A Bride in the Bargain

Title: A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN
Author: Deeanne Gist
Publisher: Bethany House
June 2009
ISBN: 978-1-7642-0407-4
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance

Joe Denton really doesn’t want a wife. His first wife died ten years ago, but now the judge in Seattle is threatening to take away Joe’s land, since it is supposed to go to a married man. And Joe can’t produce a death certificate for his wife. In desperation, Joe buys himself a Mercer bride—and eastern orphan brought into the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey was desperate to escape a lecherous boss, and so signs on with Mercer to go west and work as a cook. She has no intentions of marrying. And when she’s handed over to Joe, she is shocked when he expects her to be his bride. Anna adamantly refuses, jeopardizing Joe’s land.

Joe only has mere weeks to produce a bride. But how can he convince this provoking easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

I have read most all of Ms. Gist’s books so far, but I have to say that A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN is the best book of hers I’ve read so far. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Anna and Joe. Not to mention, Ms. Gist does know how to write a romance.

A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN is full of conflict from the beginning to the end. There is also plenty of sexual tension to keep the pages turning. Readers of romance will not want to miss A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN. It was also interesting to note that the premise for this book is based on fact. Don’t miss A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN. $14.99. 362 pages.