Search - The Accidental Bride (Big Sky,Bk 2)

Shay Brandenberger carries a heavy load—a single mother trying to keep a working ranch afloat in hard times—not to mention the emotional baggage of being jilted at eighteen and then having a failed marriage. She has decided that men are not worth the trouble. Travis McCoy made his rodeo dreams come true but not without leaving a lot behind—namely Shay. He deeply regrets walking out on her on their wedding day all those years ago and realizes that he has never really gotten over her. When Travis comes back home to care for his parents’ ranch and he and Shay are roped into the leading parts for the annual Founders’ Day Wedding reenactment—well, sparks fly. Then the unthinkable happens. They find that through a series of very improbable events they are actually legally married. Shay is furious and Travis realizes he has a chance to make things right and do what he should have done fourteen years ago.

Pros:
The book held my interest and I read it in a day, but after finishing it I was left feeling that it could have been better.
Cons:
Although Hunter has excellent writing skills, this just turns out to be an okay read. The story line is unbelievable and predictable. The spiritual content of the book is not very high—lip service to the main characters being Christians but not much further than that. The author bio states that her books contain a strong romantic element and they do. That is not necessarily a good thing. I like romance. But I like it to stay wholesome. While the author did not technically cross the line into anything inappropriate I felt that some of the romantic scenes were too descriptive, especially when you consider that a lot of young teenage girls read Christian fiction. I’ve said it before—I’ll say it again—sometimes less is more.

I received this complimentary copy from the Thomas Nelson Publishing through their BookSneeze program. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Loved this book had it done in 48 which never happens anymore with 2 small kids. Funny and a page turner I kept saying one more chapter which turned in to 5 love the story idea can't wait for the next in the series!

Somehow I accidentally:) signed up for two blog tours with this book, The Accidental Bride, so I am reviewing it twice on my blog. If you didn't catch it the first time, check it out now!

MY REVIEW-I was blessed to be able to review the first book in this series, A Cowboy's Touch. The way I see it, this series is about people who have had mistakes in their past, and now want to make things right. In this book, Shay and Travis have met after Travis ran out on Shay many years ago. Shay has been married and had a daughter and her husband died. Travis has now gotten his act together but Shay does not believe him. The way they end up "accidentally" married is hysterical.

There was one thing I did not like about this book and it is the point where Denise almost crosses the line in the intimacy department. There are two spots that don't go over, but the come right up to the point of being too descriptive. I know teenage girls who read these Christian fiction books, and while some of them know what goes on in a relationship, many of them do not. And this will put ideas into their heads. I am not saying to not have romance in a story. Definitely not that! But have it wholesome and pure.

Overall a good historical that had funny parts and sad parts. If you are an adult married woman, definitely pick this book up to read. You will thoroughly enjoy it:)

I received a copy of this book through Booksneeze for review. I did not receive any monetary compensation.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and returning once again to Moose Creek! Although something like the Founders Day mistake would probably never happen, the whole premise for it was fun. I truly LOVED all the interaction between Shay and Travis. I must say though, that Shay kinda grated on me a little. You could truly understand why she behaved the way she did. I mean the man did leave her at the altar, but the fact that she knew him her whole life it seems she would have been able to see that he had truly changed and that he was really trying. Travis was a swoon-worthy hero. Oh my! I loved the way he handled Shay and Olivia. He was strong yet patient even in the face of Shay's prickliness. There was enough sizzle between Travis and Shay to light the lamp I was reading next to. It was also really fun to see Abigail and Wade again. It made me want to go back and re-read A Cowboy's Touch. I also thoroughly enjoyed Miss Lucy. She and "her girls" are a hoot. I think one very important lesson in the story was that our self-worth or value should not come from what people think about us but what God thinks about us. Also, the way in which we behave affects, not only us, but those that are around us so we need to be careful. I always enjoy Denise Hunter's books and The Accidental Bride is no exception. It's Book 2 in A Big Sky Romance Series. A thank you goes to Thomas Nelson who provided me with the complimentary copy through Netgalley for my review.
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1595548025
ISBN-13: 978-1595548023