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46 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
For Fans of Westerns...but not for me, September 1, 2010
This review is from: Vigilante's Bride, The (Paperback)
I once took a class during my graduate studies on the US Westward movement and how the public tends to romanticize the west. One of our assignments was to read a classic western novel. I chose to read one by Louis L'Amour and when I finished it, I deemed it to be pretty much a romance novel for a guy. Honestly, almost every western story I've read has been like that. Cowboys fighting Indians, a duel, stagecoach robberies, and a saloon with a bar fight seem to be the staples in these stories. That's exactly what this book gives, a traditional western story.
Emily is an interesting character right from the beginning of the story. Her situation is unusual and the circumstances she is placed in is very intriguing. I don't know if I could have been a mail order bride especially to someone I had absolutely no prior contact with. I found it interesting she completely trusted her seniors and even though she was being sent out for marriage, she didn't question them at all. Luke is a cowboy who's out for revenge and seeking justice for the death of his father. As fate would have it, the two characters meet up in a chance situation and soon become stuck with one another. The banter between the two in the beginning of the story is both humorous and endearing.
It's just sad to say that about halfway through the book, I just stopped caring for the characters. I didn't lose interest in the story but it became very predictable as to what was going to happen. I didn't see any huge conflict that could drive apart Emily and Luke so even though they would get separated at times, I always knew they were going to eventually reunite. I just didn't buy their love story because it happened VERY fast that they fell in love. Also, right from the beginning, I did not like Luke because of the way he treated Emily. He was acting in the stereotypical male lead of a romance story who thinks he's all big and bad and doesn't listen to what the woman has to say and always has to be right. I think the biggest kicker was him throwing Emily over shoulder in the beginning of the book like a sack of potatoes even though she clearly doesn't want to go with him. Not a good way for me to start liking you.
There's also quite a big of Christian talk throughout the book and sometimes I found it to be a bit heavy handed. Not a problem for some readers, but if you're coming in strictly for a western romance, it's a bit pushy at times. Overall, the story is interesting, but I just don't think it's for me. It might have to do with my dislike for western stories in general. If you are a fan, I do think you will like the book. There's lots of action to keep you interested. I just didn't think it was the book for me.
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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Review of The Vigilante's Bride, January 9, 2011
This review is from: Vigilante's Bride, The (Paperback)
Bethany House Publishers sent me this complimentary copy to review for them.
"Luke Sullivan just wants to reclaim the money stolen from his father. One stagecoach heist later, his pockets are full and he's one feisty mail-order bride richer. Only problem is, she was on the way to marry his bitter enemy--and she doesn't take kindly to her "rescue." Yet crossing this dangerous man is only the beginning of Luke's problems. As he realizes what a true treasure the beautiful--but headstrong--redhead in his care is, how far will he go to prevent her prearranged marriage?"
Not one of my favorites. It started out pretty good, but then puttered out about halfway through and I just wanted to finish the book to finish it. The storyline lost it's luster in which the book lost it's audience, me, in the process.
If you like reading a fast, easy book with a western flare and lots of talk of faith, you'll like this one.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart stirring story, November 5, 2010
This review is from: Vigilante's Bride, The (Paperback)
Yvonne Harris
2010
Bethany House
Fiction/Historical
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Set in Montana Territory in 1884, we find young Emily McCarthy on a stage coach on her way to be married to a total stranger. All arranged by the director of the orphanage where Emily was raised. Now that she is of age, they need the room she lives in so arrangements have been made. Emily is not happy about this at all, but has resigned herself to accepting it.
As she nears her destination, the stage is held up and robbed, and she is abducted after the "robber" finds out she is going to be married to Bart Axel, an older man who is rumored to have killed his last wife. Emily does not react kindly to her "rescue" or her rescuer.
This is a fast paced story that will draw you in and having you anxious to read it all. Full of danger, action and excitement you will not want to put down this book. You will sympathize with Emily as she tries to make sense of all the drama surrounding her, you will laugh at her antics as she tries to present a picture of a young woman in control of her destiny. You will feel the pain of the rescuer, Luke as he comes to terms with his childhood hurts. A truly marvelous, heart stirring story, this is the first book I have read from this author and I hope it is not the last, I totally enjoyed her writing style. Great book!
297 pages $14.99 US 5 stars
This book was provided for review purposes only by Bethany House Publishers. No payment was received for this review.
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