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Lena Goldfinch

Sweet Briar Rose Kindle Edition

by Lena Goldfinch (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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"A great curl-up-on-a-cold-night read, so go grab a copy for yourself!" (USA TODAY on The Unexpected Bride)

A delightful historical western romance from the author of The Unexpected Bride.
Colorado 1880

Rose was once a barefoot dreamer, carving whimsical creatures from the driftwood she found on the beach. However, after the death of her father, Rose finds herself cut adrift. So she answers an advertisement to become the bride of a blacksmith in Sweet Briar, Colorado, bravely leaving behind the coast of Maine and her beloved sandy beaches.

Living in the shadow of the Rockies, Emmett Southerland is a bit of a hopeless romantic. He's been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the dark-haired beauty in the photograph he keeps over his heart. As Christmas approaches, he and Rose find themselves snowed-in during the worst storm Colorado has seen in twenty-five years.

This sweet mail-order bride romance very loosely reimagines the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, complete with a satisfying happily-ever-after. A short novel of approximately 42,000 words.

Historical Western Romance
Contains no graphic content or swearing

EXCERPT
It was eerily quiet now in Emmett's kitchen alone, with just the snapping of the fire.

Rose strained to hear the sounds of Emmett and his burly dog, Boston, as they left to go downstairs and outside through the front entrance of Emmett's shop. She heard the creak of the door to the stairwell opening and closing again, and the sounds of them climbing down the stairs. And then nothing. She pictured Emmett lacing his boots and putting on his coat. She pictured Boston too, standing beside him, the long brown plume of his tail swaying, awaiting his own morning ritual.

It was impossible to sit still, simply waiting, a sense of foreboding gathering around her. If anything happened to them, she'd well and truly be alone.

And then she heard it, the crash of a thousand pounds falling. She didn't know what it was, but she leapt to her feet and scrambled down the stairs after them.

On the final step, she stopped. Emmett and Boston stood before the open door. Snow had spilled in around their feet. Thin swirls drifted across the floor and settled. More snow was piled high in the doorway, all the way to the top. Not only snow, a wall of ice.

"What happened?" She stood on the last stair, gripping the handrail.

Emmett turned his head toward her, as if startled by her voice. He brushed snow from his coat and quickly shut the door against the cold. His leather hat lay on the floor at his feet. It too was covered in snow.

"What happened?" she repeated, frightened by the look on his face. His expression was grim. Had he been hurt? She tucked her robe more tightly about her. It felt too thin, not nearly enough to keep her warm. Her teeth began to chatter.

"A sheet of ice. Up on the roof. It must have formed overnight. All that icy snow... I just opened the door and it broke free." He said it so matter-of-factly. Despite his grim expression, it didn't seem as if he was nearly as concerned as he should have been.

"And it fell in the doorway?" she pressed. At his calm nod, she blurted out, "You could have been crushed--you and Boston."

Did he not see that they could have been severely injured, that they could have died?

She swallowed and asked, "Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm not hurt. And thankfully, Boston didn't push out ahead of me like he usually does." For one brief instant, a sickly expression crossed Emmett's face. He did realize they could have been crushed. That Boston might've been killed if he'd rushed out the door first. Emmett reached down to ruffle the dog's neck fur. Boston simply sat there with his eyes on the door, perhaps waiting for his master to open it again, not understanding they were quite literally snowed in.
***
"The story was very touching and sweet. I strongly recommend it (and all of the other books by this author!)" (Among the Reads)

Print length

162 pages
Language

English
Sticky notes

On Kindle Scribe
Publication date

March 5, 2018
File size

4467 KB
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"With unexpectedly fresh characters and twists, the imagination is kept on its toes, even while feeling entirely comfortable with the familiarity of the mail-order bride storyline... A great curl-up-on-a-cold-night read, so go grab a copy for yourself!" (USA TODAY on The Unexpected Bride)

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079QKGBBT
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Six Sundance (March 5, 2018)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 5, 2018
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4467 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 162 pages
Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1985300419

Best Sellers Rank: #1,106,955 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,883 in American Historical Romance (Kindle Store)
- #10,037 in Victorian Historical Romance (Kindle Store)
- #13,937 in Victorian Historical Romance (Books)

Customer Reviews:
24 ratings

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About the author

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Lena Goldfinch

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LENA GOLDFINCH is the Amazon-bestselling author of sweet historical Western romance, inspirational romance, and books for teens, books with a touch of "sigh-worthy romance." Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests.

CHRISTMAS CAKE KISSES

Victorian Holiday Romance (A Short Story)

SWEET BRIAR ROSE

Historical Western Romance

"If you love short and sweet reads then this is definitely the story for you!" (Julie at MY FAVORITE PASTIME)

"...a hero you cannot help but fall in love with." (Becky, Goodreads)

"I love a good mail-order bride story, and this one delivered!" (Heidi at HEIDI READS)

"Sleeping Beauty with a western twist." (Carissa at CARISSA'S BOOKSHELF)

THE BRIDES SERIES

A former tomboy resolves to be the perfect lady for her new husband.

A mute struggles to break through the silence to win her rescuer’s heart.

A shy advice columnist develops a secret crush on her most devoted correspondent.

The Old West holds challenges galore for these brides…but true love is a worthy reward.

"A great curl-up-on-a-cold-night read!" (USA TODAY on THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE)

* THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE

... A Mail-Order Bride Novel

... "This old-fashioned mountain romance is an unexpected treat!"

* SLEIGH BELLS & MISTLETOE

... A Holiday Short Story, Sequel to THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE

* THE BARTERED BRIDE

... "Fans of Janette Oke’s LOVE COMES SOFTLY series will find much to love in Lena Goldfinch’s THE BARTERED BRIDE..."

* ONLY THE HEART KNOWS

... A Standalone Companion Novel to The Brides Series

Books for Young Adult & Teens

* AIRE

* SONGSTONE

* THE LANGUAGE OF SOULS

* HAUNTING JOY: BOOKS 1 & 2

* CHAIN REACTION: A Short Story (Prequel to HAUNTING JOY)

* TAKE A PICTURE

* HAPPY, a toddler picture book

You can reach Lena via email at: lena@lenagoldfinch.com.

Website: http://www.LenaGoldfinch.com

Twitter: @lena_goldfinch

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lenagoldfinch

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lenagoldfinch

NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR

* For fans of THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE and The Brides Series:

If you enjoy a sweet, spiritual heart-stirring romance, consider giving SWEET BRIAR ROSE, AIRE, or THE LANGUAGE Of SOULS a try! If you also have a bit of an adventurous side--and enjoy tropical breezes, a spunky heroine and fearless hero, and the smell of coconuts--you may like my fantasy romance SONGSTONE.

* Readers of Inspirational romance and sweet historical romance seem to particularly enjoy THE LANGUAGE OF SOULS. If you've enjoyed THE LANGUAGE OF SOULS, you may like AIRE and that would be a good next book to read.

* SONGSTONE is a romantic, lyrical island fantasy novel that touches on some deeper subjects; the overall tone of the book is redemptive, with a positive focus on overcoming.

* The HAUNTING JOY series is a sweet teen romance and light ghostly elements. Maybe THE GHOST WHISPERER for teens?

CONTENT RATINGS

Lena Goldfinch's books are PG/PG-13 rated (sweet/clean reads):

...no explicit sexual content

...no profanity

...no graphic violence

...a guaranteed HEA (Happy Ever After)

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5

24 global ratings

5 star		54%
4 star		19%
3 star		23%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star		4%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Top reviews from the United States

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Liz Austin

A good, easy read :)

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 1, 2018

Sweet Briar Rose is a sweet mail-order bride romance that loosely re-imagines the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty, complete with a happily-ever-after, though if you’re not careful you’ll miss the subtle similarities and clues. The story follows two people who tend to be the opposite of each other, Rose and Emmett. Rose, who was once a dreamer, carving whimsical creatures from the driftwood she found on the beach, but after the death of her father, Rose finds herself cut adrift. She ends up answering an advertisement to become the bride of a blacksmith in Sweet Briar, Colorado, leaving behind the coast of Maine and her beloved sandy beaches. Living in the shadow of the Rockies, Emmett Southerland is a hopeless romantic. He's been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the dark-haired beauty in the photograph he keeps over his heart, but soon he and Rose find themselves snowed-in during the worst storm Colorado has seen in twenty-five years.

First off, I have to say that I don't usually care much for stories based on poor communication, as it just tends to flabbergast me, BUT I know that poor communication is pretty much the standard formula for historical romance plots. That being said, I did enjoy Lena Goldfinch’s writing style and the development of the characters. The character of Emmett is an oddity and contradiction as a whole in the historical romance genre. While most heroes tend to be the practical, more serious, even a bit aloof character in the story, Emmett is the hopeless romantic in this one. Rose is the practical one who isn’t ready for romance, and for good reason. Emmett is a big, strong, handsome blacksmith, with a heart full of love and romance. He is a refreshing twist on the standard male hero stereotype.

One of the main conflicts in the story was a lack of communication, which was actually quite ironic considering that both Rose and Emmett thought they were sharing their thoughts and being open with each other. But have no fear, like most couples, they learn how to work out their issues and differences in the end. ;) Overall, this was a pleasant and enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for easy, quick read with good characters.

Helpful

Tracy Sylvester

Such a beautiful love story with wonderful characters!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 8, 2018

Verified Purchase

Rose was a free spirit who loved spending time on the beach collecting driftwood to carve. She was incredibly close with her father and when he passes she decides she has no choice but to accept a mail order bride placement from an ad she read. That leads her to Sweet Briar, Colorado and Emmett Southerland, the local blacksmith. Things at first seem strange between them until they discover they really had fallen in love with each other through initial correspondence.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Donni

A sweet love comes out of loss

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 9, 2018

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this sweet love story. Coming out of the depths of grief and loneliness Rose finds love and a return to her art. The sense of humor shown by this author keeps the feeling of darkness and grief from being controlling and away from this love story.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

C. Hall

Ridiculous!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 11, 2018

I find Insta-love books ridiculous, and insta-lust distasteful. Especially those that have the hero or heroine immediately fantasizing of 'FOREVER' with their new heart-throb! Such characters are just so pathetically needy/desperate, that I cannot stomach reading their thoughts!
That's why I couldn't get any further than halfway into this book, before I gave up!

One person found this helpful

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Phyllis - Among the Reads

Who doesn’t love the thought of a helplessly romantic man?

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 21, 2018

The bio for Lena Goldfinch describes her books as having a taste of “sigh-worthy romance”. Sweet Briar Rose most certainly fits this description. Who doesn’t love the thought of a helplessly romantic man? Certainly not me! Emmett was such a fun contradiction, being a blacksmith and a tender-hearted gentleman.

A big conflict in the story was a lack of communication, which was rather ironic because both Rose and Emmett thought they were sharing their thoughts. Nevertheless, as with all relationships, communication goes so much beyond just answering questions and saying what is currently on your mind, and Rose and Emmett needed some lessons in this area.

The story was very touching and sweet. I strongly recommend it (and all of the other books by this author!)

Emmet’s thoughts (Quote from the book)

And so, from the first, Emmett had looked at Rose and fallen instantly in love. Perhaps it wasn’t the wisest thing, to give his heart so completely to a woman he’d only seen once, and that just an image of her. A single moment in time captured on glossy paper. But there was something about her. Some immediate and instinctual connection to her. To her spirit and heart. There was a sweetness of expression, a goodness about her that surely couldn’t be faked. From the demure way she folded her hands on back of the wing chair the photographer had used as a prop. To the graceful curve of her cheek and neck.
____________

Rose’s perspective (Quote from the book)

In all honesty, she wouldn’t have come at all if her decision had been based solely on that single blurred photograph. She had no reason to suspect Emmett was anything other than a “decent, hardworking man of means,” as his ad had claimed he was. He looked…clean. He’d had good posture. That much she could discern. But it was his letters that had convinced her. He’d won her over with words. His intelligence plain in every stroke of his boldly formed script. He was obviously a man of faith, of sensitivity and honor. Traits that hadn’t quite shone through in his photograph. But then, what did his appearance matter? Their union would be one of practical necessity, not any finer emotions such as love.
____________

As I corresponded with the author for her Songs of Salvation post, we discussed this story and she gave me this additional insight into the writing of the book:

I’m so glad you enjoyed Sweet Briar Rose! The title actually came later in the process (I often work with a boring vanilla placeholder title like “Rose and Emmett” until the final title crystallizes), but Rose’s name was in there from early on. Her name didn’t tip me off about the Sleeping Beauty theme until well into the book. I later made the name of the town Sweet Briar, Colorado, once I realized, and changed the title.

Funny about the kiss. I had a little voice in my head while I was writing that kept saying “It’s all about the kiss.” And I wasn’t entirely sure what that was about either! I love the scene where Emmett <hiding spoiler material> Sigh. I am such a hopeless romantic!

I would love to tell you what she said before that last sentence, but it would mean giving you a spoiler, and we all know that spoilers are bad! You’ll just have to read the book to know.

2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Frances Wolf

Sweet Briar Rose

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 28, 2022

Verified Purchase

I have read a few of this authors books and i have enjoyed every one and this one was no exception i thought it was a lovely short romantic story.

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