Customer Reviews

The Unexpected Wife (Harlequin Historical)

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

 

 

In 1879 Crickhollow, Montana, rancher Matthias Barrington buries his wife and unborn child. His father-in-law stays for a while to help the beleaguered Matthias raise his two young sons, but the winter has taken its toll on the older man, who will leave for his warmer home soon.

In San Francisco, as her younger cousin gets married, orphan Abigail Smith writes yes to Matthias' mail order proposal. However, her aunt and uncle reject her leaving town. Treated more like a servant, Abigail sneaks out for Montana and her new life.

In Montana, Abigail learns that Matthias did not correspond with her as well meaning friends did. Having no other options except crawling, she persuades him to give her the summer working with the boys at the ranch and if at the end of her trial period he still refuses to marry her she will leave. As love begins to flow between the adults and Matthias sees how nurturing Abigail is to his sons, he knows he must ask her to stay as his spouse, but also feels guilty that he is betraying the memory of his beloved first wife.

THE UNEXPECTED WIFE is an enjoyable late nineteenth century American romance. Though Abigail's family especially her cousin is unappreciative, the Montana cast is a caring group. Matthias is a fabulous protagonist struggling to raise his two sons and run a ranch. The Montana mob adds understanding of his character as they prove by their actions how much they respect him and worry about his stress. Abigail is a wonderful intrepid soul who readers will cherish as she makes other cast members and readers appreciate life.

Harriet Klausner

I read this while on vacation and couldn't put it down! Abby and Matthias are two characters I will not forget. I like this book because Abby was very strong, straightfoward but loving and gentle.
One of my favorite parts was when Matthias asked could he hire her (Abby)to look after his boys, but she refused because of her burning desire to become his wife.
Matthias is also a very strong person and it is revealed as he goes through alot of emotional pain from the lost of his wife. This book simply warms the heart.

Actually closer to 3.5 stars, this is a pleasant historical romance about redeeming love. Abby Smyth made the mistake of her life eight years before. She'd fallen in love with a young lawyer she met through her uncle. Douglas Edmondson, had a poet's heart and a gift for words that made her knees go weak, but love had not been what he was after. Abby learned of his shallow heart too late and in the end he made a fool out of her.

Matthias Barrington moved to Montana with his one true love and wife, Elise. While giving birth to their third child she and the baby died. Heavy of heart, he thought there was no way he could open his life again to another.

Unaware, several townsfolk decide to play matchmaker and write letters to Abby pretending to be Matthias. "He" asks to marry her and sends her money to come to his homestead. Misunderstandings aside, she slowly breaks the prison that surrounds his heart.

I found this book to be at the most a 2.5 star read.

*** SPOILER ***

The plot is predictable as can be, right down to the 'you almost died, so now I need to confess my love for you' final chapter. The characters seem like nice people, but they stay stuck in the same antagonistic phase of their relationship for way too much of the book. And in between bouts of their hot/cold/hot/cold emotional roller coaster ride, the physical side of their interaction is awkward, crass, and not a very convincing sell.

Matthias Barrington is a strong, hurting man yet we get the impression he can be dangerous if pushed.

Abigail Smyth turns out to be just the right woman for this man and his sons. It is not long than she has his little 3 and 4 year old sons laughing again.

Abby was expecting a house similar to San Francisco standards and did she get a surprise when she sees Matthias's ranch house.

Matt's refusing to marry again battled with his falling in lust with Abby. He has no love left to offer.

Holden McGowan, nearing his 35th year, runs a stage line to Crickhollow, Montana and is in cahoots with Hilda Marie Clements to get Matt married.

The stories behind these men [what little there is] makes these characters fascinating. Possessiveness, jealosy, lust, great story binders plus that nasty elusive bear.

I can't wait for Holdens story -- definitely a wonderful keeper.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - HARD TO PUT DOWN

Absolutely terrific! I found this emotional tale very heartwarming and I couldn't put it down! Don't pass up this five star read!