The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection is a collection of nine historical stories. These stories include:
Requilted with Love by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Seven Medals and a Bride by Angela Breidenbach
A Taste of Honey by Darlene Franklin
Altered Hearts by Gina Welborn
Better with Butter by Jennifer AlLee
Driven to Distraction by Becca Whitham
First Comes Pie by Niki Turner
Front Page Love by Tiffany Amber Stockton
Competing Hearts by Cynthia Hickey
Majority of these stories are written by authors I have not heard of or read before. I enjoyed being introduced to them and look forward to more by them. My favorite story of the collection would be Requilted with Love by Carrie Fancett Pagels.
I would highly recommend this fabulous collection!
5 plus stars.

This is a rip roarin',side splittin' 'tears runnin' nine novell book. You open this book and you run right into the best book you have read as of 2016. You have humor and then there are tears. You open the book and you are pulled right on into the first story and with that it is an awesome book and then you hit story number two - that story is even better than the first one and so on,. The thing I really HATE about this book - it ends - you get to the last page and you can't believe it is over - you are into this book - you are one of the family - you are a sister wor the best friend. You want to say hey open your eyes - he loves you - or - hey - it will be ok - with GOD all things are possible - he will see you through everything and the HOLY SPIRIT will give your peace and Comfort - but you can't it is just a story - lol;) thiese authors are all outstanding and fantastic.

I always enjoy historical books and this compilation of 9 great stories by 9 great authors does not disappoint. If you like thinking back to your younger days attending state or county fairs you will enjoy this set of stories. Nine people entering the fair in hopes of winning the blue ribbon and ending up with quite a bit more.

These stories were sweet and refreshing. I was really happy to have had the chance to read this book. I enjoyed each of the stories very much.

I received an e-book copy of this book from NetGalley for my review which I have given.

From quilts, pies, butter sculptures, hats, peaches, pigs and more.... this collection of stories brings to life the wonders of the "fair". Each story tells about entries in to the fair and what can happen with each entry. Family loyalty, devotion, artistic expression, winning ribbons and finding love are all found in these stories. I enjoyed reading this book. Read this book and you may just want to attend the fairs in your area.

With nine top-notch authors, Barbour Books has put together another blue ribbon collection of romantic novellas. Each of the stories takes place at a county fair, with each of the heroines either working at the fair or entering a contest at the fair. Each of the women falls in love before the fair is over and makes a life-long commitment to the man of her dreams, but the narratives don't always end with the marriage, just the commitment to marry. Sometimes the young woman wins her competition and sometimes she comes in second, but each time, she wins the blue ribbon of love.

Barbour Books has arranged the novellas in the Blue Ribbon Brides Collection chronologically. Beginning about 1870, each story moves forward in time with the last one happening in the 1930s. Of course each tale has an obstacle to overcome--either by the young woman or the young man, and also demonstrates the perseverance to beat the obstacle.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a blue ribbon prize from the county fair.

My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

This collection really surprised me! I loved it! While I kinda expected to be a bit bored or the stories to get repetitive... they were definitely not! I never realized how many aspects of the fair there were, I loved that the heroine didn't always win or it wasn't even about it item entered. My favorite story was the one about the cars playing polo, I didn't even know such a thing existed then to bring in female mechanics and aviators? Wonderful! I could relate to the love of fair food, excitement of winning and disappointment of losing, the excitement and anticipation of the fair, the variety of exhibits. There are animals, exotic plants, agriculture, rides, baked goods, quilts and shows, as well as workers, attendees, reporters, sellers, performers, and exhibitors! No aspect of the fair was left unturned! I loved all the different perspectives! Great collection!

Blue Ribbon Brides is a delightful collection of stories about romance amidst the county and state fairs all over the country. Authors, such as Carrie Fancett Pagels, Angela Breidenbach, Gina Wellborn, Niki Turner and five others have written novellas set in the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Characters are fun, feisty, full of dreams and award-winning ideas in regards to quilts, honey, butter, pies, and even pigs. Readers are drawn into each story as the action includes mishaps and misunderstandings, feuds over land, fire, sabotaged fair entries and auto polo races. Each story has some sort of tension with the would-be sweethearts, whether they be childhood friends or newly acquainted...competition in the fair, blame for things of the past, different dreams for the future or family obligations. And with the disappointments and discouragements that come, faith in God is displayed as the couples-to-be look to Him for help and guidance. Blue Ribbon Brides is an entertaining set of stories that give a little history, are quick to read and remind readers of the sweetness of the first blush of love and romance.

Blue Ribbon Brides was great read about the fairs of the past (1889-1930) With the wonderful descriptions and fun facts I felt like I had visited each one. The amount of research was amazing in all the books. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of romance and great information that can be found in one small book.

My favorite of these books though is the book by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Requilted with Love. It just happens to take place in my favorite place, Michigan. She packs her story with a lot of great Michigan facts that I never heard of. She then wows you with some great romance and a tad bit of suspense.

I was taken back in time with her wonderful descriptions. I could just imagine the beautiful quilts hung up, the balloons in the sky, and even hear the morning crows of the rooster!

All these books are great reads and you will be sure to find a favorite too!


I received this book from one of the authors through Netgally in exchange for my honest review.

A charming collection that made me smile and want to go to state and county fairs.
I enjoyed the different time periods in each novella as well as each of the nine young ladies’ talents.
Of course tensions run high and there's some mistrust along the way but that added realism as each character worked long and hard to win the much coveted blue ribbon.
I was familiar with some of the authors and found some new to me authors that I liked quite a bit.
The message of faith is woven throughout each story.
Fun and fast reads that will be enjoyable to readers of all ages.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley for an honest opinion which I have given

I love these kinds of books because it is a nice variety of stories. Each one had a beautiful story line and each one well written . Each story told of love at the state fairs all around the country. There are nine collections in this book from a variety of authors. Some authors I had never read books from but will be looking for their books now.. If you like state fairs and like information about them this book will be a great read for you. I would recommend it to my friends and family.

The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection by various is a perfect collection of Christian historical romantic tales. There are nine unique stories in this single volume. Each one is totally absorbing, wonderfully told and each has the feel-good factor. It's a fabulous read and I can highly recommend it.
Requilted With Love by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a wonderful feel-good story to kick off the collection. Carrie Fancett Pagels always writes stories that speak straight to the readers heart. Her talent for describing scenes means the reader walks through the story actively rather than passively reading it.
The story deals with loss and grief and second chances. God is at the very heart. Characters need to seek His guidance and listen to His voice.
A perfectly delightful story.
Seven Medals And A Bride by Angela Breidenbach is a sweet story about surrendering to God's plans. Sometimes we try to push things through in our own strength. We need to let go and trust that God will work all things together for good.
The story shows how belief in God and science are not mutually exclusive. Education and science can be used to improve the lot of people.
The story has a social conscience. We need to all work together for the improvement of all.
A Taste Of Honey by Darlene Franklin is a wonderful tale about harvesting the goods that God has provided. There is much beauty in nature.
The story is also about community. People pulling together to help others.
A real feel-good story.
Altered Hearts by Gina Welborn shows how God gives us all dreams. The story explores what happens when your dreams become your goal, your raison d'etre. When your dreams become more important than listening to God.
The tale also explores what it means to be a Christian. Some people believe being a Christian means you will have a trouble free life. Nothing could be further from the truth but God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We have a faithful God not a prosperity gospel.
Another delightful tale with a wise message.
Better With Butter by Jennifer Allee is a sweet story about forgiveness and friendship. A little encouragement goes a long way. Love and loyalty abound. And over it all stands God who has plans for each and every one of us.
A real feel-good story.
Driven To Distraction by Becca Whitlam is a wonderful story that focuses on sacrificial love and forgiveness. "Marriage requires hefty doses of forgiveness on a regular basis."
Feuding families have offspring that fall in love. Very reminiscent of Romeo And Juliet.
There is the theme of loss and guilt which ties in with forgiveness. Forgiving others is hard. Forgiving yourself feels impossible.
The story is set against the backdrop of World War I. Images and experiences mean returning soldiers have both physical and mental scars. The condition known as shell shock was only just beginning to be recognised.
A delightful tale of steadfast love.
First Comes Pie by Niki Turner is a delicious offering of apple pie in this tale of forgiveness and second chances. Recipes for apple pie are included too.
The story focuses on the command to take care of the widows and orphans, with references to gleaning at the edges of the field. It also shows the results of poor choices. Situations tear at both the characters and readers heartstrings. Everyone deserves a second chance.
A wonderful love story too.
Front Page Love by Tiffany Amber Stockton is a delightful account of the annual fair where dreams can come true. Everyone has dreams and plans but the best are those belonging to God. Loved ones and friends encourage hopes and dreams.
A fabulous small town feel to the story and a welcoming atmosphere.
Competing Hearts by Cynthia Hickey is a wonderful story of love, friendship and community. A place where dreams can be achieved if one surrenders ones plans to God. The community where everyone helps each other. They don't have much but what they have, they share.
A perfectly wonderful collection of stories that will leave you feeling good about love and life and people and God.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this collection. A walk through time with the competitions at state and county fairs ranging from baking, to pigs and to my favorite – quilts! I found the history of this time was interesting, the research into the stories must have been fascinating and the romance.. he authors made the characters and stories so real and true to life. I’ve competed in fairs and I loved how each of these stories especially the Requilted with Love story took me back to some very special memories.

A great collection of short stories from fantastic authors. Each of the stories will take you back to a summertime that holds dear memories. I really enjoyed Carrie Fancett Pagels and Angela Breidenbach's stories. All the stories were great, but these two were ones that stuck out to me.

Who doesn't love a book filled with 9 novellas about county fairs? This is packed full of sweet stories that you will enjoy reading. Each author has their own distinct writing style and you will make many friends as you read this collection. Below are the authors and a mini bio on each. Great job ladies!!

Another sweet group of stories. I particularly enjoyed Carrie Fancet Pagels novella in the book. I haven't gotten to read all the others yet. It was a fun read. I enjoyed learning about the state fair and processes.

This is a wonderful collection of stories about strong men and women who are determined to make a difference either in their communities or even to change the world with their ideas. You get to visit small town competitions, state competitions and all the way up to the Chicago World Fair. You get projects that range from quilts to baking to auto polo to butter sculpting and the invention of margarine. It was quite fascinating!

I really enjoyed the determination of each of these women to be her own person and stretch her wings. The men were great hero's who sometimes had to learn to give in a little to these feisty women if they wanted a lifetime to love them. :)

There's real life in these stories - you'll read about families that have lost a loved one, men that have come back from war, friends that have become enemies, businesses that fail, etc. But then you also have plenty of hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, second chances, and sweet romances that will keep you turning pages. And of course, the blue ribbon wins! :) Don't miss out on this wonderful book!

*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to post a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

What a charming group of stories built around the setting of state and county fairs! They are all separate stories with different characters built around the premise of competing at the fair. I loved the different areas of competition and the interesting facts brought out in some of the stories. For example, Carrie Fancett Pagels' story, Requilted With Love, included some fun facts about hot air balloons. Others were about honey, butter, apple pies, and pigs! It was fun to see what the nine different authors came up with for their stories. They were all so varied and interesting--and being novellas, they're fun and easy to read.

Meet nine men and women whose competitive goals take them to state and county fairs between 1889 and 1930. From baking pie to polishing pigs, from sculpting butter to stitching quilts, everyone has something to prove to themselves and their communities. But in going for the blue ribbon, will nine women miss the greatest prize of all—the devoted heart of a godly man?
1-Requilted With Love by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1889...North of Lansing, Michigan....Sarah Richmond is hopeful of winning a Blue Ribbon as she enters her quilt in the Michigan State Fair and knows exactly what she will do with the winnings—donating it for a chance at getting better medical care in her home town. Grant is a balloonist - dangerous work - and developing an engine to hopefully make them more steerable. He is more than willing to look after the lovely Miss Sarah and protect her from all the leering jerks at the fair, and also protect her from knowing the truth about his occupation. But what will happen when she discovers the truth? Will she be brave enough to face her fears? And will she win the blue ribbon (and prize money) for her quilt? Will Grant earn enough money selling balloon ride tickets to pay his bills?

My thoughts: Requilted with Love is a cute story set around a quilt that took five years to make... I was a bit confused why she'd want to donate money to a facility that provided such shoddy care, I'd be more wanting to fire everyone and hire competent workers, but it was explained later in the book. Miss Sarah is still a much nicer person than me though in regards to that. She has the gift of mercy and service and is quick to step in. Grant is a dear hero, kind and considerate, though not weak, even when he gives in. I enjoyed getting to know both these characters. Enjoyed the historical information in the author's notes, and that a mutual friend of both Ms. Pagel and I shared was honored by having a character named after her.

2-Seven Medals and a Bride by Angela Breidenbach
Fair in 1893...Bettina is a Chicago native with a degree in botany and she's interested in making contacts. Luke is a mine owner from Montana and all the ladies with him from Montana are searching for a bride for him. Bettina is their first choice. But she isn't even remotely interested in a miner. What is a man and matchmakers to do?

My thoughts: This is a fun story that had some laugh-out-loud moments. I loved this story, and couldn't read it fast enough. It was fun reading about the world fair in Chicago and Luke's efforts to find Bettina after meeting her on the ferry.

3-A Taste of Honey by Darlene Franklin
Spruce Hill, Vermont 1896...Edith Grace harvests honey from the bee hives in the meadow between her property and her neighbor, Mr. Oscar. She is experimenting with the honey in different recipes to come up with the perfect recipe hoping to win a blue ribbon at the upcoming state fair. However, Mr. Oscar's son, Grant has other ideas and they don't include Edith using “his” honey. He wants to plow the land under and use it for crops. Will they come up with a workable compromise?

My thoughts: This story was really cute and fast paced. I enjoyed getting to know Edie and Grant and their different personalities. I loved how things had been worked out between previous generations--and I won't say how so I won't give things away. This story held my interest all the way through and I had to keep reading once I started it. Parts seemed a little contrived, but it needed that to be able to work things out in fifty pages. A really good story. .

4-Altered Hearts by Gina Welborn
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 1908 county fair...Reba has dreams of making beautiful hats and selling them in the city--where she wants to live. Levi loves horticulture, but has a sensible head and is committed to family. Reba is prepared to throw her family over to reach her dreams.

My thoughts: I love hats and always have. Remember going with my mom to a hat shop in St. Louis, though when I was a young girl hats weren't as showy as the ones in this story. I admired Reba for following her dream but wish she wouldn't have crushed so many people in the process. Levi -- I get him. He's like my dad and my oldest son, slow to act but putting a lot of thought into their actions before they decide. I really liked this story...

5-Better with Butter by Jennifer AlLee
Fallon, Nevada 1916... Ella and her father run a dairy and Ella's boyfriend Max used to work there but he sold over to a margarine company. When they meet each other at the fair, sparks fly, especially when new-fangled meets old-fashioned. Will they find common ground?

My thoughts: A cute story. I liked it, I liked Max - and Ella, but I do not like margarine (but will admit it is easier to spread than butter) and I hated that that product threatened the dairy industry so badly. The story ended without closure which really annoyed me and left me confused. But up until then it was really good. .

6-Driven to Distraction by Becca Whitham
Western Washington Fair Puyallup Valley, Washington 1918...Tragedy struck both Jolene Caplan and Robert Montgomery's families a year earlier resulting in anger, bitterness and unforgiveness between the two families. But Robert is back from War and Jolene is being pressured to accept a proposal from a Frenchman. Will happen when Robert and Jolene meet again?

My thoughts: I'll be honest. Auto racing is not my cup of tea. I don't relate to a woman at home in an oil pit. Just me there. And the hatred and anger and fighting -- and Jolene's personality and ... well, this is not my favorite story. It was well-written. And this is all just me. I know other women will disagree. Just as real life auto races give me a headache and make me feel sick, this story did the same. Probably all psychological. And Jolene tends to be very rash and react without thinking...

7-First Comes Pie by Niki Turner
Colorado 1920...Rifle's Apple Pie Days annual festival is coming and Lorelei Boyd plans on entering a contest-winning pie to save her family's sugar beet farm from ruin. Emmett Dewey caught her "stealing" apples but is attracted to the sweet pie-baker. But he hasn't time for a relationship -- he needs to fix up the property and sell it for a profit. Cute Miss Boyd isn't enough to make him stick around -- or is she?

My thoughts: This was a sweet story. Lorelei was a true heroine, kind, gentle and loving, and Emmett a hero- though a bit blundering. I loved the sparks between them, and how Lorelei had the gift of mercy and a servant-ness to her so willing to go out of her way to help others. Lorelei is also really creative and that was fun. I loved this story and it ended with a happy sigh.

8-Front Page Love by Tiffany Amber Stockton
Douglas, Wyoming state fair...Paige Callhan arranges items to be judged in the Agriculture Hall. Paige meets Andrew Lawrence, a reporter from the Denver Post covering important aspects of the fair and sparks fly.

My thoughts; This is a slower moving story, but I enjoyed getting to know Paige and Andy. It was fun the way they "met" the second time. Both main characters were very sweet and kind, and it was a lovely moment when Paige is surprised at the ribbon ceremony. I thought at first her boss didn't like her, but that didn't seem to be the case at the end. Good read.

9-Competing Hearts by Cynthia Hickey
1930 Arkansas...Annie Mae Thompkins enters a quilt and her childhood friend Jonathan Mercer enters his pig. Things don't go as planned....

My thoughts: This book wasn't as out-of-control as most of Ms. Hickey's stories I've read. This one almost seemed calm and quiet compared to her usual style. It didn't like the main characters very well and they weren't as fleshed out as other stories, Not one of the best stories in the book, but I did appreciate that it wasn't as over-the-top as I've come to expect from her.

Over-all thoughts: A good collection with a wide assortment of really top-notch stories. I like these collections and am glad Barbour is doing them. Great cover, too. 4.16 stars for the collection.

This is a collection of nine wonderful stories revolving around nine different state fairs. In each one, we have someone who is determined to win the blue ribbon in their respective competition. The characters are fun, feisty, full of dreams, and not always looking for love---but it comes looking for them.

I was already a fan of a few of these authors, but some of them are new to me, and I enjoyed reading their stories as well.

"The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection" is a group of nine novellas by nine different authors with common historical settings of regional fairs. From the Chicago World's Fair to small local county fairs, the stories revolve around young women who have strong motivation to win a blue ribbon on her entry. Each story is unique in setting and subject. Often the heroine is compelled to enter the competition in order to help her struggling family financially. Many of the novellas contain humor and some are more poignant than others but whether she seeks it or not, each heroine finds the love of her lifetime by story's end.

This collection is perfect for long winter evenings. The reader can enjoy just one story at a time or may choose to sit and read all the way through the entire book. Whatever choice she makes, I know she will enjoy this faith-filled collection of stories that are packed with love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Be sure to pick up a copy today!

I love a good story. But what’s even better is a collection of good stories from nine different authors. Each author gives her unique spin on blue ribbon competitions. From state and county fairs and competitions between 1889 to 1930, our authors delve into pie baking, quilt making, butter sculpting and more.

There’s a little bit in here for lovers of all sorts of romance tropes. Love at first sight? Check out Requilted with Love (includes some fun with hot air balloons), First Comes Pie, and one of my personal favorites, Seven Medals and a Bride (the matchmaking women made this story extra enjoyable). Discovering more with a friend? Altered Hearts delivers with a hero who knows what he wants and goes after her. Former crush/friend/neighbor moves away and returns? A Taste of Honey and Competing Hearts win the prize.

I enjoyed rooting for our heroines to win the prize and the hero to win the girl in each offering in The Blue Ribbon Brides collection. Some of the authors I’ve read before but I was also introduced to new ones who I’d like to add to my TBR list. An enjoyable reader than can be broken into manageable chunks with intriguing characters and satisfying resolutions.

***Barbor Publishing provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive or negative review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoy this type of collection of stories. You get a chance to read new authors and see their writing style as well as read stories by authors you already know and love. That was how it was with this collection, some of the authors I was familiar with and others are new to me. I like seeing the characters mature and grow and while they may not win the ribbon, they win in ways that really matter. The stories all deal with fairs and people trying to win the blue ribbon, but they are not connected to each other otherwise. I like having novellas to read when you don't have a lot of time to read. They can move faster in the characters' love growing really quickly, but they don't have a lot of time to make it move slower when it is a novella.

I received a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are voluntarily given. No compensation was received.

A fun read about different state/county fairs during the late 1880s to early 1900s. The stories are all interesting with tidbits of information the readers may not know. It's nice to have a book with great short stories when time is limited.

I've only read the first story so far, but I LOVE it!! I love the quaintness of fairs and winning ribbons, I love quilting and I loved learning a little about history (and balloonists!!).

Story collections are great to read. They are quick, enjoyable and to the point. I am always excited when a new collection comes out. This collection is about young women who aim for the Blue Ribbon prize as a way to fulfil their dreams.

Altered Hearts by Gina Welborn is the story of Reba and her dreams to live in the city and open a millinery shop. She visited the city when she was a child and she decided that there is where she wanted to go. Reba loved designing hats. Winning the Blue Ribbon gave Reba the courage to leave Parker, South Dakota for the big city.

Levi had a plan but didn't discuss it with Reba and he assumed she was agreeable. He was going to marry Reba and live with his family at the dairy farm.

Reba felt she was a failure and that the success of her shop would reveal God's will for her life. She opened her shop but realized she didn't have the business sense to keep it going.

Levi realized that he never properly courted Reba. Reba looked at him as a friend. Well, he wasn't going to sit by and lose her. He was going to Sioux Falls and persuade Reba to marry him.

Levi's dream was to study horticulture but he put his dream aside to assist his family's dairy farm in accounting and paperwork. Reba's dream was for her shop to be successful as she loved designing hats. The more successful her shop, the less time she had to design hats.

Both were praying to God asking for guidance. How can they come together and agree on their future?

This book is about compromise, prayer and God's will for our future.

Each story in this beautiful collection is well written and takes you back to an era where things were simpler. I loved the description of the late 1800s to early 1930s. I could picture the dresses the women wore that were simple yet practical. They loved to bake and show off their skills . I could smell the pies and cakes as they graced the tables . I instantly felt like I was at the fair and could here the laughter of children, and feel the excitement as blue ribbons were about to be presented. Each story is written with great detail and compliments each other. The authors take us on a journey that is filled with excitement . The energy can be felt with each story that brings hope, forgiveness, joy and faith. It's time to settle back and enjoy the fair and be swept away with characters that come to life.


A Taste Of Honey By Darlene Franklin

Edith is quietly gathering honey from the bee hives when suddenly something or someone disturbs the process. I loved how the author did a great job of describing the stings that Edith got and I could see her hand swelling with each word that made the scene come to life. She had everything figured out about the honey that she was going to use at the state fair. With the honey she was harvesting it was sure to be a great ingredient for her.

Grant is back from the navy and bumps into Edith on his father's land . Guess he didn't realize that Edith was trained in gathering honey or maybe he stopped her for a reason. He sure didn't make a great impression at first. He feels bad for her injuries but tells her that there will be no more honey as he has other plans for the land. After his dad had a stroke, the farm wasn't doing as well like it use to. Why does Grant feel like others in the area have taken advantage of his dad? My heart went out to Grant's dad. Having suffered a stroke was so difficult for him but he had such a giving heart.

Edith's dream to enter the baking contest at the fair Is coming up soon. She has hopes of perfecting the perfect recipe and the key is the honey . What does she want to do with the money if she wins? If Grant decides to plow up the land and get rid of the bees, where will she get her honey? I loved the time Edith spent with her mom as they walked their land. The author made me feel like I was in the open pasture looking at the beautiful land that God had made.

The story is filled with hope and compromise. What will happen when Grant finds out that part of the land he thought was his is owned by Edith's family? . The excitement builds as the fair is in full swing. Who will win the grand prize? Can Grant and Edith find a way to work out their differences over the land? This is a delightful story that shows how faith and working together can bring happiness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from author Darlene Franklin and Netgalley. The review is my honest opinion.

Nine historical novellas set during the late 19th century and early 20th century follow various participants at local and state fairs, along with the adventures surrounding their experiences at the fair. I enjoyed the variety of colorful settings, interesting characters, unique plots, and sweet romances. Many of the inspirational stories deal with overcoming hardships—something anyone can identify with—and fair participants wanted to win a blue ribbon to gain money to help their needy families. Learn historical tidbits too, such as when various things were introduced and about the car polo circuit. Travel from state to state with each author’s contribution. I appreciate all the background research to produce accurate details and their ability to weave these in naturally. Whatever element of the fair you enjoy, and some you may not know about, can probably be found in this collection. So feast your mind on this winning combination of friendly competition, delectable food, farm animals, crafts and quilts, family, and love. I was provided a free copy of this book by Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection is, of course, a collection of nine novellas by authors Carrie Fancett Pagels, Angela Breidenbach, Darlene Franklin, Gina Welborn, Jennifer AlLee, Becca Whitham, Niki Turner, Tiffany Amber Stockton and Cynthia Hickey.

These novellas are centered around men and/or women competing in or working for county and state fairs. They are sweet stories and well written. Though being short, as novellas generally are, they grab you from the start and don't let go until the end. These endings do not seem abrupt and unfinished.

They begin in 1889 and end in 1930, spanning many years with many differences in characters. The women, of course, are beautiful and full of spirit and the men are handsome and caring. Just as they should be to make a good story. I could give short descriptions of each novella, but I think you would get so much more out of just getting the book and reading them for yourself. I promise, you will not be disappointed. I give these novellas all fives across the board. Enjoy!

Blue ribbons are a coveted prize at county fairs. I remember competing myself with many exhibits in our Five-County Fair. I entered a sweetheart cake, many clothing items I had sewn, and I modeled an outfit that I had sewn. I did win several blue ribbons as well as some white and green ribbons. Our fair also awarded money for each prize, a delightful gift for one who did not have much if any spending money. The nine women are eager and excited participants in the fair.
I rate this book 5 stars and highly recommend the novella collection written by nine talented authors.
I received a copy of this book from netgalley and Barbour Books. I was not given any monetary compensation for my review.