Review: Short but Fun Romance with Likeable Lead Characters
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 15, 2013
I love the classic musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," so the title of this novella immediately amused me. "One Bride for Seven Brothers" tells the story of Flora, a "spinster" at age twenty-three working as a maid for a lecherous employer and waiting for her secret fiancé, Clyde, to finally be able to afford a real wedding.Unbeknownst to Flora, Clyde has been making money--by pretending to be Flora and advertising her as a mail-order bride, then asking for financial help from her would-be suitors in the West. One such suitor brings himself to marry Flora, and soon she's on a ship with him--a handsome man named Brody who she's drawn to against her engagement to Clyde. As they journey toward Brody's home and a wedding she never agreed to, she even finds herself falling in love with him--and willing to accept a most unusual marital arrangement.I found this novella very well written, and it's not explicit at all--while I can see how some readers have found the premise shocking, there's a lengthy disclaimer in the description so that you know you're getting a story that's not the typical Western romance. Flora is a strong and spunky character, and Brody is an appealing male lead; I was pulling for her to fall in love with him. If you're looking for a fast and light-hearted read, and are a little open-minded, "One Bride for Seven Brothers" is enjoyable and entertaining.