Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708)

The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708)
The Unexpected Wife - Harlequin Historical, No 708
Author: Mary Burton
ISBN-13: 9780373293087
ISBN-10: 0373293089
Publication Date: 6/1/2004
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 47

3.9 stars, based on 47 ratings
Publisher: Harlequin
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

10 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

robinmy avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 2042 more book reviews
Behind his back, meddling neighbors order a mail-order bride for Matthias Barrington. Good story.
reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 126 more book reviews
Sweet easy read.
harmony85 avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 982 more book reviews
Would this mail-order bride find love under the big Montana skies?
reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 60 more book reviews
H could never love again... Of that, Matthias Barrington was certain, despite the well-intentioned meddling of his neighbors. But now they'd sent him a special delivery in the form of the very comely Miss Abigail Smyth, who'd stepped off the stagecoach and announced that he needed a wife - and she was just the woman!

Mail-order bride Abby Smyth just wanted a place to belong - perferably at rancher Matthias Barrington's side, making a home for his motherless boys. Ever practical, she knew love wasn't necessary, really. Yet the more she learned of this decent, honorable man, the more she knew the only place she wanted was one securely in his heart!
ladycholla avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 2081 more book reviews
Liked this story alot.
reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 273 more book reviews
He could never love again of that he was certain,despite the well-intentioned meddling of his neighbors.But now they'd sent him a special delivery in the form of the very comely Miss Abigail Smyth,who'd stepped off the stagecoach and announced that he needed a wife-and she was just the woman.Mail-order bride Abby Smyth just wanted a place to belong-preferably at rancher Matthias Barrington's side,making a home for his motherless boy's.Ever pracical,she knew love wasn't necessary,really,yet the more she learned of this decent,honorable man,the more she knew the only place she wanted was one securely in his heart.
rosienna avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 3 more book reviews
Good book. Fast reading.......
virgosun avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 886 more book reviews
Sweet--but rather unexceptional--mail-order bride themed romance. 3.2 stars.
janettetyus avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 103 more book reviews
He could never love again...
Of that, Matthias Barrington was certain, despite the well-intentioned meddling of his neighbors. But now they'd sent him a special delivery in the form of the very comely Miss Abigail Smyth, who'd stepped off the stagecoach and announced that he needed a wife--and she was just the woman!

Mail-order bride Abby Smyth just wanted a place to belong--preferably at rancher Matthias Barrington's side, making a home for his motherless boys. Ever practical, she knew love wasn't necessary, really. Yet the more she learned of this decent, honorable man, the more she knew the only place she wanted was one securely in his heart!
jjares avatar reviewed The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical, No 708) on + 3255 more book reviews
This book is an unexpected twist on the mail-order bride theme; folks from the town decide that Matthias Barrington needed a wife. About 18 months before, his wife had died in childbirth during her 3rd pregnancy. Barrington had 2 small boys to care for, yet he was 3 months from owning his land he desperately needed to turn a profit.

Abigail Smyth is 25 and tired of working as a cook in her uncles home. Her aunt, uncle and their daughter barely tolerate her; she came to them as a poor relation after her parents deaths due to cholera. Abby has been acting as a servant for 10 years.

She responds to an ad in the San Francisco Morning Chronicle and corresponds with Matthias Barrington for several letters. Eventually, he asks her to marry him and come to Montana. He sends money for the trip.

Her uncle gets wind of it and refuses to allow her to marry in Montana; in fact, he removes the $25 travel money enclosed in the envelope. Her aunt and uncle threaten her; however, she knows she must go and start a new life.

When she arrives in Montana, she finds that Matthias had NOT written the letters. He was incensed at the interference of his well-meaning neighbors. She tells him she cannot go back to San Francisco and he tells her he wont marry her because he can never love again.

Eventually, they come to a compromise Abby will be employed at Matthias ranch for the summer; she will care for the boys and at summers end, Matthias will pay her $25 travel money.

Abigail and Matthias are appealing people; the two boys are easy to love. This is a charming story that is well-paced. Matthias friends who get Abigail to come to Montana are engaging and delightful. Mary Burton can certainly write emotional dialog. Enjoy!