Review ~ A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears

Hello Friends!

I'm so sorry it has been so long since I last updated! I've had crazy life stuff happening! My eyes have been acting up, I'm about 3 weeks away from finishing my M.Div and a lot of family stuff going on. However, I have finished several fantastic books over that time, and over the next few days, I plan on posting the reviews for them.

Today's book is a fantastic historical romance called A Bride for Keeps by Melissa Jagears. (I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review) This is her debut novel, and the prequel can be downloaded in ebook format for free. (It's called Love by the Letter) and it too is super cute!

Summary: Everett Cline has had the worst luck EVER trying to find a mail order bride. His brides have arrived dead, already married, left him at the alter because he wasn't wealthy, and some just found a better looking man! He has sworn off brides for good...or so he thinks. Meanwhile, the wife of his best friend has secretly been writing to a girl back east, Julie, and convinced her to come to Kansas to be Everett's bride. Arriving under the impression that she is to be married, Julia is shocked when Everett knows nothing about her! As they get to know each other, they decide to marry for convenience. Though their baggage gets in the way at first, Ms. Jagears does a wonderful job showing how two people can work through their issues as husband and wife, and eventually fall in love.

What I loved: Ms. Jagears writing style is wonderful! She drew me in from the first word, and I felt like I was a part of the story. Her characters are well developed and I cared about them deeply. I was so sad to see the story end, and I cannot wait for more! I also loved her humor sprinkled throughout the book. The book is also very balanced between Everett and Julia's point of views, so you really get to connect with both characters and their inner struggles.

What I didn't like: This isn't so much of a not like as a wish for more - Julia's past was mentioned a lot, but not much was done with it. Part of me is glad, because it kept the story from getting too intense, but part of me wishes there was some closure there. Perhaps in a future book?

Take Aways: Ms. Jagears spends a lot of time dealing with issues that come with marriage, though not in a way that detracts from the story. Rather, it makes the story more real. While few Westerners have been in an arranged marriage, most of us can relate to the struggles that Everett and Julia dealt with: feeling loved, and showing love even when you don't, helping those around us even when we don't want to, putting the needs of our spouse ahead of our own. She also dealt with the issues of spousal abuse (in another couple), and how to help someone be safe from that, which was handled quite well.

The character's struggle with their faith, and God's plan for their lives was also very touching and convicting. Seeking out his will, and trying to better understand his love for them, so they could better love each other, was a good reminder to me as well.

Overall, this book is probably one of the best new books I've read this year. I really loved it! It was romantic, and funny, and made me re-examine my marriage and relationship with God. I fell in love with the characters and cannot wait to hear more from them - especially Helga, and her new adventures back east! If you love historical romance, you will really enjoy this book!

Happy Reading!

Sarah