Description from Amazon.com:
“Abigail Brantley grew up in affluence and knows exactly how to behave in high society. But when she is cast from the social registers due to her father’s illegal dealings, she finds herself forced into a role she never imagined: tutoring rough Kansas ranchers in the subjects of manners and morals so they can “marry up” with their mail-order brides. Mack Cleveland, whose father was swindled by a mail-order bride, wants no part of the scheme to bring Eastern women to Spiveyville, Kansas, and he’s put off by the snooty airs and fastidious behavior of the “little city gal” in their midst. But as time goes by, his heart goes out to the teacher who tries so diligently to smooth the rough edges from the down-to-earth men. How can he teach her that perfection won’t bring happiness?”
Published by Waterbrook
352 pages
My Review:
“What an enjoyable story.” That was my first thought when I finished this book. Kim Vogel Sawyer makes the town of Spiveyville, Kansas (in the year 1888) and all its residents seem very real and quite lovable.
I usually skip reading “mail order bride” stories because that theme is generally overdone and all the storylines seem to be similar. Ms. Sawyer brings a refreshingly different twist to the story which makes it interesting reading.
It took me a couple of chapters to develop empathy with the main character, Abigail, but watching her growth as a person throughout the whole storyline was an integral part of this story.
There’s a little bit of everything woven into this plot: humor, mild suspense, anticipation, romance, and finding faith in God through difficult circumstances. The dialogue between characters is well-written and fits the time period of the story. The point of view switches smoothly between characters. The ending ties everything together perfectly.
This book is good, fun, clean, sweet, entertaining reading. I’ll close this review the way I began: “What an enjoyable story!”
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book. (less)