Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire [Paperback]

Lauralee Bliss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2009 | Series: Love Finds You

Sara McGee is not what Tom Haskins expected. The artist knew he was taking a risk when he reluctantly agreed to advertise for a mail-order bride but Tom assumed the woman who answered his ad would be more refined than the penniless and uneducated Sara McGee. Tom takes Sara under his wing but he knows he can never marry her— especially now that he’s suddenly receiving attention from accomplished pianist Annabelle Loving. While Tom’s sister is bent on transforming Sara into a lady, Sara knows she can never compete with Annabelle. Nonetheless, she finds herself drawn to the lovely mountain town of Bethlehem… and to the artist who brought her here. But without a marriage to Tom, Sara knows she cannot stay. As preparations for Christmas transform the tiny town, will Tom come to understand the message of the first Bethlehem—that the most precious gifts don’t always come as they’re expected?

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Summerside Press (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935416200
• ISBN-13: 978-1935416203
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lauralee Bliss has always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and her career began with small creative works as a teen just for fun. After several years of hard work, the dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then, she's had over a dozen books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee's desire is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart.

Along with the dream of writing and publishing, Lauralee (also known as Blissful) is a noted Appalachian Trail hiker, having completed the trail both north and south, one of only a few women to have accomplished this feat.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Sweet Winter Love Story, December 14, 2009

By 

Chandra Lynn "Chandra Lynn" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire (Paperback)

What a wonderful surprise this book was. It was the first Love Finds You book I have read and also the first of Lauralee Bliss' books. I loved it. The New Hampshire mountain setting became a character all its own interacting with the main characters. Readers will long to visit Bethlehem, New Hampshire. The love story between two unlikely people, Sara McGee and Tom Haskins is tender. Readers will find themselves wishing Tom and Sara would just talk about things instead of making so many assumptions. However, that is what makes them human and the story endearing.

Tom Haskins has a wonderful life for himself. He is beginning to receive notoriety for his paintings, lives comfortably in his hometown. He has everything except a wife. He advertises for one. Sara McGee has a few precious items that belonged to her mother, and not much else. Her response to Tom's advertisement isn't even penned by her, for she cannot read or write. Theirs is an unlikely relationship and a beautiful love story.

The characters are strong, flawed, and faithful. The scenery is beautiful. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, a cozy blanket, and curl up on your favorite couch for a good winter read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Pygmalion spin to the mail order bride historical romance, December 18, 2009

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire (Paperback)

In 1890 artist Thomas Haskins placed an ad for a mail order bride though he has doubts about the wisdom of finding a wife this way. Sara McGee of New York City responds. She arrives by train to his resort town of Bethlehem, New Hampshire. However, he wants her to go back home because his first impression is she is dressed shabbily and uneducated. Sara is also hurt by first impressions when his best friend Lawrence Boshen ridicules her and Tom fails to defend her

However, he is an ethical person who decides to have his sister Claire mentor brash Sara on decorum of a lady. She has doubts about belonging here; Sara considers fleeing back to the streets of the city she came from. As she falls in love with him, socialite pianist Annabelle Loving decides Tom is perfect for her and offers him a trip to Italy to study art that he cannot refuse. Sara knows she cannot compete with the educated upper crust wealthy musician so she leaves for home; not realizing Tom wants his mail order bride to be his wife.

This is a nice Pygmalion like spin to the classic mail order bride historical romance. The Gilded Age story line is fast-paced from the moment a hesitant Sara arrives in town like a fish out of water and never slows down as she wins the hearts of everyone starting with his sister. Fans will enjoy this fine entry as Tom learns a good artist can become a great artist when he learns the meaning of love and passion.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!, November 2, 2009

By 

Suspense Lover (U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire (Paperback)

Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire is a good read. The author does a wonderful job of taking the reader into the setting. She pens Bethlehem as a delightful place, one I wouldn't mind visiting. I've taken a few painting classes and enjoyed her hero, who is a painter. The author is so good at describing the tools and tricks of his trade that I wondered if she's a painter also. I could almost smell the oil paint. You'll be rooting for the heroine from moment one, hoping and praying that life will turn around for her. Tha author built such a sweetheart of a character with deep faith in God who's placed in a world that's not always friendly, especially to those down on their luck. If you're a historical romance fan, this one is sure to please.