About Me I am a retired librarian and I now support books and authors through my reviews.

I have always loved to read and I was able to share that love through my work as a public librarian for 22 1/2 years. I now promote literacy by reading, and then writing reviews. I love to support authors by sharing my reviews with others!

Monday, June 10, 2024

The Farmer Takes a Wife (South Dakota Brides, 1) by Candice Sue Patterson

The Farmer Takes a Wife: a Modern-Day Marriage of Convenience Tale (South Dakota Brides)
ABOUT THE BOOK

Librarian Gemma Breckenridge hates the spotlight. She's content in her small town, living alone with books for company and caring for her once famous sister, Cammie, who's now suffering from a degenerative brain disease. But Cammie's care is expensive, and when the grant Gemma was counting on is denied, she's forced to take desperate measures and applies to be a contestant on a reality television show where a wealthy farmer is looking for a love connection. What better place to keep her sister's identity incognito than a thousand-acre farm in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota?

Colby Graham will do anything to save his almost bankrupt farm, even if it means that all of primetime will think he's incapable of finding a wife on his own. The sponsorships alone should carry his business out of the red, and royalties from the producer will help to keep it there. But choosing a bride from among eight gorgeous strangers is tougher than Colby bargained for. Especially when the one woman he wants isn't a contestant.

With a cast of vivid characters, join the crew in this witty romance filled with drama, heartache, elimination challenges, and fancy luggage full of secrets. Amid the beautiful setting of the Midwest, this tale unravels the tightly bound threads of sacrificial love.



MY THOUGHTS.....

I've loved her historical fiction novels, but this book certainly proves that Candice Sue Patterson can write contemporary romance! The Farmer Takes a Wife is a marriage-of-convenience story that features participation in a popular reality television show as part of the plot. As I read Gemma Breckinridge's efforts to provide needed critical medical care for her sister, I found myself wondering how far I would go. Would I be willing to put myself in front of millions of viewers and try to convince a stranger that I would make a great wife? Could I bear the humility of not being the contestant chosen? Worse still, would I be certain that I wanted to be the person chosen?

This is labeled as a romantic comedy and there's a lot of fun as Gemma interacts with the contestant who needs the money as badly as she does. I loved the witty banter but there are also thought-provoking twists and a surprise that I didn't see coming. I was a farm wife for many years, so I understood the joys, the challenges, and the silly misconceptions but I especially loved the relevant message woven into the plot. Money is important but it isn't the key to happiness!

If you're looking for a captivating story with fantastic characters, a romantic triangle that increases the drama, a sweet romance that's laced with amazing chemistry, and many laugh-out-loud moments, grab a copy of The Farmer Takes a Wife. Well done, Candice Sue Patterson! I can't wait to read the next book in the South Dakota Brides series!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.


My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

 Learn more at her Website

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2 comments:

  1. Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the book. I appreciate the great review.

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  2. Fabulous review!! I want to read this one :)

    ReplyDelete