Review: A Surprising Delight!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
I turn to historical romances for the delight of the story -- especially finding true love in this crazy world. In Kirsten Osbourne's first four books about Mail-Order Brides, she satisfies that need for a good story, ably told  The books are not as deep or historically detailed as I would like, but there are some important lessons in all the books, especially what it takes to make a good marriage by being mature, honest and hardworking.  Each story includes fun surprises and satisfying resolutions to realistic problems.  The romances are also realistically portrayed, as are the women's initiations into the bridal bed.  Some people may find this frank aspect of marriage a little too detailed for them, but to me it added to the realism of the relationships and situations.There's an undercurrent of decency in Osbourne's people -- and these people make me long for this world where trust, goodwill, and hardwork will generally lead to a good life.The stories aren't elegantly written -- not a lot of subtlety or nuance -- but I confess to reading all four stories in two days, happy to be ensconced in Osbourne's world where the decision to wed can be made at a long distance with the exchange of a couple of letters.