Good morning, everyone!
Can you believe we just stepped in to July? Crazy!
I'm choosing the books for this month. Here's a tip - they're going to be Christmas related. Hallmark is releasing new movies this month as well. I'll be showcasing them each week.
BLURB:
Overall of the three-book series premise.
An unforgettable
collection of Sweet Historical Western Romances set against the rugged backdrop
of the Old West. Each story is a unique journey of faith, love, and the power
of hope in the face of adversity.
Alanna
She has nowhere to go,
but he doesn’t trust her. Can love bloom amid suspicion?
Donald Dill has heard
every excuse in the book from would-be brides. Now jaded and skeptical, he’s
ready to send his new mail-order bride back. Alanna Foley, however, is
determined to stay. With her niece in tow after her sister’s death, Alanna has
no other options. She’s strong and resilient, but Donald’s lack of trust stings
deeply.
Amid the perils of land
grabbers, dangerous wildlife, and another woman’s shocking claim to Alanna’s
niece, love quietly takes root. But can they overcome their fears and listen to
their hearts before it’s too late?
My first thought was, how many men and women, went through the lack of trust from a mail order companion only to find they weren't the right fit? How many stuck it out anyway and found their happy ever after in the end?
After more than one unhappy potential alliance, Donald is very wary and is determined to send her back because he doesn't trust her reasoning for having a child in her arms. But Alanna sees something in him he doesn't recognize on his own. His life may have been all about order and preciseness prior to her arrival but she soon helps him understand that things need to shift when a child is involved. Baby Winnie sees something in Donald as only a child can. When she first grasps his finger, he is lost, even if he won't admit it. He'll do anything for that infant and he proves it when she develops milk poisoning.
I wanted to smack the traveling preacher who was supposed to join Donald and Alanna in marriage, or as Donald intended initially, send her back with him. When the preacher sets his mind on marrying Alanna himself, things don't sit right. The the man of the cloth brings an uppity potential bride for Donald in Alanna's place. I didn't know trading brides was an option. Apparently the Padre thought so.
You'll find the boxed set by clicking on the link below the picture.
I loved this story. Kathleen Ball has a way with taking you on a smooth ride, then throw in a curve to beat all curves. I hope to feature her again soon.
In the mean time, Alanna is the first story in the three-book novella series, Brides of Pine Crossing. I'll be reading the remaining two before sending this book back to KU.
I'm giving ALANNA - Bride of Pine Crossing...
All my best!
~ Angela
