She moved to a new town to marry her fiancé. Instead, she’s burying him.Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé … complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.
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Practically Married
By karinbeery
I’m still sitting here in the afterglow as I turn the last page of Practically Married. This was the first book I’ve read by Karin Beery and I throughly enjoyed it. The characters were so fun to read about. I really felt for Ashley, being alone except for an elderly aunt and uncle. Taking a chance on a guy she meets online but not in person. And what happens when she gets to his hometown only to be waiting for him but he never shows up? Wow! This will take you on a journey of grief, friendship, responsibilities and love. All the characters were portrayed as real people, ones I could call neighbors if they lived near me. And Russ? He’s a real keeper in my book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
This contemporary romance snagged my interest immediately. There are twists and turns throughout that kept me turning pages. This romance doesn’t follow the normal pattern, making the story more intriguing. I loved the honesty of the characters. I felt that I knew them by the end of the story.
I’ll look for more books by this author!
What I think you should know:
Practically Married is a contemporary fiction, clean romance novel. Ashley Johnson decides after many failed dating attempts that should would rather marry a man that she can be friends with than and hope to fall in love. After making an online friend who feels the same way she picks up her life and moves to Michigan. However instead of finally meeting her fiance she meets his roommate cousin Russ, who is left to give her the devastating news that her fiance has tragically died. To make matters worse she has nowhere else to go and her is willed his shared family home to her.
What you might want to know:
This book does deal with the topic of loss. It is a very prominent topic throughout the book not just with the death of Ashley’s fiance.
What I enjoyed about this book:
Karin Beery has written a book that makes me think of a modern day mail order bride, the bride arrives to find out her intended has died and she has nowhere to go. I think that it was nice to see a book that shows even in our modern high tech world the unexpected can still occur Parts of the books reminded me of an accident, you can’t help but watch. I couldn’t wait to find out what crazy thing was going to happen next. I enjoyed the family members who were screaming caution at both Ashley and Russ,
I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The situation that the characters find themselves in is definitely unusual, however, I thought that the author did a good job setting up the reasons behind why these two people might choose to enter into a marriage as an arrangement instead of through the normal means of falling in love with someone.
However, there is much more to the story than the initial reasons that brought these characters together. I thought that the author gave them very interesting back stories and created good tension and attraction between them. This book was definitely an original twist on a marriage of covenience story.
I wouldn’t exactly call this a marriage of convenience book, maybe more of an agreement of a marriage of convenience, but it’s obvious from early on that Russ and Ashley belong together.
As you can guess from the description of Practically Married, the beginning is someone sad and dismal but as Ashley finds comfort in the Michigan town and with Russ and his family, things lighten up.
Ashley is a people pleaser—to the point that her life decisions are affected by others. Russ is almost forty and ok with his life, but Ashley’s presence makes him long for more. In fact, I wondered more than once if maybe Tom’s intent was to get these two people together all along.
While you may have to suspend some disbelief regarding the questionable “will,” the relationship that grows between the two main characters is worth sticking around for. And all the other females in Russ’s life are forces to behold.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Practically Married by Karin Beery is a stand-alone novel about finding your rightful place in life. Deciding to give up the dating scene Ashley moves to northern Michigan to marry Tom, whom she met online. They are both settling for companionship instead of romance and love. When she arrives, she finds out that Tom has died in a tragic accident and didn’t tell anybody about her. Meeting Tom’s family fills that empty place in Ashley’s heart. Russ, Tom’s cousin and business partner, finds Ashley to be everything that he’s ever wanted in a wife. Can they overcome all the obstacles and realize that they were meant for each other? I loved the big meddling family. All the love and worry and comradery made the story come alive. The care that Russ showed Ashley was so refreshing considering today’s standards. A very sweet romance.
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
Funny, sweet Christian romance about a modern day marriage of convenience.
Ashley and Russ were good main characters in this story but I didn’t like how indecisive and what a “people pleaser” Ashley was. It took some time for people including Russ to warm up to Ashley and rightly so. Ashley was a sweet character and worked hard with the farm and with her relationships. I also liked Russ’s family and their interactions throughout the book. I love large families!
The story was interesting with a steady plot from beginning to end. Probably not something I would read again, but it was still good.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on Practically Married:
This is a unique book. When I first read the description I thought it would take place in the past. Like the days of mail order brides. But then I picked up the book and realized I couldn’t have been more wrong because this was present-day cell phones and all.
I loved this book. The characters are great. They suck you in and you either love them or hate them. Tom, well, I don’t think I would have liked him if I did indeed met him. So maybe it’s good that he’s the dead fiance. Now onto Russ.
Russ is the ideal man’s man I think from how the author describes him. He’s a farm boy who just wants to stay a farm boy but when his farm is threatened what will he do? And then when he finds out that Ashley owns his home now as well as a share of the farm what will that mean for his future?
What if Ashley trades one groom for another? Nothing can go wrong with that right? After all, she was all set up to marry a man she had never met in person before so why not just add in the man she met instead.
This is a wonderful book. I really dislike the character of Jess and definitely was not happy that she showed up in the story. It had enough bad guys before! But she is just about the best of the bad that there could be so I guess it’s okay she’s there even though I suspected her motives from the start.
I can’t say too much more without giving stuff away so please go read the book so that you can come back and we can chat about it. It’s a fast read so it shouldn’t take too long. And it’s engaging so you won’t want to put it down.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I can say that it won’t be the last!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I thought that the premise of this book was great! A modern day marriage of convenience/ almost Mail order bride type of story. I dont believe I have ever read a modern marriage of convenience story. It created for me lots of what ifs in my mind, which I like as the story tends to stick with me even after its done.
The characters were believable. I liked how they played off eachother, and built off of each interaction. Personally I have no idea what I would do if I showed up somewhere and was told that my fiancee had died. Ashley handled it very well though, and Russ is my kinda guy. A planner who likes everything to fit in a box. So like I said at the beginning I like how the characters play together and I think Karin Beery did a great job developing them through out the story. Her book reminds me of Linda Fords books in that they have such interesting storylines and great characters with HEA’s in each story.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the very interesting story premise, the likeable characters, and for making it stick in my mind even after I am done with the book. I look forward to reading more from Karin Beery in the future.
Let’s skip to the chase. I loved it! Yes, it seems like an impractical plot in this day and age, but why? It worked in the past so why not now? The “marriage of convenience” plot made this a fun read, and the characters were great!! The women in Russ’ life will make you laugh while you’re falling in love with him.
Lots of surprises made me wonder if this couple would get together or not. Along the way they both had to learn some things, like trust and how to communicate. But there were times when I wanted to yell at them. Any book that can get a reaction out of me is worth reading. Author Karin Beery did a fabulous job!
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a twist then you’ll want to get this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This is an enjoyable story with some very likable characters but it didn’t take me long to figure out that Ashley Johnson is a ‘people-pleaser’. She had lost her parents as a teenager and reading her mother’s journal convinced Ashley that her mother’s fervent wish was for her to have a husband and family. Ashley becomes engaged to a man that she knows only through email and phone calls but an unfortunate event alters their plans drastically and Ashley’s future becomes very uncertain. Can she find her happily ever after? Is it possible to please everyone? Should a person keep trying when it is causing them so much pain? So many questions and then Ashley receives this advice from her uncle……”Maybe it’s time to stop worrying about everyone else and start doing the right thing, even if that means that someone else doesn’t like it.” (p. 244)
Ashley’s decision to move to Michigan to marry someone that she knew only through email and phone calls at first seemed irresponsible but is this any different than the mail-order brides that were such a big part of our early U.S. history? Practically Married is a sweet romance and even though the ending is predictable, there are enough complications to make it an interesting and intriguing read. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts in this review.
Practically Married
Ashley thought she was going to marry Tom but things don’t always work out like you think they will. She met him on the internet and went to his place but found out he had died. She meets his cousin Russ. She decides they should do a marriage of convenience. But will it happen?
This was a very enjoyable book. I loved the characters of Ashley and Russ. There is also Ashley aunt and uncle that raised her. They were really a fun couple too. Her aunt doesn’t want her to get married.
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
I enjoyed this story, and what really started out as a very sad beginning, ended with smiles.
A very small-town setting, and with winter that won’t leave, and this is where a young woman places her destiny and sells her possessions to go and live and actually marry a man she has never met.
A burned farmer is surprised to have this woman show up, and as the story unfolds, surprises come about. As a Mom, I would be shocked to have my child do what these two are about, and the family sure does let them know.
A page-turning fun read!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This was a very interesting take on a marriage of convenience . Usually we see books about this subject set during the 1800’s or 1900’s. I liked the premise of a contemporary story and that is was a clean romance. Today we hear about people meeting online and marry. It doesn’t always work out, but there are the few that make a connection.
I was surprised at Ashley giving up her job and selling everything to marry a man she had never met. What was she thinking? As we get to know her better, we find out that she has always wanted to please others . Living like that takes away from really making yourself happy. I wanted to ask her why she would make her decision when she hadn’t heard from her fiance . Something is not adding up but Ashley is determined to see her commitment through.
Russ is someone who is smart and a little apprehensive about Ashley’s story. Why has no one heard of Ashley in the family? His cousin, Tom liked to keep things close to the vest and puts Ashley in a very uncomfortable position. Ashley is in for a very hard time when she is hit with tragic news. I liked how Russ was a gentleman and gave Ashley a little empathy.
The story takes a few surprises that change the course of the two main characters. Russ and Ashley will both have to make hard decisions and question their motives. The author shows the struggles both characters have and how their decision could impact many. I liked the ending even though I guessed what would happen. What I liked was how the author showed how pleasing others can affect your life and cause pain and insecurity.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
A sweet contemporary marriage of convenience story
It is fun to read modern-day marriage of convenience stories. It is obvious what could have motivated a couple to marry without being in love a hundred or more years ago, but today? Why would anyone do that? Part of what makes Practically Married fun is that with the same woman you get to see two different reasons why she would do this.
At first, it isn’t obvious how much Ashley makes decisions based on what she thinks will please those around her. After all, she is setting off on her own to marry a man she has never met in person, despite what her elderly aunt and uncle think. However, as the story progresses, it becomes obvious that she struggles with fears of having people displeased with her. She was so sweet, always wanting to help. Even if it meant waking up at the crack of dawn to make breakfast. Although that may not have worked out just as she intended!
Russ was an interesting hero; especially being close to forty and never married. He was very kind and so dedicated to his work. And even though he had sisters, he was rather clueless about women. Still, his sweet care of Ashley, even before he realized he cared for her, showed more of his character.
While the outcome was as expected, the story took enough unexpected twists to keep it interesting.
Read my review of Practically Married by Karin Beery at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
(4.5 stars) – refreshing take on a popular trope
Years ago, Bill Murray starred in a comedy called “Quick Change” in which a group of bank robbers keep trying but can’t get out of NY.
While this book is not about bank robbers, nor even a comedy per se, I was reminded of it by the shared concept of people trying to do something that keep running into unexpected obstacles.
It was not just touching, but also one of the most entertaining stories that I’ve read in a good while. The plot is handled credibly, the writing is absorbing, and the characters are sympathetic, though I know that Ashley’s crisis of indecisiveness will drive a few of you crazy.
There was one point that made me go “no he wouldn’t!” after a character did something, but upon reflection decided that there are some guys who really are capable of being that clueless, a few of them being friends of mine, lol.
It only missed an epilogue, but I give it my hearty recommendation!
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses
5 things to look for in Practically Married
1)Marriage of Convenience
2)Florida vs Michigan winters
3)Lots of coffee<3
4)The joys and stress factors of a large family.
5) What is it I want (not dependent on pleasing others)
I loved this book! It’s a modern marriage of convenience story that works because the characters are engaging, practical, and have their personal issues to deal with. Loved the setting of Northern Michigan – of course! – but part of the story was set in Florida as well. Another thing I loved was that the author brought in multiple minor characters of all ages. Kids go a long way toward making a story real and relatable. I lost sleep for a couple of nights. It was very hard to put down.
It’s funny how we think we have life figured out then wham everything changes. Ashley thought she was going to marry for convenience. She has sweet heart and IMO handled everything with grace and faith. Russ amused me in that he kept trying to – you gotta read this book. Loved the ending. A really sweet romance about a couple faced with real life issues and tragedies.
Refreshingly original contemporary romance by new author, Karin Beery. Great characters, beautifully written, vivid settings, and the most original plot I’ve read in a sweet romance in a long time. Looking forward to more from this author.