Title: A Bride in the Bargain
Author: Deeanne Gist
First published June 1, 2009
365 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780764204074 (ISBN10: 0764204076)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In 1860s Seattle, Joe Denton is a man in dire need of a wife. Having lost his beloved wife and facing the loss of half his timberland, he needs a solution fast.
Enter the Mercer girls, a group of women from the East looking for husbands in the Pacific Northwest. Joe decides to take a chance on one of these women, marrying her in name only and keeping her around as a cook.
But as they work together to build a life on the frontier, Joe begins to realize that his feelings for his wife may be more than just practical. Will he be able to move on from his past and embrace a new future with the woman he thought was just a bargain bride?
Find out in Deeanne Gist’s heartwarming novel, A Bride in the Bargain.
About the Author
Deeanne Gist is an award-winning author with a global reach, having sold over a million copies of her books. Her historical novels are original and captivating, skyrocketing her up the bestseller lists and capturing readers’ hearts worldwide.
Her latest release, Tiffany Girl, has received high praise from USA Today, Huffington Post, and WikiEzvid, making it a must-read for any book lover.
If you’re new to Deeanne Gist’s work, take a moment to browse her selection and find the perfect novel for you. Her books, published by Simon & Schuster, have earned her numerous awards, including a RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year, National Readers’ Choice Award, Best Historical of the Year (RT Reviewers), Librarians’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Seal of Excellence, and Award of Excellence.
Her latest series takes readers back to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where she weaves together a spellbinding tale that USA Today calls…
Editoral Review
Deeanne Gist’s A Bride in the Bargain is a delightful and heartwarming novel that explores the themes of love, marriage and redemption in the context of the American frontier. Published on June 1, 2009, it is one of the most popular works of Gist, who is known for her historical romances that are set in various time periods.
The novel is set in 1860s Seattle and tells the story of Joe Denton, a rugged and handsome logger, who buys a bride at an auction to solve his loneliness and provide him with a heir. He chooses Annalisa Werner, a feisty and independent German immigrant, who has come to America to find a better life.
However, their marriage turns out to be more complicated than either of them anticipated, as they struggle to bridge their cultural differences and societal expectations. Along the way, they face many challenges, including a jealous rival, a land dispute and a devastating fire, that threaten to tear them apart.
The author skillfully weaves a historical narrative that is both engaging and educational, painting a vivid picture of the Pacific Northwest during the Gold Rush era. She creates a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique personality traits, quirks and flaws, that readers can relate to and empathize with.
The setting is also vividly rendered, with descriptions of the rugged landscape, the gold mines and the bustling city of Seattle, that transport the reader back in time. One of the strengths of the novel is the way Gist explores the theme of marriage, portraying it as a complex, multi-faceted institution that is influenced by a wide range of factors, including gender roles, cultural norms, economic pressures and personal values.
She also does an excellent job of revealing the motivations and personal histories of the characters, allowing the reader to understand their actions and choices.
However, the novel does have its drawbacks.
For example, the pacing can be slow at times, and there are a few too many subplots that detract from the main storyline. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels contrived and anachronistic, which can pull readers out of the story.
Overall, A Bride in the Bargain is a well-written and entertaining novel that will appeal to fans of historical romance and the Wild West genre. It contains a satisfying mix of romance, action, humor and drama that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
While it may not be a groundbreaking or particularly original work, it has enough depth and insight to make it a worthwhile read. For fans of Deeanne Gist, this is a must-read, and for those who are new to her work, it’s a great introduction to her writing style and themes.
However, for readers who are looking for a more intellectually challenging or politically relevant novel, this may not be the best choice.
Overall, A Bride in the Bargain receives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its engaging plot, well-developed characters and immersive setting.