Series: The Brides Series
Genre: Sweet Historical Western Romance
Inspirational / Christian
Publisher: Indigo Road Publishing
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Number of pages: 390
What’s a man to do when a “bartered bride” needs a rescue?
Jem Wheeler has always been a survivor. He just wants to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs after the loss of his wife. But then he happens upon a young mute woman being sold off to the highest bidder. He wasn’t looking for a mail-order bride. He wasn’t looking to rescue anyone either. But desperate circumstances can drive a good man to do things he hadn’t planned on doing…
When Jem steps into Annie’s life, she’s not expecting anyone to save her. Mute from birth, she’s just using all her wits to survive. All she’s ever really wanted is a family of her own. For someone to see her. To look at her long enough to hear the things she can’t say.
Could this bride be just what a grieving widower needs to make a happy home?
Available to purchase on:
KINDLE | NOOK | KOBO CANADA | IBOOKS
The Brides Series Books 1-3
THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE
KINDLE | NOOK | KOBO CANADA | IBOOKS
SLEIGH BELLS & MISTLETOE
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The Bartered Bride is a sweet love story with depth and heart and grace evident in every word.
I found Annie’s story so incredibly compelling. Mute from birth, unable to write, abandoned by everyone who should have been taking care of her… until finally she’s bartered like cattle. Rescued by Jem – the widowed father with a penchant for saving – she hesitantly begins to forge a place for herself in his family and his heart. But don’t mistake muteness as not having something to say. Despite not being able to communicate verbally, Annie has her own language. In fact, one of my favorite parts about The Bartered Bride was watching the conversation develop between Annie and Jem. The creativity, the strength, the intimacy – it was very moving and absolutely fascinating to read.
The romance between Annie and Jem grew and matured naturally over the course of the book, and it reminded me in all the best ways of Clark and Marty from the classic Love Comes Softly. Jem is still grieving his wife, but his feelings for Annie progressed naturally and believably as the story advanced. There are some bumps and ruts in the road for them along the way, but the way Lena Goldfinch crafts their journey toward each other is both meaningful and sweetly satisfying.
Bottom Line: A gentle thread of faith frames a portrait of courage, strength, and love in The Bartered Bride by Lena Goldfinch. Annie is one of the most interesting characters I’ve read about in a long time – her mutism and inability to write merely facets to her creative and winsome personality. Jem’s story is equally engaging as he struggles to find his place in the world – not to mention his new and unexpected marriage – while grieving his first wife. Secondary characters such as Mae, Ben, Ray, Gabe, and even Sugar bolster the heart of the story even further. Fans of Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series will find much to love in Lena Goldfinch’s The Bartered Bride as well.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
My Rating: 4 stars / Enjoyed it!
KissingBook Level: 3.5 / May forget to breathe … and on occasion may resort to fanning or swooning
LENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet historical western romance / inspirational romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet, small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled Black Labs.
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March 29–Singing Librarian Books
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April 1–Wishful Endings
April 2–Deal Sharing Aunt
Dear Carrie, thanks so much for participating in the book tour for The Bartered Bride. I actually got a little teary eyed reading your review as it means so much when a reader “gets” your book and appreciates it. You “got” Annie. And Jem. Thank you so much for that. You’ve made my day!
Good luck to everyone entering the giveaway!
Lena
Lena, thank YOU so much for your kind & gracious words! I thoroughly enjoyed Annie and Jem’s story 🙂
Would you say this is a stand-alone book, or should the previous ones in the series be read prior to it? Your review has piqued my interest in the female character but didn’t want to get it and then be behind in understanding what’s going on. Thanks!
it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. I have not read the other books in the series and I had no trouble following along.
Ordering now! Thanks for the prompt reply.
yay! Enjoy!