Customer Reviews

The Bride Bargain (Prairie Promises Series #1)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Clara and Doreen have been abandoned by the wagon train heading west to Oregon. Men have been nothing but a disappointment, and Clara is determined to never rely on one, again. She wants to dictate her own future. Josiah lives alone in Buttonwood. His son is a doctor in Baltimore, but he wants Saul to come live in the small town with him. When Josiah goes to visit his daughter during the birth of his first grandchild, he makes a bargain with Clara: If she can get Saul to take a wife and move to Buttonwood, he will give Clara his house! How difficult could that be?

"The Bride Bargain" is a wonderful freshman novel. Kelly Eileen Hake is a chip off the old block. This author is easily as talented as her mother! She has created characters in whom the reader can really invest. The plot lines are sophisticated and multi-dimensional. At times, the story seemed predictable. Then, suddenly, it would surprise me and put a smile on my face. Although I don't necessarily believe that a man would put so much thought into matchmaking, this was a wonderful story. It was almost too perfect! My only complaint is that the ending came abruptly. Still, I can't wait to see what Miss Hake does next.

The Bride Bargain by Kelly Eileen Hake is the first book in the Prairie Promises series which take place in the West in the 1850s. Clara Field and her aunt Doreen Edgerly are doing their best to make it to Oregon, but when one of their oxen wanders off, their wagon train leaves them behind. They make their way to a small town and are quickly taken in by the storekeeper Josiah Reed to work as his housekeepers until the train comes back through in the spring. But Josiah has hidden intentions: he wants his son, Dr. Saul Reed to move out west and settle down with a wife, and Josiah thinks Clara is just the woman for the job. Josiah strikes a deal with Clara: if she can get Saul to marry and stay in town, he'll give his house to the two women. This romance is a classic set-up. Clara intends to get Saul married to a woman and creates situations for him to encounter the various eligible women in town. But the eligible men keep showing up too! And there's a family feud to deal with as well. This is a very enjoyable Christian romance with a good dose of humor.

This was a cute little "Old West" romance. I enjoyed it. Quick and simple read perfect for when you just want to relax!

I have read other historical books by Kelly Hake, but I must say that this one was a favorite! Kelly has the talent to mix history with romance and faith, making a wonderful story! Her story line is tender and loving.

When I sat down to read this book, the first couple of pages took a bit to really capture me, but once I got past those pages, I was totally into the book, the characters, the plot and I didn't want to put the book down!

Kelly Hake is a young writer, but somehow she captures the life, fashion, faith and work of history. All these things together make a highly enjoyable read, and I totally look forward to book 2 in this wonderful historical series, because I am so not ready to say goodbye to these characters!!

This book is a 5 star, two thumbs up all the way! If your looking for a good, clean, Christian book that will capture your heart, I recommend Kelly's book to you!!!

*This book was provided for review by Babour Books*

I started to read this book and almost did not finish it. Its starts out pretty well. But, right from the moment she reaches the town you know already what the ending will be. Its even told to you. No surprises - every thing very predictable. This author may get better after more practice. Maybe good for older teens.

This was a great book. Interesting from the beginning to the very end. She has a similar writing style to here Mom - very humorous! Definitely looking forward to future books in this series!

Kelly Eileen Hake had written a very good book. She is only 24 years old. I can't wait to see how she will improve upon what she has already done. I guess that the writing gene is in the family (Cathy Marie Hake has written many wonderful books, and is her mother).

Clara Field and her aunt Doreen Edgerly want desperately to finish the eleven-mile trip to Oregon, but their stubborn ox gets stuck in the mud leaving them two days behind the wagon trail.

Little did the women know that a layover in the small town of Buttonwood would change their life forever. Shopkeeper Josiah Reed offers Clara an bargain she can't refuse: marry off his son Dr. Saul Reed to a local and guarantee he relocates from Baltimore to Buttonwood. If she succeeds, he will sign over the deed to his house to the women.

Soon Clara finds playing Cupid isn't as easy as she thought. Can she manipulate the good doctor's heartstrings to fulfill her side of the bargain?

The Bride Bargain is a tale of a determined woman desperate to etch a place for herself in the world without the help of a man. The moderately-paced story picks up speed, twists and turns in unpredictable places, making it an overall pleasant read.

I enjoyed reading this book. I've read some of these reviews saying the ending is predictable. It sort of is, but the journey getting to the end is quite good! I liked the characters, the plot line, and the time period and would like to read the next book. There were some places in the book where I had to re-read a section because I just couldn't quite follow the author's thoughts. When I read the bio in the back of the book I understood why! However, the book was well done for a young author! I would definitely read more or Ms. Hake's books!

This young author has written a great teen/young adult story about Clara and her aunt Doreen who have the guts to move west with a wagon train without benefit of a man's presence. Dragging themselves into town 2 days after the wagon train abandons them, they meet Josiah Reed, a lonely storekeeper, whose family is back east. He needs a woman's touch in his lonely huge home and they need respite. Josiah proposes a bargain in which if Clara gets Saul Reed to marry a girl in Buttonwood then Clara can keep Josiah's house. Now you have the beginning of a cute story whose characters are well developed. Clara has her steps all planned out for herself on the wagon train until they decide to take a break in Buttonwood but, even after Josiah's proposal, she plans and proceeds to execute with predictable interruptions. Somewhere along the line, she remembers that God can bless our plans or not.

I know some folks pick a book for it's cover alone sometimes and I admit it does influence what I choose to read but this book's label does nothing for me. I plan on reading the sequels and hope they hold more intrigue for me as I'm anything but a teen/young adult. ;0)
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