Since Kathleen Y’Barbo wrote “The Pirate Bride”, book 2 in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, it is also fitting that she penned “The Alamo Bride”, as there are direct connections between some of the characters. Although I mention this in most of my reviews for this series, it is worth echoing; each book in this series contains a solid plotline that allows it to stand on its own, yet with some mention of previous characters, and the series never feels formulaic. Each contains a romance, but there is a fresh diversity with each new time period and couple. Part of this is no doubt due to having different authors, and the challenge of maintaining the overarching theme of faith and adventure is always met. Readers can start with any book in the series, but for the best experience, I would recommend reading them in order. Doing so also offers a nice chronological timeline of America’s pivotal historical events.

Prior to reading this novel, I must admit that I had little knowledge about the Texas Revolution and the Alamo. Nor have I read many books about the Southwest. Thus “The Alamo Bride” was both enlightening and entertaining. The New Orleans Greys were new to me as well, and it was interesting to learn about their involvement in the conflict. Clay Gentry’s role in the novel surprised me, and Ellis Valmont always brought a smile to my face with her feistiness and devotion to her family and the cause. Jean Paul Valmont provided an appealing character because of the difficult decisions he had to make as a patriarch and businessman. The danger of everyday life during this time period was startling, but Y’Barbo does a nice job of presenting the humanity of both the Texian and Mexican sides. As a crucial element of the plot, the head injury was a fascinating and unique touch, adding an extra layer of intrigue. This novel delivers faith, conflict, humor, and love while exploring an often-overlooked piece of our nation’s history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Alamo Bride.
I really enjoyed this novel. With a slow build romance, it belongs perfectly in the Mayflower series. (Though there were a few moments when I thought I might have missed something...) This another great historical read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kathleen Y'Barbo for the ARC!

You will spend time with the Texians as they battle for freedom from Mexico! Ellis Valmont is a brave young woman who has learned about healing from her mother and is determined to stay and defend her home. Ellis finds Clay Gentry who has been shot and nurses him back to health but Clay does not remember his past due to a head injury. Both Ellis and Clay are great leading characters. You will enjoy this seventh book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each can be read as a stand alone. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and from NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review.

This was a refreshing look at a period of American history that is often overlooked in romantic fiction. I liked the characters; from the moment I met each one, I was mindful of the sacrifice they made in leaving a life of privilege behind to build a new society. Ellis and Clay were strong in integrity and hard workers, thinking of the good of others; whether family members or strangers, they treated people with respect and kindness. Their growing attraction and hopes for a future together were expressed in period and culturally appropriate ways. I appreciated that the battles took place off stage. The romance level is sweet and the characters don't curse. This is appropriate for romance readers of all ages.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

I inhaled this story like a hungry book dragon! I enjoyed the lively banter between the characters, the mystery of hidden treasure, and the rich historical details that all gave this story a life of its own. My only disappointment was that because I read it so fast, it was over too soon. But I just couldn’t put it down!

Ellis is a lot like her grandmother, Maribel. She is independent, feisty, and often leaps into a situation before she looks. Ellis is also a skilled healer and her sensitivity and heart for others shine through, often to her own jeopardy.

Claiborne Gentry has an important mission to accomplish, but a run-in with a couple of trigger happy foe’s leads to lost memory. If only he could remember what it is he is supposed to be doing before the time runs out on his mission.

This newest addition to The Daughter’s of the Mayflower collection is a page-turning adventure that you won’t want to miss! The story easily stands on its own, however, the other stories in this collection are just as fabulous! Be sure to snag your copy of The Alamo Bride today.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

I read a lot of historical fiction, mostly about World War I or II, so I was pleasantly surprised to pick up a book about the Alamo. Author Kathleen Y'Barbo does an excellent job with her research to create a truly enjoyable read.

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to leave a positive review.
From Amazon:
Will Ellis Lose All at the Alamo?

Ellis Dumont finds a man in New Orleans Grey unconscious on Dumont property in 1836. As his fevers rage, the man mutters strange things about treasures and war. Either Claiborne Gentry has lost his mind or he’s a spy for the American president—or worse, for the Mexican enemy that threatens their very lives. With the men of her family away, Ellis must stand courageous and decide who she can trust. Will she put her selfish wants ahead of the future of the republic or travel with Clay to Mission San Jose to help end the war?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)

This is my first time reading a book by Kathleen Y'Barbo and now that I see there are others, I know I will be digging into these books very soon. While each book in the series helps you understand the characters more deeply, I can attest that you can read these novels individually and still enjoy the story.

The Alamo Bride takes place during the war for the Independence of Texas. I haven't read much about this part of history, other than what the textbooks share, so I was eager to read more about this time. Even though the majority of the book is spent away from the Alamo, I loved reading what the locals were feeling and thinking about while the war took place in their country.

For me, the relationship between Ellis and her mother was one that most of us cling to, one of mutual trust and loyalty. I loved how Ellis' mother was teaching Ellis the medicinal craft of her family. I loved reading about the patches of the forest where they dug for herbs. Y'Barbo builds strong female characters and she uses their strengths to help them with their struggles.

Y'Barbo knows how to create relationships between people. Ellis and her grandfather, Ellis and her mother and Ellis and Clay are well developed and I enjoy having a peek into how the author builds those relations through conversation.

The author makes me feel like I was right in the Alamo during the moments before the siege. I felt the anxiety of the people in the church and Ellis when she believes her life was in danger. The pressure was real and I found myself reading quickly to find what was happening, just to find out that I was going to have to keep reading to find out the truth. Great plot design!

I also loved that the family had a quote that they all believed in and shared: "I don't believe in luck..the Lord takes care of us in His own way. If something goes our way, we figure it's because it is His way.

This is a beautiful historical book that is set in Texas with vivid descriptions. The author does an excellent job of taking readers back to 1865. I was excited to see a character from another book in the series make an appearance if only by name in this story. It is nice to see how authors can weave characters throughout a series with no gaps.

Ellis is a fierce and determined woman. When she rescues an unconscious man floating near the river the action really starts in the book. The scene where she goes in the water with snakes had me on the edge of my seat. Her bravery was evident as she never gives up trying to save the man. I don't think a few of her family members were thrilled to see the man and have Ellis take care of him.

Clay was on a secret mission t when he becomes injured. Can you imagine his thoughts when he woke up to see Ellis looking at him? Clay has said some things while having high fever that has Ellis a let nervous. Is Clay trustworthy or is he there to cause harm to her and her family? The story had a bit of intrigue with Clay hiding secrets and Ellis becoming suspicious of him. Who shot Cay that day when Ellis found him? As danger come to Ellis and her family because Clay is there?

I enjoyed the banter between Ellis and Clay and it was fun to read how their relationship developed. There are some really funny moments in the story that will catch readers snickering as they see a different side to Ellis and Clay's relationship. It makes me think maybe they are becoming comfortable with each other. I loved the references of places like the Brazos River since I'm a Texan. It is easy to tell the author has done her homework on historical facts that make the story realistic The ending is filled with action and ties the story up nicely. .Fans of historical books will enjoy this story filled with intrigue, secrets, romance and faith. I encourage readers to read the what the author included at the end of the book. There are interesting historical facts and other tidbits that really enhanced the story.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to to post a review.

This is the second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series by Kathleen Y'Barbo and I loved this one also. Ellis is a young girl helping her mother take care of the homestead while her father and older brother are off fighting in the war. While out collecting herbs, Ellis and her younger brother find an injured soldier. Clay is in New Orleans gray outfit but while recuperating, he says things that make Ellis think otherwise. Ellis listens while Clay talks in his delirium and writes things down. She does not know what to think about this soldier but finds that there is more to this handsome man than meets the eye. Ellis decides to help Clay and their adventure begins. Another awesome story in the Daughters of the Mayflower series! Cannot wait to read the next one.

First off, I want to say that I really appreciate seeing eras of history that aren’t often covered in Christian fiction make their way into books being published in the CBA market. The Alamo is something that you rarely see in any subgenre of fiction, and I think it is lovely that the author has taken on this bit of history. That said, this book wasn’t really for me. The book is well written and the characters seemed endearing, yet the book just didn’t capture my attention. I think there are many readers out there that truly would enjoy this book, it just wasn’t the book for me.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Thank you to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book.

One of the things I am thoroughly enjoying about this series in the focus on events in American history I vaguely remember from high school history classes. These authors bring the time, place, turmoil, and people to life. The Alamo Bride is no exception.

A hero who can’t remember his mission and a strong, stubborn woman who can’t decide whether she can trust him. Clay instinctively knew he could trust this green-eyed woman, but it takes a while for him to discover all facets of Ellis Valmont’s personality.

Kathleen Y’Barbo previously gave us my favorite book in the series thus far, so there was a lot to live up to in her second offering, especially considering Ellis Valmont is Maribel’s great granddaughter. While The Pirate Bride remains in the top spot, there is plenty of Maribel’s personality in her descendent. And let me just say, the ending is so worth the journey of Ellis and Clay.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. 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.

I have been thoroughly enjoying the Daughters of the Mayflower series and this one certainly does not disappoint! It is well worth the 4.5 stars that I would give it. Another well researched historical novel that once again taught me more of the history of our great country and those who settled it many years ago. With great detail, we visit a rough land with creatures you would not want to meet as you take a leisurely walk or a nice cool swim. 1836 was a time when men came from near and far to fight for independence from Mexico. Our hero travelled from New Orleans with The Greys to help with the war effort. Many were the predicaments that he and our lovely red-headed heroine found themselves in. Throughout it they both clung to Bible verses that gave them courage to go on.
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust" Psalm 91
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. All impressions and opinions are my own.

The Alamo Bride was so much fun to read. I loved how feisty some of the characters were, and I couldn’t wait to get to know them more. It was interesting reading a story where a character lost his memory. I couldn’t imagine having everything important wiped away, and not even knowing your name. Plus on top of that, being shot and having to heal from a near death experience. It would seem like a really bad dream, and one that Clay would gladly wake up from. Sadly it’s not possible, and Ellis seems to want to keep him dreaming. I can’t fault her for not trusting a man she found barely alive in a boat that was not his, especially in times of war. Slowly she must learn to not only trust him, but lean on and follow him as well. It might be the only thing keeping them both alive.

This book took me by surprise several times. It was fun getting to imagine how life was different back then, and how patriotic some people could be. I enjoyed watching Ellis, and seeing her zest for life. When she set her mind to something there was little that could change her mind. I want to be more like her. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. The characters were unique and easy to love, and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them yet. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Books and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have really enjoyed this whole series so far. While I tend to read a lot of historical fiction, this series challenges me to also read historical stories outside of my typical time periods and events. While I certainly have my favorites in the series, there aren’t any so far that I’ve really disliked.

Considering the fact that I read this book in one sitting, I certainly found it interesting. I was fairly underwhelmed by a lack of action though. It didn’t have a satisfying conclusion to several pieces of the story and it ended too abruptly. I enjoyed reading about Ellis and Clay and how their relationship developed, and I got a few laughs out of some of their witty humor. I would have liked to see more development behind Clay’s past and his special mission.

So while I have some mixed emotions about this chapter in the series, I’m still glad I read it and can’t wait to see what comes next. I would have liked to see more to the ending, but I enjoyed the rest of the story. I’d easily recommend it to other historical fiction fans.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Alamo Bride, by Kathleen Y’Barbo, is the seventh book of the multi-authored Daughters of the Mayflower series. I’ve read most of this series, including The Pirate Bride by this same author.

Although this story isn’t as action-packed and some of the others in the series, it still captured my attention. I haven’t read many books that take place in Texas, or center on the Alamo, so my interest was piqued.

I enjoyed the historical features of the story, but wish more took place at/around the Alamo. The pacing was slow in parts, but the final quarter of the book picked up pace and came to a nice conclusion.

Overall, this is a good story. Ellis and Clay are interesting characters and their interaction was fun to read. I received a review copy from Barbour Publishing (and NetGalley) and was under no obligation to post a review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Wow, this is my favorite of the series! And not just because I have visited the Alamo on many occasions (as well as Andrew Jackson's home). The writing was excellent, and the story maintained my interest throughout. It was pretty right-on, historically, and I appreciated the review of our history with Mexico. I, especially, liked the tidbits that the author tacked on at the end about her research. This has been a great series!

I enjoyed this historical Story. I liked the slow build in the characters as they grew together. This is the first book I read by this author and am thankful to the publisher and netgalley for the advanced copy to read.

The historical context for this novel was rich and informative, and served to enrich the story with context. The romance between Ellis and Clay was very believable, both in its slow build and in its sweet tenderness.

The Alamo Bride was hard to put down! I absolutely love this book! Well written and a book that once you start reading it, you can't stop! It was full of actual history, suspense, action, and a perfect ending! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I highly recommend this book.

The Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with a story (and a cover) that I knew I couldn’t pass up. The Alamo Bride takes place during the war for Texas’s independence. I’ve long been fascinated with the battle of the Alamo, so I was eager to read a book set during this time.
I had the misconception that much of this book would take place at the Alamo. In reality, less then a quarter of the book is set there. Despite that, I did enjoy this novel.
I love that each author in this series writes strong, relatable heroines, and yet they’re all very different. Ellis is headstrong and stubborn, and it’s that tenacity that equips her to pull through many struggles. Clay is an intriguing character with flaws of his own, but it was fun to read how he dealt with his loss of identity.
The Alamo Bride is rich in history, and I learned a lot about the Texans’ struggle for independence. There were times when I felt that the story dragged or lost my interest, but overall I enjoyed The Alamo Bride.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

As an adopted Texan (I lived there for 32 years) and having taken a college class in Texas history, I appreciated the author's wonderful historical research on Texas' battle for independence. She brought the life and times of the Texians into a vivid picture that set the reader right there as it was all happening. She also pulled in some lesser known facts such as the New Orleans Greys role in the fight for independence.

My favorite character was Ellis. She was a strong, independent, feisty woman just like her grandmother, Maribel, who starred in Y'Barbo's Pirate Bride. The slowly developing relationship between Ellis and Clay didn't overshadow the main focus of the war for independence which I really appreciated.

I wish there had been a little more action throughout the story as the first half seemed to focus predominantly on Ellis caring for Clay. There wasn't much depicted of the actual fighting itself to give the reader a picture of what the battle for independence was really like especially the Battle at the Alamo and the capturing of Santa Ana at the Battle of San Jacinto.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.