Customer Reviews

The Accidental Bride (A Big Sky Romance)

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(40)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Reaching the end of the aisle, Shay gets the shock of her life, only to receive yet another one days later- that walk to the end of the aisle was REAL. She was really, truly married to the man she once loved and who broke her heart over a decade ago.

Now, as her debt looms over her head, she agrees to remain married to her Travis, for her daughter Olivia and their livelihood. What happens next, despite the protests of Shay herself, is a couple falling deeply in love in the months to come.

I LOVED reading this book. It was a smooth read, with memorable quotes. My favorite one was when the author described Travis' eyes as "cloudy with a chance of pain." Ms. Hunter graced the pages with words that brought joy to my heart as well as smiles, laughter, and anticipation. The entrance of the whole plot was brilliant- a reenactment. For this historical romance kinda-girl, it was what drew me in to the book in the first place. I loved the setting, a place where someday I wish to visit- Montana. I loved the faith-filled characters, who, like us, endure hardships as well as God's blessings.

This is a MUST HAVE for your bookshelf because I am sure you will want to read it again and again! I could not put it down!

A faux-marriage might save the ranch. But what a price!

Author Denise Hunter has managed to continue in her series with a new story as heartwarmingly western as the Moose Creek, Montana setting. It is primarily a stand-alone book of a series, but it will provide another look at the Abigail, Wade, and Maddy family from the earlier novel, A Cowboys Touch. It's also recommended, but you choose the reading order.

There is some great dialect adding to the characterizations such as "okey doke", and "Blame Right!". You'll find humor in places like the line I loved, "...one straw short of a bale" and "You'd rather be knee-deep in cow dung."

The plot develops around a Founders Day wedding--intended as a reenactment ceremony. How could it go so wrong? It's time for a bolo tie lynching. If ya read quiet `nough you kin almost hear saddle leather squeaking and a cowboy strummin' his gitar. Then enter Miss Lucy, old, eccentric, meddler, God bless her waddle & heart. So Cowboy Up, folks and enjoy a romance with some mystery. A whole lot of written ambiance, and even humor. This novel comes fully packin' iron.

This Rodeo Cowboy prays in his saddle and in his bunk and gets married to his cowgirl love--but, oh, was it an accident, a county clerk's error--a clergy's gaff--or God's humorous plan? Co-habiting would be like a 6-year-old locked overnight in a chocolate shop. Lip smackin' tempting. What can a Christian couple do at a time like this?

Bottom line: It's not cowboy love and horsing around that's important; it's living a life pleasing to God. But what a fun story to read to get to that message.

Okey doke, Mrs. Hunter, please get another Big Sky penned in the corral.

Some author's write stories that grip you, some write stories that scare you and some write sweet romances. Denise Hunter, author of The Accidental Bride and A Cowboy's Touch from the Big Sky Romance series, falls into the latter category. When you read a book by Ms. Hunter you're bound to be swept away by a light-hearted romance, simply put her books are good readin!'

In The Accidental Bride we are once again in Moose Creek, Montana and some characters from A Cowboy's Touch make cameo appearances. Shay Brandenberger was left at the altar by Travis McCoy here high school sweetheart. Years later, at the request of a friend Shay agrees to participate in the reenactment of a Founder's Day wedding without knowing who the "groom" is. Thanks to the minister performing the ceremony Shay gets married to the last man she'd ever want--her ex fiance. Modern day cowboys and independent heroines butt heads and make for some sizzling chemistry.

While I don't quite understand how Shay and Travis ended up officially married since they never technically said vows to each other this story is just so romantic! I'm such a sucker for the knight in shining armor and that's just what Travis is. It may not be the most believable story, in fact some things didn't make a whole lot of sense to me but I liked it anyway. Denise definitely writes heroes you wish you could meet and frustratingly stubborn heroines who you'd sometimes like to slap but they are what make her stories. If you're looking for a book to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon this is it.

4.5 out of 5 stars

*I received my complimentary review copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest opinion of the book.*

3-1/2 Stars

I usually steer clear of Christian Literature. I am a Christian, but most Christian fiction I've read I've felt like I've been preached at while the storyline flounders and the writing is less than stellar. I'm not sure why I put those prejudices aside to pick up this story, but I did find myself enjoying this story, even if it wasn't perfect. And, I've come away with a new favorite scripture.

Fourteen years (yes, 14 years) after being left at the alter by her High School sweetheart, Shay Brandenberger finds herself facing him--HIM, Travis McCoy--at the alter at the town's Founder's Day Wedding Reenactment. When it turns out that a marriage certificate is filed by mistake, Shay finds herself married to Travis! Shay is in pretty dire straits right now after her husband of 10+ years left her and subsequently died, she can't keep up with the work on her ranch to keep it out of foreclosure, and she breaks her foot. Travis sees this as an opportunity to sweep in and prove to her how much he regrets his actions and to beg for a second chance.

Things I liked:

1. Application of Scripture: I really liked how scripture was used to help Shay work through her hang-ups. She spent most the book hung-up about something (don't want to give spoilers *grin*) and as she came to realize this, a friend helped her find a way to overcome by sharing her experiences and her inspiration in scripture. Then, we watched as Shay worked to apply that principle in her life.

2. Fun Storyline: yes, there is some elements of disbelief one must suspend, but the storyline was fun and a bit lighthearted for the most part.

Things I didn't like:

1. Cinderella Complex: I'm finding I don't really like the modern Cinderella storyline where the female can't save herself and so a Prince Charming comes along to sweep all her troubles away and take care of everything with no work on Cinderella's part. Yes, I know Shay kept insisting she'd pay him back for everything and I know she was injured, but I couldn't help draw the parallels. It wasn't the entire theme of the story, so I was able to overlook it for long periods. Even Travis' actions in the end showed that he thought he could just buy his way out of "the dog house."

2. Travis didn't earn any trust: Travis wanted to prove that he changed, that he could be trusted, that he chose Shay. However, he never really showed that other than throwing money at the problems. When he had an opportunity to show he could really be trusted and would choose Shay, he didn't. He never made "the grand gesture" showing he cared for her over everything else. And again hinting at the ending, the actions Travis took were a bit underhanded and not at all the romantic gesture needed to help Shay know he could be trusted.

3. Writing: the writing was a bit simplistic. Uses of phrases like "It was hotter'n the dickens already" were used.

So, I'm glad I took a chance on this book to read something uplifting. Even though this is part of series, each book is a stand-alone book. I haven't read the first book but never felt lost as each book is about a different couple in the same small town.

Big Sky Series

A Cowboy's Touch (A Big Sky Romance)

The Accidental Bride

Travis is a local boy done good. After hitting it big on the rodeo circuit, he returns home to help his childhood sweetheart save her ranch. Shay has fallen on hard times and resists any intervention from the man who once left her at the alter.

I'm a sucker for a good childhood sweetheart storyline. And there's something about Travis's cocksure attitude and barely concealed smirks that are so adorable.

Their story is heavy (HEAVY!) on the romance and this book boyfriend had my heart beating in my throat. Definitely a five star read!

Book Description

When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she's an accidental bride.

Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can't seem to keep her head above water--and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but.

Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart--the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.

Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she'll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.

Shay isn't sure if the recent events are God's will or just a preacher's blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?

My Thoughts

Denise Hunter has written another wonderful romance that is a joy to read. The plot is is exciting enough that it will keep you engulfed in the book until the very end, just because you wanna find out what is going to happen next. The characters are very well developed and you will grow to love them as you read this book. And of course Travis is every womans dream man! Shay is a smart woman to fall for him, well in a number of ways! I'm looking forward to reading the third book in this series, the only problem is having to wait to read it!!

I recommend this book for anyone wanting a good likeable romance with twist and turns that will take you away from your stressful life for a while.

I rec'd a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through their Blogging program BookSneeze. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

This is a great series, after reading "A Cowboys Touch" and "The Accidental Bride" I am really looking forward to the third book.

I think we have all wished at one time or another that we had done something differently in our lives so it is easy to understand how Travis McCoy really regrets his actions years ago when he left Shay Brandenberger waiting at the alter so to speak for his lifelong dream of being in the rodeo. He may have left her, but Shay never left his heart not once in all the years after he left Moose Creek, Montana.

Shay feels like a total failure when it comes to relationships. She is certain she has mud for brains when it comes to choosing men. After her first love left her and then her marriage falls apart she decides to dedicate herself to her daughter and to the ranch her parents left her. She holds on to those bad memories of Travis and her failed marriage as a reminder that as far as she is concerned all relationships for her end with the man leaving and she is finished in that department she has her hands full just trying to hold on to the ranch and taking care of her child and she will not put her daughter through anymore heart ache of getting to love someone and having them leave.

Travis returns to Moose Creek to run his parents ranch when they decide to do some mission work for 6 months. When Travis returns he hears that Shay is no longer married and he is determined to win her heart again.

You will enjoy watching Travis work to win Shays love again, and how they end up "accidentally" married and how Travis pleads for a few months to show he has changed, and gives his word that at the end of the agreed time he will leave if she wants him to.

As the characters interact your rooting for Travis one minute and then for Shay the next. You will find this is a book that is difficult to put down and when it's finished you are thankful to know this is a series and there will be one more.

Sometimes I have a week where tons of things are piling up and a lot of brain power has been expended on work and other things. It is after a week like that, that a book like this is so wonderful. I read this book in one afternoon and late into the evening. (Kept me up past my bedtime. :)) And it was a very fun escape. The story line is a bit beyond believable, but the characters were vivid and fun. Mrs. Hunter does an amazing job at pulling the reader right into the life of the character so you feel like you are right there experiencing the story with them. If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted escape, you need look no further.

I'm always up for a Denise Hunter romance because her books are always sure to make readers swoon. The Accidental Bride is no exception! The premise intrigued me--former sweethearts are accidentally married--because the logistics had me curious. I love how the heroine was backed into a corner, and ultimately the hero rose to the challenge. If you're a fan of cowboys and romance, this is a must read!

Shay Brandenberger can't seem to catch a break in life. Her high school sweetheart left her at the court house on their wedding day. The man she did marry walked out on his family before dying in a hiking accident. The family ranch is struggling financially. The last thing she wants to do is don a wedding dress and participate in an historical reenactment in a town where everyone knows her business. It doesn't help that there's a last minute substitution in the groom's role, a substitution she doesn't know about until it's too late.

Travis McCoy is back in town to take care of his parents' ranch while they're on a mission trip. He knows he screwed up with Shay all those years ago, and sees the mistakenly legal marriage as a way to make it up to her. He knows that she and her daughter are struggling, and he's in a position to help them. Shay accepts despite her misgivings. The bills can be paid and her daughter can have new clothes. At last, they can look acceptable in the eyes of the townsfolk.

This was a great book about making up for past mistakes, forgiveness, learning to trust, and accepting that external appearances really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. I really felt for Shay's daughter, Olivia, who was the target of a classmate's abuse due to how she looked. I was once in her shoes. If there was anything that let the book down slightly, it was Shay's repeated habit of saying, "Blame right," when I think she meant, "You got that right." The novel does ask for a suspension of reality - wedding licenses do expire, for example - but Hunter admits that in her end note, and it certainly does not detract from this delightful fairytale.

I received an ARC of The Accidental Bride from The B&B Media Group. This is my complete and honest review.