In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy. Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to … anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.
more
Christian Historical Romance
I wrote this when I started this book, “I’ve read a LOT of books in my life, but NEVER have I laughed as hard or as often as I am with this book! And I’m only on chapter two!!!”
The laughs started to slow down after that, but the story was definitely one of the best I’ve read or listened to in a LONG LONG time! Besides the comic relief, this story shares God’s forgiveness, man’s failures, and our need of a Savior. I highly recommend it!
The narration wasn’t perfect, but it was wonderful! I loved his voice, his cadence, his character variety, etc. Near the end, when several men are speaking one after the other, it was a bit hard to figure out who was speaking but otherwise I LOVED IT!
Oh my goodness. Author Jodie Wolfe has written a delightful story!
You will love Jules. With a heart as big as all outdoors, which is where she’s comfortable living, she tries so hard to be a proper pastor’s wife. And Drew tries to help her but my goodness. The situations they get into trying to be what God didn’t design them to be. You’ll laugh, sigh, and probably shed a tear. I even wanted to shake Drew. But I enjoyed every word of this story and highly recommend it if you enjoy tales from the Old West.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
Taming Julia by Jodie Wolfe is a charming historical novel set in 1875.
Jodie Wolfe has created a marvellous set of characters. I loved the rough and ready leading lady who had a heart of gold but needed educating in the ways of the world. There were many highly amusing incidents.
Knowing God is vital. “Once you get acquainted with God… you’ll fall in love with Him and desire to serve Him.” God wants a relationship with each and every one of us. He will keep knocking on the door of our heart until we let Him in. Even when we do not know Him, He already knows us intimately.
Prayer unlocks the power of the Almighty. “Talking to God is the same as talking to you.” Prayer should be as natural as breathing. We must be sure to listen for His answers. “When’s the last time you were truly quiet and were able to hear God?” It is important to trust God’s guiding and not “expect[ed] God to answer the way he wanted.” We must not project answers onto God that were never His.
We all face battles. Sometimes all we need to do is to stand still and let God fight for us.
While we have breath, it is never too late to say ‘yes’ to Jesus. As Jamaican evangelist George Miller said “you can live without Jesus but for goodness sake do not die without Jesus.” Our eternal destiny depends on our choice.
Jodie Wolfe employs pathetic fallacy as a storm mirrors the turmoil in lives.
Taming Julia was a delightful read. The hand of God hovered over the whole novel. I loved it.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I loved the quirky, yet serious, nature of this Historical Romance. A brother’s love for his sister, moving him to to the unpredictable and the trust she had in him and his decision… ALL GOOD… the poor hero had no clue what he’d be facing among the women in his life – A VERY GOOD READ!!!
Book Review–Taming Julia–by Jodie Wolfe
I have to say that “Taming Julia” was the most unusual book I have read so far. But, I had never before read any of Jodie Wolfe’s books, if I had I would most likely have not been surprised as she does say she enjoys writing stories that have quirky characters and in this book I would definitely say Julia is quite quirky!
When I began reading “Taming Julia” I had thoughts that it was quite un-realistic, however as I continued to read I came to the conclusion that it could possibly be realistic, however a bit un-conventional. I mean would you consider a preacher agreeing to a marriage by proxy realistic? Perhaps, if you were living in the days of mail order brides and had a do this or lose your job because of an ultimatum presented to you by your church elders, however, what church would issue an order like that, and why?
Also, would you as a refined preacher consent to this marriage by proxy after you saw and met a women who was not at all like the person described to you in her letters? Well, then again, perhaps if you had to do so to keep your position as pastor of your church.
But that is just the beginning of the story, how would you handle being married to a wife who dresses and talks like an female cowpoke, wears a six shooter around her waist and carries a rifle. She sleeps outside on the ground, has only cooked meals over a campfire, doesn’t know how to use an indoor stove, and washes up in the creek. Is she the type of wife that you want to present to your church board and congregation on Sunday morning as your Mrs.? Do you think it’s possible the well dressed and mannerly church ladies will welcome her with open arms?
Well, as you read on, those questions and many more will fill your mind, and you will find yourself wondering if indeed “Taming Julia” is possible!
I recommend you read this book if you enjoy un-conventional western Christian romance and humor. There indeed is a thread of God working throughout this whole book and you will enjoy the outcome.
I was given a copy of this book as a gift from the author Jodie Wolfe in exchange for an honest review. All comments are my own.
I didn’t think I could laugh so hard at a mail order bride story with a minister as the main character, but somehow Jodie Wolfe managed to have me to just that! This story was nothing at all like I was expecting, it was so much more! Jules is by far my favorite character in this story. All of the things she did to make me giggle weren’t her fault, but I couldn’t help myself from giggling and gasping every now and then. She is not your run of the mill heroine, and honestly I think that’s why I liked her so much. She did not try to prove herself to anyone, nor make excuses for her actions. She just simply was who she was!
What made this story even more interesting was the secret the Jules was hiding, and how that totally changed the storyline later on in the book. The action and excitement just added to the already wonderful storyline, and had me on the edge of my seat. I will say one thing that surprised me was Drew’s character. I could not see a minister marrying a mail order bride, especially like Jules, and then treating her the way that he did (good way for those of you wondering). He called her beautiful to others, even in the beginning. I thought that showed class, nurturing, and maturity. It made me respect his character, rather then being someone who would just marry for the convenience of it and then complain about who he was married to. It showed compassion, and love – the kind of love we receive from Christ. This part of the story just really touched my heart.
I highly recommend reading this charming story. I think you’ll find you get a few chuckles out of it too! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.