A Bride Most Begrudging
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Do You Believe in Love at First Fight?
Any ship arriving from England means good news for Virginia colony farmers. The "tobacco brides" will be on board--eligible women seeking a better life in America, bartered for with barrels of tobacco from the fields.
Drew O'Connor isn't stirred by news of a ship full of brides. Still broken-hearted from the loss of his beloved, he only wants a maid to tend his house and care for his young sister.
What he ends up with is a wife--a feisty red head who claims she is of noble birth, brought to America against her will. She constantly demands to be treated like an equal. She fails at even the simplest housekeeping.
Headstrong and intelligent, tempestuous but captivating, deeply moral but incredibly enticing, Constance turns what was supposed to be a marriage of convenience into something most inconvenient, indeed.
Reviews
“Drew O’Connor and Lady Constance are the most beloved characters I’ve read to in recent memory. I grew to love the two of them even more than I loved Athos in The Three Musketeers, to whom I’ve remained faithful to for 30 years.
Drew O’Connor is every bit as masculine and daring as the brave Athos, and equally sensitive though he fights it with every breath. Lady Constance melts my heart with her dedication to the Lord. Her willingness to submit her will to the husband the Lord has given her, makes her a woman to look up to. She desires not to begrudge Drew anything, but can she convince him that her love is genuine?
With wit and humor, Gist weaves a lovely tale. Her graceful dialogue brings hearty, out-loud laughs, as well as tears of realization, sadness and understanding. What else can I say? It was just a wonderful story and it’s left its mark upon my heart ... ”
“FIVE STARS*****
Whether you normally read historical fiction or not, this one is a keeper ... The author has penned a love story you won’t soon forget. The depth of characters and great dialogue carry this book, the attention to story detail finishing it off for a perfect blend of tension, humor, and inspiration. A first book from an author who is definitely on her way to the top.”
“A fantastic colonial romance ... The lead couple is a delightful pairing ... Virginia and the prime lovers make for a wonderful historical tale.”
“This is a wonderful book, by a very talented author. I enjoyed this book right up to the last page.”
“When I received A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING in the mail, I should have put it at the bottom of my books-to-be-reviewed pile, but it just looked too interesting. I was not disappointed. I was amazed that this is Deeanne Gist’s first book. Her feisty heroine yanked me into the story from the start ...A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING will take you on a fascinating journey to a time not often written about—17th century America. And Deeanne Gist does it with flair. You’ll learn and read about things you’ve never heard of before. The author gives detailed descriptions of the clothing and lifestyle of the period, but it never bogs down the story. Back-story and the faith element are also deftly woven in. Kick back and enjoy A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING, a mesmerizing step back to colonial America.”
“A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING is a truly wonderful story. The setting of Virginia during the 1640s is one I find fascinating and fresh. Ms. Gist does a great job portraying the time period ... The characters are well written ... The story itself is believable ... The message of faith is woven into this story seamlessly.
If you enjoy a story of love and faith with historical details, then Ms. Gist’s A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDING is one you’ll adore. I highly recommend this one and look forward to more of Ms. Gist’s work.”
“FOUR out of FOUR STARS****
From beginning to end, this book kept my interest. It was such a good book, and I enjoyed every page. The historical detail was accurate and enthralling. I’ll gladly recommend this book to my family and friends. Deeanne Gist writes a wonderful story of faith and courage.”
““In a most delightful way this new author has taken a small slice of American history and created a perfectly lovely romance ...
This book was well written, well researched, emotionally engaging, and featured two wonderful protagonists. Along with a superb cast of secondary characters, the author opens the door for what I hope to see is a sequel featuring Drew’s brother Josh. I most definitely recommend this novel for anyone who is looking for an extremely satisfying and wonderful read.”
“My favorite female characters in historical novels are my alter ego: the strong-willed woman willing to speak her mind. She’s an anachronism in time for she demands respect and is openly intelligent. Of course, she has a kind heart. And my favorite heroes are those also with a toughened exterior, but the heart of a saint. And Deeanne Gist creates such characters in her first novel, A Bride Most Begrudging
The interplay between Drew and Constance is creative and carries you through the book. Deeanne does a wonderful job describing the fabulous, virginal landscape. A flight scene near the end of the book is excellently written with its pace and suspense.
The story has two minor detractions. The “he-loves-me, he-loves-me-not” pendulum swings one too many times, and the romantic description becomes a little too intimate for a Bethany House publication.
This first novel is a good one. And, with the way the book ends, I foresee a second book continuing the O’Connor legacy.”
“To her credit and my delight, Gist gave Lady Constance depth. Though she was a lady unaccustomed to hard work, she makes the best of her current circumstances, genuinely trying to adapt to life in America. Great characterization and a ‘star-crossed’ plot made this book a great adventure. I would recommend this one for your personal library.”
“Deeanne Gist makes a huge splash into the world of inspirational romance with her debut novel, A Bride Most Begrudging. I must say this novel greatly impressed me with the details of the history of this time period, and with the message of faith interwoven throughout the pages of the book. The main characters are ones who capture the reader’s attention from the get-go and the secondary characters enhance the story with their interesting personalities. I certainly hope this novel only signals the beginning of a writing career for this talented and fresh new voice in inspirational romance.””
“Virginia tobacco farmer Drew O’Connor needs a wife to do the housework and take care of his three-year-old sister, Sally. A ship from England arrives with a cargo of “tobacco brides,” mostly female ex-convicts seeking a better life in Colonial America. Drew ends up purchasing two women, one of whom happens to be the daughter of an earl and held against her will on the ship. Drew does not believe Lady Constance Morrow’s story and marries her despite her obstinacy and inability to cook and run a household.
What Drew and his bride do share is a strong faith in God and an attraction that just might grow into something more. This clever first novel will remind readers of Johanna Lindsey’s style and feisty heroines. Highly recommended for CF and romance collections. Gist lives in Houston.”
“A Bride Most Begrudging is the dazzling debut novel of Ms. Gist and this reviewer sincerely hopes that it will not be her last literary effort. Ms. Gist provides fascinating details and descriptions of early 17th century America that give the story depth and flavor. This reviewer was captivated as Drew and Constance’s story unfolded, and their faith in God shone through all of the hardships they were forced to endure.
Ms. Gist has managed to write an inspirational tale that truly inspires rather than preaches at the reader. She effortlessly shifts between the present story line while interweaving the back-story that truly makes the reader understand and sympathize with the actions of the characters. The love scenes are tenderly drawn and believable. Most importantly, losses are not glossed over and neither are victories shallowly celebrated.
This reviewer experienced laughter and tears while reading this most romantic tale. The secondary characters were fully drawn and provided depth to the tale. While at first this reviewer found the story line somewhat far-fetched, the historical details provided made it fully believable and engrossing. For fans of historical romance who are interested in reading about a time period that is rarely written about and who enjoy inspirational titles, A Bride Most Begrudging will be a most satisfying read.”
“If you’ve gone to a lot of weddings, you have a good idea what to expect: white dress, tuxedo, attendants and vows, with food and drinks afterward. The interest is in the details: Who’s wearing the dress this time? Is the groom shaking or merely sweating? Real food or just cake at the reception? Veterans of romance novels will recognize the familiar elements in A Bride Most Begrudging: historical setting, spirited heroine, manly hero, unwilling attraction, danger. The fun in Houston author Deeanne Gist’s first novel is in the particulars.
It’s 1643, and English noblewoman Constance Morrow finds herself kidnapped and put up for sale as unwilling bride in Virginia. Drew O’Connor, a tobacco farmer (an odd profession for a literary hero these days), doesn’t want a wife—especially not a feisty (!), educated (!) redhead (!). The two cross swords, and sparks fly—but then, of course, a slow fire starts to burn....
A Bride Most Begrudging demonstrates a nice touch with early American history, as well as what happens when God gives you what you need instead of what you want.
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