"The Unexpected Bride" by Debra Ullrick is the first book around the Bowen family. This is the second time that I have read this book. To see that I gave it three stars the first time around there are only a few things that I can think that caused that, a slip of the mouse somewhere to downgrade it, I may not have been in the historical mood or I wasn't feeling good, for I just loved the book. I guess this book could be just like any fine wine that only gets better with age too. The scars that are experience are both internal and external which is a great reminder that words can hurt a person as much as striking a person. Forgiveness is another theme in this book subtly and not so subtly, which is something that everyone needs to remember.Rainelle, aka Rainee, is a woman who is running with good reason, but she isn't running completely blind or so it seems. She may look like one thing but as those around her get to know her, there is something else that makes her so wonderful. She has a servant's heart, on the most part pretty open but of course she hides her secrets out of her fear, and is a warm and loving person. Haydon, has reason's why he doesn't want to get married again. It is because of these reasons that he acts so grouchy and frankly like a brute at times, not that he is ever intentionally hurtful. He has a lot of responsibility on his shoulder's and he knows when he is in the wrong without being taken to task, and when he the wrong he does try to make things right.There is a bit of trouble in the beginning of the book, and when the reader is lulled into thinking that maybe it just served its purpose for when it was placed, bam things get tricky at the end, but not quite like one expects it. Overall this book regardless what is going on, the book keeps moving at a decent pace through it all until the end when it really picks up.I hope all who read this book and series, enjoy it as much as I have.
Will an unsuspecting groom allow love and faith back into his heart so that he can claim "The Unexpected Bride?"Placing an advertisement for a groom sends Rainee Devonwood into the arms of Haydon Bowen's family as she attempts to free herself from the evil abuse that her brother has insisted on inflicting upon her. Unbeknownst to Haydon, til the day of her arrival, his bother, Jess, has sent for her and now he must try to smooth out the situation and send her on her way since he has no intention of any marriage. Because of carrying the guilt of how his last marriage ended, Haydon must learn to allow his heart to love and follow his faith to see where this new relationship could lead him. Can he see Rainee for the sweet woman that she is or will he continue to compare her with his first wife? Can Rainee finally break free from the evils of her past without bringing harm into the Bowen's family home? Follow their journey as mistrust and uncertainty turn into a life filled with faith and a deep and tender love. This book was a total delight for me. I was in the mood for something sweet and easy to enjoy and this definitely fit the bill. The characters are wonderfully written and you can definitely feel their emotions right along with them. The uncertainty of each other, the prayers when spoken, the tenderness between Katherine and Rainee and everything in between just keeps the story moving at a wonderful pace. I finished this book in less than a day so it did turn out to be a very quick read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet, inspirational, and historical romance.This book was won by me and kindly sent to me by it's wonderful author and this is my honest review!
What do You think about The Unexpected Bride (2011)?
Anyone who has ever “gone out on a limb” to chase a dream or escape from reality will enjoy this romance. In a desperate attempt to get away from an abusive brother and a fiancée, Rainee advertises for a husband. She receives an answer, but it isn’t the answer she wants. After traversing to the wilderness to meet her groom, she finds him unwilling. She has no money, no place to go and now no husband! I could feel her desperation. I wanted to see what would happen next and every time I thought things would calm down, something new kept me reading and I ended up reading when I should have been doing housework.
—Bobbie
Rainelle (Rainee) Victoria Devonworth will do whatever it takes to get away from her abusive brother...even if it means putting out an ad for a husband. She could only hope the ad was answered sooner then later. Haydon Bowen has had it with love. After the torment that Melanie put him through, he'll never marry again. However, Jesse has other plans in mind. To help his brother out, Jesse answers Rainee's ad and now Haydon finds himself looking for a woman at the train platform. Haydon is only slightly concerned about what happened to Jesse before he left when he sees a classy woman being accosted by a surly man. Haydon jumps in to the hero and finds out that he's rescuing Rainee. How does one deal with a woman they don't want? Jesse is in no position to get rid of her, now will Mr. Bowen's mother hear anything of it. She's now a guest in her home. Rainee is thankful and will do whatever she can to stay away from her brother Ferrin, even if it means answering another man's ad for a wife. I love stories like this! Often times I wish I could have lived back in those times! The formality used is sweet and stuffy at the same time (I cannot imagine calling my husband Mr in these days and times). I appreciated the romance and suspense that this book presented. I did see the ending happening as it did though, so this book was a bit predictable for me.
—Julie
More like 4.5 stars...Heartwarming and inspirational, The Unexpected Bride delighted me. For real. I love historical romance anyway, and the more interesting the characters the more I like it. This romance was more than a one-kiss-at-the-end novel, which I appreciated. There was humor, adventure, and enough action to hold my interest. I read the story quickly. The spiritual thread was well done and felt natural to me. I have read a number of books where there are misunderstandings, but they often feel forced. This story was believable to me and so was the conflict. I wanted to be part of Haydon's family as much as Rainee did. She was a lovable heroine and I could see why Haydon let down his guard despite his initial resistance. I loved watching him slowly melt because of her sweet spirit and tender personality, but at the same time she had some fire and strength in her. He admired that and so did I. I loved all of the characters in this story because they were well-developed. This is another example of why I enjoy Love Inspired Historical romances more than any other LI fiction imprint.
—Michelle
