With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry 

ebook, paperback, hardcover

by Karen Witemeyer (Author), Mary Connealy  (Author), Regina Jennings  (Author), Melissa Jagears  (Author)

• Print Length: 368 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• Publication Date: December 29, 2015
• ASIN: B01922H8XS

Sometimes Love is Found in the Most Unexpected Places! 

Love isn't always a fairy tale, and it doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes the best stories, though, are the ones that are the most unexpected. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that celebrate the power of love to triumph . . . even when circumstances go awry! 

The Husband Maneuver by Karen Witemeyer

When ranch foreman Daniel Barrett seems ready to leave her life forever, Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins on their relationship. But to have any hope of maneuvering him into a proposal, she has to act fast or risk losing him completely. My thoughts: Daniel was a gruff man, very unkind and mean in some of his actions. I really didn't see what Marietta saw in him. Hardworking, yes, but who wants to live with a mean grouch all her life? I think Marietta was infatuated with the man behind the dime novels more than the man himself. I did admire how honorable Dan was though and how intent he was to keep promises he made. 3 stars. 

Her Dearly Unintended by Regina Jennings 

Josiah Huckabee just wanted to make sure Katie Ellen Watson was safe, but when the only bridge to her farm is washed out, the two find themselves alone. Alone, that is, until a menacing stranger appears. Maybe by pretending to be newlyweds, they'll save their reputations--but can pretending to be in love turn into the real thing? My thoughts: This was an adorable story. I couldn't help but fall in love with Josiah! Silas got on my nerves right quick, and  his identity came as a complete surprise. Katie Ellen had some control issues to work through. A really adorable story that held my attention all the way through. Loved it. 5 stars. 

Runaway Bride by Mary Connealy 

Hired to help Carrie Halsey escape from a dangerous man intent on making her his wife, Big John Conroy never expected the job to interrupt his solitary Texas Ranger life. But now that he's promised to keep Carrie safe, he discovers he may just want to make a few more promises. My thoughts: Classic Mary Connealy, this story starts out with a crash and with a series of mishaps and nonstop action, it doesn't let up. Like an old wild west tv series, it came complete with gunslingers and hired guns. Unlike the old westerns, the women are just as strong as the men. Great story, nonstop adventure. 5 stars.

Engaging the Competition by Melissa Jagears

Harrison Gray and tomboy Charlotte Andrews have been rivals for years. With Charlotte intended for someone else, it seems they'll never settle their differences until an accident changes things completely. When Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses--without which he's nearly blind--she must help with his teaching position, and working together forces these former adversaries to reconsider everything. My thoughts: I've only read one of Ms. Jagears' stories, a novella, so I was anxious to see what her story telling is like.  I fell in love with Harrison. Even though he was almost blind, he was an awesome hero. Charlie was like none other, and sometimes she  made me mad, but that is the marks of a good storyteller. Definitely enjoyed this story. 5 stars. 

I love these collections Bethany House and Revell and Thomas Nelson have started putting out and this was a good one. 4.5 stars for the collection. A great line-up of historical romance novellas for the avid reader.