Review of "Beloved"

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Review: "Beloved" is the third book in Robin Lee Hatcher's "Where the Heart Lives" series. Unlike many romances that focus on new love, Hatcher crafts a story about an estranged married couple who are reunited under unusual circumstances.  Both Diana and Tyson have been shaped by past experiences and hardships that give dimension to their characters.  Each chapter ends with a glimpse into Diana's and Tyson's courtship, marriage, and separation.  Although brief, these insights provide necessary background to the range of emotions that Diana and Tyson experience. 

There aren't many surprises in the plot; it progressed as I anticipated based on the synopsis. Various conflicts both within the characters and among them, provide tension.  Two characters in particular seem determined to sabotage any attachment between Diana and Tyson. I felt that the climax and resolution was relatively predictable.

"Beloved" is a story of relationships, and there are a few relationships besides the one between Diana and Tyson. I particularly liked young Ned, a local orphan who easily finds a way into Diana's heart. The mother-son bond that develops between them is sweet, though not without conflict.  Each of the protagonists undergoes transformation and healing, which leads to a happy ending.  "Beloved" is an enjoyable novel that is well-written and developed.  Hatcher introduces themes of redemption, forgiveness, and love to create a more meaningful romance novel. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Summary from Zondervan: A most unwelcome guest surprises Diana at her engagement party---the husband she thought was dead!

Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took o for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him in years, Diana is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.

But when Tyson returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.

He agrees with one condition---she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.

Review of "A Bride for All Seasons"

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Review:  "A Bride For All Seasons" is a collection of four novellas that will take readers on a journey filled with a mixture of quirky humor, obstacles, and romance.  Margaret Brownley begins with the tale of Mary-Jo who has faced her share of heartache and is eager to find love and her place in the world.  After arriving in town, she soon discovers that she must adjust and take a different path than she expected.  Like Mary-Jo, the remaining three brides also face challenges as they meet their potential husbands and unravel some misunderstandings caused by a meddlesome matchmaker at the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog.

These misconceptions create conflict for each of the plots and opportunities for the authors to incorporate humor in each of the stories.  Because each story is a novella,  the plot moves quickly and the relationship between the two characters develop more quickly.  As a reader, I can sometimes feel less connected to one or both of the characters in novellas because the authors have less time to convey the characters' past and feelings.  While reading "A Bride For All Seasons," I discovered that I liked each novella a little more than the previous.  Mary Connealy's 'Winter Wedding Bells" is a sweet love story that especially captures the emotions of both David and Megan and pulled me in as a reader as well.

"A Bride For All Seasons" is a charming quartet of novellas that are perfect for a summer afternoon or any season.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary from Thomas Nelson Publishers:

It All Started with an Ad in a Mail Order Bride Catalogue…Melvin Hitchcock of the Hitching Post Mail Order Bride Catalog isn’t dishonest—not exactly. If he tweaks his clients’ applications a bit, it’s because he’s looking out for their best interests.

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces four Hitching Post prospects in the year 1870, each one eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

And Then Came Spring by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has been unlucky all her life. But who would guess she’d travel halfway across the country to meet her match . . . only to find him dead!

An Ever-After Summer by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.

Autumn’s Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. The trouble is, there’s no money to send them back. . . 

Winter Wedding Bells by Mary Connealy

David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?