jjares reviewed Christmas Wedding Bell Brides (12 Brides of Christmas, Bk 3) on + 3262 more book reviews
Barbour Books made an intelligent decision to split THE TWELVE BRIDES OF CHRISTMAS COLLECTION into separate books. I don't know if there are three different books (with four stories each), but this book has most of my higher-rated stories. I found having 12 stories about Christmas brides seemed to be too much of the same thing. Offering a measured dose of Christmas brides, the overall impact is more pleasing (to me).
These are very readable stories with Christian themes. However, beware: This book is 1/3 of a larger volume (THE TWELVE BRIDES OF CHRISTMAS COLLECTION). Unfortunately, I bought both before learning the truth.
THE CHRISTMAS STAR BRIDE (Amanda Cabot) -- VG
Esther finds an itinerant painter/artist to create a Christmas Star for her niece, a family tradition. Jeremy Snyder lost his foot in the Civil War (20-years ago) and moved around the country, plying his trade. Esther helps Jeremy by allowing him to paint in her bakery shop. Unfortunately, Esther's intended died in the Civil War. Although they are both older (about 40-years), Esther and Jeremy's affection for each other grows.
THE ADVENT BRIDE (Mary Connealy) -- VG
Melanie Douglas is a teacher with problems. A very bright student, Simon O'Keeffe, is a disruptive influence on the class and seems bored. Melanie gets no sympathy when she talks with Simon's father, the new lawman. However, she finds an Advent box in the home where she resides. Its cleverness intrigues Melanie, Simon, and Mr. O'keeffe.
THE NATIVITY BRIDE (Miralee Ferrell) -- 3.5 stars
The story opens with Curt Warren deciding to apprentice as a furniture builder in another state over his father's objections. Unfortunately, he also left Deborah Summers behind. Five years later, Curt comes back for his mother's funeral. The conflict between Mr. Warren and Curt resumed, with Deborah in the middle. When the second shoe drops, it becomes obvious why there is a conflict between Mr. Warren and his son. This long-term conflict was resolved a bit too easily, in my estimation.
THE SNOWBOUND BRIDE (Davalynn Spencer) -- E
"The Snowbound Bride" is a unique and delightful story. Arabella Taube is running away from her uncle and life in Chicago. He has sold her into marriage (with one of her uncle's friends); she's not interested, and she has found a job in Colorado. She's traveling there when the train stops overnight in a small town, and Ara notices that a man is following her. She hides in an empty wagon to avoid him. When a rancher gets in the wagon, Ara is afraid to notify him she's on board. Ara finds herself at a ranch in the Rocky Mountains. Ara finds peace and is interested in the man who took her to his family's home in his wagon -- Nate Horne. This story is my favorite of the book.
These are very readable stories with Christian themes. However, beware: This book is 1/3 of a larger volume (THE TWELVE BRIDES OF CHRISTMAS COLLECTION). Unfortunately, I bought both before learning the truth.
THE CHRISTMAS STAR BRIDE (Amanda Cabot) -- VG
Esther finds an itinerant painter/artist to create a Christmas Star for her niece, a family tradition. Jeremy Snyder lost his foot in the Civil War (20-years ago) and moved around the country, plying his trade. Esther helps Jeremy by allowing him to paint in her bakery shop. Unfortunately, Esther's intended died in the Civil War. Although they are both older (about 40-years), Esther and Jeremy's affection for each other grows.
THE ADVENT BRIDE (Mary Connealy) -- VG
Melanie Douglas is a teacher with problems. A very bright student, Simon O'Keeffe, is a disruptive influence on the class and seems bored. Melanie gets no sympathy when she talks with Simon's father, the new lawman. However, she finds an Advent box in the home where she resides. Its cleverness intrigues Melanie, Simon, and Mr. O'keeffe.
THE NATIVITY BRIDE (Miralee Ferrell) -- 3.5 stars
The story opens with Curt Warren deciding to apprentice as a furniture builder in another state over his father's objections. Unfortunately, he also left Deborah Summers behind. Five years later, Curt comes back for his mother's funeral. The conflict between Mr. Warren and Curt resumed, with Deborah in the middle. When the second shoe drops, it becomes obvious why there is a conflict between Mr. Warren and his son. This long-term conflict was resolved a bit too easily, in my estimation.
THE SNOWBOUND BRIDE (Davalynn Spencer) -- E
"The Snowbound Bride" is a unique and delightful story. Arabella Taube is running away from her uncle and life in Chicago. He has sold her into marriage (with one of her uncle's friends); she's not interested, and she has found a job in Colorado. She's traveling there when the train stops overnight in a small town, and Ara notices that a man is following her. She hides in an empty wagon to avoid him. When a rancher gets in the wagon, Ara is afraid to notify him she's on board. Ara finds herself at a ranch in the Rocky Mountains. Ara finds peace and is interested in the man who took her to his family's home in his wagon -- Nate Horne. This story is my favorite of the book.
