Customer Reviews

Joe's Wife (Harlequin Historical Series)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Meg Telford was feeling pressure from all sides to give up her ranch outside of Aspen Grove. She had lost her husband, Joe, to the Civil War and was determined she was not going to lose her home; the place they'd worked so hard for. But she needed help, and time was running out before she would have no choice but to leave. What she needs is a man. What she doesn't need is to fall in love. Tye Hatcher had returned to Aspen Grove to find life hadn't changed all that much during the war; he was still despised by nearly everyone in town. Everyone, that is, but Meg Telford. Tye had always been a little in love with Meg. She had always treated him as an equal, as a human with feelings. That fact didn't lessen the shock any when she approached him with an outrageous scheme to save her farm. If the town didn't like him now, just wait until they found out he was marrying Joe Telford's widow! Fans of Americana romance will take great delight in Cheryl St. John's latest offering, JOE'S WIFE. She has a flair for writing scenes that make readers feels as if they are in the same room as the characters. Combining romance, humor and passion, St. John proves once again why she is one of romance world's favorite authors. JOE'S WIFE is fantastic!

Joe's Wife is an absolutely memorable story, just as most of Cheryl St. John's books are. She astounds me with her insight into character and the subtlety of her presentation. My heart bled for Tye. When Meg asked him to marry her, I held my breath. The problems they encounter in their marriage are unique, sensitive, and deeply touching. I just can't get enough of Cheryl St. John's work. Beautiful writing like this is a rare find. Joe's Wife has joined Cheryl's other books on my keeper shelf. Now I'm itching for more.

Joe's Wife has been wonderfully reviewed already but let me say that I agree with them. This is one of the most endearing stories I've read. Tye is a true hero just by being himself and putting others first regardless of how they treated him. Meg is wonderful heroin because she is loyal and non-judgemental. What a great job Cheryl did with this story. I'd give it 10 stars if I could. It is a keeper for my shelf. I highly recommend it. And it is true...you will need some tissues.

I've read and enjoyed several of Cheryl St. John's historical romances, but must admit I never considered her a "keeper" before. Something was always just slightly "off" about the other stories (The Secondhand Wife, Tenderfoot Bride, Sweet Annie). I liked those characters, I liked their stories, but the essential emotional "memorability" that a really great romance has, just wasn't there for me.

Well, I just read JOE'S WIFE, and I have to admit it - finally, the story, the characters; their emotions and motivations, all came together. The arranged marriage between Meg and Tye sloooowwly becomes something very special for them. This is an excellent Western historical romance with a very simple plot and a very sympathetic hero and heroine. I highly recommend it. And what a fabulous movie this book would make.

Though life handed him an unfair deal, Tye Hatcher maintains a deep sense of honor and integrity rarely found in fiction today. He places his faith and heart in Meg's hands. Meg finds that to keep her ranch, she needs help, and turns to Tye. Throughout this book, I felt a sense of peace and contentment. Ms. St. John made me forget I was reading, and mentally took me out West during the 1860's. Tye's gentility and caring touched my heart, and kept me turning the pages to see if Meg saw him as I did. To say I loved this book would be an understatement. To say I hope to read more from such a talented writer is a fact.

He knows he can never live up to the memory of her dead husband. Is there a chance their marriage could grow into something more than two people brought together out of necessity? Cheryl St. John stories come from the heart, and they never cease to move me. Joe's Wife is no exception. Tye and Meg's story of growth and love showcased the kind of work St. John does best - stories of people, of hope, of love.

warming you and teaching you the true meaning of love. Tye Hatcher knew he could never fill Joe Telford's shoes, but accepted Joe's widow Meg's offer of a partnership. He might be Meg's husband on paper, but he feared he'd never be a husband of her heart. St. John takes us on Tye and Meg's journey of personal growth, and of love. Her ability to reach within her characters and truly bring the to life is a gift St. John displays with every story she writes - it's a gift that continues to grow and refine. It's a gift she freely shares with her readers. Joe's Wife is a beautiful portrayal of St. John's talent. Tye and Meg's story has me once again argueing with myself over which of Cheryl St. John's books is my favorite. <g>

I just finished reading Joe's Wife about five minutes ago and it is fantastic! I love it, I had tears in my eyes at the end. Cheryl has such a rare and special talent....the power to weave such a passionate and wonderful story with characters that are so easy to fall in love with. Characters who are come alive on the pages and paint themselves with ease into the story. *smile* It's my favorite of all the books she has written so far,I really loved it. I started reading it when I needed a break from studying, and it was my intention to read three chapters that was around 6:30 around 8:31 I finished the book without realizing what time it was. After page one I couldn't put it down. I didnt even realize how far into the book I had gotten until I had read the last page. *smile* Thank you Cheryl for writing another wonderful book.

JOE'S WIFE is a three hanky read in the best sense. This is real Americana -- not just European manners and mores grafted on to American characters. While I have several favaorite authors who do a good job with European Historical romance novels, it is harder to find good American Historical novels. This is one of them.

"In a powerful exploration of the mores of society and the power of healing, Cheryl St.John takes the reader on a voyage into grief and the nature of healing. This book is unusual in that all the villainy is well-intentioned and all the drama comes from the development of a relationship between two people thrown together by happenstance."