Saturday, April 21, 2018

The British Brides Collection

THE BRITISH BRIDES COLLECTION –Barbour Publishing © 2014
English and Scottish Romance Novellas

FROM THE BACK:
Spanning over 500 years of history in the British Isles, nine inspiring romance stories take readers through English gardens, around London ballrooms, and within Scottish castles.  Follow along as each of the brides-to-be encounter high drama and epic romance on the way to the altar.  Will they survive with their faith intact?
Inspired by authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, these nine romances are penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors and will become a cherished favorite for fans of British history and literature.

MY REVIEWS:

Woman of Valor by Jill Stengl – © 2001
Norfolk County, 1631. After losing her parents Helen Walker has come to her cousin's home, Marston Hall, to care for her cousin's three neglected children. They have recently lost their own mother as well as their brother. All three are dealing with the grief in their own way.
Their father is reluctant to care for them as he deals with his own pain of loss. Oliver Kirby is the horse trainer, but seems to be much more and is sent to retrieve Helen. She is filled with terror, but relies heavily upon God for His guidance and comfort. 
Excellent story filled with scripture and prayer. Very encouraging.stars

A Duplicitous Façade by Tamela Hancock Murray © 2005
England, 1812. Melodia agrees to marry Rolf even though she has never met him because her father has betrothed her. During a masquerade ball a stranger in red shows up flirting with her husband that causes her to have all sorts of questions.
While both husband and wife were God seeking Christians, they never seemed to have a true connection.  Lacked Substance stars

Love's Unmasking by Bonnie Blythe © 2005
England 1814. Lady Agatha, aunt to  Amaryllis Sinclair, has sent for her in an effort to win a bet with her friend that she can get her charge married off before her friend does the same with her own charge, Fanny. Amaryllis assumed her aunt was being generous in providing for her first season in London and that it was an answer to prayer. However on her very first night out she is accidentally found in a compromising position with the Viscount, Matthew Leighton, who agrees to marry her or risk going to court. Neither trusts the other but there are far more nefarious things at play. Story ended more abruptly than I would like and I would have loved an extra chapter. Still enjoyable 4.5 stars

A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kelly Eileen Hake © 2004
1827. "Finally after a year of tending to the various properties his father had left him and evading simpering misses with frills and gewgaws not to mention their determined Mama's he would be able to devote time to his books." STEPHEN MONTEBOURN. EARL OF PEMBERTON
Samuel Turner and daughter Paige are scheduled to assist with a remodel of the library.
Sweet Miss Emma is the Earl’s sister.
Horrible debutantes are invited by the Earl’s mother to assist in marrying off the stubborn Earl. 
This book has it all. A library filled with books, a secret, fantastic history, and a smart romance waiting to be revealed. 5 stars

Apple of His Eye By Gail Gayer Martin © 2001
Victorian England, 1851. 18 year old Sarah Hampton's father owns apple orchards that are famous for their "cyder".
John Banning is a yeoman/a farmer who's parents rent a small cottage along Sarah's property line. At 25, he has just started as her family orchardist and gardener.  
She has no use for the men of society, and prays God will direct her to someone worthy of her heart. Then she meets John who is very concerned with propriety and tries to avoid her. But, over time their hearts take over, and they pray God can help them find a way to be together.
Very nice little story. stars

Moonlight Masquerade By Pamela Griffin © 2005
1865. Leticia is rescued from London's dark, foggy streets by Edward, when she is nearly run over by a horse and carriage. He sees her safely home.
Weeks Later they again run into each other at a beautiful Manor home that her cousin's family has been invited to. Their grandmama has insisted she is to attend as a lady and a guest; not as a simple companion to her cousin, who is determined to become the Marquis' new bride. But dangerous highway men await them, and deceptive plots lurk around the corner.
A very enjoyable story of secrets, gentle love, and danger. stars

It turns out several of the Scottish tales in this book are woven together.

Fayre Rose By Tamela Hancock Murray © 2004
Scotland, 1348. Laird Kenneth is collecting taxes from the poor people in the kingdom. Witta Shepherd has not one coin to give and the Knights are none too happy. When they threaten to throw her father in the dungeon Fayre argues for him. Seeing the beautiful & unique orange roses she grows they decide to take her and her roses instead of her father, hoping she can produce the lovely blooms for the royal families back at Kennerith Castle.
Sort of a fairy-tale feel to the story. 5 stars


Fresh Highland Heir by Jill Stengl – © 2004
Scotland, 1748. Celeste Galbraith and her father have just inherited Kennerith Castle. Her father suspects danger lurking and now that they have inherited titles he has received a few threats. Upon arriving at the castle he hires Alan, a trusted servant, to become his daughter's round-the-clock bodyguard. She is beyond annoyed with this development but soon comes to regard him with favor. He shares his love of Christ with her as well as his love of horseback riding and nature. They discover her father's worries we're not in vain and danger is coming. stars

English Tea and Bagpipes by Pamela Griffin © 2004
Scotland, 1822. Fiona, a Scottish Highlander and Alex an English nobleman are reluctantly forced together to chase after their siblings who have eloped.
She has stayed close to her home, Kennerith Castle, having been branded a witch and is very wary of outsiders.
He is here to follow his father's orders and make sure his brother upholds his responsibility and marries someone befitting his station. He also wants to ensure his brother is not disinherited which would leave him The Heir Apparent. He is a doctor and loves his profession with no desire to take over the family fortune.
An excellent story that moves right along and remains interesting the entire time. Very enjoyable. stars
OVERALL I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.  THE COVER IS SO LOVELY AND THE FRONT AND BACK HAVE FLAPS THAT FOLD OUT TO REVEAL A ROW OF VILLAGE COTTAGES. Sigh. 
Read over 3/24 - 4/12/2018

I hope you get a chance to read it.  Hugs, and a cup of tea!
Heather Elizabeth


1 comment:

  1. Wow, this book sounds like something I would love!! Scotland, bagpipes and tea! Yes please. Thanks for sharing about this book!

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