A Bride In Store By Melissa Jagears

 

 

From The Back Cover:

 

Impatient to meet her intended groom and help him grow his general store, mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell sets out on her travels a week early. But her plan goes sadly awry when her train is held up by robbers who steal her dowry, and Axel, her groom-to-be, isn't even in town when she finally arrives.

Axel's business partner, William Stanton, has no head for business and would much rather be a doctor. When his friend's mail-order bride arrives in town with no money and no groom in sight, he feels responsible and lets her help around the store--where she quickly proves she's much more adept at business than he ever will be.

The sparks that fly between Will and Eliza as they work together in close quarters are hard to ignore, but Eliza is meant for Axel and a future with the store, while Will is biding his time until he can afford medical school. When Axel finally returns, their troubles are far from over, and soon Will and Eliza must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to chase their dreams--or if God has a new dream for them both.

 

 

First Lines:

"The thwack of the train door jolted Eliza Cantrell upright. Acrid coal smoke whooshed through the muggy passenger car."

 

 

I love a story that keeps me guessing, and A Bride In Store succeeds. This is book # 2 in the Unexpected Brides series, the first being A Bride For Keeps. You don't have to read the stories in order, but I recommend that you do--just because.

 

Melissa Jagears is a newer author whose work I'm loving. A Bride In Store felt real to me, as if the characters' actions and decisions all made sense. She doesn't flood her writing with clichés. The Biblical (spiritual) aspect feels completely authentic.

Eliza is a strong, smart woman who wants to run a store more than she wants marriage. Will is pretty awful at running a store and wants the chance to go to medical school. Obviously, these two have opposing goals, and I truly didn't know how the story would resolve.

The theme of sacrifice is one that we all need to dwell on. The Gospel centers on the Lord's ultimate Sacrifice, the truest Love any of us can ever experience.
The writing is crisp and strong, perfect for bringing the reader into the setting. If you've ever wondered about old-timey stores or if you have a business mind or if you just love a good book, try this one. It's a fun story with bits of suspense, plenty of romance, and a fair dose grace.

 

Another great one from this author!