A Blizzard Changes Everything Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter–the man who killed her father. Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching … counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.
All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son–if they survive the storm?
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze.
More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)
The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1849 San Francisco (April 2019)
The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1860 Utah (July 2019)
The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1863 Tennessee (December 2019)
more
I’m always happy to get my hands on a new book from Susanne Dietze, and this newest story lived up to my every expectation. A vibrant setting, dynamic characters, a sweet romance, and an exciting plot with twists and turns that kept me turning pages long past my bedtime! Even though the story had a most satisfying conclusion I wasn’t ready to say good-bye to these characters that had become new friends!
Abby carries with her a heavy burden of hurt and bitterness. Her journey to learning how to forgive and learning how to trust others again is a good reminder to us all. It isn’t always easy to forgive when our trust has been betrayed and our heart shattered and then stomped on, but letting that go and giving it to God, makes our lives much happier!
I loved my time spent in this story with Dash, Abby, and all the unique characters that populated the little Nebraska town. With a counterfeit ring to uncover and secret agents, you just never know what will happen next! This is definitely a story you will want to add to your keeper shelf!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze is a wild ride. I mean the kind of ride that leaves the reader holding her breath and clinging to the edge of her seat. These Daughters of the Mayflower novels are excellent, and with each subsequent novel, they just keep getting better and better. Just when I think, “Aw, that book was the best!”, another story comes out and blows me away with its awesomeness. The Blizzard Bride packs a serious punch in only 256 pages and is definitely one of my favorites in this series.
Abby, the heroine of The Blizzard Bride, has had a rough few years. The love of her life up and left her with NO explanation, her father was murdered, she and her mother lost everything because of his death — their finances, their home, and their social standing. Eventually, Abby’s mother dies from a broken heart. And, Abby has broken ties with God. If He is going to abandon her, she thinks, then she will abandon Him. In six year’s time, Abby has slowly become a bitter, angry, and spite-filled woman bent on making the villains pay. She has closed herself off — no God, no friends, no loved ones. Abby figures that if she is closed off from everyone and everything she will save herself from getting hurt. But then Abby meets curmudgeonly Mr. Yates and sees a glimpse into what her future will be if she continues her path of anger and isolation. So Abby makes the only choice she can — she befriends Mr. Yates. She recognizes that, like her, Mr. Yates has some serious trauma that’s not been properly dealt with, and so reaches out to him in an attempt to get them both back on the right track.
This subplot in The Blizzard Bride provides an excellent warning to us all — it is imperative that we deal with our lives with God, or we will end up alone and deeply hurting. This actually makes me think of Psalm 32:2-3 (ESV; my emphasis): “Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groanings all day long.” When Abby stops and really takes a look at Mr. Yates she sees dark, deep pouches under his eyes, a permanent downcast to his mouth, tight, crossed arms, and stooped shoulders. Clearly, Mr. Yate’s anger, hatred, and alienation have worn him down and he is wasting away. Abby comes to understand as David does in this Psalm, that unconfessed pain and sin eat at us and hurts our physical and spiritual selves. Abby realizes that she must turn back to God, speak her feelings, confess her sins, and ask for forgiveness. Mrs. Dietze’s subplot beautifully points out that when we turn to the One who can truly heal, we find the real peace we need in order to move beyond the hurts of our past.
As I stated above, this book packs a punch. In fact, it contains multitudes. There are super endearing characters that I won’t soon forget. A winter storm that terrified me. In fact, I didn’t take a full breath for three chapters because the storm is that intense. The romance is sweet and the mystery is captivating. All in all, The Blizzard Bride is a great read I highly recommend. This book is another home run by Susie Dietze.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via her publisher, Barbour Books through NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Loved this story by Susanne Dietze, one of my favorite authors. I had the privlledge of reading an advance copy and gave an endorsement for this beautiful novel! It would make for a great winter read, with the blizzard element.
If you enjoy historical fiction, combined with romance, intrigue, and danger, then you’ll love this book by author Suzanne Dietz.The story is actually based on a real event in January of 1888 but this is not an extremely strict retelling of that blizzard. Dietz has taken creative license with it, in an extremely compelling way.
Abigail and Dashiell have history together, causing them to try to avoid working together. That doesn’t happen and they must learn about forgiveness through God. While they’re learning that, they’re trying to figure out “who done it”.
So much happens after the first few chapters that I kept reading as quickly as possible, making for some late nights. But it was so worth it! While this is book 11 in the series, each book is a stand alone so grab a copy and enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
This book was so good! I read it all in one afternoon! I couldn’t put it down! I really cared about these characters. I hadn’t heard about the Children’s Blizzard before this. The author did a great job writing about such a frightening experience. I would definitely recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I love these Daughters of the Mayflower books! I learn so much history from them.
In The Blizzard Bride, Abby Bracey is a schoolteacher in Chicago but she must leave because of a family scandal. Dash Lassiter, a childhood friend, is a Secret Service agent on the trail of a counterfeiter.
Abby and Dash meet again after many years and an abrupt and hurtful parting. They agree to go undercover to capture a notorious and elusive murdering counterfeiter. They must work together despite their animosity to discover the criminal’s son who is in hiding in Wells, Nebraska. Abby will fill out the term of a teacher who took ill and Dash will pose as a hostler because of his love of horses. They need to ferret out the clues without tipping their hand and also protect the innocent. Answers seem to be just out of reach. To make matters worse, the Great Snowstorm of 1988 catches all the people of Wells unawares and puts many in danger.
Ms. Dietze has done credible research into the Children’s Blizzard. Having lived a number of years in North Dakota and Northern Wisconsin, I could feel the cold and snow and remoteness. She helped me imagine how much more scary it would have been without modern conveniences.
Abby and Dash have much between them that needs forgiveness. Ms. Dietze shows the importance of acceptance and faith through the good people of Wells. This book had it all: inquisitive school children, a pet skunk, budding friendships, recaptured romance, a growing faith and history about a hard time in Nebraska. She also brings in the overarching theme of The Mayflower and Abby’s ancestors who handed down their Christian principals.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
What a fabulous story! This book has a little bit of everything that I love about Christian historical fiction: conflict, suspense, a great setting; and romance. There’s humor in this story (especially the part about an unexpected visitor to Abby’s classroom); but there are also more serious themes of forgiveness and trusting God during tragic times.
I admired Abby as a teacher and loved all her little students. Dash was a compelling character. He had unique abilities that made him an excellent Secret Service investigator. However, he also struggled with dyslexia, and felt that he was somehow lacking in intelligence because of it. Abby’s flaw was was the bitterness that threatened to rule her life. She was especially bitter towards Dash and and her father because of the ways they had let her down in years past. She felt, too, that God abandoned her. As they are forced to work together, Abby and Drew both have much to learn about placing their complete trust in God and each other. As the people of Wells, Nebraska, rally to help Abby, she sees true Christian love and friendship in action.
Both Abby and Drew are called on to use every bit of the courage and strength they possess, and it makes for an exciting end to this story. I’m a little sad this is a stand-alone story, because I loved the characters in this book. This is the first book I’ve read by Susanne Dietze, and I’ll be looking forward to reading more of her books.
One other note: Be sure and read the Author’s Notes at the end of the book for the true background of this book. I had never heard about “The Children’s Blizzard” until I read this book, and am found the true account fascinating and heartbreaking.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Blizzard Bride Daughters of the Mayflower #11 by Susanne Dietze is a Christian Historical Mystery Romance. The crimes, characters and the scenes described are very realistic. Well researched details and the blizzard was based on a real blizzard. Lots of suspense and mystery from the first page until the last page. Christian values portrayed, as in no Christian is always perfect but God‘s Grace is perfect. The Gospel is shared with unbelievers.
The Daughters of the Mayflower series reminds me of the old song that is seldom sung now America the Beautiful.‘‘ America, America God shed his grace on thee…‘‘
Read the whole series in any order and your heart will be blessed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze is another installment in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, but it exceeded my expectations. Full of intrigue, this historical read is well paced, well written, and well worth it.
I liked how Dietze wove the romance with Abby’s experiences in the schoolhouse. Dietze created many charming characters, especially the children, and made them come alive. Abby bonds with them fairly quickly, but I couldn’t help but become attached to them, either. This made the blizzard that much more harrowing. Although, the blizzard itself seemed hard to believe, at least for me, but Dietze includes a historical note at the end of the novel that shares about her research. And from reading that, I gathered that she described it pretty well. Also, I’ve never experienced a blizzard, so I wouldn’t know anyway.
The counterfeit and spy angle made this novel even more interesting and suspenseful, especially the search for the son of Fletcher Price. I’d have my suspicions and be almost certain when Dietze would throw me yet another curveball, making me doubt myself. (I ended up being right, by the way. I just wanted to brag about it for a second.) The intrigue kept me riveted, and I had trouble putting it down.
The Blizzard Bride explores some important themes such as forgiveness, bitterness, and reconciliation. Both Dash and Abby are sympathetic characters, but even though you understand what’s holding them back, you can’t help but root for them to overcome their issues.
Overall, this is a wonderful book for any fan of historical fiction.
This is a wonderful historical romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both Abby and Dash. They are wonderful characters with very deep wounds from their pasts. They had difficult journeys to travel emotionally that impacted their ability to process the circumstances that they faced. I loved how Abby had to address the unforgiveness that she had been holding onto.
The plot of the story was fantastic. It was very exciting to read how the town of Wells handled the sudden blizzard that blew in. I had heard about the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard before. This story made it seem more real to me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed 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.*
Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in the late 1800’s to take the job as a schoolteacher, but she’s on a mission for the goverment to discover among the students who is the son of a murderous counterfeiter, non other than her father’s assasin.
Daniel Lassiter is a Secret Agent, and he’s totally against Abby, his childhood sweetheart, taking on this dangerous task, but there’s nothing he can do to stop her. So he follows Abby to Nebraska in order to protect her, being aware that the counterfeiter is searching for his son too and the risk to her life if he does him. But Abby doesn’t want to be helped by Dashm especially after leaving her six years ago when they wanted to get married. Things get difficult when a blizzard strikes the small town. Can they both put their differences and past grievances in order to work together to survive, and to catch the criminal while protecting his son?
This was a wonderful story, full of action, dangerous adventure and sweet romance! I loved everything about it: the plot kept me engaged, the mystery of the Abby’s father murderer on their tails, the threat of the blizzard on their lives, all the while understanding what happened to their relationship and if they will ever have a future, if they survive, it made the story captivating!
I loved the characters as well: Abby was strongminded, yet kind and compassionate, and Dash was a true Hero and I fell for his love of Abby, a real love willing to sacrifice everything for her happiness. The romance was really sweet and tender. Dash has a hard time getting Abby to let down her walls but it was so much worth it when he does! Sigh!
I definitely recommend this story to Historical Romance lovers! It’s a page turner!
I absolutely love this book! Based on true events, this is the story of the terrible blizzard of 1888 in Nebraska. I love the character development and the flow of the story! Breath-taking and exciting to say the least, this story includes action and romance.
I highly recommend this story for anyone wanting a HEA, Christian fiction, and historical fiction.
The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietz, the 11th in The Daughters of the Mayflower is very well written and chock full of those things that keep a reader up late at night. Yes, I stayed up late several nights reading this intriguing story, with the final late night reading reaching well into the wee hours of the morn.
I love this series and The Blizzard Bride is a most welcome addition; I look forward to more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
This book is part of a larger Daughters of the Mayflower series but can be read as a stand alone.
When Abigail’s father is killed, she learns that he was not who everyone thought him to be and that knowledge lead to Abigail’s mother’s death and Abigail being ostracized from Chicago’s society. When a gentleman approaches Abigail about a plan that will catch her father’s killer, she’s all in until she learns that the person she would be working with was someone she was supposed to marry 6 years before. But her need to catch her father’s killer overtakes her need to be away from Dash.
Abby struggles with the choices that the people around her made that impacted her life and she blames God for that and becomes cold and distant but a chance encounter with someone else who had been dealt a similar hand taught her that she needed to return to her faith in God.
I enjoyed this story! It had the correct amount of twists and turns and depth for most of the characters. I had figured out who they were looking for pretty early on but there were just a few things to make me wonder if I was correct. Overall, well done!
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion and review.
The Blizzard Bride is part of The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I thought this was a pretty good read. It was based on true historical events that I had never heard of before. It was interesting to read the details of this time. The plot is full of action, mystery and danger. I loved Abigail from the start. She was one determined woman that I greatly admired.
I am giving The Blizzard Bride four stars. I look forward to reading more by Susanne Dietze in the future. I recommend this one to others readers who enjoy historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
“The Blizzard Bride” by Susanne Dietze, is an Engrossing Christian, Historical, Romantic Suspence Novel. I that it’s set in Nebraska. I experienced many “NE Blizzards”, while growing up there. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the Story; especially the Secret Service’s task, of rooting out Counterfeittors, in the post Civil War era. SD truthfully & sensitively portrays the problem of Dyslexia. SD also gives us life & death Danger from the Weather, & from a Murdering Criminal!
There are several Stories in this Novel! The of an Aunt for her orphaned Nephew; the of a small, rural Community for each other; the of Parents for their Children; the of a Teacher for her Students; & ultimately, the 2nd Chance between the Hero & the Heroine!
I Highly Recommend you read this Outstanding, Page-Turning, stand alone Book to find out how God brings the Hero & Heroine to their Forever !
Mystery, intrigue, history and love. I enjoyed reading this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I always enjoy the books in this series and this was no exception. It is nice to see that there were women secret agents even years ago. I really like Dash and Abby. It was wonderful to see Abby really wanting to teach these children even while trying to learn who a certain child was. I loved learning about this horrible blizzard that occurred and how quickly the weather can change. Wonderful read. I received a copy of this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had no idea about this blizzard and how it could hit. I liked that there was the mystery to solve and how forgiveness was sought. Another great addition to the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All views are my own.
I’m enjoying these Daughters of the Mayflower series and The Blizzard Bride is #11. The year is 1888 in a little town called Wells. Abby is hired as a school teacher and also by the government as a secret agent or spy. A notorious counterfeiter is headed to Wells to claim his son from his deceased wife’s sister. Dash is a member of the Secret Service that hunts out counterfeiters to bring them to justice. Abby’s job as a teacher is to figure out which child is the boy. Dash is keeping tabs on the comings and goings of people in and out of town to find the counterfeiter before he steals the boy away.
Making the story even more interesting is the fact that Abby and Dash have a past. And not a good one!
The author’s historical notes in the back of the book brings out the fact that the blizzard really happened and in such a short time no one was prepared. Many human lives were lost and animals as well that were caught out in it. Counterfeiters were known to be operating all over the country too.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters and how each one fit into the story. The small town setting gave opportunity for neighbor to know neighbor and pull together and help each other. There’s enough mystery, action, romance and danger to keep things interesting and the reader fully engaged.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.