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| GIVEAWAY |
SIXTEEN BRIDES
Sixteen Civil War widows living in St. Louis respond to a series of meetings conducted by a land specialist who lures them west by promising them "prime homesteads" in a "booming community." Unbeknownst to them, the specialist's true motive is to find an excuse to bring women to fledgling communities in Nebraska, in hopes they will accept marriage proposals shortly after their arrival.
Sparks fly when these unsuspecting widows meet the men who are waiting for them. These women are going to need all the courage and faith they can muster to survive these unwanted circumstances -- especially when they begin to discover that none of them is exactly who she appears to be.
My Review:
published in 2010
My thanks to my public library for providing me with a copy of this retro read...and thanks to Pam Kellogg for recommending Sixteen Brides the last time I reviewed one of Whitson's books.
Sixteen brides (who don't know they are supposed to be brides) board a train heading for Nebraska with the promise of being able to own land. They don't discover their benefactor's subterfuge until they have nearly reached their destination. What a great premise for a story! So much scope for laughter and mayhem! And angst. Lots of angst. :-)
Trying to keep track of sixteen heroines in one novel would be impossible so Whitson has narrowed it down to five. Sally, Ruth, Caroline, Ella and Hettie all have their own POV which sounds confusing but it really isn't. I quickly bonded with each of these ladies -- all women who have suffered and struggled and are desperate enough to leave all that is familiar for the unknown. Talk about courage and spunk and determination! And I love how these ladies band together to help each other in their homesteading endeavors. And how the tight-knit community of Plum Grove rallies around them. And while these women aren't seeking husbands, romance does comes calling for a few of them.
Sixteen Brides puts me in mind of Laura Ingalls Wilder -- only a grown up version of The Little House books. That same perfect blend of drama and laughter and fascinating historical details. With the added bonus of romance!
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
If you would like a chance to win a copy of Sixteen Brides, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 10 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!
Oh, this book sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
It really is. There are some real burst out loud laughter in unexpected places. Loved this band of women!!! Good luck, Trixi.
DeleteSounds like a fun read. Made more fun as I live in Nebraska. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom.
ReplyDeleteSo does the author, I believe! So this is your history, Kim. I had no idea there were women homesteaders! Thought that was a man's domain. Good luck!
DeleteThere were many woman homesteaders here in the states. Even a few who homestead in Alaska which had to be even tougher than the lower 48 states.
DeleteWow -- now that would be a story and a half -- women homesteaders in Alaska!
DeleteI have this on Kindle...just not got around to reading it! However, after your great review, Kav, I am pushing it UP on my TBR list! THANKS!
ReplyDeleteHa ha -- the inevitable priority of a TBR list. Almost as fun as acquiring the books to put on it.
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story. I have read 3 of Stephanie's books, which I very much enjoyed. Was just looking on her author website and note she has more than two dozen fiction books, many more than I realized! The majority are full length novels with a few novella collections. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize she had written that many! I've only read 5. Back to the library I'll go to see what they have from her backlist. Good luck, CC.
DeleteI have read Stephanie! This sounds too good! Civil War widows and St. Louis ? Great combination! Count me in! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet thanks!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Paula.
DeleteHer books are so enjoyable. Thank you for the chance. Blessings
ReplyDeleteleliamae54(At)aol(dot)com
You're welcome, Lucy. Good luck!
DeleteSounds like a winner! I love the cover! mauback55 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteIt is! Good luck, Melanie!
DeleteMy sister has read this book and said it was really good. I have yet to read it, but I'd love the opportunity to!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Elly!
Delete"SIXTEEN BRIDES" sounds very interesting. Love stories from this time frame. It would be interesting to see who all "changed" their true stories, how and the outcome from doing so. It's almost like the saying "if it sounds too good, then it probably is" but then again a lot of hunters have going after quail and went home with a turkey. :) Thanks for the review and the chance to win a copy of the book. I'd love the opportunity to read it.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
It's a great read! Good luck, Kay.
DeleteGreat author!
ReplyDeletekarenskrayons(at)gmail.com
Yes!!!! Good luck, Karen!
DeleteThanks for featuring this book! Sixteen Brides is one of my favorites by Stephanie Grace Whitson. I'm glad you enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
I absolutely loved it! Thanks for the suggestion. Good luck, Pam.
Deletethanks for your review. i love the civil war era. oh goodness, this sounds like a fun book. i love to read about strong and gritty women.
ReplyDeleteThese women are definitely strong and gritty. Good luck, Lori.
DeleteI have never heard of this one, so adding it to my tbr list. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteLLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com