I love short story anthologies. Anytime I can find a collection of stories all in one book, it makes me feel like I’ve hit gold. And discovering this particular anthology definitely lived up to those expectations.
The Homestead Brides Collection is a historical romance anthology of nine short stories surrounding couples who meet while staking claims in the Great Plains during the 1800s. The stories are authored by: Mary Connealy, Darlene Franklin, Ruth Logan Herne, Carla Gade, Pam Hillman, DiAnn Mills, Erica Vetsch, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y’Barbo.
I liked that each story was by a different author. It provided a great opportunity to experience each writer’s personal style. There wasn’t a story I didn’t like and if someone pinned me down to pick a favorite, I would still be torn between two or three. But Jack’s mother in “Prairie Promises” by Ruth Logan Herne definitely won the category of best line.
“Lots of places start out rough…. And then faith and good women demand better.”
– Mary O’Donnell, “Prairie Promises” by Ruth Logan Herne
The Homesteading era of U.S. History was fraught with challenges, prejudices, hopes, dreams, and new beginnings. For the characters in the pages of this anthology, finding love is only the beginning – and many doubt they will ever find it. Nature bogs them down. Enemies wish to take. And necessity, propriety, and family require much. Will they find the faith and hope they need to find love?
If you like sweet romance mixed with hard work, sod houses, and strong characters, I recommend checking out The Homestead Brides Collection. You might even find a new author or two whose other books you’ll want to read.
I received this book free from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”