Bandit's Hope (Backwoods Brides) [Paperback]

Marcia Gruver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011 | Series: Backwoods Brides (Book 2)

Stream on down to Mississippi, the setting of Marcia Gruver’s second book in the breathtaking Backwoods Bride series. Reddick “Tiller” McRae is tired of the outlaw life, even more so when he falls for a respectable innkeeper’s daughter. Will he face the gallows before he can win her hallowed heart? Maria Bell is tired of waiting for God to bring her a husband and protector. Taking matters of the law and love into her own hands, she sets a trap to catch a thief and a husband. What will she do when she finds out they are one and the same?

(20111006)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Bandit''s Hope is definitely a Christian romance, with strong messages about forgiveness, family and honesty. However, the message is one that people of all faith''s and backgrounds can enjoy and take something from which is important in a world with so many different religions and cultures. The mentions of the bible and faith flowed perfectly with the story, rather than feeling forced or added on just for the sake of the label ''Christian Fiction''. The story was complex, but not in a bad way. The cast of characters were varied, and extremely well built. They all felt fully three dimensional, even the characters that we only see once or twice.

I think I can safely say that Bandit''s Hope was the best example of Christian romance done well that I have ever read, and I can recommend it for all fans of the genre. I would also recommend Bandit''s Hope to readers that enjoy well fleshed out romance novels, and might not normally seek out Christian fiction.

(Sharon Tyler Sharon the Librarian 20111201)

“Bandit’s Hope” is a must read for any historical,American old South, inspirational,Western,and romance readers. It has a little something for everyone. I will be anticipating the next installment in the ”Backwood Brides”series.

(Ira Renn My Book Addiction Reviews )

The second book in the Backwoods Brides series has romance, mystery, and humor and the characters are enjoyable and quirky. Gruver knows what her fans look forward to in each of her books and she always gives them what they crave, plus some unexpected surprises. 

(Patsy Glans RT Book Reviews )

Book Description

Reddick “Tiller” McRae is ready to give up the desperado’s life and settle down. Can he win a woman’s heart before his neck is stretched by a hangman’s noose? Mariah Bell has been praying for a husband to protect her from bloodthirsty outlaws. Is she desperate enough to gamble her heart and home on a bandit’s love?

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602609497
• ISBN-13: 978-1602609495
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #984,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marcia Gruver is a full time writer who hails from Southeast Texas. Inordinately enamored by the past, Marcia delights in writing historical fiction. Her deep south-central roots lend a Southern-comfortable style and a touch of humor to her writing.

Awarded a three book contract by Barbour Publishing for full-length historical fiction, Marcia is busy these days pounding on the keyboard and watching the deadline clock.

Diamond Duo, the first book of the trilogy entitled Texas Fortunes, debuted in October 2008 to glowing reviews followed by the well received Chasing Charity in April 2009. Emmy's Equal, the anticipated third installment, will be available in October 2009. Click on Marcia's Books for more details.

Marcia won third place in the 2007 ACFW Genesis contest and third in the 2004 ACFW Noble Theme contest. Another entry in 2004 finished in the top ten. She placed second in the 2002 Colorado Christian Writer's contest for new authors, securing a spot in an upcoming compilation book. "I Will Never Leave Thee," in For Better, For Worse--Devotional Thoughts for Married Couples, was released by Christian Publications in January 2004.

She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Christian Authors Network (CAN), Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW), and The Writers View (TWV).

Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband, Lee, have one daughter and four sons. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter--so far.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Honesty is the Best Policy, February 14, 2012

By 

Faye - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bandit's Hope (Backwoods Brides) (Paperback)

Honesty is always the best policy.

Mariah Belle struggles to keep her father's death a secret in an attempt to hold on to the family inn. Mariah is of Chocktah heritage so she has to find a white man willing to marry her before her father's passing is discovered.

Tiller is an outlaw, who lives on his own scheming and cheating honest folk, but he longs to get away from his unscrupulous living. When the chance presents itself, in the form of helping one of his victims Tiller takes it. Ashamed of his past, Tiller lies to cover his past.

What will Mariah and Tiller do when their lies catch up with them?

I had a hard time getting into this one, though I will admit that I haven't read the first book in the series, I believe that Bandit's Hope is a stand-alone novel. The book was well written, but I found the plot a tad hard to believe. I kept saying to myself while I was reading "If only they would tell each other the truth!" And sometimes I struggled to understand the motives behind some of the characters' actions.

My favorite character was Otis, a nice elderly gentleman who had a simple faith, though at times he was a bit forgetful, he could always bring a smile to my face.

Overall, this book has plenty of action and romance that overcomes the odds. I enjoyed the characters of Ms. Viola (Vee) and Otis immensely, yet I never really connected with Tiller or Mariah, the main characters. I would mostly recommend this book to readers of westerns :) This is my honest opinion. Thanks.

Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5

I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. Thank you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, January 4, 2012

By 

Jenny Blake "Ausjenny" (Naracoorte South Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bandit's Hope (Backwoods Brides) (Paperback)

I got this book from Netgalley to read. It was the final state I needed to complete my 50 state challenge for 2011. I really enjoy the story. I haven't read the first book in series but it didn't affect the story. This can be read alone without feeling you are wondering what has happened. Maria is a strong women who has some issues to deal with, one being saving the inn and praying for a husband to help protect her. Tiller is tired of being an outlaw and happens across the inn and helps out. There are other interesting twists which add to the story. This book deals with forgiveness, misconceptions, acceptance. A good read.

5.0 out of 5 stars What great characters!, January 3, 2012

By 

Stephanie Rollins "Bookreviewsrus" (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bandit's Hope (Backwoods Brides) (Paperback)

When the book begins, Mariah is carrying her dead father's body out of the house. As you can probably guess, this book grabs you from the beginning.

Tiller has been doomed to a life of crime since he was young. He wants out of that type of life. When he meets Mariah, he has more of an incentive to get straight. They are both looking for a new beginning. It just does not seem like they are going to find it together.

Of course, Tiller may just have to rescue his damsel in distress in order to prove his love....

This book has great characters and a great plot. Honestly, the book could have ended about 20 pages before it did, but overlooking that, it is an awesome read!