Hand Me Down Bride (Sisters Book 1) Kindle Edition

This sequel to Juliet Waldron's "Mail Order Bride," follows Sophie's young sister, Elfie, recently arrived in Pennsylvania from Germany. A naive city girl, Elfie must adjust to her new life on the farm with all its jarring realities, making numerous mistakes in judgement and attitude along the way. But like every good heroine, Elfie discovers the capacity for growth and change. As with all of the books I've read by Ms. Waldron, this is incredibly well-researched and rich in details of mid-nineteenth century rural America and its post Civil War society, which fill the reader's mind (and taste buds) with an array sights, smells, and a craving for hand-churned strawberry ice cream, among other delights.

I would call this a realistic historical romance. Sophie's situation as a mail order bride was steeped in the pragmatism caused by poverty and a desire to have her mother and sisters eventually come to America for a better life. Karl seemed like a typical, sweet but a little self absorbed young man. Sophie came across as a young woman put in a difficult situation and wounded by a past romantic encounter. Karl and Sophie come together by a series of events beyond their control. The question is never will they find each other, because we know from the book description that they do; the question is how they find each other amidst hardship and misunderstanding.

There were times in the novel, especially towards the end, when it seemed to go on a bit long, but I found myself really looking forward to picking this book up and reading it. It is not a perfect novel. It is, however, a very nice change from the bodice rippers I have encountered in past reads. I liked the portrayal of the characters where no one was out and out dastardly, except for, perhaps, one character, but people, even the heroes, behaved like real people. The hero and heroine were not goody goody, but you liked them for it. I thought the love story was sweet, but this book would probably not appeal to people who like steamy romances or overly pristine Christian romances. I think it would appeal to those readers who like a realistic, relatively clean novel about real love. The author's descriptions of dress, food, settings and supporting characters were very nice. I would seriously consider another book by this author.

I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author. Hand Me Down Bride is yet another opportunity to experience a different aspect of history. Juliet Waldron has an exceptional talent in writing about different historical eras in different countries.

I found this book an enjoyable read mainly from the point of view that it was about German immigrants in America. One doesn't usually find stories about them.

Rating 3.5 stars

The premise for this story is intriguing and captured my attention immediately, drawing me in quickly. This book is unique in that it involves German immigrants who have moved to America. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical elements very much, and it is obvious the Ms. Waldron researched this period of history, giving me a fascinating glimpse of what life must have been like in a German immigrant village in the post-Civil War era.

Sophie Neiman comes to Pennsylvania to marry Theodore Wildbach, a man three times her age. He dies on their wedding night without consummating the marriage. Karl Joseph, his youngest son, gives her a job as his housekeeper, when he finds out his father did not provide for her in his will. This is a lie. Karl’s brother, who is married to the judge’s daughter, connives and hides the codicil, which would have provided for Sophie.

At first Sophie and Karl do not get along at all. He thinks she is a prude; she thinks he is uncouth. They are at odds most of the time. However, Sophie’s questioning mind intrigues Karl. As they get to know each other better, they find redeeming qualities in one another and a growing attraction blossoms. When he finds out she only married his father to bring her family to America, he realizes she willingly sacrificed herself for them.

In his father’s will, the only way he can inherit the mill is to marry a German woman and run it for two years before he attempts to sell it and move west. Since Sophie is not like the other German women he knows, Karl decides to win her heart, but does he trust her? She has a secret. Finding it out could be the answer he needs to gain her love or tear it asunder. Will she accept him if she finds out about his father’s will, or will she turn from him, thinking he sees her only as a means to gain his inheritance?

After such a promising start, the sagging middle is a bit tedious to read. This occurs because the hero and heroine have too much conflict. But once they move past that, the pace picks up dramatically and the second half of the book pulled me in again. The author does an excellent job of setting up a scene. At one point in the story, there is a fierce storm; she describes it so well that I felt as if I were experiencing it with them. The emotions Karl feels when he sees Sophie is in danger are intense and very well-written. I sat on the edge of my seat as he raced against time to safe her.

While I enjoyed the ending and was pleased Sophie and Karl had their ‘Happily Ever After’, it was somewhat rushed. Ms. Waldron leaves some plot lines dangling to some degree, especially in regards to his conniving brother and his devious wife. Also the book needs some serious editing. There are quite a few missing words. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and I am glad I read it. If you like a story with a unique storyline and a strong romantic element, then this will be a book you will want to read. Happy reading!