Review: A Bride for All Seasons by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Mary Connealy, and Robin Lee Hatcher

It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . .

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogueprospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they’ll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

“And then Came Spring” by Margaret Brownley

Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.

“An Ever After Summer” by Debra Clopton

Ellie had no idea she’s not what Matthew ordered. And what’s wrong with being a “Bible thumper” anyway? She’s determined to show him she’s tougher than she looks—and just the girl he needs.

“Autumn’s Angel” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn’t come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ e trouble is, there’s no money to send them back . . .

“Winter Wedding Bells” by Mary Connealy

David’s convinced he’s not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he’s gone—nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?

The biggest problem I have with novella collections like this is the fact that they’re novella collections like this. :/ I LOVE thick books, longer than most publishers put out these days where I can get lost for DAYS in a fictional world. But that’s the problem with being a fast reader. Very few books last that long for me [though the “world” often sticks around longer than I actually spend reading].

I enjoy novellas like these, but I long for them to be full length novels giving more time for the reader [aka: me] to sink into the characters and ache with them, rejoice with them, and so on. So…

The novellas were fast paced and well-written – as one would expect from exceptional authors such as these. The characters are fun and original. The letter-writer and tampering was ingenious.

But in the end, there just wasn’t enough for me to love-LOVE them. I wanted MORE!!!! [Something I tend to be guilty of even after reading a Julie Lessman tome ;).]

I look forward to other, trade length novels by these authors, but these novellas are perfect for someone looking for a light, fun, quick read.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ecopy in exchange for my honest review.