A Bride For All Seasons: comfort reading for cosy nights (and lazy summer days) - a book review for Booksneeze

When I started to read ‘A Bride for All Seasons’ I hadn’t realised that it was, in fact, four linked novellas by four authors: Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, Robin Lee Hatcher and Mary Connealy. Once I realised how talented these women are, then the book just had to be a winner, and it did not disappoint.

Each novella has its own distinct flavour, yet a common thread weaving through all: a girl  who arrives in a remote Western location to marry a stranger; a husband to be who suffers from a misunderstanding; an interfering matchmaking agency which causes the misunderstanding in the first place; and a happy (although, at first, unlikely) ending.  Strong, determined, feisty, loyal,  feminine women and men who are faced with having to change from their own set ways and expectations.

And Then Came Spring tells of a husband with preconceived ideas and a bride who relies on ‘luck’ before she realises that it is God who holds her future in His hands.  An Ever After Summer tells of a bride, who has only ever dreamed of a different life, the chance to actually change things. And, again, a husband who finds that discarding his prejudices can actually bring him happiness. Autumn’s Angel again shows how difficult circumstances can be overcome for the better while  Winter Wedding Bells again demonstrates how a marriage of convenience can change into a match made in heaven.

Love, loyalty, commitment; sacrifice and reward; overcoming hardship and winning happiness. Eternal themes running through never fail to satisfy the reader who is looking for a comforting read with a sweet taste.

The book comes with a useful study guide for a reading group and an added bonus was to read a behind the scenes interview with the authors: such fun!  How I would have loved to be a fly on the wall – it sounded as if they all had a blast! In future, I’ll pursue this combination of talented writers while devouring their individual creations.

I reviewed a free copy for Booksneeze: the books on offer are usually very well worth reading.  This was quite a lightweight read - good escapism!