Marrying a stranger to save a ranch is one thing; losing the land on their wedding day is another. Desperate to keep the ranch where three of her children and a husband lie buried, Annie Gephart must marry or sell. Which of the few bachelors in town would consider a surprise proposal to wed a plain widow with a rebellious daughter, a spirited boy, and unpaid taxes–without laughing in her face? … taxes–without laughing in her face?
Jacob Hendrix has never fully let go of his ranching dreams despite ending up as a small Wyoming town’s marshal. The job wouldn’t be so bad, except he’s more errand boy than lawman. When Annie proposes marriage without a single coquettish bat of an eyelash, can he commit himself to a woman he hardly knows for a choice piece of property he’d be an idiot to pass up?
But taxes aren’t all that threaten Annie and Jacob’s plans. Cattle rustlers, crumbling friendships, and wayward children make this marriage of convenience anything but. When they lose what they’ve sacrificed everything to save, will the love of a stranger be enough?
Romancing the Bride is the first book in the Frontier Vows Series by award-winning Christian romance author Melissa Jagears. If you like heartwarming marriage of convenience stories, you’ll love this sweet romance filled with endearing characters.
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Romancing the Bride, the first book in the Frontier Vows series by Melissa Jagears, is a delightful historical fiction novel. Incorporating its own unique twist on the mail-order-bride saga, this book is engaging and unexpected. It only took a few paragraphs for me to know that I would thoroughly enjoy this novel. At all times, this book successfully balances history, romance, faith, and even a bit of mystery, making the story thoroughly readable and entertaining.
The characters in this novel 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.
Romancing the Bride is a meaningful novel of renewed hope and second chances. It is a story of faith, trust, and new beginnings. It is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption. From the first page to the last, this well-written novel is a pleasure to read. It is honest, tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book by the author. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Romancing the Bride is a lovely, winning story from Melissa Jagears and just the kind of writing and story that I’ve come to expect from her. A captivating romance, a strong sense of setting, and a layered plot kept me coming back for more.
Annie Gephart is a strong woman, willing to do what she feels needs to be done in order to save her ranch and take care of her children. Despite her great strength, she is also vulnerable. She is wise about where she chooses to turn to help, however, and that is where Jacob Hendrix comes in. A man of good character himself, Annie knows that if Jacob does accept her offer, she and her children will be taken care of. What doesn’t fully sink in, however, is what it will mean for them as a couple courting after marriage. On top of this, there are people in town that don’t want them to succeed, both as a couple or as ranch owners.
It seems cliche to say, but I do love a well-done marriage of convenience story – emphasis on well-done. While many of these types of stories might seem like rehashing of things that are already done, Romancing the Bride has a freshness to it and a layered feeling that gives the story wonderful depth. What I enjoyed most was that while the romance is obviously a draw of the story, there are also several other thoughtful plot points – ones that involves Annie’s family and Jacob adjusting to their new life, along with navigating the complexities of small town living. Moments of danger and tension culminate to an ending that feels worthy of the characters’ journey. Don’t get me wrong – the romance is so tender and tasteful and oh-so-swoony, but I admired how all of the plot points work well together to make a complete story. One I wholeheartedly recommend! If you have enjoyed Jagear’s previous novels, have a fondness for marriage of convenience stories, or just love a finely-wrought romance, pick up Romancing the Bride.
I received an advanced copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise, and this review is my honest opinion.
Romancing the Bride (2018) by Melissa Jagears is the first book in her Frontier Vows series. This book comes in all forms including eBook, and is 415 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very lively six-year old at home, this book took me two days to read. I purchased a copy of this novel in eBook form from Amazon on October 24, 2018 to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give Romancing the Bride 4.5 STARS. This book is a Christian Historical Romance.
Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears is a thoroughly enjoyable Christian Western. This novel has it all: a widowed rancher’s wife with two kids who will do anything to keep her home, a city Marshal tired of his job kowtowing to the local Mayor, and a few creepy villains who sure did make this reader’s skin crawl. There’s a desperate marriage of convenience, an out-of-line teenage daughter bucking all the rules, a bit of mystery and intrigue, and a few smoldering kisses. If you love Westerns, Romancing the Bride is a page-turner you won’t want to miss.
Jacob Hendrix is a fantastic hero. My favorite characteristic is his patience. He does get frustrated by feelings that seem to be unrequited, but he has so much grace. Jacob constantly tries to see things from others’ perspectives. He never ever tries to force things, but rather he trusts that God will take care of things in His time. There were several moments in the story where I thought for sure Jacob would explode in frustration, but he doesn’t. Instead, he always goes to God. Jacob is a real fine example of Proverbs 3:5 — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” And, if that isn’t enough, he is incredibly hunky! There are quite a few moments where he turns on his “mischievous” smile and leaves Annie twitterpated, and me a little breathless!
I really appreciate Annie’s personal struggle in learning to love Jacob as he needs. I very much connected with Annie’s struggle, and I really resonated with Jagears’s discussion on Nature vs. Nurture. It’s exceptionally difficult to be an affectionate person when you are not raised to be one, but it’s not impossible. Annie’s mother was stone-cold strict. She raised Annie to care about appearances, to adhere to every dictate society decrees, and to suppress emotions. A proper woman must be proper at all times. Love and affection were NOT taught or illustrated in Annie’s home growing up. When Annie realizes that her new husband is an affectionate man, she really struggles to be the wife Jacob needs and wants. My own husband was raised in a caring, loving, and affectionate environment. My parents loved me as best they could, but love and affection were NOT their thing. Rigid rules and tough consequences were their go-to. Like Annie, I had no idea how to be a wife to a man who is 100% affectionate. Holding hands in public was enough to make me blush. But God changed me! Like Annie does in Romancing the Bride, I turned to God often in prayer begging God to make me the wife my husband needed, and He came through. It didn’t hurt at all that God blessed me with a patient man, just like Jacob is for Annie.
I also very much loved Jagears’s discussion about the past and the role it should play in our lives. At one point, Annie has a discussion with her daughter, Celia, who is struggling with choices she has made in her recent past. Celia is allowing her mistakes and failures to suck her into a shame spiral she can’t get out of. Annie, in an attempt to help her daughter out of her dark place, tells Celia, “If your past decisions didn’t get you where you wanted to be, figure out what decisions will. Beating yourself up over the past won’t change a thing.” I love this message that mistakes and moments in our past should be a tool we use to learn and grow from, they should not be used to make victims of ourselves. This is definitely a message that I feel is timely for today.
Romancing the Bride is a really good story that I highly recommend. If you love a Christian Western with action, romance, and timely themes, then this is definitely the book for you.
Romancing the Bride is such a compelling story. I can’t imagine facing the hardships women like Annie faced. Life in the old west was hard and on any given day a man or woman could lose their spouse. Like many who sunk their money into land and cattle, there wasn’t much money left over. Under most circumstances for a woman to lose her husband meant losing her livelihood.
I could almost feel Annie’s desperation when she decided to ask Jacob to marry her. I could almost feel how she felt moving to town and seeming to live as his wife to a town that wasn’t sure what to make of her. Melissa Jagears has made the characters of this book come alive. Between the pages of this book you can see the tension in the air when church services are over and everyone prepares for the wedding. It cracks in such a way you aren’t sure what is going to hit this couple next. Take a surly teenage girl, unsupportive friends and a flirty young beauty and even the best bride or groom might want to turn around and leave the altar.
So many things backfire and it takes a great deal of faith sprinkled with patience. I found myself thinking about Cassie, Annie’s daughter. She is so full of anger and disappointment over her father’s death that she does her best to make everyone in the family unhappy. Yet, through it all, Jacob, as her stepfather deeply cared about her. He would do whatever he could to make her see he wasn’t trying to replace her father. Jacob’s prayer for his marriage and his new family are an inspiration. He was a strong man who was humbled by his faith, and that faith is what made him strong.
I received an advance reader copy of this bookbut was under no obligation to review it. However, I can’t help but share when I read such a good book. I recommend this book with 5 stars: great story, wonderful characters who are superbly developed and lovely description for a glimpse back into historical times in Wyoming.
This ‘bride of convenience’ story was reversed. The woman asked the man to marry! Annie Gephart finds herself widowed with two children and a ranch she can no longer take care of. Handsome Marshal Jacob Hendrix longs for a ranch of his own so he can quit being a marshal in name only. When Annie approaches Jacob about marrying, in name only, he accepts thinking he will finally have the ranch he has always dreamed about. Well, things may not turn out the way either expected and there are challenges around every corner. Most of the characters were likable except Celia, Annie’s daughter. She was incorrigible and spoiled but her adorable little brother, Spencer, made up for it! Author Melissa Jagears is a new author for me. I read Book Two in the Frontier Vows series before I read Book One. Each is stand alone. It is not necessary to read them in order. This is an enjoyable and inspirational series and I am looking forward to Book Three!
Romancing the Bride is real, heartfelt, and poignant. But it’s not all romance, pent-up feelings, and broken dreams. There’s a mystery, intrigue, and a few laughs as Jacob tries to find cattle rustlers, stop a vandal, learn the truth behind Annie’s property, and corral a wayward pig. I highly recommend it!
To see my full review, visit https://justjenniferpurcell.com/2019/01/04/just-read-romancing-the-bride-by-melissa-jagears/
This marriage of convenience story is built on faith with a healthy dose of suspense and family drama. Genuine characters reflect the hardworking spirit of ranchers and homesteaders, the raw emotion and vulnerability of grief, and the honesty and integrity which we as people of faith strive for.
Annie is one tough mama and I admire her dedication especially when she’s falling apart on the inside. She’s carrying the weight of immense loss in her heart and the fate of her family’s home and livelihood sits squarely on her shoulders. Jacob is an “almost too good to be true” western hero until an even more attractive man is revealed as readers are invited into his thoughts and struggles. Jacob has broad shoulders and a big heart to boot!
As this conveniently wed couple stumbles and bumbles along the path of matrimony, life continually throws them off track with insecurities, attraction, rebellion, and conspiracies. This story is original and engaging and inspired warm cozy feelings in my heart! I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Melissa Jagears’ Romancing the Bride is quite a book! The marriage of convenience storyline is one that’s been told many times, but I feel like this is one of the most realistic portrayals of such a situation that I have read. From the start of the idea all the way to the decision to follow through, I felt like both Annie and Jacob actually thought through what they were getting into and did not make the decision lightly or without due consideration, which is not something I can say for a lot of marriage of convenience books. Often that part of the book is rushed through or glossed over. I appreciated being privy to that aspect of the story.
The struggles they face as a married couple, and one that doesn’t even really know each other at that, are not downplayed. We are given insight into both Annie’s and Jacob’s thoughts, struggles, and feelings that make it all so real. Their story is filled with moments where I so deeply felt their struggles and pain that I cried with them, moments where my heart hurt deeply for them and the circumstances and sorrow they had to endure.
Jacob is such a considerate, loving, patient, and steadfast character, yet he is not a perfect character by any means. He has his own battles to fight, and I love how he chooses to fight them and that he stays true to who he is called to be, even when he feels frustration, even when he’s in the midst of those battles.
Annie has been through so much and it’s not hard to wonder just how much more can she endure. Her pain is real, her struggle is real, the battle going on in her head is real. All of which made each step of her journey out of darkness and grief so precious and so good to see. I loved that her journey was a process, that it took place over the course of the book, that it wasn’t necessarily tied up in one big moment of change. It felt so much more like real life that way.
Jacob and Annie’s story is one with a bit of both falling in love and choosing to love, and I loved that. Love, marriage goes beyond the falling part. Though that’s a wonderful part of it, there’s also the choosing part—choosing to love even when it doesn’t feel like it’s returned, choosing to love even when that person is going through a struggle that makes them seem different than the person you fell for, choosing to continue to love even in the struggles and circumstances of life. And I love that Ms. Jagears so clearly displayed that aspect of marriage in this book.
Ms. Jagears also does a wonderful job of showing the consequences of what our actions can bring about, but not in a way that is without hope. With some of the supporting characters, I found the ending to be somewhat bittersweet—with a bit of sadness as they are facing the ramifications of their actions and the resulting heartache and strife, but also with hope for how they may grow and change in it. And as for Jacob and Annie, their heart-wrenching hurts and trials only made the “ending” of their story that much more joyful, hopeful, and satisfying. I am excited to see who else’s stories will be told in the future in this series and I’m ready to go on their journeys with them.
**I received a copy of this novel from the author. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book. The storyline is one of an Old West “marriage of convenience”, but has some interesting twists and turns along the way. The two main characters, Jacob and Annie, are perfect for each other, even though Annie’s not sure of that at the beginning of their marriage. This is a story of two good people who begin to work together to overcome adversity, but happily find a deep love for each other as they come together as a family. This is a clean and sweet romance that has a theme of faith and trust in God all throughout the book. I felt as if I’d watched a sweet, and at times suspenseful, old-west movie by the time I’d finished the book. If you enjoy Christian historical romances, you’ll want to read this one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Melissa Jagears never disappoints me when I read her books. When I saw the cover and the book was a marriage of convenience, I was so happy. One of the best marriage of convenience books I’ve read!!
If your a fan of these books this is the book for you. You’ll love this book and the blessing you’ll receive.
I receive a complimentary copy and all opinions are my own.
Do you love marriage of convenience stories that are not your typical western?
Is this a romance?
It is, but it is really a slow build up and one someone would love that is not always a fan of a lot of romance. The convenience part of it was so well thought out and something that I could see actually happening, to the point that I found myself absorbed in my own memories while reading it. It has taken me a bit to write this review because of how much it touched me.
The writing is what I have come to expect from this author, but this one touched a nerve deep inside as I read. If you like books that reach in and make you think, this is one to pick up.
Marriage of convenience stories are one of my favorite tropes, so the premise of Romancing the Bride quickly caught my eye. The added bonus of Melissa Jagears being the author sold me on this book. I’ve read some of her books before and always thoroughly enjoyed them, and this one didn’t disappoint. The characters were well-drawn and engaging, the storyline was intriguing, and the tender message of the healing that only God can provide added a depth to it. Jacob is such a selfless, upstanding hero, and Annie is a struggling heroine who is trying to overcome a tragic past and provide for her children. Though there were a few parts that I felt could have been a little more tightly written, the story left me feeling satisfied and eager for another of Jagears’ books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own
This is another top ten favorite book this year. Annie and Jacob’s story will stay with me for a long, long time. Marriage of convenience stories are my absolute favorite genres to read. And when they are done well…be still my heart. This one was done exceptionally well.
I am not sure what set this story apart from others I have read so much that it touched my heart. There was romance to be sure, but more than that this story showed that love is more than a feeling, that it is a choice. Jacob made his choice to love Annie and her two children no matter what, and he did so in a sacrificial way.
I liked how the author showed the real struggle that Annie dealt with when it came to learning to love Jacob. After all, she had been a widow for less than a year and she had loved her husband of 16 years very much. She thinks of her first husband a great deal, which I imagine would be normal, and wonders if she will ever love Jacob like that. Yes, she and her first husband had problems and the loss of children put quite a strain on their marriage. However, it was in the manner of how he died that cast such a shadow over Annie and her daughter and son that threatened to rip the very fiber of their family apart.
This is a story of new beginnings and of blending of a family that so desperately needed each other and God. Their marriage is not made any easier in the fact that the ranch Annie was so desperate to keep as a heritage for her children is lost to her and Jacob anyway. And this happens on their very wedding day. Not a good start to a marriage of almost virtual strangers.
Author Jagears has packed quite an emotional punch with the side characters as well. Annie’s wayward 15 year old daughter is another strain to both Annie and Jacob, and I applaud Jacob for trying so hard to be a good father to her. This story also does not shy away from the consequences of evil and sin and that sometimes the innocents are the ones to pay.
The lesson that stands out to me the most and I want to practice in my daily life, is that no matter what we do, no matter our circumstances, we, I should do all things to God’s glory.
I cannot wait for more in this series. I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. I loved it so much I purchased a physical copy for my keeper shelf, and as always- I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Romancing the Bride starts off the exciting new series by Melissa Jagears, Frontier Vows. I instantly fell in love with the main character, Annie. She has been through so much heartache. I loved it when Jacob entered the scenes. Such sweetness.
Romancing the Bride gets a well deserved five plus stars from me. I would give it one hundred if I could. I highly, highly recommend it. Great job, Melissa! I look forward to book two from the Frontier Vows series.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears
Frontier Vows Series Book One
Annie Gephart has her hands full. A teenage daughter, a young son, a ranch she has no idea how to run. Oh, and her husband had foolishly got himself killed and left her to handle all of this alone. With taxes due, she has only two choices; sell the ranch, or get remarried.
Marshal Jacob Hendrix doesn’t do much marshaling at all. His boss keeps him busy with the most insane tasks. Jacob never wanted to be a lawman. He wanted to be a rancher. And now he has his chance.
Just when everything seems to be falling in place to help both Annie and Jacob—everything falls apart. I loved the characters and the story-line and I’m looking forward to more in this series.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2015/06/melissa-jagears-book-list.html
“Wowzers!” was the first word out of my mouth when reached the end. I loved this book from the first page to the last! In this marriage of convenience, Jacob had a chance to back out but he stays true to his vows and his new family. I love the gentle wooing he does of Annie. There are so many gentle touches, my heart was a puddle.
Annie is unsure of her developing feelings for Jacob because she still loves her late husband. How can she love two men at once? There is a lot of drama in this book too. Between a rebellious teenager, cattle rustlers, and a few things that are just not quite right. As town Marshall, Jacob has his hands full. The mayor has him doing mundane custodian work and serving eviction notices. What else is going on?…you MUST read this book to find out. It is one of my favorite reads of this year!
Romance and mystery blend perfectly together. I love everything Melissa Jagears writes.
Melissa Jagears completely enthralled me with her latest book, Romancing the Bride. I have loved all of Jagears’s books, but this one was my absolute favorite. It was much more than a feel good story and sweet romance; it was a multidimensional book filled with struggles of identity, grief, belonging, justice, priorities, and truth. In this novel, Jagears skillfully explored how loss seeks to define our existence, and how, with faith and love, this can be overcome to give us a future and a hope.
While I thought the plot and message riveting, it would have been nothing without the hero of Jacob Hendrix. To me, he personified patience. Jagears carved within this man a character that exemplified forgiveness, grace, and servanthood. Though far from perfect, I loved his honesty and zeal for integrity. Jacob made the perfect hero, worthy of carrying the plot and redeeming the storyline. I think Gilbert Blythe might have to move over as my all time favorite leading man.
I highly recommend you picking up this book. Jagears outdid herself in this one!!!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions in this review are my own.
Melissa Jagears’ Romancing the Bride is an extremely enjoyable version of the marriage of convenience story. Annie proposes to Jacob out of desperation. She just wanted to save the land that she and her first husband ranched before his untimely death and keep the home that her children knew. Jacob is an honorable man and a swoony hero. As with other marriage of convenience stories, Jacob and Annie are not in love when they marry. Jacob soon learns that he wants to woo his wife and make her fully his. Add to this some unsavory goings-on in town and an unruly teenage daughter and you have a precious story of overcoming obstacles on the way to real love.
Melissa Jagears is a master at presenting deep spiritual lessons through the characters that are an integral part of the story and are not overly preachy. She has done this beautifully in Romancing the Bride with reflections on forgiveness, healing, and trusting God to work out situations according to His design.
If you like to have your heart stirred while reading, I highly recommend this book. Will your heart be stirred by the sweet kisseds shared between Jacob and Annie? Or will your heart be stirred in a different way by the loving God who comforts our sorrows and forgives us to bring us to himself? Either way, this book is a winner!
Romancing The Bride is probably the best book I’ve read this year! I was snatched by the author’s words and thrown into the story on the very first page. The story is filled with wonderful faith content, romance, true love, action, and so much more! I was rooting for the main characters as they walked through the hard things of life. I fell in love with many of the supporting characters, and the town of Armelle itself. I could start at the beginning and reread this book now! Romancing The Bride is the best example of a “good book” that I’ve seen in a long while. If you choose to read this book, you will be glad you did.!
I received a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to post a review.
From the beginning, I was pulled into the story and the lives of the characters. I felt like I was living in the pages of this story right along with a vivid cast of characters that had me feeling like part of their community.
Annie has known her share of hardship. Yet her strong faith in God, and her realization that through it all, God is with her. She may struggle, but she doesn’t lose faith. Annie’s struggle to grieve the loss of her husband while allowing herself to love again is one that is realistic and I feel many who have lost a first spouse and remarried, could easily identify with.
Jacob lived a bachelor life, and while he wanted a family, he wasn’t necessarily planning on getting married to a woman with children. However, he feels lead to marry Annie and to help her. He easily steps into the role of father with Annie’s young son. However, Celia, Annie’s headstrong, young teenage daughter holds a lot of resentment and anger. Jacob has a large capacity for love, and he strives to love others as God loves them. We see that he isn’t always perfect, he loses his patience, but he also gives freely of himself and is quick to admit when he has done wrong.
There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me glued to the story and rapidly turning pages to find out what would happen next. There were moments of laughter, tears, and a swoon-worthy kiss, or two. This story is filled with lots of emotion!
I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a marriage of convenience story that is top-notch, and that packs a lasting punch, look no further! I am thrilled that this is only the first story in the series because it means that I get to visit again with a new story and I can’t wait! I give this story 4.5-stars and encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and a friend.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)