The Bartered Bride

 

About the Book

Book: The Bartered Bride

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A rebellious suffragette and a steadfast sailor—tied by duty, divided by secrets, and tempted by a love that changes everything.

A born sailor, Jonathan Kennebrae thrives in his role running his grandfather’s shipping enterprise. That is until his grandfather delivers a crippling ultimatum—Jonathan will marry Melissa Brooke or lose his inheritance and everything he’s worked for. Though Jonathan finds himself drawn to Melissa, he can’t help feeling his intended may not be who she appears to be.

​Melissa Brooke is tired of being voiceless. She’s been the perfect daughter all her life, doing what she’s told for the good of the family. Except she has a secret. Melissa lives a double life, teaching literacy to struggling immigrant women and fighting for the suffragette movement. If she goes through with the wedding, she’ll be forced to abandon her life’s work. Yet refusing the union could cost her any chance at an inheritance to fund her cause. To make matters worse, she can’t deny the tender feelings blooming between her and her fiancé.

 My Review:

Wow! A lot gets packed into this novella. Ms. Vetsch did a great job in developing the plot and having  characters with struggles that added depth to the story. Jonathan Kennebrae and ​Melissa Brooke are forced into an arranged marriage/ marriage of convenience. Seeing two very strong people be able to work out their differences and find love was very rewarding. 

Things to love about the book: 

the Great Lakes

shipping industry

Jonathan's brother

women's suffrage

danger

second chances

faith of the characters

I highly recommend this for readers of all ages who like Christian historical romances. This is the first book in the Brides of the West series, and I am looking forward to reading the other books! I received a copy of the book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online where she spends way too much time!

 

 

 

More from Erica

Do you ever wish you could turn back time? That’s what I recently got to do, as I read through my very first published novel, The Bartered Bride, that is now being re-released by Wild Heart Books.

What a blast from the past. I was amazed at all the feelings that rushed back in as I revisited Duluth, MN in the last century. Melissa and Jonathan hadn’t changed a bit in sixteen years.

The story idea first came to me as I sat in church awaiting the start of the service. There I was, a not-yet-published-author, minding my own business when the plot sort of burst into my head. An arranged marriage set in Duluth, and using the “Gales of November” and the wreck of the Mataafa…

I jotted down a few notes, because face it, the best idea for a novel could pop into my head, and if I don’t write down the gist, I will forget it in two minutes.

I wrote The Bartered Bride in about six weeks, and I sent it through my critique group of the time. Then my agent submitted it to the publisher in the spring of 2008.

And we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

We heard nothing for months. My agent sent word that the publisher was still considering it, and I was to be patient. It wasn’t a no, but it also wasn’t a resounding yes!

I had already started the sequel to The Bartered Bride, a story called Marriage Masquerade, so I finished that one, and then with summer upon me, I wrote a new story, Clara and the Cowboy, about an heiress to a ranch and one of the cowboys who rode for her father. Maybe the publisher would like that series better. I heard nothing all summer on either of the two series I had proposed and submitted.

Then in September of that year, I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. The conference was being held in Minnesota, just a hop up the road from where I live. I ferried agents and editors from the airport to the hotel, I met people, I sat in workshops, all the time wondering if I would ever be a published author. Would my writing ever be ‘good enough’? Was I wasting my time?

Imagine my surprise when the publisher to whom I had submitted The Bartered Bride took the stage at a general session and announced that they were offering a contract to me for that book! Not only that, but when I had an appointment with the editor later, she offered not only a three-book contract on the The North Star Brides, but an additional three-book contract for the Brides of Money Creek of which Clara and the Cowboy was book one!

I had sold six books! The rest of the conference, you could have bought me for a dollar.

Melissa and Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. They were the couple that started it all. I’m so glad they are getting a new start, and hopefully they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they have mine.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 28

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 28

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

lakesidelivingsite, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Betti Mace, July 31

Fiction Book Lover, July 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Devoted To Hope, August 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Devoted Steps, August 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Simple Harvest Reads, August 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Stories By Gina, August 4 (Author Interview)

Inklings and Notions, August 4

For HIm and My Family, August 5

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Book Looks by Lisa, August 7

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Bizwings Book Blog, August 8

Vicky Sluiter, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Cover Lover Book Review, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54260

Final Approach

Book Description: 

Air Marshal Kristine Duncan is not on duty when a hijacker attempts to seize control of the plane she and her friends are on as they head out on a much-needed vacation. Jumping into action and aided by FBI Special Agent Andrew Ross, Kristine thwarts the attack and the plane lands safely. But as the investigation into the incident gets underway, Kristine and Andrew are confused at every step. Nothing about the investigation goes as it should, and each layer they peel back just reveals another layer of perplexity.

As the two work together to navigate a web of deception, blame, and personal reckoning, they find there's more to this story than meets the eye--and more to love and admire about each other. They'll have to put their skills to the test--and their hearts on the line--to unravel the truth and ensure that justice prevails.

My Review: 

You would think that no one would attempt to hijack a plane with so many law enforcement agents on it. But, think again! Kristine and her friends are getting away for a much needed vacation, but things go awry and plans are cancelled after this happens. As Kristine and Andrew delve further into the circumstances that surround the hijacking I was feeling very much a part of the story. 

Relational dynamics for Kristine’s family were strained with her siblings wanting nothing to do with their father and Kristine trying to maintain the peace. She didn’t realize that families like hers were not the norm until she meets Andrew’s family. They were a great encouragement to her and Andrew. I loved the twist of discovering more about Kristine’s mom and how the past played a part in the story. 

The title was perfect for this story in many ways. I loved how Kristine had to face her fear of piloting and overcoming her inner thoughts of inadequacy. I really enjoyed reading it and hope that Hank, Andrew’s friend, will be featured in an upcoming book. If you are a lover of suspense and danger with a bit of romance, this is a book you will enjoy. It is part of the Lake City Heroes, but it can be read as a standalone. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

An Unwavering heart

After he deceived her, she never thought she would see him again. Now one summer could change everything.

Being an heiress is not all it’s cut out to be, as Ruth found out during her first London Season. Now, she has retired to the relative quiet of Bath for the summer to repair the reputation she garnered for herself as a ruthless rejector of every offer of marriage she received. All hopes of marital bliss were dashed long ago by a young man in Devonshire who was as deceitful as he was handsome. But a good match is essential not only to Ruth’s success as the daughter of a well-to-do merchant with his sights on the highest places in society, but the success of her young cousin, Isabelle, whose past could hinder any chance of future security and comfort. Ruth is determined to put aside her old heartache and preferences to pave the way for her. But the growing resentment of how she got her fortune is proving most difficult to keep under control.

She broke his heart. Now she’s right next door.

Julian Lyte has but one objective in save his family from ruin and keep his father out of debtor’s prison. With every other avenue to economize over the years exhausted, he now has no choice but to turn to the one thing he swore never to marry for money. And his mother, just removed to Bath with his sisters, seems to have found the perfect candidate. But Ruth Hanaway has for many years been the sole reminder of every failure in Julian’s life after that one, idyllic summer in Devonshire. Now he is caught between saving his family and confronting the past.

But as lies unfold and past treachery is revealed, will Ruth’s and Julian’s hearts mend along the same path during their summer stay in Bath?

My Review: 

Ruth and Julian have an unresolved past with both of them thinking that they had ended their relationship. In this era when letters were the main means of communication, they depended upon a friend to deliver their correspondence. But, what if that backfired?

Ruth and Julian’s love story was one of learning to let go of the past and trust no matter what the circumstances looked like. They both still loved each other, and I enjoyed watching their journey of discovering their commitment and that joy once again.

The secondary characters, both human and animal, were a great addition to the story. Isabelle, Ruth’s cousin, hasn’t quite figured out the way to act in polite society and Ruth finds herself coming to her aid on several occasions. Ruth’s compassion for her cousin shows the kind of caring young woman she is, especially in helping her to get through memories of her past. I love that pesky Lord Duckworth. He goes around Bath unchecked, causing all kinds of trouble. This time, he has Julian in his sights and Isabelle to witness the encounter too!

Things to enjoy:
music box
Bath, England
dancing
humor
beach and shells
castle ruins
reconciliation
Mr. Bomford

“Now tell me of your sorrows, and when you are done, I shall kiss them away, if you like.”

This is the sixth book in the Hearts of Somerset series. While there is some overlap of scenes from other books, it can still be read as a standalone. I loved each book, and if you enjoy Regency period romances I recommend reading.

I received a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

 

The Highland Heist

 

About the Book

Book: The Highland Heist (A Freddie and Grace Mystery Book 4)

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: July, 2025

Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save her Sister

Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the sister’s they are needed in Scotland immediately to claim their mother’s inheritance.

The clock is ticking to clear Lillias of suspicion, but someone is determined to keep the sisters from reaching the Scottish Highlands. When Lillias disappears, Freddie and Grace race to Scotland, sure the answers will be found in a long-forgotten castle.

With a ghost from Frederick’s past leaving threatening clues along the way, the mysterious Mr. Kane waiting in the wings to grab the inheritance for himself, and an apparition haunting the infamous castle, Lord and Lady Astley must capture the castle, save Lillias, and not die in the process.

My Review:

It’s always a treat to read a Freddie and Grace mystery. This time the sleuthing pair find themselves in quite the predicament (what’s new?) in trying to prove her sister’s innocence. There is also a transcontinental trip to Scotland where the girls must find a missing will located somewhere inside an ancestral castle to claim their inheritance. With villains, stories of ghosts, and danger lurking, I wanted to read as quickly as I could to see what would happen next. I loved the humor throughout the story and the love Freddie and Grace showed to each other. I was so happy when Freddie defended Grace to her sister and found myself saying, “That’s right, Freddie, you tell her!”

I highly recommend reading this historical mystery as well as the others in the series. While it can be read as a standalone, I’d begin with the first book because once you start you won’t want to stop reading all of them.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own. 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

 

Excerpt

June 23, 1914

Perfect husbands were rare, except perhaps in fiction, but Grace Percy, Countess of Astley, had married the real-life equivalent, she was certain.

“I still cannot believe this surprise, Frederick!” Grace’s shock had continued all the way from the harbor, where her dear husband had announced that they’d arrived in America instead of England. “I thought the terrain looked different than England, but I never suspected we’d go anywhere else except your beloved Havensbrooke.”

“Our beloved Havensbrooke, I hope?” he corrected, turning from his place in the front seat of the hired touring, next to a rather somber driver.

Her smile immediately responded. At nearly seven months married, Grace still found her thoughts paused on occasion at the idea of his English estate being her home. But how could she help it? They’d only lived in the estate a few months before they’d taken off on their honeymoon tour. But oh, what a delightful introduction to her new home, complete with a murder mystery and a ghost hunt.

She sighed. Married life certainly kept proving to be wonderfully exciting.

She sent him another grin before tipping her head out the window just enough to take in the familiar lane leading to her father’s house. “How did you even know where to go? Harrington is such a small place outside of Richmond, and I know I’ve never given you exact directions.”

His low chuckle warmed the already heated June air, skittering a familiar welcome of tickles up her bare neck. “I’ve written my own letters to your father, darling.” His voice, so smooth and English, carried such delicious tenderness that Grace turned to find him shooting a wink to their adopted daughter, Zahra.

Zahra’s lips tipped. She rarely showed great affection, but who could blame her? After losing her family and living on the streets of Cairo, the little girl still had plenty of healing to do. So every smile came extra special.

Poor Miss Cox, the young English maid Frederick had hired in Italy to accompany them through the remainder of their trip, blushed at Frederick’s wink and smile. After all the overt affection Grace lathered on her darling husband, it was a wonder Miss Cox hadn’t gotten used to it yet, but perhaps the trouble lay more in how very handsome her husband was.

Grace thought about that idea for a moment. She supposed if she wasn’t married to this wonderful man, she’d find herself a little awestruck too.

Truth be told, he was so handsome, he might fit the description of a dime-novel villain, but she was very glad fiction didn’t get it right on that score either.

“Besides, it may be a while before we can travel again.” He continued, turning back to face the front of the car. “I know it’s a few months earlier than we’d originally planned, but it seemed a waste not to take advantage of being at sea. And I know you’d love to see your family.”

Grace would have kissed his cheek if she hadn’t been sitting in the back seat of the touring with Zahra between her and Miss Cox. “You are the most wonderful man.” She turned to Zahra and Miss Cox. “Don’t you think so?”

Miss Cox’s eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, but Zahra’s grin stretched enough to show off her teeth. The simple white dress she wore brought out the depths of those endless gray-green eyes. Grace still couldn’t stop smiling at the very idea that the little girl belonged to her and Frederick now.

“He has all his hair and teeth.” Zahra nodded, the tiniest twinkle in her eyes alerted Grace that the little girl might be finding her humor. “That is a help.”

Frederick’s laugh burst out. “Indeed it is, Zahra. And I’m glad to still possess both of them.”

Grace studied his thick dark hair for a second longer, her fingers twitching to push through his locks, but the very idea could send poor Miss Cox through the car window. Grace drew in a deep breath to keep her show of admiration to a more appropriate public display and leaned toward Zahra. “The gardens at Rutledge House are lovely, Zahra. They were my mother’s gardens, and I’d often spend time with her there. Hopefully, when we return to our dear Havensbrooke”—she emphasized, sending her dear husband a look to ensure her noted her correction—“you and I and, perhaps even Lily, can work to restore those gardens together. Then we can make our own special place too. Gardens are very creative places in stories as well as in real life.”

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 30

The Sacred Line, July 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 30

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 1

Jodie Wolfe, August 1

Worthy2Read, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

Devoted To Hope, August 2

Book Looks by Lisa, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 4

Min Reads and Reviews, August 4

Stories By Gina, August 4

Simple Harvest Reads, August 5 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Daysong Reflections, August 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6

Blogging With Carol, August 6

Betti Mace, August 7

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

Mary Hake, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Labor Not in Vain , August 9

Holly’s Book Corner, August 10

An Author’s Take, August 10

Lily’s CornerLily’s Corner, August 11

Cover Lover Book Review, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Just Your Average reviews, August 12

Pause for Tales, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54262

An Unrivaled Match

 Ending a family feud and obtaining a fine horse aren't the only prizes for unraveling the mystery behind a missing heirloom.

Miss Seraphina Taylor would love to prove her worth to those around her, but she simply cannot turn down a challenge—which lands her in trouble…again. In her attempts to turn her luck around, she falls upon an opportunity to win herself a horse. So, she strikes a bargain with her family’s gentleman next door.

Mr. James Anderton has a secret—which his meddling neighbor discovers and uses as blackmail. He must decide how much he is willing to risk to protect his reputation and his family. A horse? Easily done. His heart? That quickly becomes more complicated.

But how do two people who are forbidden to acknowledge one another avoid being discovered working together? By breaking some of the strictest rules they’ve ever been taught and solving a mystery as old as their grandparents. Failure would result in more than one broken heart.

My Review:

Sera Taylor never backs down from a challenge. So, when James Anderton issues a dare to prove the guilt (or innocence) of a wrong from years past, Sera readily accepts. I laughed several times as Sera climbs walls, races cats, and races horses. She is such a determined lady, not willing to admit or show how badly her leg pains her. I admired her grit and determination to not let her injury get her down or stop her from doing things.

James Anderton is doctoring on the sly since he knows it’s below his social station and his grandmother wouldn’t approve. His compassion for those in need was just one of the things I found endearing. His willingness to let the past be just that and help Sera locate a missing ring to end their families’ feud showed a facet of his personality that spoke of the transformation that happened in his life.

Things to enjoy:
horse racing
wall climbing
humor
mystery
enemies to more
doctor’s family
Lord Duckworth challenge
notes in the wall

This is the fifth book in the Hearts of Somerset series. While it can be read as a standalone, I recommend you read them in order to get the most out of the book. Ms. Hampton did a great job in including characters from previous stories in the series, even though they were written by other authors. It was fun to see Bridget again; she is such a sweet little girl. I recommend this to readers of all ages who like Regency love stories.

I received this complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

An Unforeseen Attachment

 

Simon Wayford has one objective in mind when he travels to Bath–gain the affection of the woman he’s chased for months. When his efforts prove fruitless, Simon only agrees to stay at his grandmother’s request, anticipating an uneventful summer. What he does not expect is a young widow and her daughter to capture so much of his attention or his heart.

Julianna Bartlett never thought she would be living under her mother’s thumb once more. But after the passing of her husband, she and her daughter have little choice. While her mother is pushing for another marriage, Julianna is certain a loveless match will do nothing to repair what’s been broken.

Between a chance encounter and a meddlesome grandmother, two injured hearts might just find unexpected love.

My Review:

There is a matchmaking grandmother and her friends in Bath who are dubbed the “Gossiping Grandmas”. Simon Wayford’s grandmother seems to be the leader of the group and, he is not safe from the ploys they will enact to see him married. I loved Simon’s grandmother! She was one of my favorite characters besides him and widow, Julianna Bartlett. Lord Duckworth is cleverly brought into the story and it’s pretty funny how that dastardly duck is protected, even by the law!

I loved the literary society where books such as Pride and Prejudice were discussed and varying views were offered. It was funny that it was all women with the exception of Simon and his friend that he invited so he wasn’t so outnumbered. More matchmaking plots were being hatched…

Simon was a huge supporter of Julianna and her dreams. I thought he was such a dear man when he encouraged her and included Bridget, her daughter in so many things. He exemplified the saying, “Love is patient, love is kind.” by deciding he would wait for Julianna to be ready to take the next step and not rush her in their relationship.

Things to love:
he falls first
protective MMC
Bridget
writing and illustrating stories
stick races
reading aloud

This is part of the Hearts of Somerset series, but can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy Regency period romances with a friends to more trope, you’ll want to add this to your list of reads. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

I received this complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.