Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I was unable to get into it. The stories were a bit too shallow for my taste- maybe the short form just isn't for me. I will not post a review on Goodreads so as not to skew. the ratings.

Not the biggest fan of these-- don't love the length of each story and couldn't connect with many of the characters. That said, writing was decent and stories relatively original. Worth a read if you're into novellas.

This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion.

A collection of stories that range from the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s. All the women featured prefer barefootedness over shoes. The main characters, each have a serving spirit and along with that era, seem to always be willing to lend a hand,

Quick stories make this book fly by. The romance and spiritual insight came through on each story and was very heartwarming to me.

I usually love these romance collections, but this one I could just not get though. The first story was unbelievable, unclear... and kinda gross. I can imagine being barefoot at the beach but a wild west town with horse poop everywhere? Yuck. There was also the editing errors of the main girl being described as wearing overalls, then a dress, then overall again...all within a few pages. Then the doctor... who made up things wrong with the cat and lied off of a vague interest and pretty calves? I wasn't even sure what was going on! At this point I skipped to the next story. This one had too much description and not enough context. Again, i didnt understand what was going on. I just couldn't get into it. 2/2 was enough. So I think I will pass on this collection but like the others too much for publishing this elsewhere. Thanks anyway for the opportunity to read and review it.

7 barefoot brides in various historical settings. Can life get any better? These are all Christian based stories, with Lori Copeland adding her story. Definitely great reads!

This book contains 7 stories from different authors which is a great tool for those looking to find new authors. The other benefit is that each story is short and sweet, so I found it perfect to read between my full novels.

Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland - 3 stars

This story was cute. Annie and Gabe were cute characters and the romance developed sweetly. The names in the description differs from the story though.

Castles in the Sand by CJ Dunham - 4 stars

This story started out slow and I was a bit weary to continue with the story. But I'm so glad I did. It changed into a "must-see-what-happens-page-turner". I feel the focus was more on the main female lead, Jennie, even though both characters had to overcome some obstacles. I really enjoyed Jennie as a character.

A Teacher’s Heart by Cynthia Hickey- 3 stars

This was a lovely story during the depression and how to change small things to better your life. There was some funny scenes. This was cute but not a favourite.

Between the Moments by Maureen Lang - 4 stars

Even though the synopsis was different to the story, this was a favourite. I enjoyed Mary's character a lot. Except for the love story, there was also a message of forgiveness, love for the "different" and repentance.

Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett - 4,5 stars

Definitely my favourite of all the stories. A dashing gentlemen, a lovable lady, forbidden love and some unlikable characters. The relationship between Adelaide and Everett developed sweetly and I really wanted a happy ending for them.

Lady Slippers by Kelly Long - 2 stars

This story was just ok for me. I liked it the least from all the stories. Even though Fern were likable, I didn't connect with the characters and didn't care for Jacob.

Hope’s Horizon by Carolyn Zane - 2.5 stars

This started out as okay, but I ended up liking this. The characters of Hope and William was interesting and I enjoyed their friendship, they had an easy connection and their interaction was fun to watch. I loved William. Hope I liked, but I got irritated with her decision to marry Mr Ditschworth. The reason the book leaned more towards okay for me is due to the Ditschworh characters, the author did a good job (almost too good) of creating characters who everyone disliked, but my dislike towards them overpowered my liking of the story to such a point where I actually didn't want to continue.

The Barefoot Brides Collection
7 Eccentric Women Would Sacrifice All—Even Their Shoes—For Their Dreams
by Lori Copeland, CJ Dunham, Cynthia Hickey, Maureen Lang, Cathy Liggett, Kelly Long, Carolyn Zane
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian , Romance
Pub Date 01 Jul 2018
I am reviewing a copy of The Barefoot Brides Collection through Barbour Books and Netgalley:
In the first Novella in this collection Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland we are taken back to Edgar's Cove Arkansas where we meet Annie Jones who at one time was perfectly content with her life on the Mississippi , until she meets the man of her dreams Doctor Tucker Goodwin. He had agreed to fill a temporary void in Edgar's Cove but the void was actually in Annie's heart! Will a baseball score be the answer to a lifelong dream!
In the Second story in this collection The Castles Made Of Sand: we are transported to 1899 Vancouver Canada where we meet Jennie Farrow, a carefree young woman who befriends an Orphaned Baby Seal and an old fishermen whose crusty. When the Seal brings something back from the sea, they recognize something from a missing boat and soon find themselves looking for the missing boat. Jennie finds a man on the beach who has no memory so she helps to nurse him back to health? What will happen if his wealthy family comes to take him away?
A Teacher's Heart by Cynthia Hickey takes us to the Ozark Mountains in the 1930's! Mary Jo Stevens is a small town teacher who wants to make a difference in her community. Bill Wright is an agent for the Arkansas Welfare Department, he travels every hill and hollow to teach men and women to make the best out of what they have. He needs the assistance of someone like Mary Jo, who isn't an outsider.
Can Mary Jo trust this man, despite the fact he thinks he knows best?


In Between the Moments by Maureen Lang we are transported to 1870 Addington Kansas where we meet Eddie Tucker a man who lived with the Apache as a child for seven years. Now though he keeps to himself that is until Mary Elliot comes into town. She's the daughter of missionaries. Mary does not embrace her Grandfathers wealth and would much rather spend time with those in need. These two outsiders have a lot in common but will it pull them together or keep them apart?


In Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett we are transported back to Boston in 1890 where we meet Adeline McClain who was orphaned and brought to Boston to live with her wealthy relatives, but her caring, down to earth, barefoot ways tend to get her in trouble. Will Adeline's eccentricities leave Everett Brighton having to make a choice between his inheritance or her?

What will he choose?


In Lady's Slippers by Kelly Long we are taken to Pennsylvania Appalachia in 1920's where we meet Fern Summerson a local resident who agrees to help a missionary pass out shoes to those who need them in her community. The journey soon becomes fraught with tension as Jacob Reynolds falls in love with his guide and discovers her connection with nature is beautiful.


Hope's Horizon by Carolyn Zane transports us to the Oregon Trail back to 1843 where we meet Hope Dawson a woman who agreed to become engaged to an older man just so her family does not have to feed her, but she is forced to walk alongside Julius while his Mother rides in the wagon. A fellow traveler, traveling on the Oregon Trail William Bradshaw sees this and wants to help but can he help without losing her heart.


I give The Barefoot Brides Collection five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

The Barefoot Brides Collection is a compilation of stories about seven strong-willed, free-spirited women who would sacrifice everything -including their shoes-for their dreams. As readers can imagine, giving up one's shoes in the late 1800s and early 1900s was not easy given that people were conscious consumers.

Readers will meet female characters who have a strong attachment to nature and are willing to take the less trodden paths in order to fulfil their dreams. The seven authors shared intriguing plots with diverse characters that would make this book perfect for summer days. This would be a comforting read for readers who are struggling with being true to themselves and need to know their unconventional dreams by God's grace are attainable.

I’m barefoot in the kitchen so incredibly absorbed in The Barefoot Brides Collection and its seven A.M.A.Z.I.N.G romance stories that I’ve forgotten to start dinner. Hey, Honey, we’re going out tonight. You can blame it on Barbour Publishing! 5/5

Pub Date 01 Jul 2018

Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#TheBarefootBridesCollection #NetGalley

This was a cute collection of stories. The premise was interesting. My favorites were Barefoot Hearts and Lady Slippers. All the stories were sweet short reads full of romance and likable characters. An enjoyable collection of historical stories.

The Barefoot Brides Collection by various author’s is a collection of seven eccentric women who either do not have or detest wearing shoes. The stories are set in the late 1800’s. All of the brides are perfectly happy to never wear shoes, hence the title.
I really liked this book. The stories are a nice length and can be read quickly in one or two sittings. The stories are all independent of each other and could be read in any order. I found all of the characters to be realistic in their concerns and actions. The brides must learn to trust God if they hope to meet that one groom who will not mind their shoeless and strong-minded ways. Each story kept me engaged in the plot. Parts of each story are very serious and other parts are laugh out loud funny. I could often relate as I only wear shoes when I must. I give this book a solid 5 of 5 stars. I believe it will appeal to all who enjoy Christian romance; it would make a great gift, especially for your barefoot friends.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I have always been a fan of short stories, what makes this book interesting is that it’s a collection of brides who are getting out of their way just to be happy with their lives. It might be a little difficult to cram up more details of the story if you are only allowed for at least 10 chapters, but I gotta hand it to these authors they were at least able to not leave out necessary details to make their story more interesting. I love how dynamic the characters are like how Annie loves walking barefoot, might be a tomboy, but very mindful of others. Jennie is also adventurous like Annie. I love how most of these female characters are fun. A mother-in-law who wants her daughter-in-law to be happy is also one of the things I liked about this book.

I’m not a fan of stories that are too descriptive, I sometimes find it unnecessary. There was only one story that was too descriptive for my liking but the rest, I really liked how it was written.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventurous & dynamic characters. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Seven unique, independent and exocentric women find the men of their dreams. These seven men love, are intrigued, and help their women adjust to a world where they aren't the norm. These stories by some of todays popular Christian writers are funny, heart breaking and filled with the love and respect that the women are looking for from others. The stories take you from 1843 Oregon Trail to the Depression era 1930s. You are caught up in these people's lives and wonder if they will figure out God's plans for them. Travel through time to see if God's love & true love will be found for these seven couples.

Barefoot Hearts Lori Copeland Arkansas 1876
Annie is about the youngest person in town. One of her weekly chores is to take her elderly friends for a walk including a very large cat named Big'uns. When a fast moving horse almost runs over the cat and Annie she is introduced to the temporary town doctor. There is an immediate connection. Dr. Gabe Jones is on his way to St Louis to open his practice when he's talked into working the small town. Gabe wants to see more of Annie so he makes an excuse that he needs to keep seeing the cat. Annie realizes that its just an excuse but likes Gabe so she keeps coming for visits. Another accident sends them back to see Gabe. When Annie quits coming around Gabe tries to tell her she doesn't need an excuse. They can't stop thinking about each other. A doctor comes to see about the position and Gabe realizes he wants to stay. Annie and Gabe tell each other about their pasts. It leads to Annie telling the local baseball team about Gabe's past. He gives in and comes to pitch in the game. They finally win. They propose to each other.

The Castle Made of Sand CJ Dunham 1920-30
Jennie is a free spirited young woman who never wants to grow up. She loves living on the island and one wakes up with her eyesight becoming less bright. Going down to the small dock, Jennie makes friends with a seal and a fisherman. They work together to keep the sea lion fed. When word is received that there was a ship wreck they have the seal take them to the missing man. Jennie helps to take care of him and when he wakes up has amnesia. Thomas was trying to get away from his domineering father and wakes up not knowing who he is. Jennie explains what happened to him and they start to call him Gavin. Gavin & Jennie become friends and fall in love. Gavin becomes an apprentice to her father. When Jennie comes looking for Gavin at the hospital she's told that his family has come and taken him to her dream house, the castle on the island's hill. He asks for Jennie and has someone go bring her to him. Being drugged by his father's doctor he doesn't know if she is real. They just miss each other but with the help of the daughter of the house Jennie follows Gavin to his home. Only she can't find him because she finally can't see anything at all. Thomas remembers everything when he sees his mother's grave. Thomas confronts his father. They make their way to the docks separately and Thomas saves Jennie from drowning. They come back to the island and Jennie adjusts to her new life. She thinks that she won't see Gavin again. He comes back and proposes and they make plans for the house behind her parent's house.

A Teacher's Heart Cynthia Hickey Ozark Mountains, Arkansas 1932
Mary Jo is coming home to teach in her hometown. When she falls off the wagon taking her up the mountain. She starts walking and jumps out of the way when a car comes by. Bill picks her up and takes her up the mountain and explains what he's doing there. They immediately feel an attraction. Bill asks Mary Jo to help him to win over the people on the mountain. Mary Jo helps a student who takes advantage and takes in her child as well. Bill helps out all over the mountain and earns the trust of the people. He even helps Mary Jo. Mary Jo must decide if she'll accept an marriage proposal. Bill ends up staying at Mary Jo's house after an accident. Bill is torn about leaving to go back to his job. Their feelings grow. Mary Jo gets attached to the baby but the mother takes her away only to return her. Bill leaves to talk with his boss. Mary Jo doesn't think he's coming back. He returns after having an accident. Returning a proposal is made and a marriage takes place. Bill finds a business and job.

Between the Moments Maureen Lang Kansas 1879
Mary steps off the train coming to visit her grandfather. Eddie is at the train station to pick up the mail. Not seeing her party Mary begins talking to some newly arrives Africans. Eddie gives her some information and offers to give her a ride to her destination. Mary gets a rude welcome from her grandfather. She tells him he's been rude. Eddie and Mary run into each other the next day and he takes care of a snake bite for her. Her grandfather treats Eddie rudely again. Mary and Eddie keep seeing each other and become closer. Mary makes some new friends. A soldier from Eddie's past shows up in town. Mary is to go for supper to Eddie's house but her grandfather stops them. Everyone comes to the barn dance at her grandfather's house. Eddie confronts his brother and the soldier from his past. Apologies and explanations are made. Eddie is offered a job working for Mary's grandfather. Mary and Eddie marry and go to visit his Apache mother.

Promise Me Sunday Cathy Liggett Massachutes 1890
Adeline is living with her Uncle's family since her mother died. She's always kind to everyone and takes the nastiness of her aunt and cousin. Everett is the one his parents and Adeline's family has picked for her cousin. Everett is curious about Adeline. They are having a conversation when her cousin interrupts them. It just gets her into trouble. Adeline tries to abide by her family's wishes At her cousin's birthday party Everett helps Adeline with her shoes and that only gets her into trouble and sent from the party. She realizes she'll never do anything right in her aunts eyes. Everett gets a speech about Adeline. Adeline goes to Everett for help so that she can earn money to go home. They start spending time together and fall in love. The money from Everett's family restaurant goes missing. Everyone including Everett believe it's Adeline. She leaves for the train station to head home when it's revealed who the actual people behind it were. Everett finds Adeline and they declare their love for each other. Acceptance and forgiveness are made along with a proposal.

Lady's Slipper Kelly Long Summerton Mountain 1922
Jacob is on a missionary trip to give shoes to the people of the mountain. Fern is the one to be his guide. Fern gives Jacob advice and he goes back down the mountain for supplies. They like each other from the start. Jacob apologizes for somethings he says. Jacob must prove himself to the next family. Fern heads home and Jacob stays with an elderly lady nd hears about Fern's past. Her sister unexpectedly shows up while they're picking blueberries, since she's supposed to be watching their young brother. A search is started. Jacob is injured saving the brother. Fern helps to nurse him back to health. They become closer. Fern has to stop her father from going after Jacob after her sister tells a lie. Fern is injured in the confrontation. They declare their love for each other. A wedding is held and the bride is barefoot and carrying Lady's Slippers.

Hope's Horizon Carolyn Zane Oregon Trail April 1843
Hope is working in a millinery shop to help her family. William is a scout for the OEC (Oregon Expedition Company). He notices Hope when he walks by the shop and catches her watching him. An older man comes in to buy his mother a hat. He invites hope for dinner and then starts coming around her family home. While they're eating a fight breaks out and her companion disappears for a short while. She and William have a conversation and are attracted to each other. A betrothal is made between Hope and her suitor. Her family is promised help and a trip west. Hope doesn't want to become betrothed but feels she doesn't have a choice because of her family. From the start of the journey Hope is treated like a servant instead of a fiancé. William is always around because their wagon needs help, her fiancé and his mother don't know what they're doing. William thinks Hope is the daughter. They try to fight the attraction but its hard. There are several mishaps that bring them closer together. When Hope is injured William makes sure she's taken care of and promises to always to so. The final straw comes for William when a young Indian brave tries to buy Hope and her fiancé actually considers it. When the truth about Hope's fiancé's family comes to light William and the men on the council make sure they are taken care of. Hope and William declare their love and promise to raise some orphaned children. A wedding and a family are made and a promise kept.

These stories are uplifting and show what determination and love can do with the help of God. Seven men and women find love when they least expect it and work through hardships and realize that God has found the right person for you even though you don't think you'll ever find them.

A collection of stories about seven women who would sacrifice all, even their shoes, for their dreams. This collection of romance stories are written by seven different authors who each highlight a character that has the unorthodox habit of not wearing shoes. These stories are Christian-based stories that will warm your heart with their sweet stories.

The Barefoot Brides Collection by Lori Copeland is available from Barbour Books/ Barbour Publishing. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

A wonderful collection of stories that range from the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s. All the women featured prefer barefootedness over shoes. Each one has a gentle, serving spirit and are always willing to lend a hand, or more. Short and sweet, with quick wrap ups of the plot. Perfect for those times you don’t have much reading time.

A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. There was no obligation to leave a review and all thoughts are my own.

A clean collection of shorter novellas that all revolve around the theme of “barefoot brides”. Each story has a different setting and different characters, but all the stories have the theme of faith, hope, and love towards friends, family, and community. There’s a little bit of romance included in each story which makes these stories that much sweeter. Perfect for those times you need something shorter and uplifting to read. All are written by talented authors. I enjoyed this collection.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.

Fun collection of romance novellas all featuring young ladies who prefer going barefoot over wearing shoes. Read how these unconventional young ladies attract the attention of young men who learn to look beyond the "barefoot factor" to the joys these young ladies bring to their lives. Fun collection of quick-read romances!

The Barefoot Brides Collection is a collection of seven stories. These stories include:
Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland
The Castle Made of Sand by CJ Dunham
A Teacher's Heart by Cynthia Hickey
Between the Moments by Maureen Lang
Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett
Lady's Slipper by Kelly Long
I enjoyed this collection. Each woman in the stories were so much fun. My favorite of the seven would be Cynthia Hickey's A Teacher's Heart.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars.

A great collection of inspirational romance novellas. Each selection is well written with a good plot. I enjoyed each one. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this.

A fun collection of historical romances full of great characters!
The barefoot gals in these tales were all from different times and places, but shared a stalwart character, and a free spirit, putting others needs first. Moments of humor and colorful side characters in some of the stories made this a delightful read.
Many spiritual insights came naturally through the stories and settings. Loved the humble missionary Jacob who had a tough job of passing out shoes along with the gospel in a poor area in 1920's Appalachia, and his willingness to meet people on their terms.
"The Lord taught with grace. And people need grace the most when they deserve it the least." It reminded me a little of Christy.
My other favorite was the Oregon trail story by Carolyn Zane. William was a stellar hero.
I enjoyed them all! Recommend!
4.5 stars