Readers rabid for the sweet historical romances of Tracie Peterson and Tamara Alexander will flock to best-selling author Kim Vogel Sawyer’s prairie-set heartwarmer of high society cast-off and the western town that welcomes her.Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father’s illegal … father’s illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can “marry up” with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he’s put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the “little city gal” in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won’t bring happiness?
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Abigail is a young woman who’s family was once well known in Society until her father embezzled money not only from his employer but friends as well. Abigail is at the mercy of Mrs. Helena Bingham who finds wives for those out west in her mail order bride business, after 6 failed attempts she tells her she has to help her with the biggest request to come into her business when a whole town of men want brides! I was not very fond of Abigail at the beginning but grew to understand her and enjoyed meeting all the want to be husbands in the town of Spiveyville, Kansas in 1888. Abigail and Helen go to the town to help teach the men some “wifely manners”, meaning that wives are not just for cooking and cleaning and the fun begins.
Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a historical romance novel that takes readers back to 1888. Mrs. Helena Bingham owns Bingham’s Bevy of Brides in Newton, Massachusetts. She is not surprised to find that Abigail Grant has returned once again. Abigail was raised to be a lady with a genteel education and refined manners. After the downfall of her father from his illegal dealings, Abigail found herself without a home and a fiancé. Helena knew Abigail would be a challenge, but she took her on anyway. The last gentleman (I use the term loosely) found her too “hoity toity”. Mrs. Bingham agrees to give Abigail one more opportunity. She has had a request from sixteen men in Spiveyville, Kansas who are looking for brides. Mrs. Bingham wants Abigail to give the men lessons in manners, table etiquette, how to court a woman, teach them to dance and proper decorum. They are met at the station by Mack Cleveland, the hardware store owner. Mack did not request a bride because he believes that only God can make a heart match. The enthusiastic grooms are not happy with the delay of their brides nor with the required lessons, but they will do what it takes to get wives. Events keep throwing Abigail and Mack together, but Abigail’s attitude makes it hard for him to get close. As time passes, Mack begins to see a different side of Abigail. Is there a chance for these two different individuals? Will Abigail realize that perfection will not bring her love and happiness?
Beneath a Prairie Moon is a delightfully entertaining novel. The book is well-written and has a steady pace. I enjoyed the mail order bride angle that the author used in this story. It was unique (hooray). There are a wide variety of characters from the oh so proper Abigail to Athol Patterson who ran the restaurant (and did not appreciate anyone else cooking in his kitchen) to the evil Elmer Nance. It was nice to see the townspeople work together to help each other in times of turmoil (a bad storm and a kidnapping). I like how humor was interlaced throughout the story. Abigail and her sunburn (ouch) provided me with some laugh out loud moments (you would have to read it to understand). Beneath a Prairie Moon is a Christian novel and the author handles it beautifully. There are good lessons woven into the story about forgiveness, pride, the power of prayer, having faith, and following the path God has laid out for you. The story has a villain in Elmer Nance and a hero with Sheriff Bill Thorn. I kept hoping Sheriff Thorn would end up with a certain lady, but it did not happen. The ending will leave you with a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart. My rating for Beneath a Prairie Moon is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).
4.5 stars
After reading the back cover of Beneath a Prairie Moon, I knew I would enjoy this book. Putting Abigail, a high society heroine, and Mark, a simple shop owner hero, together would no doubt cause some friction. You can’t help but feel bad for Abigail trying to teach the rough men of Spiveyville some manners. And neither could Mark.
Kim Vogel Sawyer did an amazing job at creating characters you root for. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet prairie romance.
Perhaps it was the sheriff and the Kansas prairie, but my mind pictured the small town setting somewhat like the old western Gunsmoke. Really, there wasn’t a lot of similarity, but it’s what I pictured in my mind. I really enjoyed this story—my first time to read this author, and it won’t be the last. There were a few items that may be anachronistic to the setting, but I was so engrossed in the story, I didn’t let it take me away long enough to research them. Perhaps if I read it a second time, I might do that. I really hope the author considers a series with these characters. They’re wonderful. Well done!
I usually like her books, but not this one.
Great historical fiction!
So much wrapped up in this book – The not so wild west meets high society, pride, belief in God & others. A heartwarming read.
A cute Christian romance. A “hoity toity” woman goes with her matchmaker boss to a frontier town to teach the men manners before their brides arrive. Interesting and funny about manners in the 1800’s.
I liked the characters- the evolution of Abigail. Mack & Mrs. Bingham were people I’d like to meet.
It was bad enough that Abigail Grant has been forced from her rightful position in society due to her father’s criminal actions. Worse that she has been forced to offer herself as a mail order bride through Mrs Helena Bingham’s matchmaker agency. But she’s now had six matches, and rejected them all … or they’ve rejected her.
She’s down to her last chance when Mrs Bingham offers her a different role. She has sixteen prospective grooms from a small town in Kansas. Unfortunately, their introductory letters show they are lacking in “social niceties”. But Mrs Bingham has a plan.
She is sending Abigail to Spiveyville to tutor the men and turn them into suitable grooms. And Mrs Bingham is coming to supervise. Unfortunately, the sixteen wife-seeking bachelors of Spiveyville are not well pleased when their brides don’t arrive—only two women who aren’t part of the bridal pool.
It’s a setup ripe with opportunities for humour, and Kim Vogel Sawyer does not disappoint. The humour is more understated than obvious, but it’s there. There is also a little romance, a little suspense, and a little Christian preaching (although it’s not preachy. It’s just Mrs Bingham sometimes can’t help herself).
Mrs Bingham was a pleasant surprise as a character. My first impression of her was a benevolent dictator with a backbone of steel. She has an element of steel—I expect widowed women needed a healthy sense of their own abilities to run a successful business. But I was impressed by her compassion for the girls she matched, and her genuine desire to make good marriages for her clients.
One thing confused me a little. I’m used to romance novels where the story is told from the points of view of the heroine and hero (and usually in that order). Under a Prairie Moon had four different points of view, which made me think it was going to be a secondary romance plot. There kind of was, but it didn’t go the way I was expecting (which isn’t bad). But it did leave me wondering why we had the extra points of view.
Overall, I enjoyed Under a Prairie Moon. I’m sure fans of western romances, especially mail order bride stories, will enjoy it. Thanks to WaterBrook Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I’m no stranger to historical fiction as it is one of my favorite genres, however I’ve steered clear of mail order bride stories. . .until now. I’m going to take a detour here for a moment but it all comes together with this book. I just recently found out my aunt was a Harvey Girl (she married my dad’s oldest brother and will be 91 later this year!). I’ve read a lot about this part of history and have always been amazed at these young ladies willing to leave their home and families and set out to carve a new life. Aunt Lora was lucky that she stayed in Kansas City where her family was (though she was born in Canada). She didn’t have to strike out to the great unknown all those years ago like so many others. Mail order brides give me the same feels. Only with less of a safety net for them. They went out to parts unknown, many times alone or maybe with a couple of other girls they had recently met. They went out to meet a man they knew little about except what he might put on an application and pray for the best. Much like today, it’s easy to leave so much out on paper. It’s easy to not see your own faults to share on paper. And it’s hard to find the louts from the winners. . .on paper. These girls literally put their lives on the line in an effort to carve a future for themselves.
The girls with Bingham’s Bevy of Brides, lead by Helena, were such women. Abigail was one such woman, who had taken that journey several times only for it not to work out and her to return. Sometimes her choice, sometimes not. If there was ever a perfect example of a Type A personality that would be Abigail! So well versed in the manners and expectations and ‘society’ that she couldn’t let it go and embrace the idea that there were other perfectly acceptable ways to do things. Why must you always waltz when there’s the jig? Why must you butter one small piece of bread at a time instead of the roll at once (hello! it gets cold and I like melty butter)? She held onto her old life, and the shame of her downfall from that life, which prevented her from finding a new life. Sound familiar? I mean we may not be hyper-focused on the things that Abigail was but we all have the ability to fall into these traits. Unwillingness to step beyond our comfort and familiar to find a new life. Sometimes in our own neighborhood and sometimes far away from family and home and familiar.
This book was so much about redemption. The men’s redemption in gaining manners and learning that wives aren’t just to help do the chores and cook the food and mend and clean and and and. Wives were also hearts to be cherished, and love to be shared, and a lifetime to grow. Mack’s redemption as he realizes that what he ran from is not a stone around his neck, while he grew up in a more western ‘society’ and knew the rules that Abigail couldn’t let go of he had also found acceptance in his new community. Helena’s redemption as she realized that perhaps there was more to making a match than reading an application. Abigail’s redemption as she left go of her rigid adherence to her past and embraced that different didn’t mean wrong or bad. I really loved this book. But then again, I’ve yet to meet a Kim Vogel Sawyer book I haven’t enjoyed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Edelweiss+. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
This is a gentle story set in the Midwest, and despite its slower pace, I was intrigued by the premise of a mail-order bride matchmaker attempting to improve the manners of the rough and tumble bachelors of a small ranching town. The story is told from the third-person perspective of four main characters, which I think contributed to the slow pace. I actually enjoyed most of all the perspective of Mrs. Helena Bingham, the owner of the mail-order bride service. She had wisdom and humor that Abigail was lacking for most of the book, and I appreciated her patience in training Abigail while Abigail trained the men 😉 Abigail’s attitude definitely improved over time and it was nice to see her grow and stretch and meet the challenges before her, including learning to look beyond the surface and judging a person by their character. Mack was just such a gentleman, and even though he has a tender heart, he also has a backbone. It was fun to see how his interactions with Abigail change as time went by. They become loyal friends that support each other, and I would have liked to see their romance heat up a bit… but it remained as tepid as their manners are proper. The sheriff made up the fourth perspective, but I really didn’t feel like it added much to the story to tell his point of view. Battling the elements and solving a mystery added conflict and tension to the plot, and overall it was an entertaining read.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a delightful historical fiction novel. Incorporating its own unique twist on the mail-order-bride saga, this book is encouraging, entertaining, and unexpected. At all times, this novel successfully balances history, romance, faith, and even a bit of suspense, making the story thoroughly readable and engaging.
An enjoyable feature of this novel is its strong focus on community and the people that make a small town interesting, vibrant, and unforgettable. Within this book there were several characters to meet, to love, and to hold dear. The various characters are wonderfully endearing and well-developed. They are authentic and multifaceted, and their fears, hopes, desires, convictions, and choices make them heart-warming and relatable. Even though the characters struggle through real, trials that test their faith, the light of God’s grace and mercy shines through with hope, forgiveness, and restoration. These enduring themes of grace and second chances are integral to the story and are also deeply inspiring.
I sincerely recommend Beneath a Prairie Moon. It is a book worth reading, complimenting, and sharing. Kim Vogel Sawyer is certainly a talented writer, and I would gladly read more of her novels in the future.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
The author has offered us a different type of mail order brides, with many requests all going to the same town. Then she put a boulder in the way when the expected brides don’t show up in the prairie Kansas town, but only the owner and her helper arrive.
Now you can just picture a young woman, and she is not spoken for, arriving to teach a bunch of small town men and farmers some manners. Oh, to be a fly on wall with some of the classes she offers and these poor men are required to attend, that is if they want a bride.
There are some sad happening here where the sins of the father seem to come home when others put the blame on the child, so very unfair. Then there is child abuse, and putting such unfair blame on a child, the father of these boys is a bit unbalanced.
You will enjoy being in this town and most of the people here, of course, every town has those other folks! There is a bit of romance here, and one I thought would happen sure surprised me.
You will be in for a very enjoyable read!
I received this book through Net Galley and WaterBrook & Multnomah and was not required to give a positive review.
As usual I love her writing. Enjoyed book very much. Look forward to next book.
HEARTWARMING!
I can’t remember if I’ve ever read a book about “mail order brides” but this was a delight! The whole idea of taking a highly educated, former society girl and turning her into a mail order bride is a bit mind boggling! What else does a girl with that background who suddenly finds herself an outcast from the society she’s known do? That was her only chance of finding a mate that hadn’t heard of the crimes her father committed and the shame he broughThe setting of Spiveyville, KS is wonderful place where the people in the community are more like family than friends. The characters in this novel are vividly portrayed and become people you want to know as you become involved in their story. The story is excellent as it involves Biblical insights, insights to life in that time period, desperation, redemption, reinvention and love. This is a wonderfully entertaining book with plenty of plot twists that will keep your attention from beginning to end. I was provided an ARC of this book by the Publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own and without influence.
What an enjoyable story.” That was my first thought when I finished this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer makes the town of Spiveyville, Kansas (in the year 1888) and all its residents seem very real and quite lovable.
I usually skip reading “mail order bride” stories because that theme is generally overdone and all the storylines seem to be similar. Ms. Sawyer brings a refreshingly different twist to the story which makes it interesting reading.
There’s a little bit of everything woven into this plot: humor, mild suspense, anticipation, romance, and finding faith in God through difficult circumstances. The dialogue between characters is well-written and fits the time period of the story. The point of view switches smoothly between characters. The ending ties everything together perfectly.
This book is good, fun, clean, sweet, entertaining reading. I’ll close this review the way I began: “What an enjoyable story!”
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was. It required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.
I love historical fiction and I’ve always enjoyed mail-order bride stories so I figured that I would like this book and after reading it I can say that I wasn’t wrong! This not-so-typical mail-order bride story centers around two women, Abigail Grant and Helena Bingham. Abigail has traveled more than once to meet an unknown man seeking a bride and each time she has been rejected because she was too “uppity” for him. Helena Bingham is the widowed owner of Bingham’s Bevy of Brides in Massuchusetts and she knows Abigail’s past history; when she is contacted to send mail-order brides to Spivey, Kansas she decides that Abigail would best be suited to fill the role of “tutor”. Helena convinces Abigail that the two of them should go to Spivey to “groom” these prospective husbands so that they will be better prepared to “court” their brides when they arrive. They show up alone, without the other women, and those eager grooms looking for their brides suddenly become impatient and irritated men wondering where the rest of the women are. This is when the fun begins! The author’s description of Abigail’s indignation at traveling in an open wagon and the horrible sunburn that she suffers shouldn’t be funny but the different references to the sunburn’s effects on her appearance had me laughing out loud. So did the women’s attempts to teach these Kansas farmers and ranchers good manners and proper etiquette.
There were other moments, however, that touched my heart and played with my emotions. I recognized that under Abigail’s haughtiness there was deep hurt and embarrassment and I also realized that most of these Kansas men had hearts of gold buried under their rough exteriors. I was reminded that loneliness and a longing for a family know no economic or social boundaries.
Beneath a Prairie Moon is filled with laughter, some unforgettable characters, lots of adventure and even a kidnapping. There is also sweet romance, an unexpected romance and a romance that I hoped for that just didn’t happen. But most of all, this is a story of feeling unworthy and then being redeemed! Kim Vogel Sawyer has been able to subtly share hope and faith in her entertaining story Beneath a Prairie Moon.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher but I wasn’t obligated to post a review.
This is an unexpected mail order Bride story, as it is so much more than bride meets groom and marries. Instead the grooms must be taught how to become refined and Abigail, who is teaching them, must become less refined. It is a story of putting your past behind and following the path God has chosen for you. This book has so many components that keep you turning pages to find the outcome. Ms. Sawyer never fails to deliver a unique and interesting tale that you want to revisit again. The character development is well written and you enjoy watching it unfold. It will make you laugh, gasp, shed a tear, and cheer. The faith element is woven beautifully into the story. Beneath A Prairie Moon needs to be on your radar for Most Anticipated 2018.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
“Life is often unfair, and we cannot change it. We can only do our utmost to make the best of what we’ve been dealt and perhaps try to bring a little happiness into others’ lives. Isn’t that what the Bible advises—to love one’s neighbor as oneself?”
Beneath a Prairie Moon brings us a story of Abigail Grant fallen from society due to her father’s illegal dealings, leaving her penniless. Her last hope was to sign up to be a mail-order bride, but even that fails! Mrs. Bingham—owner of Bingham’s Bevy of Brides mail-order service—decides to give her one more chance, but this time as an etiquette instructor to the rough & tumble potential grooms of Spiveyville Kansas. What ensues could be disaster or God’s answer to her prayers.
What a fun read! My heart went out to Miss Grant, who through no fault of her own, must seek out a different lifestyle than what she was brought up in. I can understand trying to make your own way into a world you don’t have the first clue about. Part of me felt sorry for her & all the things she went through in her young life. Facing the unknown is certainly scary! But I love the way that Mrs Bingham (Helena) took her under her wings and guided her along the way. Just like a mother hen, she sometimes had to ruffle her feathers a bit & other times had to gather her close to lovingly encourage her. You can tell that Helena cared very much for her and only wanted the best for her. As for the potential grooms, each one had their own ideas and often times caused quite a stir with their uncouth & uncivilized ways! I had to laugh at some of the things they said or did, although I couldn’t help but fall in love with their own unique personalities. I often found myself grinning from ear to ear! Now Mack Cleveland certainly stood out among the rest of them. While he was about the only one who hadn’t sent out a letter to ask for a bride, he was willing to extend friendship to Abigail. He knew what it was like to have nobody to extend kindness to you, but he loved the town & how it’s occupants extended that to him in a time of his own need. I loved watching romance slowly blossom like a prairie flower between these two. Sometimes love comes on gentle wings & your heart doesn’t feel it until it grows so big that you can’t imagine being without that person in your life. And that’s exactly what happens here! Over all, faith is liberally sprinkled within the pages. Abigail had left her faith behind, Mack has always had his faith to cling to, and Mrs. Bingham let’s it shine forth in all she does or says! A wonderful story to warm you heart & soul, bring laughter bubbling up, and a whole passel of potential grooms to get to know & love! Another fantastic historical story written by one of my favorite authors.
* I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. *