This is a series of novellas based on romantic matches put together by Melvin Hitchcock's half-truths and twisted lies. I found the concept very interesting and the stories entertaining. Each one is a quick read in which God intertwines lives in unique ways. Novellas in general always leave me wanting more because there is not enough time to really develop and grow a character. However, this book makes a fun and light, summer read.

Four award winning authors, four books in one about four mail order brides. Now this makes for an interesting read.  The man that operates the mail order bride catalogue appointed himself not just as a go between but as a matchmaker of his own making, editing letters without the senders consent. Some of the women have traveled a long distance to meet their intended only to find there was a lack of communication between the two.  How could so many important details be missing?  It was very apparent they all had been deceived. Most of the women had no money to return to their previous life or other circumstances which prevented them from returning.Each story is unique in it's own special way. My heart ached for each family. The couples had faith in God that they were together for a purpose.  Many of their personal problems gave them strength to carry on with the arrangement in hope for a better future, even though some were a little more skeptical than others.I highly recommend this book.I rated this book a 5 out of 5.Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity/Thomas Nelson for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

When I first found out about A Bride for All Seasons by some of my favorite authors I was excited, but did not know what to expect. What I have found is a book with four stories, each about 100 pages individually. This is great for summer reading, when I want a story maybe a little bit faster than normally, but at the same time, once all four are read, it's the same as reading an average historical book these days.

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...


“And Then Came Spring”—Margaret Brownley

Start out the year right with a story in spring on marriage for convenience or love, it's hard to decide. It's a fun 100 pages with a character of Mary-Jo that reminds me of A Lady Like Sarah . I have mixed feelings on Sheriff Tom Garrett, the brother of the original man who ordered the mail-order bride. But the situation and events that occur make it all work. It's short, but a worthy read.

“An Ever-After Summer”—Debra Clopton

I'm not sure that I have read something by Debra Clopton before, but I enjoyed this short story. Reading these two together makes me recall a few years back around Christmas when some authors did a pick up and write Christmas story. Follow up your spring story with a summer tale on a character that is as unforgettable as her name Melvina Eldora or as more fitting Ellie and a broken-hearted widower Matt McConnell and his toddler Sophie. This one made my smile plenty and think of writing like Mary Connealy.

“Autumn’s Angel”—Robin Lee Hatcher

Reading about an opera singer makes me want to go back to read Lisa Bergren's Sing. Luvena Abbott as guardian to her brother’s children, is not what Clay Birch was looking for, but both the editor of the Hitching Post and apparently God knew what they really needed in matrimony. This was an okay read, but not as good as the rest.

“Winter Wedding Bells”—Mary Connealy

I have to admit Mary Connealy is one of my all time favorites and I started "Autumn's Angel" but was just a little too eager so I skipped over to "Winter Wedding Bells". I read it during the girls' nap time and loved every second of it! Just watching the characters unfold little bits of their history makes me want more, I want a whole series dedicated to David (Stewart) Laramie's past and future in Wyoming. After reading of this one it makes me want to go back through Lassoed in Texas and Montana Marriages again because her characters are just that fun. While I think this is the first Irish lass I've found from Mary, she was appropriate and quaint and of course amusing. The children in this story just happen to be there, but the real events are between David and Megan. It's just great for a short story.

All of the stories in here are based on one man Hitchcock's Hitching Post mail-order bride catalogue. It is funny and a great starting point. After the end of the stories there is a section with reader discussion questions and then a five way interview which is delightful to read and see where these authors came from and how they became connected on this opportunity to write a collection book. I give it four out of five stars, because one story just wasn't for me, but the rest I loved!

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.