A Bride for All Seasons: The Mail Order Bride Collection

by Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Robin Lee Hatcher, and Mary Connealy

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 Catalogue prospects 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?

• ISBN10: 1401688535
• ISBN13: 9781401688530
• Publish Date: 25 April 2013
• Publish Status: Withdrawn
• Out of Print: 3 May 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Thomas Nelson Publishers
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[cherryblossommj]

When I first found out about [b:A Bride for All Seasons|16122790|A Bride for All Seasons|Margaret Brownley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351878708l/16122790._SY75_.jpg|21944202] by some of my favorite authors I was excited, but did not know what to expect. What I have found is a book with four stories, each about 100 pages individually. This is great for summer reading, when I want a story maybe a little bit faster than normally, but at the same time, once all four are read, it's the same as reading an average historical book these days.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2013/07/16/a-bride-for-all-seasons-the-mail-order-bride-collection/


“And Then Came Spring”—[a:Margaret Brownley|163681|Margaret Brownley|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1263972765p2/163681.jpg]

Start out the year right with a story in spring on marriage for convenience or love, it's hard to decide. It's a fun 100 pages with a character of Mary-Jo that reminds me of [b:A Lady Like Sarah|6599223|A Lady Like Sarah (A Rocky Creek Romance, #1)|Margaret Brownley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441859137l/6599223._SY75_.jpg|6793064]. I have mixed feelings on Sheriff Tom Garrett, the brother of the original man who ordered the mail-order bride. But the situation and events that occur make it all work. It's short, but a worthy read.

“An Ever-After Summer”—[a:Debra Clopton|327943|Debra Clopton|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1311918073p2/327943.jpg]

I'm not sure that I have read something by Debra Clopton before, but I enjoyed this short story. Reading these two together makes me recall a few years back around Christmas when some authors did a pick up and write Christmas story. Follow up your spring story with a summer tale on a character that is as unforgettable as her name Melvina Eldora or as more fitting Ellie and a broken-hearted widower Matt McConnell and his toddler Sophie. This one made my smile plenty and think of writing like Mary Connealy.

“Autumn’s Angel”—[a:Robin Lee Hatcher|62524|Robin Lee Hatcher|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1441755013p2/62524.jpg]

Reading about an opera singer makes me want to go back to read Lisa Bergren's [b:Sing|6973799|Sing (The Homeward Trilogy, #2)|Lisa Tawn Bergren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1438114841l/6973799._SY75_.jpg|7213890]. Luvena Abbott as guardian to her brother’s children, is not what Clay Birch was looking for, but both the editor of the Hitching Post and apparently God knew what they really needed in matrimony. This was an okay read, but not as good as the rest.

“Winter Wedding Bells”—[a:Mary Connealy|58306|Mary Connealy|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1361308956p2/58306.jpg]

I have to admit Mary Connealy is one of my all time favorites and I started "Autumn's Angel" but was just a little too eager so I skipped over to "Winter Wedding Bells". I read it during the girls' nap time and loved every second of it! Just watching the characters unfold little bits of their history makes me want more, I want a whole series dedicated to David (Stewart) Laramie's past and future in Wyoming. After reading of this one it makes me want to go back through Lassoed in Texas and Montana Marriages again because her characters are just that fun. While I think this is the first Irish lass I've found from Mary, she was appropriate and quaint and of course amusing. The children in this story just happen to be there, but the real events are between David and Megan. It's just great for a short story.

All of the stories in here are based on one man Hitchcock's Hitching Post mail-order bride catalogue. It is funny and a great starting point. After the end of the stories there is a section with reader discussion questions and then a five way interview which is delightful to read and see where these authors came from and how they became connected on this opportunity to write a collection book. I give it four out of five stars, because one story just wasn't for me, but the rest I loved!

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.