Join with 9 Women on the adventure of a lifetime. Though , some are very unexpected, it's wonderful to see how the Lord uses each of these circumstances to bring these couples not only closer to each other but closer in their walk with the Lord. These women will come to realize just how exceptional and strong they really are. And, at the same time, learn that it is ok to rely on someone else. The reader will not be dissapointed!

These historical novellas share the adventures, misfortunes, and love stories of women who were held captive in various situations. Some came to America as indentured servants, suffering harsh fates. Some were held by guardians with evil intent. Some were accused of crimes. The settings of the tales go from the late 1600s to the 1800s and come from the West Indies, Australia, Europe, and America. The final one concerns an unscrupulous snake oil salesman’s troupe, a situation I’ve never seen in a novel before. Women in those days had little recourse, and their fate was usually dependent on the men in control. Unfortunately, these seem too real. The authors did a good job. The characters appear authentic and make you care about them and root for them to escape their tragic circumstances. All opinions are my own.

The Captive Brides Collection oh how each story stands alone. They each stand out and yet it Blends in. The stories are wonderful, the first story is about Temperance who was a prisoner and treated so very inhumanely by the prison guards-they knocked one of the girls into the icy cold water which brought the other women who where attached in as well and the guards just left them there to die. It was Edward who reached in and gathered her out of the water. He was mesmerized by her beauty and all she could say to him and it stuck and bothered him to no end was..............The next story is about was Maire who was told by her fiance but not fiance(you have to read the story) She was told by him he was going to America and in a year he would send for her. Well a year goes by and guess what happens-it might surprise you. The next story is about Verity who lives with her sister and brother-in-law and works her Hind end off in the towns Diner-well what we would call a diner-she has fallen for the town's lawyer and he comes in every day at the end of her shift to talk. Well she needs his service because all of a sudden the town's Sheriff comes in and....... Nah you all know I won't ruin it for you but it is intense, loving how he looks after her, sad how not everyone in her life does. The next is about poor Goldie who was born into the home of a brothel. The Madam wants her too....... Nope again you have to read the book to find out but it is unbelievable. She has two jobs to make it alone everyday. She into the pastor one day coming back from work and..... What happens? You have to read the book. Next comes the story of Charlotte who was related to a very bad man-her long-lost dad. He shafted several people out of their money and then he....... Nope I shall not tell you but it probably isn't what you think. Then because of what he did she....... As you know I won't ruin the story for you but it is simulating. Then the next one is about Moira who had a nasty Uncle who went and sold her like she was a piece of cattle. Then there was a very handsome man in the crowd who came forward and bought her for $10 and then he said to her he was going to....... Yep you have to read it and you will love it. next you have a story on the Underground Railroad, the main character Nathan and his dad are part of that. Nathan convinced Lattie to run and go on the railroad but there is one thing... He loves her. So, what happens is....... Yes, you guessed it you have to read the book. The next story is about Matilda she is a Bolter what is a Bolter? That's right you have to read the story. She meets up with a sheep herder, Henry who....... The last story is about JoJo who is, well let's say you have to read it to believe it. She was doing it when she met Cyrus who wasn't looking for love until JoJo came along and kiss them. She is in the charge of mr. grabber who is a grifter-and that is all the information I will give you on that one. All the stories are pendant lighting and full of Faith as it should be-Amen?

Spanning several decades and centuries these 9 books take you all over the world from America, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, and the West Indies. Where 9 women try to survive brutal conditions and danger with the help of God and the men they come to love or already do love. The questions are
1. Can God give them the strength and help they need to survive their captivity?
2. Will the men who come to love them be able to save them from the dangers they face?
3. And will love conquer all with the help of God and these courageous couples?

Loves Labours Found by Jennifer AlLee 1665 West Indies
Temperance was supposed to be on her way to a servant job as a governess but as soon as she stepped on the ship she was made into a criminal. Landing in Montserrat she almost drowns when her and the women she is chained to fall off the dock. Edward is the man who saves her. After she is given to a plantation owner and set to work she decides to escape running straight to Edwards plantation where he takes her in and protects her. They work out a plan to make sure that she can stay safe by buying her from her cruel owner. When he realizes he's been tricked and vows revenge its up to Edward and Temperance to stop him.

His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach Ireland & America 1773 Revolutionary War
Maire & Kirk are to be married in a week when he gets word that he needs to head to America to be an indentured servant to his friend leaving Maire behind and sending for her in a year. Then Maire must decide if she will go, so she heads to America. When she arrives Kirk isn't there to pay her passage and just about the time a wealthy business man is about to pay for her they show up. The man comes and tries to buy Maire but they friend won't sell. Maire is then injured in a fire that burns down the friends business and almost dies and needs months of medical treatment she is sold to the man who wanted her when she first arrived. He starts grooming her to talk and act like more of a sophisticated lady. She is having meetings with her betrothed Kirk with the help of the servants. Kirk enlists in the militia to earn land and money to buy back Maire. When she finds out what her new owner has in store for her she's desperate to talk to Kirk and they get caught but she makes one last attempt to see him. Where he has news of who is behind the fire.

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis Oregon 1890
Verity is the cook in the local restaurant, who lives with her married sister.. Jack is the newly returned lawyer moved back to town. Jack is trying to work up the courage to ask Verity if he can court her. He's just about to ask when the sheriff comes in and arrests her because her brother in law in missing. Immediately Jack becomes her lawyer and works to free Verity. Jack and the restaurant owners are the only town people who seem to believe her. The sheriff has a grudge against Verity so he charges her with murder and takes her to a hearing, where Jack on the way to defend her finds the evidence needed to show her innocence.

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin 1873 Barbary Coast San Francisco
Goldie sings and has grown up in a brothel. Joshua is the son of a man who sinned a great deal when he made his fortune. He and his sister and brother in law have come to give back to the community there. Goldie is looking to get out and asks Joshua and his family for help. On her birthday the owner of the brothel is giving her a party. After over hearing what the party is really for Goldie gets scared and doesn't know how to get out of it and his held captive until that night. All the while visiting Joshua's church and falling in love with each other.

Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall London England 1745
Charlotte is living quietly with the aunt who adopted her when she's arrested and taken for a trail. She has no idea why she was arrested or the charges. John is the captain of a ship transporting criminal to America and is watching the proceedings with the agent he works with. Its his last voyage before retiring to his farm in South Carolina. When Charlotte realizes she's supposed to serve her dead father's time she's in shock. Her and the other prisoners are brought on John's newly renovated ship where they're treated like passengers instead of criminals. While crossing typhus hits the ship and Charlotte's nursing skills become very helpful. All the while Charlotte and John are falling in love with each other.

Moira's Quest by Cynthia Hickey New York City Five Points 1869
Moira is on the auction block being sold by her uncle. Sean is in the back of the crowd and buys her for $10 and immediately takes her to the courthouse to get married. Moira is determined to seek revenge on her uncle who she knows killed her parents when she was small. Sean is a copper determined to find his missing sister and bring down the 2 major gangs in Five Points. Moira's uncle wants the brooch that Moira's been hiding. After helping Sean find his sister the three of them work together to bring down Moira's uncle and the leader of the rival gang. Of course Sean is always trying to protect the 2 women and they go off and come up with their own plans that Sean has to get them out of and eventually they work together using the jewels as bait.

Love;s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels Charles City. VA 1850
Leticia is a slave and Nathan works with his family's funeral home business. Her knows that she wants to escape and he wants to help using his family's connection to the underground railroad. His friend David also wants to save his love as well. When Leticia's mother dies they use that as a way to bring of the escape with the help of her grandfather. As the 4 of them travel north the keep a watch out for people coming to take them back. When they reach the great lakes and run out of money they take jobs and settle in, When Nathan meets his half brother by accident and the man sends a letter to their father, When they get a telegram telling them that their whereabouts have been discovered they decide to run, but before they actually are able to leave word comes that they are safe.

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson Australia 1821
Matilda is escaping from her prison factory in Sidney before they can take away her baby, Henry is moving his sheep north to start his sheep run. Their paths cross and Matilda thinks traveling with the group will help in her journey, When Henry figures out who she is he doesn't take her back to Sidney right away and they continue north. The soldiers come and take Matilda back to the prison factory but she lives her baby with Henry. He follows them back to Sidney trying to figure out how he'll get her out. The answer comes in the form of a minister/reverend who is head of the filing for men to get the women and marry them. And Henry is taking care of the baby all the while he's trying to get Matilda out of prison.

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn St, Louis, MO 1870
Cyrus and his cousin are getting supplies for their uncle's trading posts. Jo Jo comes along and puts on an act and lifts his wallet and kisses him. When they figure out where she went they follow and watch the Medicine show performance. Between Cyrus and his cousin the work out a deal to get the troupe onto the steamboat they're taking because they are headed for his home town. Cyrus goes down to the wagons because he wants to find out why the 2 of the members aren't coming up on deck. He makes it his mission to help Jo Jo and her friend and he starts courting Jo Jo. Cyrus is helping Jo Jo escape when they get caught in her friends room and then when the women don't show up and he's arrested its up to Jo Jo to get him out of jail by telling the truth about the man who runs the Medicine Show. her friends in the show decide to help her out by telling the truth also.
These stories are interesting and keep you engaged if you like Christian Historical books and novellas that are more like some one asking God for help or helping the other character come back or find God then this is the type of book for you, These books I would read even if I wasn't reviewing it.

The Captive Brides is a compilation of nine novellas in one book and is a mix of both favorite and new to me authors. I liked the play on words in the title, too.

In the first story, Love’s Labor Found, by Jennifer AlLee, I was shocked by the gruesomeness (for lack of a better word) of the story. I was also shocked at the callousness portrayed by the victim, though I will say the villain got what he deserved. In fairness to the author and the story, when a book elicits a strong reaction, it usually means it was well-written and developed. I perceived a cavalier attitude toward barbaric cruelty and found it disconcerting.

If I had been steeped in the seventeenth-century moral insensitivity, I might have found the plot less repugnant, but Love’s Labor Found is a novella with word constraints. I never felt fully in the seventeenth century, and I felt twenty-first-century revulsion for a setting in which torture, beatings and murder were the norm.

The cavalier attitude toward evil reminded me of a story (required school reading) I LOATHED, The Great Gatsby. Even Love’s Labor Found doesn’t deal with characters as horrific as The Great Gatsby’s but leaves the same sour taste in my mouth.

Several of the stories deal with abhorrent issues; others aren’t quite so repugnant. Some deal with horrendous acts of enslavement, while others deal with false accusations and arrest, a marriage of convenience, runaway slaves and other tales where women are “captive” to their situations.

Each narrative is well written and thought-provoking. Some elicit more emotion than others, but they overall show how faith and belief in God can draw you out of horrible situations into lives of hope and potential.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
1. Love's Labour's Found ****: Slave/servant and masters. Deception? what makes you think God will bless deception???? I still gave a 4 stars because I love history and there is a lot of history facts in this story.
2. His Indentured Bride ****: Endentured sold a few times. Loved this story; it's sweet and there's a lot of endurance from the couple. The bad one gets caught, but only at the end of course.
3. The Suspect Bride *****: Lawyer/client. Best one so far. Well written. You know they are believers but the author doesn't drag the fact. No sermon. Trust in the Lord, trust in people.
4. His Golden Treasure ***: Preacher/prostitute. Lots of sermons, verses in full, salvation plan, etc. too much waste for such a short story. Some points are also quite unbelievable.
5. Through Stormy Waters *****: Captain jail ship/prisoner. Touching, beautiful story. Believable all through.
6. Moira's Quest ****: Copper/sold at auction. Good story. Believable. A bit too much blood at some point. They pray a lot but in passing (fits).
7. Love's Escape ****: Conductor/Fleeing slave. Good. A bit melodramatic. Slow beginning. Slow end.
8. Waltzing Matilda ***: Freed slave/Escaped slave. For such a short story (about 40 pages), there was a lot of verses written, often the same one. I found the romance lacking.
9. A Score to Settle *****: Gentleman/prisoner. Funny, touching, suspenseful. Lots of history.

The Captive Brides Collection is a book of novellas written by nine noted Christian authors. Each story is unique and gives insight to the many ways women were held captive by nature of their birth or upbringing. These stories all have a happy ending yet each heroine went through many trials to escape their particular bondage. Whether they were born into slavery or paid for the crimes of their pare

Love’s Labour’s Found by Jennifer AlLee - Montserrat, West Indies, 1655
A woman answered an ad to be a governess only to be imprisoned and sold as a slave. Her future looked bleak for who would believe the story of a woman prisoner.

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis - Oregon, 1890s
A crooked brother-in-law, a jealous would-be suitor and a handsome young attorney all tie together the fate of poor Verity. When her brother-in-law disappears and is feared murdered, the sheriff takes her into custody with neither proof or positive evidence. It is only through the perseverance of Jack, the shy, handsome lawyer that the truth comes out.

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin - Barbary Coast, San Francisco, Cnts, greedy uncles or just being hungry and poor, each woman was held with seemingly no way to escape. I was struck how hard their lot in life was and wonder how many women could have been in similar circumstances that never found reprieve! Nine stories in one and here are my thoughts on a few.
A, 1873
A lovely young girl, born in a brothel, is about to come of age and her mother's madam has plans to exploit her. Goldie has been protected for most of her life, even after her mother's death. Little does she realize until nearly too late that her dreams may turn to dust. Enter a handsome young preacher whose teaching and connections to rouse the madam who would sell her to the highest bidder.

Love’s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels - Virginia, 1850
Lettie's story takes us back to the underground railroad days where slaves traveled north, seeking freedom. Her mother's death put her in dire circumstances and she must get away with her life. Nathan and his father are conductors on this amazing railroad. He is in love with Lettie who had no idea of his participation until he convinces her to take a chance with her escape! A wonderful plan executed in such a way to keep the reader hooked up to the end.

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson - Sydney, Australia, 1821
We meet Matilda & her baby Charlotte as she escaped the Women's Factory and tries to hide among a herd of sheep. She captured the heart of one handsome man who must convince her that she is worthy of his love. As a woman who was used and abused, this is no small task but love will out in the end.

Other stories to read in this entertaining collection include:

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn On the Missouri River, 1870
Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall - Atlantic Ocean, 1755
Moira’s Quest by Cynthia Hickey - New York, 1869
His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach

Thank you to Net Galley and Barbour Books for the opportunity to read this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review but I did enjoy it!

This collection of stories was really rather boring. I had a hard time finishing it and there were so many of them that were so rushed that they felt incomplete and ridiculous in their ending. I will not be review it on my blog as I cannot in any good conscience even reference this book. I will put out a PSA warning with my goodreads and Amazon account to warn others to leave this one alone. Susan Page Davis's story alone held some merit and even that was very little. I wish publishers would take a little more time to review these 7 and 9 story books to make sure they are logical/reasonable stories that will entertain rather than bore to tears. The only reason I'm giving this book a 1 star is because the writing was decent even if the plots were not. Try harder next time, please!!

Each of these Novella sets are unique and some honestly are better than others. I found this one to be pretty good! It kept my attention and I enjoyed reading each story that I was able to in the collection and look forward to going back and read the few I didn't have time to get to. Due to time I skipped around. The novellas were well written and enjoyable even though they were not full length novels. I would definitely recommend this book to others to read. I was given this book by the publisher. The views expressed here are entirely my own.

In this 9 historical romance collection of novella’s by nine different authors, nine women are about to make their escape of some of life’s greatest challenges. Wherever they go be it on both coasts, America, over the high seas, or down under in Australia, dangers and adventures await them. Will love bring them freedom to dream or to dare?

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors including Netgallery. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Captive Brides Collection

I have to be honest and admit I'm not a fan of the captive bride theme. I see nothing romantic about women being abused, no matter by whom or for what reason. I know treating women as property is part of Western history (and worse, an aspect of the present in too many countries). But it's a part we should be ashamed of, like we should be ashamed of sexism, racism, and all other forms of hate (all too prevalent in the modern world, and perhaps more prevalent in the prosperous West where we have the luxury of having opinions).

But I requested a review copy of The Captive Brides Collection because it had stories from some of my favourite authors, as well as a story from Australian author Lucy Thompson. Okay, so she's not a Kiwi, but an Aussie is the next best thing. Unless we're discussing rugby, in which case the Wallabies rank somewhere near the devil himself. #TrueFact

Despite not being a fan of the captive bride theme, I was hoping to at least like all the stories. Alas. They ranged from brilliant to unfinishable. This was mostly due to historical discrepancies in the stories, but editing errors such as "phase him", "private council", and "dying" Easter eggs.

I also would have preferred it if the stories were in date order (oldest first), rather than in alphabetical order based on the author's surname. That way, I wouldn't have felt like I was bouncing around in time and place as I read.

Love's Labors Found by Jennifer AlLee

West Indies, 1655

I have read previous novels by Jennifer AlLee and been impressed. But Love's Labours Found failed to hook me in the beginning, and completely lost me when I found it was set on a coffee plantation on an island in the West Indies that never grew coffee around a hundred years before coffee reached Europe, let alone the West Indies. If several different Wikipedia pages are wrong in this regard, I invite the author to correct them. With sources, of course. Did not finish.

His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach

Scotland, 1773

I was expecting a romance novella, but this was not it. We didn't get to see the hero and heroine fall in love (we barely got to see the hero at all). Instead, the novella focuses on the heroine having to rescue herself from the clutches of a cliche oversexed evildoer with criminal tendencies. It was compelling reading for all the wrong reasons. I hated the evildoer, but had little or no respect for either the hero or heroine. All their problems could have been solved by the heroine marrying the hero before he left for the American colonies.

As an aside, rickets is caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. Lemons provide Vitamin C, which helps prevent scurvy (also a horrible and debilitating disease, but different from rickets). Also, does the author mean bottled food or canned food? Food wasn't preserved in tin cans until the 19th century. Even then it was expensive. Two stars.

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis

Oregon, 1890

Susan Page Davis is a long-time favourite author, and The Suspect Bride didn't disappoint. Five stars.

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin

San Francisco, 1873

An uncomfortable read, in the same way as Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is an uncomfortable read. I enjoyed The Suspect Bride more, but His Golden Treasure did a better job of focusing in on the depravity of man (and woman) and the saving grace of Jesus. Five stars.

Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall

Modern eyes see a lot of faults in the Georgian and Victorian English legal systems, such as transportation for minor offenses such as stealing a loaf of bread to feed a starving family. But holding a woman responsible for the debts of a father who abandoned her as an infant is not one of those faults. A man was absolutely responsible for any debts incurred by his wife or unmarried daughters. But I've never heard of a situation where a woman was considered legally responsible for the debts of her father, especially a father she'd never met. I'd be interested in knowing the case reference, because it's hard for a story to recover from an initial conflict that doesn't feel authentic or true. Maybe then I'd be able to read past the first chapter. Did not finish.

Moira's Quest by Cynthia Hickey

New York, 1869

Moira's Quest starts with Moira being sold by her uncle—not a great start (and not legal, given the US abolished slavery in 1863. But we soon find out Uncle Liam is not one to bother by minor details like obeying the law, so it fits). I enjoyed this despite the dark subject matter because of the humour. Sean, Moira and Leah might not be trying to be funny, but they are and it's a great way of lightening the story. Four stars.

Love's Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Virginia, 1850

An excellent story that highlights some of the evils of slavery, especially when plantation owners effectively enslaved their own children and grandchildren (something I've never been able to understand. I can almost understand justifying slavery on the misbelief that slaves were somehow not human. It's wrong, but I can see how someone might use that lie to convince themselves that it was all right to treat their slaves like animals and force them to live in hovels. But if slaves were animals, why were there half-breed children?.)

This felt like it was a much longer story that had been cut down to fit this collection. It seemed like there was information or even whole scenes missing, especially as they travelled. That confused me, and meant the second half didn't live up to the early promise. Three stars.

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson

Sydney, 1821
Total cliche title for a story set in Australia, but it works. This was an enjoyable story set in one of Australia's early prison colonies which managed the difficult task of balancing the need for an entertaining romance against the depravity and abuse rife in the setting. Four stars.

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn

Missouri, 1870
Slavery, domestic violence, religious abuse, and a snake oil salesman. I enjoyed the romance, but I didn't like the backdrop of women trapped with an abusive mentor who beat them for minor infractions, like not stealing a knife.

I did like the Jane Austen quotes, although it could be argued they detracted from the story—they got me wanting to reread Mansfield Park rather than finish A Score to Settle, and that probably wasn't the intent. Four stars.

I've given the collection 4 stars online (based on the 4 stories I enjoyed), but my actual average rating is below 3. It's a tough theme, but better writing and fact checking would have helped.

This collection is written by my favorite authors and these 9 stories are so full of history, dreams and romance it was hard to put down! Each woman is a story of dreams and their journey as they dare to reach for freedom. Going on my favorite list!

Nine separate novellas in one book. All tell the story of a woman in captivity, wanting, needing to escape.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection. It is not a fluffy romance. There is a lot of suspense and danger in these stories. Of course, there is love, but it does not come easy.
Highly recommend this book! I was glad to find some of my favorite authors as well as a couple new to me authors too.
I've already purchased a copy of the book for myself.

Nine novellas that all can be read separately, but all dealing with the same subject of bondage, but coming from different angles of slavery.
Each author will have you thinking and quickly draw you into their story, and each has a woman that is being really held against her will. You will be quickly sympathizing with each of the victims and hoping for their release, and that is where the stories differ and we see the different ways the imprisonment happens.
You don’t want to miss this book, each read can be done by itself, and they are all page-turners, you will not be disappointed, and in the end I wanted to keep on reading.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publish Barbour Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

I have read quite a few of these wonderful collections by Barbour Publishing company. I really enjoyed this one so much.

This collection was about women in various situations where the had lost their rights and freedoms, such as from slavery. These stories were all different, unique and Christian in theme. They were truly inspiring.

The interest was created by the fact that there were different periods of history and different locations. All were captivating.

Highly recommend this book. It was a page turner!

Disclosure: I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for my review. All thoughts are my own.

This is a great collection of nine totally unrelated stories of women who were indentured, imprisoned, enslaved and endangered. I met some new authors, gained respect for some new heroines and heroes as I totally enjoyed these stories of redemption that I felt really came out of history. They were not sappy love stories although they all did have a happy ending; they told of others characters who did not. All nine stories are set either in the 1700’s or the 1800’s, which is my favorite time frame for historical novels.
These were such good stories that I hated to come to the end of the book.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Captive Brides Collection is a wonderful set of stories of women finding freedom from captivity--captivity that looks different in each story, slavery, indentured servitude, prostitution, arrested and held in jail or deported. Several new to me authors and some of my favorites too --Carrie Fancett Pagels, Angela Breidenbach and Gina Welborn. Each of the nine authors have their own delightful way of storytelling, some with a little humor, some with suspense and heartbreaking drama, but all weave faith in God and his grace and mercy throughout their stories of love and romance in the direst of situations. Through a time span during the mid 1600s to the late 1800s the stories take readers from the West Indies to Australia, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Barbary Coast of California and a number of states in between. Interesting tidbits of history and vivid scenes along with strong, evocative characters make these stories come alive and readers recognize that even in the despair there is hope and goodness. Don't miss this fascinating collection of stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

This book was absolutely precious! I loved every moment of Maude and Friedrich/Ben's love story. It was sweet, but left no doubt that they cared for one another and admired each other greatly. Even the secondary characters were easy to fall in love with, and I especially enjoyed revisiting a few of the characters I had met in other books by Carrie Fancett Pagels. This one left me with a smile on my face!

The Captive Brides Collection is a wonderful selection of nine tales dealing with captivity. Captivity may be physical, mental or spiritual. It is anything that binds us against our will. The reader travels from America to Australia, from 1655 to the late nineteenth century. The stories have similar themes of injustice, prejudice, trust, redemption, new beginnings and second chances, and fighting for freedom.
Down the ages women (and men and children) have been exploited by the greedy and the grasping. However there are good men who will fight this injustice. Good old fashioned knights in shining armour.
A perfectly delightful collection. I have my favourite. Pick up a copy today and see which one you like best.
Loves Labours Found by Jennifer Allee has slavery as its focus. There should only be one master - God. A little kindness goes a long way. A sweet story which both entertains and horrifies the reader.
His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach is set in America in the 1770's and covers the war for Independence, fought to bring freedom from England and freedom for indentured servants. Loyalty, love and the faithfulness of God are just some of the themes.
The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis is set in 1890. It has the themes of truth and trust. When our character is under attack, sometimes the only thing we can do is sit back and trust that God will make it all right in the end. A search to uncover the truth reveals some surprising evidence.
His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin is a story of redemption and the faithfulness of God. A bad beginning does not have to mean a bad ending. There are still good Samaritans in the world. The characters were wonderfully drawn. The reader feels empathy for their plight. God is faithful and can be trusted. He will answer our prayers,
Through Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall has the theme of the sins of the fathers being paid for by their children. It offers new beginnings, hope and the perfect Father in God. We feel like God has abandoned us at times but He never leaves us. A gentle tale of kindness and second chances.
Moira's Quest by Cynthia Hickey concentrates on bringing the villains down. Nineteenth century women had few rights and were exploited by men but there were good men too. A hard life means it's all too easy to think God is absent or doesn't care but He does. A wonderful feisty heroine and a great story.
Love's Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a delightful tale focusing on the evils of slavery. The irony of a character fighting for freedom whilst enslaving others is not lost on the reader. God can be trusted at all times. Carrie Fancett Pagels highlights the need for all to be free, where it is the state of our heart that matters most and not the colour of our skin. Wonderful characters in this wonderful tale.
Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson is a light hearted read on the serious subject of women prisoners in Sydney in 1821. There are some wonderful exchanges of dialogue between the two lead characters that are a joy to behold. There is the theme of trust. The motif of sheep reminds the reader that we are the Lord's flock and He will seek out the lost, the lonely and the least.
A Score To Settle by Gina Welborn shows how captivity does not have to contain bars. Lying keeps us prisoner. The truth will set us free. A wonderful tale.
A perfectly delightful collection.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

While I really liked the idea of this book, the stories included were disappointing at best, offensive at worst. I am a Christian. That is not the problem. However, one novella came off so judgemental and holier-than-thou, that I couldn't bring myself to finish it and skipped to the next story. The rest of the stories were 3 stars at best. A couple read more like historical adventures with the romance tacked on - not the focus of the story at all. For example, Love's Labours Found, was one of my favorites in the collection, but it wasn't truly a romance. It spent the bulk of its pages on Temperance's adventures through unjust indenture to an evil man, then spent a little time on her role as governess to Edward's son, then literally summed up their courtship in the first two paragraphs of chapter 8. The romance in that story amounted to two paragraphs of narative summary, yet it still ranked as one of my favorite in the collection. This should tell you how low the bar was set by the other novellas. The trouble? An overall feeling of implausibility, far too much narrative summarization (yes, even for novellas), and characters that just fell flat. As much as I wanted to love this novella collection, I just cannot recommend that anyone spend their time reading it when there are so many more worthy collections to choose from.

*I will not be sharing this review publicly out of respect for the authors.