Kirsten Osbourne

This is a short story, not a full-length novel or even a novella. However, what's there is very satisfying. Jason and Amanda decide to marry each other, sight unseen, after being set up by friends. Although they've talked on the phone (and via Internet), they don't lay eyes on each other until their wedding day. Amanda is a virgin who is very nervous about her wedding night. Jason is patient, gentle, and sweet. This is an old-fashioned, sweet love story with modern sensuality. For example, show more although they do not have sex until their wedding night, their first time together is very passionate and described in detail. The story doesn't end with the wedding night, however. The author allows us a short glimpse into the newlyweds' adjustment to life together on Jason's farm. The ending is perfectly sweet and romantic. The only problem with this story is that it's too short. I'd gladly read more about Jason and Amanda. (Perhaps including some of their e-mails or telephone conversations during their courtship.) show less

Setting aside that two professional adults would agree to marry someone they would only be allowed to meet at the alter, I still struggled with the ideas in this book. They seem to be harking back to the days when the expectation was that a women should be fulfilled with staying at home to look after "her man", cook his dinner, clean his house and produce children. And not look for any mental stimulation outside of the home and not use her education if that's what her husband wants.

At the show more beginning, Scott was not just a totally unreconstructed male, he was so completely dim about women that I would have bashed him on the head with the food mixer.

Fortunately despite coming across as a bit timid to start with Savannah does have the gumption to stand up for herself and what she wants out of life. And Scott's character does develop enough to be realistic without doing a complete about-face.

I read the whole book because I wanted to see how things turned out, but I don't think I would read anymore in the series. show less

This is a very easy read. The very idea of getting married without being introduced to your partner is unique. I liked some of the banter between Savannah and Scott, but I was also hoping to find some comedy stunts that would leave you laughing. Instead it was the typical struggles of a couple trying to work through the rough patches of their new marriage. It's not bad, but I think it could have been better!

Maude's parents are forcing her marry a man that scares her. She answers an ad for a mail order bride to escape him. She has no idea what to expect but she knows the alternative is worse so she agrees to marry a perfect stranger. Now her and the new husband that she has fallen in love with are in danger.
It is a charming love story. The only thing that disappointed me was the length. I really wish it had been longer.