Much like a mug of Seattle-based Starbuck's Coffee, I found Deanne Gist’s novel, “A Bride in the Bargain” rather addicting. Also based in Seattle, in the time period of the Washington Territory, Mrs. Gist uses lively and believable characters, rich and scenic descriptions, and a great combination of turmoil and romance as a perfect blend...rich as a good cup of java.
July 8th, 1866 Miss Anna Ivey arrives in port at Seattle’s Puget Sound. (On a personal note, 103 years plus 7 days later, I also arrived in Seattle, all 8 pounds of me, but that’s another story…). She is greeted by men that look like hungry vultures; all having waited for months for their mail order brides, most of which did not arrive. She is looking for her new employer, a lumberjack named Joseph Denton, whom she believes hired her as a cook for his logging crew. What she finds is a tall, handsome tough guy with a soft side, who thinks she has come to be his bride. It seems their “contracts” with the middle man don’t exactly match up. Neither do their personalities, most of the time!
If Joseph doesn’t get married soon, his land is in jeopardy. However, Miss Ivey is certain everyone she loves ends up getting hurt so she has vowed never to marry. They are both stubborn and head strong and find themselves in quite a quandary. But, he does need a cook and she owes him the money for her passage to Seattle…so there is an agreement worked out for the time being.
Though you can likely see where this story is headed, there are many detours along the way that keep you turning the pages, captivated by the relationship between the characters and intrigued by their complex personalities. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and there is much to love about all the main characters in this book.
Placed in the rugged Pacific Northwest, the land and the lumber are some of the characters brought to life as well. In some ways, the taming of the wilderness, and the settlement of the land, parallel Anna’s and Joseph’s relationship. The people and the terrain play off of one another and both are important to the story. Both draw you in and make it hard to leave.
If you enjoy historical romance, you will certainly find “A Bride in the Bargain” a solid read. Though it is a Christian romance novel, I would like to note that the story has no deep theological issues that are wrestled with. Christianity is more of the tone of this time in history and is part of the foundation and underpinnings of the character’s lives. This is the kind of story you read solely for the enjoyment of getting swept away!
July 8th, 1866 Miss Anna Ivey arrives in port at Seattle’s Puget Sound. (On a personal note, 103 years plus 7 days later, I also arrived in Seattle, all 8 pounds of me, but that’s another story…). She is greeted by men that look like hungry vultures; all having waited for months for their mail order brides, most of which did not arrive. She is looking for her new employer, a lumberjack named Joseph Denton, whom she believes hired her as a cook for his logging crew. What she finds is a tall, handsome tough guy with a soft side, who thinks she has come to be his bride. It seems their “contracts” with the middle man don’t exactly match up. Neither do their personalities, most of the time!
If Joseph doesn’t get married soon, his land is in jeopardy. However, Miss Ivey is certain everyone she loves ends up getting hurt so she has vowed never to marry. They are both stubborn and head strong and find themselves in quite a quandary. But, he does need a cook and she owes him the money for her passage to Seattle…so there is an agreement worked out for the time being.
Though you can likely see where this story is headed, there are many detours along the way that keep you turning the pages, captivated by the relationship between the characters and intrigued by their complex personalities. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and there is much to love about all the main characters in this book.
Placed in the rugged Pacific Northwest, the land and the lumber are some of the characters brought to life as well. In some ways, the taming of the wilderness, and the settlement of the land, parallel Anna’s and Joseph’s relationship. The people and the terrain play off of one another and both are important to the story. Both draw you in and make it hard to leave.
If you enjoy historical romance, you will certainly find “A Bride in the Bargain” a solid read. Though it is a Christian romance novel, I would like to note that the story has no deep theological issues that are wrestled with. Christianity is more of the tone of this time in history and is part of the foundation and underpinnings of the character’s lives. This is the kind of story you read solely for the enjoyment of getting swept away!
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