A Sweet Misfortune by Maggie Brendan

Rachel Matthews is determined to buy back her family's ranch at any cost... even if it means becoming a dance hall girl. When Rachel's brother hears of her new vocation, he asks his friend, John McIntyre to get Rachel out of the dance hall business. John honors his friend's request and retrieves Rachel only to find she's less than grateful. Sparks fly as John and Rachel live under the same roof and tensions mount as Rachel learns that John is the current owner of her family's land. Will John and Rachel part ways? Or is it possible that the land they quarrel over just might bring them together?

A Sweet Misfortune is the second novel in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series by Maggie Brendan. I have not read the first story and A Sweet Misfortune worked fine as a stand-alone novel.

The beginning captured my attention and created a desire to know how Rachel and John's story would play out. The desire to see how they would come together was what kept me turning the pages when certain characters annoyed me. (Rachel repeatedly explained that a dance hall girl is not necessarily a prostitute and it felt like John's grandmother, Estelle, was just a bit too perfect and understanding.) A Sweet Misfortune is a classic, inspirational love story with a steady pace and plenty of tension between the characters. Readers who enjoy Maggie Brendan's other works will likely enjoy this one as well.

Read an excerpt from A Sweet Misfortune by Maggie Brendan on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan

Peter Andersen is a simple farmer who longs for a bride of his own. Overlooking the local girls, Peter corresponds with a mail-order bride from Holland. Each letter he receives convinces him more that Catharine Olsen is the right woman for him. When she arrives, he is pleased with her beauty and sweetness. However, she failed to mention that she would be bringing her two younger sisters to live with them. Frustrated and unsure about this turn of events, Peter takes a leap of faith and marries Catharine the day after she arrives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Settling into life as a married man and older brother-figure is undeniably difficult, but quite satisfying. However, when Peter's mother, Clara, conducts a private investigation, Catharine's secrets are exposed. Will their new relationship survive? Can Peter and Catharine learn to trust God and each other?

Deeply Devoted is the start of Maggie Brendan's Blue Willow Brides series. Filled with a tender romance between Peter and Catharine that many readers will enjoy, Deeply Devoted also addresses deeper issues of Catharine's previous failed marriage. This drama adds tension to the plot and keeps the plot from stagnating. Personally, I thought the story moved a little too slow, but other readers may feel differently. The characters of Deeply Devoted were well-developed and Clara's internal conflict was especially intriguing.

Click here to read an excerpt from Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan

April McBride may be a spoiled rich girl with a life of ease, but she is passionate about horses. When she arrives in Lewistown, Montana, she finds Wes Owen training a horse and immediately objects to his method. Fortunately for Wes, April is nearly late for her brother's wedding and must save further objections for a later time. The ensuing encounters between April and Wes are no less dramatic and confrontational. Strangely enough, April's feelings toward Wes move from frustration to intrigue. Will April look past the obvious differences between Wes and herself to find a common ground?

Normally, I absolutely love a well-written historical romance. However, A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan is what I would call an “okay” book. It was diverting enough, but very predictable. I enjoyed the romantic moments of the book and April's transformation from spoiled child to kind young woman. However, I felt the story lacked authenticity. Some situations/things just seemed too convenient while others seemed downright strange. Unfortunately, I never really felt like the book grabbed me and drew me in. I recommend renting A Love of Her Own from the library before buying.

Click here to read an excerpt from A Love of Her Own by Maggie Brendan.