Joan Johnston

I almost DNF'd this several times, but the GR rating was so high I thought there might be more to the book (spoiler: there wasn't). The author wrote this like a Marvel action movie, jumping from plot point (attacked by Indians) to shootouts interspersed by many sex scenes. There are two romances here: Quint and Hannah, and Quint's brother Ransom and Em. Except Quint is in love with Em, who is engaged to his brother, so he marries Hannah so he'll have a wife too. But Em doesn't want to have sex because she's afraid of childbirth, so maybe Quint will have a chance after all because... I don't know - it didn't make sense.
It could have been an okay book, but the story is so action-heavy that I never got to understand their motivations or know the characters in any meaningful way. It's the second book in the series, but definitely, I think it would have helped a little if I'd read the first book, at least to understand Hannah. It wouldn't have helped to explain anyone else. So, just not for me.… (mais)

This is the first book I have read by Joan Johnston and the first book of the Bitter Creek Series; the others are Texas Bride and Wyoming bride but this book can be read on it's own.

Hetty takes the place of the mail order bride for Karl Norwood after the death of the one he is supposed to marry. Two orphans, a boy and a girl, were pretending to be the children of the deceased woman so they could find a home. Hetty is encourage to do this by Bao Lin, the Chinese man who was sent by Karl to escort the original mail order bride, Mrs. Templeton.
The readers get history lessons in this book about the area, what like is like in this time era and how hard it is. People begin hard work at an early age at this time (late 1800s) and young girls age quickly. Karl has an interest in plants and flowers and tries to teach the children as they travel to their new home.
There is some sexual themes and moments in this book but not too much as far as I am concerned. Some language but very little and usually the person is corrected in their speech.
I personally did not like the cover of the book. It does not describe the contents at all.
Some characters are:
Henrietta Wentworth- the main woman character who came from a wealthy family. She has sisters she is unable to locate.
Karl Norwood- the main male character who wants to begin a family and accepts the fact there are already children from the woman he plans to marry
Grace and Griffin- the orphans who are the supposed children of Hetty. They are older than originally lead to believe.
Dennis- longtime friend of Karl
Bao Lin- the Chinese man who has many Confucius sayings.
Andy- someone from Texas who falls for Grace
I liked this book. I did not do my review so re-read it and I liked it better the second time. I found it a personal book in the fact so many had low esteem about themselves and were trying to find their way in life. A quick read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author on librarything.com to read and review. I give it a 4 star rating and look forward to reading more of Joan Johnston.
You may find the author at www.joanjohnston.com.… (mais)