"The Anonymous Bride" Review and Book Giveaway

I'm finally excited to say I believe summer is finally on its way. It has been a long cold winter and I am now enjoying the fruits of spring. I love being able to go outside without having to wear a heavy coat or sweater. The blooming flowers and trees brings a song to my heart and makes my step a little lighter.

I have been busy the past couple of weeks and have not posted very often. However, I have been reading and I have two books that I would like to share her with my readers. If you have read my posts recently, you'll remember that I have decided to recycle the books that I have either won myself from another blog or am reviewing or influencing for an author or publisher. So with that said, keep in mind that these are slightly used books which are in very good condition. Without further ado, let's begin the reviews.

THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE BY VICKIE MCDONOUGH:

Back Cover: How many brides does one man need? It's been years, but Luke Davis is back -- older and wiser -- and still alone. Returning as Lookout's new town marshal, Luke is determined to face the past and move on. But when he discovers that the woman who betrayed him is now a widow, all his plans fall at his feet.

Rachel has carried her guilty shame for 11 years. Her marriage to James Hamilton was not what Luke or the town thought it to be. Now James is dead, and Luke is back. Could they possibly find love a second time? Rachel begs his forgiveness, but Luke finds he has none to give.

And then the brides arrive. Three of them -- ordered for Luke through newspaper ads by his incorrigible cousins. The only place in town for them to stay as Rachel's boarding house. And none of the ladies is willing to let Luke go. When choosing a bride becomes a contest, the chaos that ensues is almost funny. When the mayor forces Luke to pick a bride or lose his job, will Luke listen to his heart that still longs for Rachel or choose one of the mail order brides?

About the author: Award-winning author Vickie McDonough believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. She loves writing stories in which her characters find true love and grow in their faith. Vickie has published 18 books. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is currently serving as ACFW treasurer. Beginning of book reviewer for nine years as well. She is a wife of 35 years, mother of four sons, and grandmother to a feisty three year old girl. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling. Visit Vickie's website at www.vickiemcdonough.com.

My take: One thing I have learned by reviewing books were being an influencer is that it pays to keep an open mind. Before I started reading Christian fiction and before I began my blog I read very little outside of my favorite genre which happens to be mysteries. I have been enjoying reading fiction since I was old enough to read. Even from the beginning mysteries have been my favorite. But when when I decided to start my blog and review books it was definitely going to be to my advantage to read other genres. This is what I hope - that those who read my blog will learn to keep an open mind so that they can enjoy taking many different adventures, but opening their world of reading and letting in other genres.

"The Anonymous Bride" is one such book that I would not have picked up in the past - simply because it wasn't in my genre. Boy, am I glad that I have turned a new leaf that ultimately lead me to this book.

The main character, Rachel, holds a secret that only a handful of people know. For many years she has put on a front for the townspeople which lead them to believe there were no problems in her marriage. Does this sound familiar? Are there families today who hide what their real circumstances are in their home life? Don't we all put on our social faces when we go out in public? Rachel's husband is dead now and she is left to raise her daughter (a little spit-fire) alone. She runs the towns boarding house to make ends meet.

In comes Luke Davis, the new town marshal. Luke and Rachel have a past - they were very much in love and planning on getting married until Rachel suddenly marries the towns richest bachelor. Luke is devastated and leaves town, just now returning. He meets Rachel's daughter, right away and decides to take this little wild girl under his care. He is surprised to find who her mother is. When he sees her, he knows he still has feelings for her, but he is not ready to forgive her for breaking his heart.

Luke's cousins decide to place an ad for a mail order bride and then he is blessed with three women who want to marry him. The ensuing antics of the three women (as well as Rachel who never stopped loving Luke) to try and win Luke's heart will keep you laughing out loud. It is a very easy read and I couldn't put it down wondering what was going to happen next. Needless to say I enjoyed this book very much and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series! Oh, does Rachel win Luke's affections back? I'm not telling you will have to find out for yourself.

To enter the drawing please: (in the same comment)

1) sign up as a follower or already be a follower.

2)visit Vickie's website and let me know if you've read any of her books yet

3)let me know how you feel about reading other genres that you think you might not be interested in?

Contest ends May 16th, 2010

HAPPY READING!