MY REVIEW:
The second book in Maggie Brendan’s The Blue Willow Brides series, “Twice Promised” is a captivating and sometimes humorous romance set in a small mining town in Colorado. When Zach Gifford decides that his brother Jess needs a wife to help him in the family mercantile, he places an ad for a mail order bride – unknown (of course) to Jess. He takes it upon himself to send for not only one but two brides so that Jess can choose the one he wants. As can be imagined, his hastily made plan backfires on him. Then their granny makes a “helpful” suggestion that confuses things even more. Which of the mail order brides will Jess choose, Greta or Cora? What about Zach – will he get off the hook without repercussions? And what about the brides? Will one of them end up hurt? All these questions and more are answered in this fun to read novel.
Although few detailed historical facts are included, the reader does get a good general overview of a small mining town in Colorado especially a general mercantile where much of the action takes place. The well paced plot contains some action, several humorous scenes, and sweet romance as well as misunderstandings, twists, and surprises. The four primary characters are strongly defined for the most part but at times I felt that they did not live up to their personalities. Greta in particular was described as a strong, take-charge person but when it came to love, she had a tendency to wimp out. Her hesitation to force the truth caused some misunderstandings to stretch on way too long for my own patience. Despite that one minor personal irritation, “Twice Promised” was enjoyable and perfect for a relaxing evening.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Two beautiful brides. One unsuspecting groom. Three weeks to figure it all out.
Greta Olsen arrives in Central City, Colorado, as a mail-order bride, expecting to marry Jess Gifford, the man she’s come to know through his tender letters. But when she meets Cora Johnson, she discovers she’s not the only bride waiting at the train station for Jess.
Already shocked to find they must compete for Jess’s affection, the young women can hardly believe it when not Jess but his brother Zach picks them up from the station—and reveals that Jess knows nothing about any mail-order bride, let alone two. Will either bride make the match she hopes for?
Filled with surprises, misunderstandings, and tender romance, Twice Promised is the story of how two unlikely women become twice blessed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Maggie Brendan is the author of the Heart of the West series and Deeply Devoted, which was a 2012 ICRA Award finalist. A member of the Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, and Georgia Romance Writers, Maggie lives in Georgia. Visit her at www.MaggieBrendan.com.
Praise for Maggie Brendan’s Twice Promised– #2 in The Blue Willow Brides Series:
4 Stars
“Two mail-order brides, one groom and a few misunderstandings collide in the second blue Willow Brides book. Brendan’s characters are witty, charming and fun to be around, and she brings her trademark writing style to the Wild West.”–RT Reviews
“Twice Promised is another great love story by Maggie Brendan . . . with fast-paced plot twists as the characters find their way to true love.”–Mary Connealy, author of Over the Edge, In Too Deep, and Out of Control
“Memorable characters and solid storytelling abound in Maggie Brendan’s delightful tale. The two romances will double your reading pleasure, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end. I loved it!”–Margaret Brownley, New York Times bestselling author of the Brides of Last Chance Ranch series
“Available October 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
