Synopsis:~

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?

My take:~

If you have read my reviews of Melissa Jagears’ novels you may have noticed at theme and my enthusiastic use of the word authentic! Authenticity imprints every one of her stories and it’s the characteristic that draws me back to her books. Never has the word been more representative than in her just released, second Frontier Vows book, Pretending to Wed.

This is not a run of the mill marriage of convenience story. Their reasons may be different, but Nolan and Corinne are both happily settled with their choice not to wed until circumstances force them to reconsider and a business deal is struck.

Corinne’s forthrightness and practicality made me smile more than once, and that directness leads to some interesting and honest discussions between a husband and wife about their past relationship experiences that’s rare in this genre. Yet another aspect that draws me to Melissa’s storytelling.

While there are some moments where the interactions or prose is a little stilted, nothing detracts from the engaging nature of this story. With their physical limitations resulting in emotional and psychological pain, the unlikely partnership – forged by reluctant necessity – transforms into healing and hope proving God doesn’t always give us what we ask for very good reasons!

With thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy

Award winning author, Melissa Jagears, is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian Historical Romance into the wee hours of the night. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children. Her ebook novella, Love by the Letter, is her ACFW Carol Award winning novella and free to try. You can learn more about her, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com

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Buy at Amazon: Pretending to Wed