(Ozark Mountain Romance Book #1)
by Regina Jennings
- File Size: 3539 KB
- Print Length: 337 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764211404
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)
- ASIN: B00KDN89NO
Genre: Christian, Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25
Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
Abigail Stuart Thought She was Jeremiah Calhoun's Widow.
But Jeremiah Calhoun Is Very Handsome, Very Alive, and Very Perplexed.
Most Inconvenient Indeed.
With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he's gone--a practical solution for both of them.
After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain--until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail's story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she's never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn't trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?
Review:
Abigail fled her home after being wrongfully accused by her step-father and mother. She ended up as a nurse in a Union prison hospital. She tends a dying soldier who asks her to marry him in exchange for taking care of his ailing sister and his farm. They are quickly married and, after his death, Abigail travels to Ozark as Mrs. Jeremiah Calhoun. She finds a warm welcome from her mother-in-law but disbelief and resentment from her bitter and demanding sister-in-law, Rachel. Abigail is delighted to find good horse stock and a farm that she can help restore and thrive. She also is determined to do her best to help Rachael improve her attitude even if there is no hope for full recovery.
All goes well until the real Jeremiah Calhoun returns home, injured but clearly alive. He immediately suspects that Abigail is trying to swindle them. Having Abigail claiming to be his wife is also inconvenient as he is determined to marry his long time childhood sweetheart, Laurel. Jeremiah wants Abigail gone but she won’t budge until she is reimbursed for her savings that were invested in breeding his mare. As hard as it is to admit, Jeremiah can use the help around the farm and soon discovers that Abigail can help him overcome his injured leg too.
There is fun conflict in Jeremiah’s antagonism and from his frustrated struggle to woo Laurel who has been spending time with the local doctor. There is added fun in the form of two mischieveous neighbor children. Rachel’s embittered character provides Abigail the opportunity to show faith, charity and love.
The plot moves well with the crossed romances, the neighborly friends, strifes and danger from bushwackers attacking and stealing horses around the community. I enjoyed the easy flow of the reading and the gradual realization of the sweet romance. I also liked the little nuggets of faith and positive attitude that are shared. I will be glad to read Ms. Jennings again and I recommend this to others who enjoy light, sweet, historical romance.
This is my last review for books read in 2014! I received this from the publisher through NetGalley.
