What a great addition to the Mayflower Brides series! Every book has been a delight and this one is no exception! I really enjoyed all of the mentions of the ancestors bringing the books together. The romance was spot on and I especially enjoyed the history between the hero and heroine. Their chemistry was great and built well. My other favorite part was the spiritual content. I loved how each of them had a difficulty to overcome and how their walk back to the Lord was a journey we got to experience. Very well done, Susanne Dietze!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze is part of a multi-author series called The Daughters of the Mayflower. Each book is a stand-alone story and they can be read in any order. The common thread that ties them together is ancestry that dates back to the Mayflower. I’ve read and enjoyed eight books from the series so far, including this one which has mystery, danger, second chance love and a message of forgiveness. I loved it! There is great character development, a lot of suspense and action and a satisfying ending.

This is the 11th book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and I was privileged to read them all. The Blizzard Bride is no exception and as the title infers, there is a snow/ice blizzard in the reading. This was based on a true happening in history….Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…but really her true motive was to find the man that killed her father and caused the premature death of her mother. This caused her to become penniless as they lost everything. She is very bitter and has turned her back on God for allowing all her misery. Plus the man she had loved left her without a word and moved away. She has come undercover for the government, to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—this was the man who killed her father. When she arrives she finds her former love, Dash is there for the very same purpose. All of this makes for a wild ride and turning page after page in suspense. Will she be able to accomplish her purpose, can she even be civil to this heart breaker? Which child is the one she is looking for as she has learned to love all of them? You will love this superb novel that will keep you guessing………I would like to thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for sharing an eARC of The Blizzard Bride and I am happy to leave this review.

The Nebraska Blizzard of 1888

A schoolteacher in a cold, drafty schoolhouse when the roof unexpectedly caves in, trapped in a sudden, blinding blizzard. But brave Abby has to find a way to save her students. Abigail Bracey goes undercover as a schoolmarm in Wells, Nebraska in order to attempt to avenge her father’s death. The author has woven an engaging story around the crime of counterfeiting, and the plot twists will keep you turning the pages!

I especially loved the character of Dashiell Lassiter, the Secret Service agent assigned to the counterfeiting case. All of the characters were unique and special but my heart went out to mean old Mr. Yates, a poor man struggling with his own demons. Not only does the author tell a great story, but nuggets of wisdom are strewn throughout. My favorite line from the book is “forgive, forget, forgive, forget”.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Set in 1887 and 1888, Abby Bracey is recovering from the lost of her parents and the information that her father was involved in a counterfeit money scheme as well as the disappearance of the man she loved. Dashiell "Dash" Lassiter is an undercover agent for the Federal Government and is trying to apprehend the head the counterfeiting scheme. He also just happens to be Abby's ex-fiancee. Now he has the nerve to ask her to take a teaching position in Nebraska and help him find the counterfeiter's son in order to catch his father Pitch.

The romance in this historical fiction novel takes a back seat to the actual mystery which I appreciated. Yet I could still feel the connection growing between Abby and Dash. Dash was a strong, faith-filled hero who tried to help Abby find her way back to the faith that she once had until her life came crashing down around her. This is my first read by Dietze. Her writing flows well and historical research so very evident particularly regarding the blizzard, the aftermath, and the treatment of victims. Her after notes regarding the real Nebraska blizzard gave me chills when I read the horrible death count. The secondary stars of this book have to be the delightful children who were in Abby's school as well as a skunk named "Stinky." This was another wonderful addition to the Daughters of Mayflower series.

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

Another wonderful installment to a favorite series. Abby and Dash are wonderful characters, I loved their journeys to forgiveness, and Abby's long road back to trust in genuine love and friendship. This story had lots of good side characters, a basis in real historical events, and of course a message of hope and faith.

This is the 11th book of the Mayflower Brides Series, many of which I’ve already read and for the most part enjoyed.
The opening of this particular novel pulls the reader into the world of espionage, the beginnings of the Secret Service. Our heroine has one goal, to see justice served to the man who killed her father, and she will do anything to accomplish that goal. Including relocating halfway across the country to find the man’s hidden family and pose as a school teacher, only with a secret mission to accomplish.
There’s lots of humour and blunders as the main characters try to keep their reasons for moving to the sleepy town in Nebraska. The blizzard of 1888 catches the town unaware and provides an excellent element to the storyline to further frustrate their efforts.
The author keeps the reader guessing as to which single mom and son belong to the infamous criminal, and who, if anyone, is the man himself they are trying to prevent from coming to town.
Great descriptions, some comedy of errors, make this a fun-light read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

An unusual twist in a historical novel—a teacher works undercover to help locate her father’s murderer. Only this task requires she partner with the man who jilted her years ago. How can Abigail Bracey possibly work with Agent Dashiell Lassiter? And will this job turn dangerous? Set in the winter in Nebraska in 1888, you know a bad snowstorm is coming. What will happen to the students? The intrigue and twists also made the book fun to read. The layering and character development make you ponder and consider life choices and consequences. The book stands strongly on its own. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of The Blizzard Bride from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sweet turmoil and interesting mystery! I enjoyed learning some of the historical points of counterfeiting as much as I did the romance and adventure. Adversities and backstory drama between Abby, the heroine school mistress, and Dash, the federal operative add depth to the already intriguing plot. Well written.

Interesting and exciting!

This story was a bit like a Nancy Drew mystery in a historical setting - with a Christian theme of forgiveness & reconciliation.. It was well done, & I enjoyed it, but it does have a young-ish flavor to it.

The beginning sets things up and builds slowly but steadily. The blizzard was bizarre, & it's scary to know that really happened. There's enough other stuff happening that you could almost forget about the killer counterfeiter (which the MCs seem to get distracted from, too), but the denouement hits, and the story gusts to a finish. So to speak.

This is my 3rd book from the Daughters of the Mayflower series, & I really wish I'd had them when I was homeschooling my daughter. This would be a great supplement to a history curriculum. Especially with the historical notes that follow the story.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

*Religion: explicitly Christian themed with Scripture quotes & main characters praying

I am still in love with the Daughters of the Mayflower series even after eleven books. It's not so much about the family connections as walking through America's history and frequently encountering events that I was unfamiliar with. In this case the event was the Children's Blizzard that struck the plains on January 12, 1888 in which 213 children perished. (Don't worry the author doesn't become overly focused on the depth of this tragedy.) I was also unfamiliar with how widespread the problem of counterfeiting once was in our country. (Please take time to read the 'Historical Notes' section at the end. It is quite interesting.)

While the mystery in this book is easily solved by the reader, the events leading up to the culprit's capture keep one totally engaged. The story's theme of forgiveness is well done. I am grateful to have received a copy of The Blizzard Bride from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley in exchange fro my honest opinion, which is that this is an great read. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Blizzard Bride has a lot to recommend it, including that this is yet another book I’ve picked up that this is another book that provides insight into a historical event I previously new nothing about, this one taking place during Schoolhouse Blizzard in Nebraska. While I’ve never been through a similar experience, I enjoyed seeing it conveyed through the eyes of the heroine, Abby, and how it helped her grow in her faith.

That aspect makes up the latter half, and there’s also a compelling mystery element, where she’s hunting for her father’s killer, who is also involved in counterfeiting. This brings her back into contact with her former love interest, Dash, who is a Secret Service agent and concerned for her safety. The romance is rather sweet, and I enjoyed seeing them ultimately come together, especially given there were some issues that separated them in the first place.

And a quick note about the series itself: while this is book #11, it is very much a standalone, with this being Dietze’s first contribution to the multi-author series, and as my entry point, I was not lost, although they do bring up a few of their connections to their descent from Mayflower settlers, a plot point for the earliest book, and I’m interested in trying at least a couple of them based on the summaries.

This is a pretty good historical romance, bringing to light what was likely a life-changing historical event for many. I recommend this lovers of sweet historical romance.

I love this multi-author Daughters of the Mayflower series, and this novel in particular. I am amazed at how the author designed this exciting and thought-provoking plot based on real historical events in the years following the Civil War and in 1888. The characters are very well-developed, the mystery intriguing, and spiritual lessons beneficial. I also appreciated the sensitivity afforded Dash regarding one of his challenges.

Abby is a school teacher in Chicago. Her father was killed four years ago at the bank he managed, and her mother died of pneumonia and a broken heart a year ago. After his death, they learned her father was distributing cash for a counterfeiter. When he told the counterfeiter he could no longer do so, the man killed him. She and her mother lost everything, including people they thought were friends.

Mr. Welch, with the Secret Service, has been in contact periodically with Abby. Today he comes with an interesting proposition. The operative assigned to the case in another state discovered several new information. The counterfeiter, formerly known only as The Artist, is Fletcher Pitch. Pitch was married for about a year until his wife learned what he did for a living. She took their infant son and left. She died not long after, leaving their son in the care of her sister Katherine, with the promise she would never let Pitch near their son and a tintype of his likeness.

Katherine changed her name and relocated to a small town in Nebraska. The schoolteacher there has a lung infection and is leaving. In need of a teacher, the Secret Service wants someone who might determine which of three “widows” with eight-year-old boys who moved to Wells in recent months is the woman with Pitch’s late son. They want to protect her and the boy and see the tintype of Pitch so they know what he looks like.

Welch and his operative want Abby to go to Nebraska to teach and help determine who the woman and boy are. There’s one catch. The operative she will be in contact with is Dash Lassiter. He left Chicago six years ago without a word to Abby on the day they were going to announce to her parents their intention to marry, and she never heard from him again.

Since her father’s death, Abby still believes God exists, but she is angry at Him, her father, the man who killed him, and Dash. She is bitter and unforgiving, wanting nothing to do with Dash – or even God. They only way she will work with him is if her contact is limited to sending a wire when discovering the right widow and son. At least until Dash learns Pitch knows where they are and will be on his way there to get his son. Dash moves to town.

This novel kept my attention from beginning to end! While I did make correct guesses of certain events, I was unprepared for the depth of spiritual changes Abby needed or could encourage in others. The plot is beautifully executed. I am impressed with the historical research shared and learned something new. I highly recommend this to older teens and women who love Christian historical fiction set in the late 1800’s that includes intrigue, natural disasters, and a touch of romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

What a fabulous story! This book has a little bit of everything that I love about Christian historical fiction: conflict, suspense, a great setting; and romance. There’s humor in this story (especially the part about an unexpected visitor to Abby’s classroom); but there are also more serious themes of forgiveness and trusting God during tragic times.

I admired Abby as a teacher and loved all her little students. Dash was a compelling character. He had unique abilities that made him an excellent Secret Service investigator. However, he also struggled with dyslexia, and felt that he was somehow lacking in intelligence because of it. Abby’s flaw was was the bitterness that threatened to rule her life. She was especially bitter towards Dash and and her father because of the ways they had let her down in years past. She felt, too, that God abandoned her. As they are forced to work together, Abby and Drew both have much to learn about placing their complete trust in God and each other. As the people of Wells, Nebraska, rally to help Abby, she sees true Christian love and friendship in action.

Both Abby and Drew are called on to use every bit of the courage and strength they possess, and it makes for an exciting end to this story. I’m a little sad this is a stand-alone story, because I loved the characters in this book. This is the first book I’ve read by Susanne Dietze, and I’ll be looking forward to reading more of her books.

One other note: Be sure and read the Author’s Notes at the end of the book for the true background of this book. I had never heard about “The Children’s Blizzard” until I read this book, and am found the true account fascinating and heartbreaking.

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

Another great book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. These books are stand alone and each is written by a different author. Some have written more than one book in the series.

I really enjoyed this book and the storyline. The history weaves through the story and is interesting. I love at the end how Susanne Dietze includes how she came to write the story and what historical events took place versus the storyline. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I will also be seeking out books by Susanne Dietze since this is the first book I've read by her and I really enjoyed her writing style.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

The Blizzard Bride is an easy-to-read, enjoyable story set in Nebraska in the late 1800’s. It is cleverly written keeping the reader guessing about the identities of the culprit and his son until late in the story. I love the way Ms. Dietze amazingly incorporates the real-life event, the Children’s Blizzard of 1888, into her fictional narrative evidencing extensive research. The characters in this book are endearing and memorable. The climax in the search for the villain is exciting, and the ending is sweet and satisfying even eliciting a few tears! The thought-provoking theme of forgiveness is prevalent throughout the faith-based story. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!

I’m almost never a fan of second chance romances. While I can appreciate an enemies to lovers trope, there’s something about second chance that has to be very specific for me to like- when couples split for stupid reasons or cheating I hate seeing them get back together. This one had a bit of silly reasoning for their split, but I so enjoyed watching Abby and Dash as they rekindled their romance.

The story was intriguing as well. Abby’s father is killed when he tries to back out of a counterfeit operation, and Dash (her once Beau) has become the secret service agent in charge of apprehending the counterfeiter called the Artist. At first she doesn’t want to work with him, but in order to catch her fathers killer she agrees to take the position of school teacher in Wells, Nebraska where the Artist’s son is said to be. From there we have the mystery of which of the three widows in town is tied to the Artist? Who is the Artist? Could he be someone we already know?

The mystery was a little obvious to me, but that’s only because I’ve watched far too many who-dun-it’s.

On January 12, 1888, people woke to an unseasonably warm day and went about their normal routine. By evening they were fighting for their lives. The morning mild weather turned into an unexpected blizzard and left a mark of sorrow in history. The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze is a fictional account of the true event which became known as The Children's Blizzard.

This is another wonderful addition to the Daughters of Mayflower series. I get excited each time a new book comes out because they give you intimate glimpses into historical events. In The Blizzard Bride, Abby is a school teacher living with hurts from her past. Her life on the prairie is fulfilling, but it has its challenges. Dash, a man as sincere as they come, has a job to do that might cost him his life. These two characters draw you into the story and don't let you go until the last word of the last paragraph. As if that wasn't enough to keep you interested, other characters, some who I don't like, have the same effect.

A lot of interesting things happen in this book. It is more than just a story about a blizzard and it is one of my favorite books in the series. What I really like about all of them is that each one is clean and gives a place for spiritual truths from God's Word. Prayer takes place and trusting God seems to be a running theme through them all. The Blizzard Bride is an inspirational story and one that will stay with me for a long time.

I received this book from Barbour Books, via NetGalley, for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

A Young School Teacher Seeks to Unmask a Dangerous Counterfeiter

Abigail Bracey’s life was turned upside down when her father was killed. He had been working for a dangerous counterfeiter. When he told the man he could no longer pass out money for him, he was murdered. A year later, Abigail’s mother died of pneumonia and a broken heart. Abigail is also suffering from a broken heart. The man she planned to marry, Dashiell Lassiter, disappeared on the day they were to announce their intentions to her parents.

All these tragedies have left Abigail embittered. She has lost her faith in God and her only desire is for revenge for her father. When Mr. Welch, with the Secret Service, asks for her help in locating the counterfeiter, Fletcher Pitch, she leaps at the chance. Pitch is looking for his son who is in hiding with his aunt after his mother’s death. The secret service believes she’s in a small town in Nebraska. Abigail will go there as a schoolteacher and try to identify the boy. The Secret Service not only wants to protect the boy, but see a tintype of Pitch so they can identify him.

Although Abigail is eager to go, she’s not pleased to find the agent she will be working with is Dashiel Lassiter. He still cares for her and doesn’t want to put her in danger.

This is an exciting story capped by a terrible blizzard. The author did a good job making the background come to life. I enjoyed the description of how the teachers must be very correct during school hours.

Abigail and Dashiel are characters you enjoy spending time with. I thought Abigail’s struggle with her faith was realistic and well done. She realized that cutting herself off from everything, including her faith, was making her an embittered old woman before her time.

I received this book from Barbour Books for this review.

“Forgive my cryptic invitation to lunch, Miss Bracey, but I dared not go into detail on the chance your post was intercepted.”

Opening line from “The Blizzard Bride” by Suzanne Dietze
Once again, the daughters of the Mayflower series delivers a fantastic historical romance full of great mystery and easy-to-relate to characters.

Author, Suzanne Dietze, in The Blizzard Bride, introduces us to Abigail. Our leading lady has suffered huge setbacks because of the murder of her father and she is determined to help the government to catch the man responsible. To aid the investigation, she is set to teaching in rural Nebraska! Swiftly she connects with this sincere and warm town.

Our leading man is the government representative on the scene. The man he is searching for is more than a murderer but also an elusive counterfeiter. Agent Dashiell Lassiter is also Abigail’s former boyfriend to Abigail. He fled the relationship for seemingly no reason leaving Abigail broken hearted.

The two have to lean on each other, God and the town community in the hunt for the murderer. The novel explores the principles and practicalities of Christian forgiveness and it’s healing power and Suzanne does a great job.

The historical aspects is elegantly handled and forms a twist in the mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish! It’s a five out of five enJOYment and highly recommended!