Historical Romance Book Review: Pretending to Wed

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About the Book

Title: Pretending to Wed 
Series: Frontier Vows (Book 2) 
Genre: Historical Romance 
Author: Melissa Jagears 
Publisher: Utmost Publishing 
Release Date: May 20, 2020 

Click here to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself.


Publisher's Description

“It’s a match made in heaven…as long as they don’t fall in love! The ranch Nolan Key has spent decades working for, even lost a leg for, is now his—or at least it should be. But an absurd clause in his father’s will means he’s in danger of losing the place to his lazy, undeserving cousin. Nolan finds himself scrambling to save his home—by proposing marriage to the town laundress. Corinne Stillwater’s hands have betrayed her. Numb from hours of doing the same work over and over, her hands will only heal, according to the town doctor, if she gives up the laundry and marries. But she’s been stung repeatedly by love before, so that is one remedy she can’t swallow. When Nolan offers Corinne a marriage in name only, how can she refuse? Such a partnership could give them the security they seek, but what if the ranch isn't as secure as they believe, and their lives—and dreams—aren't quite as compatible as they thought?  

Pretending to Wed is the second book in the Frontier Vows Series by award-winning Christian romance author Melissa Jagears. If you like marriage of convenience stories that deal with the nitty-gritty of making a relationship work, you’ll love this authentic romance set in a time gone by that tackles issues still relevant for today.”

My Review

Pretending to Wed (Frontier Vows, Book 2), by Melissa Jagears, is a terrific historical fiction novel! Offering a refreshing story rooted in the marriage-of-convenience sub-genre, this book is compelling and unexpected. I was thoroughly invested in this novel after just a few paragraphs, because page after page, this well-written book successfully balances history, romance, faith, and intrigue, making the story utterly entertaining.  

The characters in this novel are unconventional, authentic, and unforgettable. As they struggle with physical limitations, regrets, and emotional scars, they are wholly relatable. Even as they encounter various trials that test their faith and place their dreams in jeopardy, the gift of God’s grace brings hope, forgiveness, healing and restoration. As the characters learn to place the needs of others before their own, this novel moves beyond mere entertainment and into a space of true meaning, encouragement, and relevancy.  

Pretending to Wed is a thoughtful novel of new beginnings and new perspectives. It is a story of faith, trust, and embracing the unexpected. It is also a story of love and selflessness. From beginning to end, this novel is truly a pleasure to read. It is honest, tender, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting. I sincerely recommend it. 

*I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

My Reflection

Within the pages of Pretending to Wed, there is an emphasis on the value of selflessness. Though they begin by seeking solutions that serve their own best interests, the characters soon discover that acts of thoughtfulness, generosity, and sacrificial love are the only actions worth taking. Their faith grows stronger and their trials become bearable when they turn to God in prayer and place their trust fully in his provision rather than in their own plans and abilities. As they pursue God's will and seek to lift others up, they find genuine hope and purpose. While telling a remarkable story, Pretending to Wed also points readers to the gracious love beautifully described in I Corinthians 13, a love to which we should all aspire to give and to receive.

About the Author: Melissa Jagears

“Much to her introverted self's delight, award-winning author Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.” --Biography from Melissa Jagears author page on Amazon.com. 

Click here to visit Melissa Jagears' website.


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