Review: The Scot Beds His Wife

Synopsis:

The Scot Beds His Wife is the next lush, captivating Victorian romance in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne.

They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards—dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster.

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants—including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him…more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity…

A marriage most convenient…

Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry—and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own…

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne is the most fascinating yet most complex plot line I’ve ever read. This historical tale was engaging from the start. Never a dull moment. Dark, sad, and unforgettable. Both bad and good. The characters had to deal with a lot. From family that was no good, to even worse situations. These past memories have left deep wounds festering for so long, that it takes almost to the end to find any lightness within them and their future. 

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, had a past that literally gave scars. Wounds that were both physical and emotional. His father was cruel to him, his siblings, and to the women his dad brought home. The jerk of a father who put his young boys through absolute hell. He forced them to participate in cruel punishments to women. Treated their mother like a prisoner…and took their innocence of childhood away. Gavin had to grow up fast. His hatred for his father fueled his energy to get revenge. But his older brother Liam beat him to it. Then, there’s this lass who comes tumbling into his path. Sam…she makes him want things he never thought he wanted or could have.

Samantha Masters is a woman who grew up the hard way. Her family were going to give her to some pervert. So, she escaped by marrying a man who was rotten to the core. The Master brother were cruel, reckless, and dangerous. Samantha is a pro with guns. Her husband has threatened to kill a young innocent woman…only in split seconds, Sam does the unthinkable. By doing so, she has sealed her fate. But then, the victim became her hero. Giving her a new life and a new chance at redemption…a path that leads her straight into the sexy lord, Gavin…

What started off as two enemies fighting turns into much more passionate, fun, and unforgettable for two broken souls. At first, they fight their feelings and attraction. But as times goes by and trouble comes to them, they end up wanting what they thought they can’t have. The Scot Beds His Wife is a beautifully written story. Full of action, intrigue, suspense, and romance.  There’s also a lot of humor. I loved it. Kerrigan Byrne is a master of historical romances…I can’t wait to read more by her. Overall, I highly recommend this book to all. 

Review: For Love & Honor

Synopsis:

Lady Sabine is harboring a skin blemish, one, that if revealed, could cause her to be branded as a witch, put her life in danger, and damage her chances of making a good marriage. After all, what nobleman would want to marry a woman so flawed?
Sir Bennet is returning home to protect his family from an imminent attack by neighboring lords who seek repayment of debts. Without fortune or means to pay those debts, Sir Bennet realizes his only option is to make a marriage match with a wealthy noblewoman. As a man of honor, he loathes the idea of courting a woman for her money, but with time running out for his family’s safety, what other choice does he have?
As Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet are thrust together under dangerous circumstances, will they both be able to learn to trust each other enough to share their deepest secrets? Or will those secrets ultimately lead to their demise? 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

For Love & Honor by Jody Hedlund is like a fairy tale. Inside, readers will find a rich noblewoman with a secret. A secret that could keep her from marrying and one that might lead her to a disastrous life. Then, there’s a knight. He needs protection for his family. By marrying, Lady Sabine, he can do just that. It’s amazing what these two charcaters would do for love and honor. Thus, this title fits in well. I felt an instant connection to both Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet. Both are at war with their struggles. I found it unique. Especially, Lady Sabine’s issue. Not too many heroines have her issue to worry about…I loved how Jody Hedlund created an original plot that still had that fairy tale feeling. The ending was perfect. Sweet, engaging, and romantic. 

For Love & Honor offered more than just an engaging rich romance. It also brought readers like myself suspense, danger, and quests to fill. An emotional journey that could turn for the worst at any moment. I wasn’t sure what to expect for the outcome. I was deeply fascinated from beginning to end. Jody Hedlund has a knack for creating a fictional world where I completely lost myself. The world in which Lady Sabine and Sir Bennet live within was promising. Overall, I would highly recommend this historical romance to all. 

Review: Nothing Like a Duke

Synopsis:

A Georgette Heyer-esque tale of high society in the glittering Regency
Lord Robert Gresham has given up all hope that the beautiful Flora Jennings will ever take him seriously. He heads to an exclusive country house party to forget about Flora, but his plans are thwarted when she suddenly arrives.
Their attraction flares, but their romance becomes complicated when the sinister Anthony Durand shows up and threatens Flora. Every bone in Robert’s body says to save her…but he’ll have to learn that some damsels in distress can save themselves if he truly wants to win her heart. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Nothing Like a Duke by Jane Ashford is a hilarious yet romantic historical read. I loved the main characters. Their arguements were amusing. The sparks that flew between was fun to follow as the clever plot unfolded. Fast-paced, exciting, and one that will keep readers constantly on their toes. I didn’t know what to expect next. From a woman trying for a Duke’s attention when his heart is set on another to…a cheater found at the card table. Then, more danger is soon discovered. The unique part about Jane Ashford’s latest title, was how intelligent and stubborn her heroine was in wanting to save herself. The restrain of any man to hold back as he watched the danger unfold to a woman he loves…was amazing. Suspenseful but good. I cant imagine any man being able to ho,d back because he knows how important it was to the woman for her to ‘save herself’. Sacrifice, determination, and a love to light up my night. This was definitely a fascinating story. A real page turner. Addictive plot lines and charming characters. Overall, I highly recommend Nothing Like a Duke to readers worldwide. 

Review: The Gentleman’s Game of Love

Synopsis:

Losing a bet has never been more exciting…

Lady Anne Lindsey lost a bet!

Oh… how she wishes it were of the monetary variety…

Instead, she has to do a favor that will take her far from London, out in the country, and into the house of a man she loathes just as much as she is desperately attracted to him.

Guy’s the first man who’d been able to banish the darkness that haunts her, but she knows that a rogue can’t be trusted.

Guy Elkin is the new Viscount of Yapperts.

He has a desire:

To transform the tired looking country house into something just as breathtaking as his clubs back in London, and he knows just the woman to recruit for help.

Lady Anne Lindsey.

He has plans for beautiful Lady Lindsey that go beyond picking curtains and couches, and is sure he’ll have her bedded in weeks…

But what Guy didn’t know was he’d also have her wedded!

When a slip of the tongue finds these two facing the priest, it’ll take more than attraction for them to find their happily ever after.

And can Anne truly escape the dark secret that follows her?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Gentleman’s Game of Love by Eleanor Meyers is sweet and addictive introduction of the Elkin brothers. Each man thinks he can stay clear of losing his heart. But then fate brings them each one woman who steals their hearts and sending them falling apart. Inside this novel, it focuses on one particular brother. Guy Elkin has successfully established two businesses. One is an exclusive club and the other is one set for men with ladies of the night. However, Guy has created anger in his mother for that and his destruction is surrounded by one woman…Lady Anne.

Lady Anne makes Guy feel so alive. Her blue eyes, shinning hair, and fiery soul has captured him whole. He doesn’t want any other woman but her. Anne fights her passion and desire for Guy Elkin every day…but he soon grinds her down…

A carriage disaster happens, and Guy Elkin let’s slip a lie about him and Lady Anne. But then his family finds out the lie…and both are going to set his family straight on the truth. However, once Lady Anne meets his family she can’t ignore what she feels and hopes by going along with the lie…that Guy would want her as much as she does him. 

Lies and secrets are still kept between them…

Their desire burns hotter with every page.

It is only time, if they both accept their love and move forward or destroy what they have together…

The Gentleman’s Game of Love by Eleanor Meyers is an outstanding novel. I enjoyed the charcaters’ dilemmas, banter, and romance. Adventure, humor, and an unforgettable journey is waiting inside…I was hooked. Overall, I highly recommend it to all. 

Review: The Marquess’ Curse

Synopsis:

The princess he desires may be the next victim of the marquess’ curse.

The second son of Lord Fairfield, William David Montgomery, has just experienced one of the greatest tragedies of his young life. His wife, who he confesses that he did not love as he should, has just died suddenly, leaving him alone to battle the demons of guilt and regret that haunt him. If he’d been the husband he should have been, perhaps she would not have succumbed to her weak heart.

To escape the past, he decides to leave for America and begin establishing business ventures there, but on the way he meets a beautiful princess also seeking respite from daily life. Belle Van Den Berg, Princess of Netherlands, has captured his thoughts in a way that he’s not experienced since Abigail, the mother of his illegitimate child, or since the beginning days of his married life. However, she is as innocent and pure as he is tarnished, and he knows that there’s no room for him in her loving heart.

Everything changes in an instant when Princess Belle falls into an unexplained coma suddenly, although they are at sea on a small ship with only a handful of passengers and a skeleton crew. Lord William begins to wonder if it is because of her frail constitution or if the sudden onset is deliberate…perhaps a case of poisoning. He must discover the truth before it’s too late for beautiful Belle…

Can Lord William find the culprit—and an antidote or cure—before his heart is broken by another untimely death?

Will Princess Belle find room in her heart for her wayward knight in shining armor?
Rating: 5 stars

Review:

The Marquess’ Curse by Jessie Bennett is another grand adventure. I loved reading every moment…her characters are irresistible. Their charms have ways of luring readers to their story. The heartbreak and instant connections are the secret ways Jessie Bennett uses to entice me. Her words are well-written. 

The Marquess’ Curse is quite an interesting tale. For one, a man is struck with grief and guilt over a woman he should have loved but didn’t. He feels it’s his fault that she died. But just as he plans for a way to overcome his obstacle, another comes his way. Women are trouble indeed. I never believed that saying until this novel. I have to say after reading this story, I can agree a little to that bit. They can surely power a man and once pulled in…he’s a goner. This describes exactly what happens to Lord William. His heart is played twice. But he may just have a chance this time around…maybe. Fate is cruel. But not as cruel as the fate waiting Lord William when he meets Princess Belle. Their lives forever changed. Intriguing, funny, and addictive lay sweet. I loved this historical romance. The title of the book fits in perfectly with the suspenseful plot. Fast-paced, entertaining, and easy-to-read. A clean tale with enough sexual atmosphere created to keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Overall, The Marquess‘ Curse by Jessie Bennett is a must read for all. I highly recommend it. 

Review: Gaining the Gentleman

Synopsis:

Lady Christa Eatson has given up on the hope of love and marriage.

So instead, she’ll have to find other ways to entertain herself…

Her entire world is turned upside down the day she agrees to help an old friend on a scavenger hunt for a hidden jewel through Mayfair.

But what seems like an innocent adventure quickly reveals itself to be a mystery full of murder, courtesans, and their carnal inclinations.

But nothing is more shocking than the man who comes to her aid…

Joseph Croftman – He has a dark past, but her childish crush for the man has never quite left her heart.
As one of London’s wealthiest men, Joseph Croftman has the means to pick any wife he wishes, but the women of the Ton seem all alike. Selfish gossips wrapped in silk skirts.

He’s ready to settle down, but knows he’ll never find a love match… that is until Lady Christa slowly begins to change his mind.

When their paths cross, Joseph is intrigued to see a different Christa…

She is no longer an annoying little girl, but a woman with a mind just as enchanting as her form.

What starts out as chance to simply help find a piece of jewelry, quickly changes into a love that can last a lifetime.

But can Christa truly trust this man with her heart? And if she does, can they manage to survive the darkness that walks the streets of Mayfair?

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Once again, Eleanor Meyers has done it again. Creating that perfect historical romance tale. One that has readers wrapped around it’s pages. I found myself with wanting and need to read this tale. After I read it, I felt happy that I did. It was everything I expected plus, more. Eleanor Meyers has that raw talent in creating characters that rub each other in the right ways…their chemistry sparks hot yet the tale is clean. It’s hard work to create the sexy sensual scenes and still maintain a proper clean tale at the same; however, Eleanor Meyers always succeeds in this area. I love her characters. Beyond the beauty and riches her characters are down to earth souls. Each with a task that needs accomplishing and that’s how they find themselves once again. It takes that particular moment and their past as well as the present collide. Hearts racing, suspense in overdrive, and a need to finish the story is great. Gaining the Gentleman is the latest romance regency book by Eleanor Meyers. I am hooked. Compelling characters, well-written plots, and a thirst to read more by this talented writer. The intrigue of what will come of two past acquaintances settled on finding and solving a case will set readers on one epic journey. The characters prove that they are both more than what they appear. I really liked how Eleanor Meyers wove that into her book. Overall, I highly recommend this engaging tale to all. 

Review: The Journey’s Crossroad

 

Synopsis:

A historical romance fuelled by the heated emotion of revenge and justice. Mary a young and naïve girl sets out on an adventure to seek revenge on those who had wronged her mother. She enlists the help of two unlikely sidekicks, Anna, her best friend and Elliot a poor, rough kid from the streets. Together, they join up to seek an adventure of life changing experiences. Where will they up together?

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

 The Journey’s Crossroad is a realistic tale. Yes, it says it is a clean historical romance. The actions and words of the main character may not seem to fit this exactly but readers have to be aware that it’s a real capture of how most of act in situations. I know many Christians including myself who don’t always act so Christian like. We try hard on the inside but our emotions clout that better judgement. Thus, I still can see this new novel as it clearly states it is. Taylor R. Lawson brings forth a strong headed woman intent upon revenge. However, plans never go as we expect them to and soon her journey swifts into new directions. Her goal of revenge is still on…I can’t wait to see where she will go or what will change in the next novel. I already felt a strong connection with the main character. I can see and understand why she wants to do what she plans to…revelations from the past might shake up the plot a little. This was a great read overall. Full of mystery, intrigue, revenge and vibrant. The emotional journey is quite interesting. A thrill ride to enjoy. Life isn’t always happy nor always full of sunshine. I felt that real life was brought to this particular story. I enjoyed reading it. This title is recommended to readers everywhere. 

 

Review: Duke of Golden Shire (King of Hearts)

 

Synopsis:

Nicholas Knight rises to Dukedom after his father’s recent murder. His rank leads him to meet two women. Angelina Leblanc, a mysterious courtesan from the British Isles, with hidden motives and a destructive secret. Then Genevieve Bissonette, a young debutante just presented at court with a nose for trouble. She often takes the duke with her on her reputation endangering escapades. One lands them down an irreversible path. Meanwhile, Nicholas has a friend with a nasty grudge spawning his hate in a festering wound of prior rejection. The man’s eerie obsession with his sister has come full circle since he’s now plotting against him one loved one at a time. Can Nicholas keep the women in his life safe? Will he discover who his enemies are as they continue to multiply? Who can he trust when even his friends are foes? Both women want and expect completely different things from him. One’s his fitted match; his undeniable equal and the other his perfect opposite. Loving two people is possible but is it obtainable? This is the world, where holding someone’s hand alone can break the delicate fibers of your reputation and reputation isn’t just image, it’s power.

Rating:  5 stars

Review:

The Duke of Golden of Golden Shire by Nicole Strycharz is one phenomenal read. Talk about wow…Instantly, readers are plunged deep into the plot…and straight into the characters shoes. I cried, laughed, blushed and felt frustrated in more ways than one. Readers will need a tissue box for this remarkable story. I couldn’t stop reading once I opened up the book. The heat, hot sex, and emotional journey, was a million times that of any other novel I have ever read.  Those most talked about movies that move the audience in ways that you can’t stop thinking about them…well, The Duke of Golden Shire is exactly that. I finished it in one night and haven’t stopped thinking about it since then…Nicole Strycharz is beyond talented. Her words pull readers in and then wrap a tight vine around them and keep them prisoner until the ending. OMG! The ending…I can’t say too much without spoiling it…but readers will be on hands and knees beginning for the next brilliant adventure. This was masterfully woven for all readers’ entertainment and I highly recommend it to readers worldwide.  I know for a fact that I simply can’t get enough of Nicole Strycharz’s writing…her characters will blow readers away.

 

Review: The Second Chance

 

Synopsis:

Award winning author, Christina Paul, presents:

A SECOND CHANCE (First in the Bradford Series)

In this historical novel, set in early 1800s England, a young widow, an enigmatic injured man, a kidnapped woman and a smart-alecky butler come together in a moving adventure full of intrigue, suspense and of course romance.

While Graydon, a lead operative for the Crown, struggles to heal and regain his memory sufficiently to rescue his kidnapped niece, Kathryn wonders whether she can possibly risk trusting again and taking a second chance at love.

Laugh and love along with the characters of A Second Chance and watch as they learn that vulnerability can be the strength, and the most perplexing problems can be overcome with the support and resourcefulness of faithful friends.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A Second Chance by Christina Paul is by far the juiciest and most addictive historical romance that I have ever read. The leading female character will draw readers in unlike any other. I have finally found a well-rounded leading female who isn’t flawlessly unreal and one who intrigues me more by every sentence. Christina Paul has beautifully captured the historical time period down to every detail. The language and scenes are vivid. Readers will feel as though they were watching the scenes in life than just reading them off the pages. A Second Chance is so much more than just two strangers meeting and given a chance to be together…it is about more than one character, given a second chance at having the life they always wanted but didn’t think they would get. Readers will instantly be pulled into this romantic yet funny tale as it unfolds.

Inside A Second Chance, Christina Paul immediately introduces readers to how women’s lives were so easily controlled by men. In the beginning, not only was one woman forced to love a man she didn’t love but so was that one man forced to love her as well. From there they went on to make a life out of what life tossed their way. Soon, Kathyrn’s life changes once more…this time her husband is gone and she’s left to raise her two boys. Time goes by and they are grown…then life decides to toss another unexpected outcome her way. Kathryn is soon led to a man who is injured badly. Right away, she goes about saving his life. While she helps him get back to health, she finds herself attracted to the handsome stranger. Once he heals, she and her staff find out who he is and what happened. That’s when her life goes from peaceful quiet to chaotic and interesting. Can Kathryn finally find the love she always wanted and what other surprises lay in store? Readers will love this exciting read from the first page and will not part with it until they finish reading it. A hot, sexy, yet sweet story that will forever, sweep readers off their feet. Danger, adventure, and romance await…I highly recommend this fascinating novel to readers worldwide.

Review: A Time for Everything

 

Synopsis: 

After losing her husband and only child to the ravages of the Civil War, twenty-five-year-old Portia McAllister is drowning in grief. When she sees an ad for a live-in tutor in another town, she leaves everything behind in hopes of making a fresh start. But as a Confederate widow in a Union household, she is met with resentment from her new charge and her employer, war veteran Beau Stanford.

Despite their differences, she and Beau find common ground and the stirrings of a second chance at love—until his late wife’s cousin, Lydia, arrives with her sights set on him. Burdened with a farm on the brink of bankruptcy, Beau is tempted by Lydia’s hefty dowry, though Portia has captured his heart.

In another time and another place, his choice would be easy. But love seems impossible amid the simmering chaos of Reconstruction that could boil over at any moment into an all-out battle for survival. Will Beau and Portia find their way into each other’s arms, or will they be swept away by raging forces beyond their control?

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review: 

A Time for Everything is indeed a wonderful historical romance tale that readers will easily connect with and fall in love. A confederate  and a yankee are swept up in what becomes a quest of their hearts. But then there are outside things making any progress towards each other fail. A confederate on yankee ground makes Portia unwanted by many especially her employer. However, fate seems to make them connect in way that leaves both Portia and her employer Beau questioning everything. A woman related Beau’s deceased wife comes wanting a piece of him. Her money is tempting me badly. But which will win over, the heart or that of financial stable? Portia and Beau will be tested and tempted in ways that will require them both to be strong.

A Time for Everything by Mysti Parker is a must read for all. The characters will sweep readers deep into an unforgottable era where everything is simple. Or should be. Romance hangs in the air and suspense of the final outcome will keep readers turning the pages. Two different souls who meet but have trouble with going for what they really want is a tempting novel for readers everywhere. I enjoyed reading Mysti Parker’s brilliantly well-written romance. Overall, I highly recommend her novel to many and look forward to reading more of her works in the future.

Review:Cold- Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas

Synopsis: 

Lisa Kleypas is back with a stunning new historical romance!

Readers have long waited for the return of New York Times bestselling author, Lisa Kleypas, of historical romance—and now she’s back with her most breathtaking novel yet.

A twist of fate . . .

Devon Ravenel, London’s most wickedly charming rake, has just inherited an earldom. But his powerful new rank in society comes with unwanted responsibilities . . . and more than a few surprises. His estate is saddled with debt, and the late earl’s three innocent sisters are still occupying the house . . . along with Kathleen, Lady Trenear, a beautiful young widow whose sharp wit and determination are a match for Devon’s own.

A clash of wills . . .

Kathleen knows better than to trust a ruthless scoundrel like Devon. But the fiery attraction between them is impossible to deny—and from the first moment Devon holds her in his arms, he vows to do whatever it takes to possess her. As Kathleen finds herself yielding to his skillfully erotic seduction, only one question remains:

Can she keep from surrendering her heart to the most dangerous man she’s ever known?

Review: 

Lisa Kleypas’s latest novel features a classic, yet humorous romance. A historical romance that will take readers to a time and place of uncertainty. A Cold-Hearted Rake is indeed an adventure worthy of every reader.

Lisa Kleypas’s novel, Cold Hearted Rake, shows that the new earl never expected to inherit his new title nor be placed into a position that could not only break his fortune, but also his heart. Already, upon meeting the earl, Kathleen sees him for exactly what everyone has said. A cold hearted rake. He wants nothing more than to sell what he can of his family’s home and fire all the servants. Kathleen is both angry and hurt. Her new husband recently died and now she’s forced out of her only home by none other than a man who doesn’t care about anything. Yet, something about him lures her like a moth to a flame and the same can be said of the rake. He finds her uniqueness breath taking. If she she were anyone else he would seduce her right when first meeting her. But, as always, fate has more in store for them. I would highly recommend this historical romance to readers worldwide. There’s just something about this rake that will drag readers deeper into the novel itself. Overall, I rate this five out of five stars.

Book Review: Forever Mine by Monica Burns

Monica Burns has a way of capturing her audience in her latest hot romance novel. Forever Mine is both hot and amazing. The plot will take your breath away as Victoria Ashton goes back in time to 1897. Her she is trapped in a world where earls exist. There is one earl that completely hates Victoria. Thinking she is his wife. But with his real wife’s horrible actions behind his back get bigger and bigger, it’s hard not to believe that Victoria is really not his wife. Soon both the earl and Victoria fall in love. But can the earl believe Victoria that she isn’t from the same time period? And what is the earl’s reaction when Victoria tells him? And what about the great sacrifice that Victoria will have to make in order for them to be together? Will the earl fight for them to be together?

I found this romance to be delightful and steamy. I loved the characters that Monica Burns created. They are so easy to connect with and their adventure together makes for an interesting read. I loved reading this story. It is a masterpiece that readers won’t want to put down. An excellent historical romance with a time travel twist. Overall, I rate the irresistible novel a 5 out of 5 stars.

Three Days to Find a Husband Part 3

Luke woke early and washed up. So that, he both looked and smelled clean. He felt excited and nervous at the same time. What if she changes her mind once seeing me? What if she doesn’t like the farming way of life once she gets here? What if she’s ugly and mean? Being raised a gentleman and a Christian, Luke knew better than to judge any woman by her looks. It’s what lays deep within her heart that matters. Hitching the team together in his new buggy, he hastens to Springdale to meet his lady. The lady who answered his ad for a mail order bride. Her writing was fancy, but her words were kind and smart. He liked that. It was like a piece of her within her writing.

The trip took a good day’s worth of traveling, back and forth. But it was well worth it. The scenery before Luke were fields of golden hay swaying from the summer’s genre breeze. The roads were dark and muddy from the night’s rain. Flowers popped up along the roadside. Daisies , sunflowers and baby’s breath all in a row. The smell of earth filled Luke with a sense of warmth. Farmer’s loved the smell of earth after a good rain. The rain brought such beauty back.  Reaching closer to city limits, Luke finally arrives in Springdale.

Springdale was neatly built with small white buildings next to each other outlining the city’s limits. Further inside people swarmed the streets and walkways, women and men dressed in the latest fashions. Children all primed and proper looking. Two little boys kept squirming out of their mother’s hands. Wanting to go play. But with a firm grip the mother surprisingly held onto them. Laughing to himself, Luke drives on. It was close to the city’s center. More white buildings. Bigger than the rest. They held lush green gardens. All well kept. Luke stopping his team at number 23, stares at the splendor of the house. The place where his lady, Melody lives. There was no way a woman of this kind of wealth and living would want to marry a farmer. Surely the woman knew, what a farmer’s life entailed..Stepping off the buggy, and taking his hat off, he walks up the stone steps to the door. Knocking, a butler answers.

“Can I help you sir?”, the butler asks.

“Yes, I came here for a lady named Ms. Melody. If it’s not to much to ask, may I see her.”

“Come on in sir, what is your name?”

“Luke Walter. Thank you.”

“Wait here, while I go tell Ms. Melody.”

After the butler left, Luke stood in the marble hall. Wow, this place is nice. Marble floors, huge staircases, enormous rooms, leather furniture. All for the rich. Just as he was about to wonder how a wealthy woman would ever be interested in his life, a beautiful young woman, dressed in a pretty summer blue dress, her dark waves loosely placed up walks down the stairs towards him.

“Luke Walter?”, she asks him.

Bowing slightly and taking her hand, kisses it. “Yes, your lady, I am Luke. Luke Walter.”

Staring up into her hazel eyes, soft and warm Luke thought she was the most beautiful woman ever.

Three Days to Find a Husband Part 2

Melody, was impatient. How long does it take for a letter to arrive? Having sent hers yesterday, to a farmer named Luke Walter, Melody wanted to know did he get it? What if another woman answered his response? What if he didn’t want Melody? What if he was meaner than the man her Father would have arraigned for her to marry? Melody was lost in the whirlwind of her thoughts, until her butler interrupted her.

“Ms. Melody, there’s a letter for you”, James told her.

Taking the note from his hand, Melody turns away and reads her letter. It was from Luke!
He said he just received her letter after coming in from harvesting the strawberries from the fields. There’s plenty of juicy fruits to harvest yet. I am pleased that you have answered my ad. I will be coming for you the day after this letter reaches you. Hope you don’t change your mind about marrying me. Signed Luke Walter.

Oh my gosh! He’s coming. He’s coming here tomorrow for me! Excitement and a sense of nervousness rushed through Melody. Taking the note and placing it carefully in her dresser, she starts packing. Neatly placing all her gowns, linens, and underwear all in her tote, Melody was finally getting married. Married to a farmer. From both his ad and his letter he didn’t sound like a harsh man. Maybe this will work out after all.

Later that night, Melody confided her news to Lydia. “Oh wow, Melody! I am happy for you. Have you told your parents yet?”, Lydia asked.

“No, not yet. But I will at dinner time”, Melody informed her.

Hugging each other the woman cry. Melody and Lydia have know each other since they were girls. “I am going to miss, Ms. Melody.”

“And I am surely going to miss you, Lydia. Maybe, I can send for you to visit me sometime.”

“Oh, I would like that very much, Ms! Do you need help packing?”

“No, I think I have everything. Thank you, Lydia.”

Heading downstairs for dinner with Mother and Father, Melody couldn’t wait to tell them her news.

“Father and Mother, I have some news to share with both of you.”

Mother looking at Father said, ” It’s about time you have find yourself a husband. You are eighteen, and not getting any younger my dear. I was married to your Father at sixteen.”

“So, who is this gentleman?”, Father asked her.

“His name,e is Luke Walter. And he is coming here tomorrow to pick me up to marry him”, Melody told her parents.

“What is Luke’s title?”, Father asked.

“He’s a farmer”, Melody quickly informed him.

“What!!?”, her Mother shouted.

“I don’t think we heard you correctly”, Father said.

“Yes, yes you both did. Luke is a farmer. He’s coming tomorrow to come get me. Then we are to wed”, Melody firmly told them. She knew they would not take this well.

“You are not marrying a poor farmer with no title”, her Mother firmly replied back to her daughter.

“We shall meet this farmer of yours tomorrow”, her Father told her.

Getting up to leave the dinner table, Melody rushed to her room. Her parents can’t keep her from marrying Luke. If she has to run away to marry him, then she shall.

Three Days to Find a Husband Part 1

Melody had exactly three days to find herself a husband or her father will have her married away to someone he chooses. What am I going to do?, she thought. There must be a way..

“Ms. Melody, why are you pacing so?”, her lady’s maid Lydia asked.

“I need to find a husband, Lydia. Or else Father will have me married to someone I wouldn’t like.”

“Why don’t you answer the ad for a mail order bride?”,Lydia told her.

Mail order bride…Yes! That will work.
“Oh, Lydia you are amazing! What shall I ever do without you?”, Melody said hugging her lady’s maid.

Surprised at Melody’s hug, Lydia was speechless. Rushing out of her room and down the stairs into the central hall. Melody asks for a carriage. Getting into the carriage, Melody told her driver to take her to the post office. There she will go through the mail order bride ads and answer one. This is my answer, she thought. Picking up an ad, from a man who owns a farm. He is seeking a proper woman, who can cook, clean, and sew. That’s easy,Melody thought as she read on.
Taking the ad with her, she starts writing a reply back. Hopefully this will get to Luke in time. After paying to send off her reply, Melody heads back to her carriage. Mother and Father wouldn’t approve of her being a mail order bride. But at least it was someone her age, owns his own land and property. That should suffice. Melody knew how to cook, clean and sew.
Such easy things to ask for in a wife. Any woman could have answered that ad..
Oh, no! What if someone else had! Melody would think be right back where she started.