The 12 Brides of Summer: Novella Collection #1

I read.  I consume books.  I love mysteries and romance, but over the last few years the authors I have enjoyed have gotten "mystical" and "other-worldly".  If I wanted to read science fiction or the occult I would have purchased those books.  In my dis-satisfaction I went looking for a different type of book.  I have read several of Michelle Ule's books, and have read all of the 12 Brides of Christmas Books.  I have read most of what I can find byMary Conneally.  I wasn't as familiar with the two other authors, Susan Page Davis or Amy Lillard, but I loved all of the sweet stories in this collection.  For me it was nice to catch up with Ewan and Kate from Yuletide Bride, but I really enjoyed Malcolm and Sally's story in Sunbonnet Bride.  I would recommend this collection for anyone wanting to read something on the beach that they wouldn't be embarrassed being seen reading.  I guess I am just a sucker for a good love story.

Blue Moon Bride: While traveling by train to visit an old friend in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Ava Neal comes face-to-face with train robbers, something she definitely did not plan on. Will she find that a blessing can come out of it though when a kind gentleman assists her? 

Sunbonnet Bride: Hardworking Malcolm wants Sally to know how he feels about her, but can't seem to find the right words. When disaster strikes the town of Fairhope, Nebraska, he reaches out to demonstrate what real love looks like instead. Will she see it in time to choose him over the rich banker?

Wildflower Bride: Grace has given up on finding a love of her own until she encounters Ian at her sister's wedding. Can she leave her family and Arkansas hometown for someone who lives in New York?

 This sweet collection of three short historical romances is set around the later 1800's America. Well-rounded determined characters who find themselves in some interesting dilemmas, and come face-to-face with love unexpectedly, make these all fun little stories.
 My favorite is the second one by Michele Ule, as it continues on with familiar characters from the Yuletide Bride in the Christmas collection. Have to confess, I had a soft spot for shy hardworking Malcolm and how he gets tongue-tied around sweet Sally. Admired Joe Logan in the first story too, with his hopeful determination to do the right thing. However, Ian McGruer in the last one gets the dreamy award. Who can resist a man in a kilt who picks wildflowers? Really liked them all though, especially as the characters all seemed to prayerfully consider their decisions, and the insertion of Scripture that sets these stories apart from other clean reads. They make a great read for a summer afternoon or anytime of the year.
 Recommend to any Christian historical romance fans! 
(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book provided in exchange for this, my unsolicited honest review.)

This novella is the first of a series dealing with love and romance. The stories are sweet and well written. I enjoyed them all and look forward to the next collection.

Inspiration historical romances often use adversity or natural disaster as catalysts for romance or an opportunity for the characters to turn more fully to God. These three novellas are no exception. For Ava and Joe it is a westbound train robbery, Malcolm and Sally grow closer in the aftermath of a Nebraska tornado, while for Grace and Ian it is love at first sight in the Ozarks.

When reading ebooks, I find it difficult to gauge length and often find that they feel much longer than print books. This collection is an exception to this. Though classified as novellas, these three stories were such quick reads that they feel like short stories.

While each story is complete, they do have a common failing of this form in that they feel underdeveloped. Nevertheless, these are perfect summer reads and I might even classify them as “beach reads” as they are quick, enjoyable and have satisfyingly happy endings. (Side note: Ian first appears wearing a kilt. Romance readers rejoice.)

This is the first of four collections, each containing the stories of 3 different brides, adding up to the 12 of the title (though technically, there are at least 2 additional brides, but they were secondary characters in this first collection).

Short, sweet stories.  I enjoyed reading both volumes!

The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis Ava Neal hopes moving west will be a new start, then she meets handsome Joe Logan who helps her hide her valuables when the train is robbed. Might their paths cross again?
MY REVIEW:   This is a sweet novella set in the 1800's in Wyoming.   A train robbery leads to a job on the railroad for Joe Logan and this gives he and Ava Neal time to pursue the spark of interest that developed when they met and traveled together on the train.  This is a 5 star romantic novella.  It makes a quick read for summer or any time of the year.   

The Sun Bonnet Bride by Michele Ule After a grasshopper plague descends, Sally Martin is faced with a choice to marry a banker who wants to buy out ruined farmers or a teamster willing to give all his money to God’s work.
MY REVIEW:  What a precious novella !   Sally Martin creates lovely sunbonnets that have an ingenious design that are fast becoming popular in the local shops.   She has two ardent suitors:  the rich young banker, Josiah, and Malcolm, the hardworking teamster.   She has a choice to make and the town as well as her own family are trying to recover from the loss of homes and crops during the recent tornado.   I rated this novella 5 stars and think readers of historical fiction will enjoy this romance set in the 1870's.   

The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard Grace Sinclair would never dream of leaving her Ozarks, so when Ian MacGregor visits for a wedding, she ignores her sudden romantic thoughts. Can Ian make her see the way of love?

MY REVIEW of The Wildflower Bride:  Do you believe in love at first sight?   Grace and Ian are certainly experiencing it after meeting at her sister, Maddie's wedding.  Grace had resigned herself to being an old maid and helping her father with his church in Arkansas, but now????  she really wants to be wherever Ian will be.  He will be returning in New York in a few short days to accept his first church pastor position and she will be staying behind in Arkansas.  What will they do?  How will they resolve the issue?  Readers are sure to love this 5-star romantic novella by Amy Lillard.   

MY OVERALL Review of Collection #1:   5 star romantic novella set in the 1800's which is certain to be a lovely way to spend a summer day reading !   I received a kindle version of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.  Reviews have been posted to my blog, amazon, goodreads, christianfiction, shelfari, deepershopping and booksamillion.

I enjoyed this offering by the various authors.  It was a delightful read that was at a good pace with interesting characters.

I really loved this collection! I think it was another wonderful idea (like the Advent Christmas novellas) but this one, so far, has surpassed in content. I loved the stories. I loved how none felt rushed. I ESPECIALLY loved getting to see Madie and Harland again (thanks Amy!) as their story was tied for my tope favorite of the Christmas season! I loved it!

The 12 Brides of Summer - Novella Collection #1 is a collection of three stories. The stories include:  The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard I enjoyed all of these historical novellas. They are short, clean, sweet, and romantic. I enjoyed The Blue Moon Bride the most of the three.
Great collection! Five stars

Michelle Ule did a wonderful job in The Sunbonnet Bride. A great, summer read that will have you rooting for Malcolm ,the shy,hard working, gentle man over Josiah Finch. Sally is the sweet,caring women with the kindest heart. She is always willing to help those in need. And with her sister Lena's help after a Tornado hits their hometown both of these strong women surprise the town. And of course Melt a shy man's heart:) Pick this up and read! You will love it.

These were sweet romance novellas.  My favorite was defiantly the first one by Susan Page Davis but the other two were wonderful also.  One reason I love this novella collection is that I am experiencing authors I have never read any of their books.  I know I want to read more of these authors.

I love most of these novella collections from Barbour and this is no exception. These summer stories were very sweet and lighthearted. Some of my favorite authors were featured in this collection. I highly recommend all 4 of the 12 Brides of Summer collections.

The 12 Brides of Summer is an excellent series of short stories. I love being able to sit down and finish a short novella and get a wonderful feeling. These books and authors provide that wonderful feeling. If you have never read anything by these authors, this is a good way to try out their writing style. If you like what you read, get another book by that author. If you don't like what you read, move onto the next story.  Excellent short stories.

The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #1 3in1 historical and entertaining book Blue Moon Bride Sweet romance. Perfect timing. God is so amazing in all his ways, He takes two absolutely different people from two different worlds and makes them one perfect couple by pouring his love in them.Ava and Joe meet at the train - he is on the delivery job, she is running from the pain of the death of her fiancé. Once in a blue moon this kind of love from first sight happens and this was theirs. Adorable and adventurous story!
Malcom a man of faith and hard work is head over heels in love with Sally (the sunbonnet maker) but she is courted by a young banker Josiah. Will she choose to stay with Josiah and his business mind and all the dreams he represents or will she finally see the true character that Malcom represents?
Grace has absolute assurance that a man of Ian's caliber will never look at her and love her without any love potion. She hasn't tasted Gods true love and His matchmaking mind.
Adorable, totally unlikely, romantic and adventurous three novellas- great beginning to the series.
Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of this book from Publisher, through netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

Very light and upbeat. Has good values. Like that it wasn't all about sex. Based in the older days. Good reading and good outcomes

Okay, So I'm not Olivia Newton John, and I can't sing, but I read three novellas about summer love and they were all terrific stories. 

The first is called Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis. Ava meets Joe on the train while she's on her way to see her best friend, Polly. The train ride is interrupted by some train robbers who take a packet that Joe is supposed to deliver in San Francisco. Joe's ability to sketch the robbers helps catch them. Joe is intrigued by Ava and truly enjoys talking with her, and explains to her that the month they are meeting will have a blue moon--a full moon that occurs twice a month. Joe comes by often to see Ava at Polly's house and they intrigue grows to love. 

The second is The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule. Sally works for the milliner and Malcolm is a teamster who loves Sally but has never had the guts to tell her. When a tornado strikes Sally's father's farm, Sally sees how Malcolm gets his hands dirty helping those who lost so much in the storm. On the other hand, Sally sees how Josiah, the local banker, seeks to profit from other's tragedy. Sally decides to make sunbonnets to sell for the disaster relief fund and her sister Lena embroiders a tornado on the brim of the bonnets. It is at the relief auction that Malcolm finds his gumption to tell Sally how he feels. 

The third is The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard. Grace is standing up for her sister, Maddie, at her wedding to Harlan. As Grace walks down the aisle, she sees Ian standing with Harlan in his full Scottish regalia, it seems as though Grace has been struck by lightning. Ian is just as elecrified by Grace's appearance, but he's called to pastor a church in New York, or is he?

These stories are quality reading for an afternoon of quiet. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a sweet summer day to read. 

My thanks to Shiloh Run for allowing me to read and review this book.

Title:   The 12 Brides of Summer: Novella Collection #1 Author: by Susan Page Davis, Michelle Ule, Amy Lillard Genre:    Christian, Romance  ISBN  9781634095723

This collection has 3 stories by wonderful authors each author gives you a wonderful story of time gone by. Pull up a chair bring a drink as the authors bring you a compelling stories from the past as they bring you a touch of humor in these wonderful stories

The Blue Moon Bride by Susan Page Davis The Sunbonnet Bride by Michelle Ule The Wildflower Bride by Amy Lillard

Each of these stories have pain and sorrow as they overcome issues learn how do deal with things out of their control. They are basic on faith and love which this world need more of. These are heartwarming reads that will stay with you as each learn to love and find the mean of their dreams. This is a collection I had trouble putting now. There is something for everyone here. I hope you take the time to read these wonderful stories.

There are times when I just need to read a novella. When I do I love it when they are well-written and leave me wanting to begin the next story in the book. That is how I felt as I read the stories in this collection.

One of the stories, Sunbonnet Bride, is written by Michelle Ule. In this story she uses well-defined characters to share faith in the face of a storm and tornado.

The Wildflower Bride is written by Amy Lillard. This one talks about God's will for the characters involved.

Blue Moon Bride is written by Susan Page Davis places two young people from the east in Wyoming. These two are drawn together through danger and travel.

I was given this book by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Review Title: A Season of Brides (review of 12 Brides of Summer, Collection #1, by Susan Page Davis, Amy Lillard, and Michelle Ule)
Reviewer:  Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars 

For those who enjoy Christian romance novels, you will find 12 Brides of Summer series to be a joy! I love the novella format which allows development of characters and plot in a shorter format for those who have less time for reading, but still want the pleasure of a good story. Since there are twelve bride stories, there will be one to enjoy for each week of the summer. Clever thinking on the part of the editor!

I just finished reading the first story I chose, The Sunbonnet Bride, by Michelle Ule. It is an engaging story because of its historical facts surrounding several areas I had never considered before. The design of hats, the sunbonnet in particular, along with the beginning of a business in that market, and how the women were able to help by such endeavors when farming disasters prevented the men from producing income for a year. This aspect of the story makes it relevant for today because many find themselves either unemployed or underemployed. This story encourages resourcefulness and hard work to overcome difficult financial situations.

The romantic aspect of the story involves a competition for the heart of a lady. The author, Michelle Ule, knows how to keep the reader in suspense over who will be the heart winner without resorting to standards used in secular stories. Her story also engages with humor at points which I enjoyed. Throughout the story the question arises if the offer of security will override the heart’s desire for genuine love. 

I wanted to go ahead and post the review before reading the other stories because I trust the others are equally as good as this one. I bought this book in e-book format, but I think it is one I would like to have on my shelf for future reading (the cover is beautiful). Also, it would be nice to place in my church media center.

I really love these Christian historical short stories. The 12 brides of summer are divided into 4 collections, with each 3 stories at about 50 pages each and with each collection costing a mere $2.99, it works out to $1 a story. Highly worth it! I think the length was just right to know the characters and their romance, without dragging on with too many details or requiring too much time to read them.  The historical details, time period mannerisms/customs and richly described characters really made this series enjoyable! I do recommend!

Wonderful collection!!

This was an anthology of short stories in a series of stories set in the Summer. These particular stories were short and sweet, with a nice Christian theme. They were just enough to give a complete story for each and give you a taste of each author’s writing style. I recommend.

First up is  Blue Moon Bride, with a sorrow tale at first. Ava lost supposedly the love of her life  when she was sixteen when he died in the war. Now that her younger sister is getting married and not wanting  to be downer.  She decides she wants to go travelling and   forget those memories .

What starts off a simple trip to Wyoming Territory, soon becomes anything but the moment she meets Joe on the trains. Joe is on job for his boss to deliver something to San Francisco but unfortunately  things don’t go well for the pair. The train gets robbed and whilst Joe does the heroic job and rescues Ava and the brooch she was supposed to give Polly. Poor Joe’s  package for his boss’s clients is lost and he doesn’t know what to do .

Joe isn’t a too bad of character but  with the robbers no where in sight and he stuck with the costs. He decides to stick around Cheyenne where Ava is happening and the rest lest say is history.  Davis offered a sweet story that built  up slowly  and allowed for nature to take it’s course making it believable  with plenty of action

Sun  Bonnet Bride, tells the tale of Sally and Malcolm who are neighbours in a small community that dealing with  a tornado. Malcolm is in love with her, but Sally isn’t exactly interested. She got other things on her mind and there another man in the picture. With the community trying to work together and recover, Malcolm is the steadfast in the community offering help where he can. However Sally decides to make some bonnets it when the story really starts to shine. A good story about generosity and how  God can work miracles

Wildflower Bride  tells the story of Grace and Ian  , a country girl and city boy who meet and fall for each other the moment they lay eyes on each other at the wedding of their mutual friends. However  they both got responsibilities   and it tearing them apart despite the right intentions. Grace the daughter of a pastor, feels her place  is with her father’s church and Ian has got appointment in the city to become the head pastor. Will they be able to sort their feelings and work out a plan suitable  and honour God