the missteps and happenings. This story is paced well and the character growth of Gwen from a shy introverted wall flower was wonderful; this story will keep you interested to the end as we watch two shy inverted people grow and mature.
Bridal Whispers by Angie Breidenbach
This is a story of love and family. Maila is a nurse in Saint Paul MN in 1900 America. She considers herself the odd duck as her Swedish mother sent her from home to find her own way. Now that same mother has sent for her as the family needs her help with the farm as the flu of 1900 has struck them hard, and her deceased Cousin Rose’s husband, Burton, needs help with his General Store while he helps the family. Due to gossip, Maila finds herself married to Burton. Ms Briedenbach created a story that shows how family and family structure impact your life. She weaves a story of family love, misunderstandings, and growth as they live daily life. I loved watching Burton and Maila come to terms with their feelings for each other and the situation they found themselves.
Mule Dazed by Lisa Carter
This is a story of mules, lawmen, vengeful brothers protecting their baby sister’s reputation, and the feisty baby sister. Don’t miss this story. I laughed from the first of the story, and howled in some places. Ms. Carter has a way with a story; this one has a lawman, Sheriff Braxton Caldwell Cashel and the lady he arrests, Harriet Margaret Brimfield, aka Crazy Hair, for releasing the mules in town; included in this story are her brothers named for books of the Bible and the quaint western town of Hitching Post. Sheriff Cashel is forced by Harriet’s brothers to marry her, read and find out why. It only gets better from there. Ms. Carter did a wonderful job pacing this story and it kept my interest from the first page. This is one you will read with a smile.
The Sweetwater Bride by Mary Connealy
This is a very humorous story of a young woman living alone in an isolated valley all her life with her horses and long steer cattle that are as tame as kittens; she is suddenly kidnapped by our hero and forced to civilization. Ms. did a wonderful job of plotting and pacing this story as well as portraying the vulnerable emotional state of Debba. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and if our hero, Tanner, would find the love of his life in Debba and could Debba adapt to civilization. Ms. Connealy created a wonderful family unit for Tanner, I loved his family. This is one you won’t want to miss. Kudos Ms. Connealy; I loved this story.
A Highbrow Hoodwink by Rebecca Jepson
This story tells of a young naïve woman , a wealthy scoundrel Jackson Baxter, who left her to never return eventually dying from consumption, and his brother, Henry. Left pregnant and unwed after one night of sex, naïve Katie Dupont, finds herself a fallen woman with a 10 month old son living hand to mouth. Henry and his mother have a scheme to keep their social position as Katie’s son Georgie has inherited the family monies; oh, what tangled webs we weave as first we practice to deceive as they all try to turn Katie into what they need. Ms. Jepson filled this story with twists and turns, the plotting was excellent, and the character growth was wonderful to see. Ms. Jepson created a strong character in Katie. Lovely story I truly enjoyed.
Not So Pretty Penny by Amy Lillard
Penny Pinehurst is a plain homely woman not given to pretty at all; she is desperately need of a husband to help with the farm and crops after the Civil War as she prays her father and brother will return. So begins a tale of a husband brought from the gallows. As the crops grow so does the feelings between Penny and Wash. This story is paced well and the plotting was good as we watch Penny and Wash grown into a lasting relationship from an uncertain beginning and problems in-between. Ms Lillard wove a wonderful story of patience, love, acceptance and demonstrated that true beauty has nothing to do with outward appearance.
All Fair by Gina Welborn
Coral Davies was born into a family that is feuding with the Kents. Young attraction to Hiram Kent led to a fight between the two warring families that left Coral deaf in one ear, and the blame lies at the feet of Jackson Kent. After years Jackson, Hiram, and Coral meet again and after a huge bawl in the streets between the families, Jackson and Coral are forced to marry or the family faces jail and misdemeanor criminal records. Ms. Welborn skillfully showed how destructive feuding and holding on to old grudges, hurts and slights can be; no one can even remember what started the feud. A skillfull blending of love, action, and emotion. Very good story of love between too people trying to overcome their families destructive history and forge new history.
The Colorado Coincidence by Kathleen Y’Barbo
This is the story of two people, Mack and Gloree, joined together to save a ranch and Gloree from the unscrupulous men trying to take her farm. Widowed Gloree is left pregnant and alone; she needs a husband, and before her husband passed he sent for his relative to marry Gloree after his death. Mack is mistaken for this man and so begins a wonderful courtship filled with mystery, misunderstandings, evil men, and of course love. Don’t miss this tale of two people who find a lasting love. Ms. Y’Barbo skillfully took two mismatched people with secrets and created a family unit. Follow these two thru all the pit falls, secrets, and mystery to reach their happy ever after.
Railroaded Into Love by Rose Ross Zediker
Noah Manning has his first appointment as the pastor of the church on wheels. Before the train can pull out with his ministry car, he is surprised by his brother who has a prisoner in tow. Circumstances will change Noah’s life forever as the prisoner is a childhood friend Molly Callahan. Forced to marry to keep Molly safe and ferret out her outlaw brother, Molly and Noah begin a journey of renewal and love. Each has demons to overcome and lessons to learn. Ms. Zediker did a wonderful job of bringing Noah and Molly from strangers to lifelong mates. She paced this story skillfully and the character development was spot on. I enjoyed this story very much.
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