[Book Review] Christmas Mail-Order Brides: 4-in-1 Collection by Susan Paige Davis, Vickie McDonough,Therese Stenzel and Carrie Turansky

About The Author(s):

Susan Page Davis: Award-winning author Susan Page Davis is a mother of six who lives in Kentucky with her husband, Jim. She worked as a newspaper correspondent for more than twenty-five years in addition to home-schooling her children. She writes romances and cozy mysteries and is a member of ACFW.

Vickie McDonough:Award-winning author Vickie McDonough believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. She loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith. Vickie has had 18 books published. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and is currently serving as ACFW treasurer. Vickie has also been a book reviewer for nine years. She is a wife of thirty-five years, mother of four sons, and grandmother to a feisty four-year-old girl. When not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Therese Stenzel:Obsessed with all things British, Therese Stenzel’s first book, A Bride By Christmas came out in 2008. Her next book, Christmas Mail Order Brides, comes out in September of 2010. She has also co-authored the book, God’s Little Devotional Book for Grandparents. Her writing has appeared in Women’s Day, Family Fun, and Time Magazines.
In love with English history, English tea, and reading historical novels, she is also the founder of British Missives, an e-mail newsletter for those who love to read or write British novels. Sign up for it on her website. Currently, she is working on her fifth historical manuscript. She and her husband Neal keep busy raising their three kids. Her website is www.theresestenzel.com

Carrie Turansky:Carrie Turansky and her husband, Scott, have been married for twenty-seven years and live in central New Jersey. They are blessed with five great kids, a lovely daughter-in-law, and an adorable grandson. Carrie homeschooled her children for many years, but she has recently “graduated” and now has more time for writing and helping her husband in ministry. She also teaches women’s Bible studies, speaks for women’s events, and enjoys reading, gardening, and walking around the lake near their home. Carrie and her family spent one year in Kenya as missionaries, giving them a passion for what God is doing around the world. Their oldest daughter recently left to spend two years in Africa as a missionary nurse. Carrie is the co-author of “Wedded Bliss” and “Kiss The Bride”, and the author of “Along Came Love”. www.carrieturansky.com.

My Review:

Book 1: A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky
I loved this novella in this collection! Carrie Turansky’s characters instantly draw you in, as you travel with Annika from Chicago to Laramie on a train as a mail order bride to meet an unknown fiance. I loved reading her story and falling in love with sweet little Mariah, Daniel and even the cook, Song Li. God’s love and a message of trusting your heart to lead you on the right path, are among these beautiful pages as Annika follows her heart to become a Christmas mail order bride.

Book 2: The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough
Another sweet novella! I love it, and I love Vickie’s work. She used tender characters who loved God wholeheartedly to pull me into the middle of Cedar Springs, just as she did with her amazing novel, The Anonymous Bride. Just like the Biblical prodigal son, Jolie’s husband (not the one who sent for her, either!) has returned home a changed man, with a new wife. Will Jolie and Clay have a Christmas miracle of forgiveness and acceptance from Clay’s father? This sweet Christmas novella should NOT be missed!

Book 3:Hidden Hearts by Therese Stenzel
As with the first two books in this collection, Hidden Hearts was a wonderful Christmas read. Therese Stenzel is a new-to-me author whom has TREMENDOUS writing skills. Reading Elisabeth and Zane’s story, as Zane sent for a mail order bride, despite the secrets that he held deep inside, and Elisabeth, with a few secrets of her own, was sent to Zane through Mrs. Mayberry’s Matrimonial Society for Christians of Moral Character. There was just enough secret twists in this story to make it a tad bit suspenseful! Watching these strangers marry in convenience, especially during the holidays, warms my heart, because you get to witness the magic of Christmas, and the hand of God and His unconditional love! This story was captivating and added a beautiful depth to this Christmas collection!

Book 4: Mrs. Mayberry Meets Her Match by Susan Page Davis
I knew, based upon reading the other wonderful books by Susan Page Davis that this book would make a wonderful conclusion to this collection of Christmas novellas. It certainly didn’t disappoint! After matching all the tender characters in the first 3 books, Mrs. Mayberry has decided it’s time to end her business…..but she has one final client she MUST go and take care of, for she seemed to have failed him in her previous efforts to match him with a mail order bride. But, does God have something in mind for this sweet widow at Christmas when she arrives to take care of this family friend and  client?  I loved reading about Mrs. Mayberry after reading all her efforts of matchmaking! Definitely a wonderfully, sweet Christmas conclusion!

Well, do you think you can guess my thoughts on this book? In case you can’t, I’ll tell you. Definitely 5 star praises for these 4 terrific authors! Highly recommended for Christmas lovers or to give as Christmas gifts.

You can purchase your copy here. 

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Books*