Romancing the Bride is another homerun for the extremely talented author Melissa Jagears. This author writes Christian historical romance fiction, but it gets even better than that. Have I got your interest yet? She writes God glorifying books. Her books while exceedingly entertaining provide food for the soul. Bravo! We need more Christian authors that are not afraid to speak or shout the Christian message instead of softly whispering it to help ratings. Okay, if someone will help me off of this soapbox I will tell you about her latest and greatest work.
This historical romance is the tale of Annie Gephart, a ranch widow with a teenage daughter and younger son. The book opens with Annie distraught because her hired cowboys have all left her for green pastures. Sheriff Jacob Hendrix, the town’s most eligible bachelor, delivers a tax notice and Annie must come up with money or a plan quickly to save her land. Jacob might possibly be the perfect man. (Swoon.)
In this book there are so many issues brought to light. Tough subjects that affect people today as well as back in Annie’s time. Death of a spouse, children, and parent, parental guidance, parental approval, peer pressure, greed, despair, rebellion, jealousy, stealing, special needs, deceit, betrayal, forgiveness, love, faith, hope, and letting God be in control are some of the things the brilliant wordsmith packs in her story. Good versus evil, coming of age versus experience, trusting God versus going off on our own, judging others versus helping are some of the not so subtle lessons woven into this captivating story.
Characters are extremely believable. (Obviously the author has children to understand the dynamics of a sibling relationship.) Annie and Jacob make a formidable pair. I would love to have them for friends. Each are well rounded including some flaws, but aren’t we all? The children are realistic. The author took me to a place back in time for a while and I really enjoyed it. I wanted to know what happened but I was sad when the book ended. How could I say goodbye to these people with whom I had become so invested.
If you are a fan of love stories, author Jagears is a professional when it comes to penning them. The cat and mouse tension between Annie and Jacob became almost unbearable at times for this reader. The obstacles and setbacks they faced each knocked the wind from my sails and I could feel their emotions. With each victory I was elated. I really enjoy the books by Mrs. Jagears.
It took me from page one to get pulled in to this book. My interest was held throughout. This is a “pick me up and don’t put me down until I am finished” type of book. There are some twists and turns as well as some predictable moments. Author Jagears always provides a bit of humor in just the right spots. She does her research and always seems to leave readers with a bit of knowledge after finishing her book.
I highly recommend this delightful novel. This is a perfect reading group book because there is so much to discuss. Lovers of Christian fiction, romance, historical, and western fiction will love it. Get yourself a copy and escape for a while. Since it is Book One in the Frontier Vows Series that gives us more to anticipate. Am I excited about that? You betcha! It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by the author but I was under no obligation to write a review. This is my own honest opinion.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 