As a reader I have loved these timeless collections of inspiring, love stories. Mostly because each individual story is bountiful with romance and contains a large amount of differences when in comparison with fellow novels of the romance genre. I think this is highly important in the selecting of novels to read.

I am greatly looking forward to the continuation of this collection as I am to future releases of these christian love stories.

What a joy to read stories with a focus on love and honorable behavior. These are stories I would be happy to have my granddaughters read. Some were better than others, but they were all pleasant. I'll get the rest of the series.

I really enjoyed reading shorter stories by a variety of authors. The stories are well plotted and just long enough to enjoy in one sitting. When you are busy a longer story sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle of life but these stories fit in nicely.

In reviewing the first Collection in this four e-book series I noted that inspirational historical romances often use adversity or natural disaster as catalysts for romance or an opportunity for the characters to turn more fully to God. In the second collection, the catalysts seem to be adversity and family. Matt Reeves and Betsy Harden work together to maintain a ranch while wrangling three mischievous nieces (think Harris, Hubert and Hamish from Disney's Brave, but blond girls who aren't triplets), Gideon Carlisle proposes a fake engagement to Naomi Townsend to placate his mother and benefit hers, while shy Sally Hobson is pulled between her parents assumption that she will marry the Mayor's son and the attraction she feels to Lukas Daughton despite knowing that he may soon leave as his family travels from town to town for work.

Again, a selection of three perfect summer or "beach" reads that are quick, enjoyable and have satisfyingly happy endings. Mary Connealy brings her signature blend of faith and humor (plus strong female characters), Amanda Cabot contributes the best story of a journey of faith in this series so far, and Maureen Lang provides the dramatic tension.

I am looking forward to the next two ebooks in the series.

I read this as a free ebook courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Continue on with "The 12 Brides of Summer", Collection #2

As mentioned in the previous post about "The 12 Brides of Summer: Novella Collection #1", these 4 book collections are digitally printed by Shiloh Run Studios, a digital press division of Barbour Publishing, and was off to a great start as Book #1. Now, with Book #2, I was indeed looking forward to the short stories by Mary Connealy, Amanda Cabot and Maureen Lang. Boy, was I in for a treat. 

A Bride Rides Herd by Mary Connealy was a great start. Similar to her other novels, Ms. Connealy gave us a little bit of action, a little bit of fun, a little bit of "uh-oohh", and a little bit of romance. It was a nice, simple read, which I kind of wish it was a full novel since I felt many areas, it was just glided over with a time reference. I was reminded by Ms. Connealy's new book, "Now & Forever" with the opening scene. 

Amanda Cabot's The Fourth of July Bride may be my favorite so far of all the short stories from both collections 1 & 2.  Ms. Cabot is so clearly able to give us a story of love, of growth in the Lord and what it means to abide by your faith.  A beautiful story with enough closure that I don't feel robbed. 

Next, we have Maureen Lang's The Summer Harvest Bride that gives us strength and knowledge of how a town comes together for the good of everyone. That's one thing I find historical novels so interesting. It provides us modern folks to imagine life of how our ancestors (many times over) have done it.  In their own way, and with the sense of team work with the town to strive and build their "American Dream".

With novellas, I wondered if authors just ran out of or does not have enough things to say or they purposely condensed it for a collection as such. There are authors that are great with novellas that felt the story completed well within the short story line. And there are some authors that are better off writing full novels. With these three stories and having the pleasure of reading these authors' other novels, I believe I have a preference on the types of novels by these authors. With A Bride Rides Herd as comparison, I think I prefer Ms. Connealy's full fledged novels, since I feel there's more in terms of developments in characters and plot of this novella. With The Fourth of July Bride, and her other full novels, Ms. Cabot demonstrated her abilities as an author that can fully provide readers with both types. And Ms. Lang's The Summer Harvest Bride, gives us a glimpse of her talents in shortening her stories, and still able to give us enough closure.

This collection, Book #2 is a a book that will fill you, any historical fiction fan as myself. You will get all you want to find in typical historical novels with these 3 stories. Enjoy. 

Again: If you're interested, here are the release dates for the rest of the collections:

The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #2 – Releases July 1 

The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #3 – Releases August 1 

The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #4 – Releases September 1

NOTE:  I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher, Shiloh Run Studios, a division of Barbour Publishing through Net Galley for an honest review.

Romance is budding in the summertime of the old west. Join three lovely ladies on their adventure of finding true love. As their stories unfold, God's hand in their lives is evident. He leads and guides them to the perfect match.

I found this collection of short stories very entertaining. Perfect for a quick read when you don't have a lot of time to spare. All three stories were light and romantic with a hint of adventure. If you are looking for a good summer read, I recommend purchasing this collection. Very affordable and well worth it! Curl up on your porch swing (or in front of the air conditioner) with a glass of iced tea and let yourself be transported back in time.

I received a free digital copy of The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection #2 from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley.

Like the first volume I really enjoyed this book. I love how it is a collection of variety of authors. Getting exposed to authors I have not ever read but now will because of this group of stories. These are really inspiring stories. I also love how God's hand is evident is all these stories. It is a great book. Highly recommend it for all those who love inspirational romance books

The 12 Brides of Summer - Novella Collection #2 is a fabulous quick read. The collection includes 3 stories: A Bride Rides Her by Mary Connealy The Fourth of July Bride by Amanda Cabot The Summer Harvest Bride by Maureen Lang This collection is less than 150 pages long but is full of sweet, clean, romance and entertainment. My favorite was Mary Connealy's A Bride Rides Herd.
I highly recommend this collection!
5 plus stars.

I have been privileged to read the 12 Brides of summer series. I have read up to book 4 and I absolutely love these collections.
Many of the authors which have written in this collection are well known. I believe that they have lived up the their expectations and have created a wonderful book of novellas that are fun to read. The characters are fun, and are well developed and this is an excellent introduction to each of these authors stories.

In this grouping of novellas, we have such authors as Mary Connealy, Amanda Cabot, and Maureen Lang, and I have never read a story by any of these that I did not like. Let me put that in a more positive way: EVERY story I've read by these authors I've liked, extremely well.

Mary Connealy opens this grouping with A Bride Rides Herd. Betsy is babysitting her sister's rowdy, rambunctious girls when Matt comes riding up to the ranch. Matt watches Annie and Susie playing in a rather dangerous part of the river and hears Betsy yelling for the girls. Betsy doesn't quite know what to do with Matt, even though he is her sister's brother-in-law. Kissing him is such a good/bad idea, but eventually she gives in.

Amanda Cabot weighs in with Fourth of July Bride. Naomi is worried about her mother, especially her mother's eye sight. She needs an operation, but has no way to pay for the doctor's fees, much less the rest of the costs of the operation. Gideon finds out that his mother will soon be visiting and needs a "stand-in" bride, so he offers to pay for the operation if Naomi will pretend to be his fiancee. His offer includes all the new gowns and dresses she will need.

Maureen Lang completes this set with The Summer Harvest Bride. Sally is not looking for love, and she's certainly not looking for Willis Pollit, but when Lukas Daughton and his brothers come to town to build a new grist mill Lukas finds Sally is a sight for his sore eyes. There is a bit of sabotage to the mill and Sally believes the blame lands at Willis' feet. Maureen has woven a bit of mystery into her offering of this grouping that makes the story more interesting and more enjoyable.

These three ladies know their stuff when they are writing, and they execute it well. These are fairly short novellas which make them the perfect reading length for a lazy afternoon. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a bouquet of summer wildflowers.

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

Will post on Nov 26, 2015 @ 10:50

A BRIDE RIDES HERD Terrors!! That’s what those Reeves girls are!! Utter terrors. And their parents left them alone with their Aunt Betsy. What were they thinking?
Luckily, Matt Reaves arrives to find his nieces hurting down the mountainside creek toward danger… and loving it. Obviously the girls take after he and his brothers and the beautiful Aunt Betsy will need some help.

Review: With her usual charm and wit, Mary Connealy gives us another look at Belle Harden’s family tree. It’s a fun tale that readers new and old are sure to adore.

Author: Mary Connealy Grade: A Ages: Adult — due to some steamy kissing Setting:

THE FOURTH OF JULY BRIDE Miss Naomi Towson can’t believe the news just given to her. In only a few short months her mother would be blind. There is a chance for surgery but the cost is staggering.
Gideon Carlisle needs a wife. At least temporarily. His mother is coming to turn and if he doesn’t have one in his sights she’s getting one mail-order.
Maybe their mutual affection and need can help them get past the only obstacle in their relationship – a love of God.
Review: I loved The Fourth of July Bride!! What a sweet romance and wonderful reminder of how our prayers are answered.

Author: Amanda Cabot Grade: A Ages: 16+ | No steam Setting: Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory June 1, 1886

THE SUMMER HARVEST BRIDE Sally Hobson’s future is planned. She’s practically engaged to their mayor’s son and okay with that future… but not thrilled.
Lukas Daughton has been traveling with his family building mills when he sees Sally in the audience of the newest town they’re trying to help. This is will be the best mill they’ve designed, if only he could plan to stay.
Review: The Summer Harvest Bride is a cute novella. There is romance and intrigue. It’s not my favorite though, possibly because Sally was a bit shy and not very humorous.

Author: Maureen Lang Grade: B Ages: 16+ | No Steam Setting: Finchville, Illinois, Spring 1851

Overall Thoughts of The 12 Brides of Summer Novella Collection 2

More…

Source: NetGalley Publisher & Date: July 1st 2015 by Shiloh Run Studios Genre: Historical Christian Romance ISBN: 9781634095747 Pages: 149 Grade: A This Counts for these Challenges: 2015 Let Me Count The Ways Reading Challenge, 2015 Historical Romance Reading Challenge, 2015 NetGalley Reading Challenge

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 book

This is a great collection of stories where each one can be quickly read and you can save another for later. I like stories in the past and this set did not disappoint. I have read books by these authors before and it was great to get another story from them in this collection. Each story has the characters coming together in unusual circumstances and each one has to learn to trust to make it all work out.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher to read and review.

The Bride Rides Herd about a Uncle and a neighbour who are thrown together looking after his nieces when his brother and his sister in law got on a drive . With kids involved it always going to be a fun novel . Poor Matt doesn’t expect to get roped in like this , knowing next to nothing about kids and poor Betsy has also step up to the plate thanks to some unexpected problems. With the parents not due for a few days, it up to these two to kept the peace and the house together . But it never going to plan and it a fun story as these two fall in love and try to survive

The Fourth of July Bride Is a sweet cliché story revolving around a faux engagement but it doesn’t end that way. Gideon is a wealthy man who has everything expect one thing a wife . His mother is coming to town and he doesn’t want some match making, so the finance is the next best thing right . Naomi is dire straits , needing money to help her sick mother and get the surgery she needs. Gideon hears about their situation and offers a solution to their problems. Expect that Naomi is falling in love with him and wants to change things and so does Gideon. But he doesn’t believe. …..

Naomi is in a sticky situation and she can’t past over the sticky factor. Will God work a miracle in Gideon and change his heart. Or will Naomi will have to stay goodbye to honour God?

The Summer Harvest Bride

Sally is in a dilemma. She always thought she would married Wills, the mayor’s son. It been practically arranged. However when a new family arrives in town the Daughtons, Sally is left wondering has been settle for second best and God has a bigger plan. As Lukas is making her question things and he an outsider the town isn’t too please to see. As they are here only for the summer to build grist mill and Willis got the town believe that they are stealing and hurting the town . Will Sally be able to see that if she trust God, that everything will work out ?