A Bride in the Bargain

By: Deeanne Gist

Narrated by: Linda Stephens

This inspiring romance by Christy Award winner Deeanne Gist sets a spirited gal and an enterprising lumberjack on a collision course in 1866 Washington Territory.

Set to lose half his timberland unless he finds a wife soon, widower Joe Denton places an order for a bride who can cook. When she arrives, the bonnie lass certainly cooks up a storm - but she knows nothing about marrying Joe.

©2009 Deeane Gist (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A keeper!" ( Romantic Times)

A Talented Writer Fell Overboard

Deeanne Gist is an amusing storyteller. I admire her handling of faith in the midst of messy situations. I did not enjoy, however, this book's lust-gone-nuts focus. Leaving the details of a lustful imagination to the imagination of the reader is quite romantic. Filling in a constant description of those thoughts AS the story robs from story-telling.
Needless to say, this was not a favorite offering from Gist.

Awfully flat narrator

I don’t know why an author has to choose such a wrong narrator that ends up ruining a possibly good story

Mercer Girls

Great book! I really did not know anything of this voyage but your writing guided me to explore our American history and the events that helped shape that area. I learned new information. Thank you!

Enjoyed the story overall

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think a lot of people who enjoy Christian fiction with a bit of humor and a light touch would probably like this historical romance. The relationship between the main characters actually developed over time, and that was a nice plot line to see. I could actually understand WHY the characters grew to love each other. Supporting characters had their charm as there was a "seven dwarfs" quality to the woodsmen characters. I appreciated that the author included pertinent details about the time period, especially about the mail order brides.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story dragged on a bit towards the end with a sort of Perils of Pauline feel to it. The narrator did a great job of narrating the story, so it did not sound too melodramatic, but the writer seemed to feel that the more "tension" she added the better. The result was that the last few chapters, in parts, were a bit silly. Additionally, the heroine's main reason for not desiring marriage seemed very immature for a character that seemed to have her head screwed on straight. I understand she was supposed to be traumatized, and actually appreciated the reason for it, but it just didn't ring true with me. At the risk of sounding totally heartless, I just rolled my eyes.

What about Linda Stephens’s performance did you like?

I truly enjoy Linda Stephen's understated dramatization of the stories she narrates. Her voice is pleasant, and she does not over nor under emphasize what she narrates. The characters are still well delineated, and there is enough inflection to keep things interesting. She was very pleasant to listen to, and I have felt that way about some of her other books.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I enjoyed the book enough that I looked forward to listening to it, but it was not so exciting that I could not put it down.

Any additional comments?

Overall this was a sweet, often amusing, love story, and I felt that I used my credit well.

Favorite Gist Book

Loved this book. I have listened to it at least 4 times. the narrator does a good job with the telling as well. Nice pace, and pleasant voice!

I have read or listened to almost all of Gist's books, and this is by far my favorite. I appreciate the clean romance, attention to historical detail, the glorious setting, and the handling of her characters' faith. In addition, the main female character of this book is a proficient cook, and I enjoyed the descriptions of the meals she whipped up for the logging company. This story has the added beauty of the Pacific Northwest before it was overly settled, and the scenery descriptions are imagination provoking. It is just a beautiful setting with a pleasantly paced story that draws you in, if you like a casual, peaceful relationship, and characters who, in general, have warm relationships. I adored the start of this romantic relationship in that there was no level of hostility whatsoever, though there were necessary obstacles to their relationship for the two characters to overcome.

I especially loved the loggers in this story and their appreciation and fondness of Anna. These supporting characters added to the story and provided some humor, and another level of emotional tug near the climax of the story.

Overall, if you enjoy a slow-paced story with a strong yet gentle leads, and a beautiful nature-soaked setting, this book is probably one you would like on your shelf.

Repetitive story line

The more I read (or listen) to Deanne’s novels the more I can predict her storyline. It feels like it’s something I’ve read before, even though I haven’t. I can nearly predict the words coming next. It was a good read, definitely binge worthy but it feels like she just repeats stories in different timelines and locations.

Where your treasure is, your heart will be also

This was a delightful, historic, romantic fiction. The story is fiction but based on some true events that took place. Asa Mercer actually did bring women from the East coast to the northwest territory to be brides for the over abundance of men. This was a wonderful story of true love, but maybe a bit predictable. I really like Deanne Gist and will listen to more of her books. Jennifer

Fantastic story

Loved the book. Loved the History. Loved the characters. One of Deeanne Gists best books. That and a Bride most Begrudging.

PUNT DOWN THE RIVER ROMANCE RATHER THAN THE RAPIDS

This was a very slow paced romance that had it's emotional, funny, romantic and sad moments but I found myself scrolling along some chapters in order to get to the end. This is not because it was a horrible story or badly written but it just isn't my preferred listen. I also didn't realise that this was an inspirational Christian listen - not that that would have put me off but I'm sadly more into bodice ripper historical or paranormal romances.

So, if you're looking for a light, sweet romance that has no 'hot' spots except kissing then this is your book. The author's comments at the end were interesting as she explained most of what the premise of the story was true and a lot of the things that happened were accurate and a historical fact.

Worth a credit? Unfortunately, not mine but there are many listeners out there who may enjoy this.

Edifying and entertaining

I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, the beauty of the setting, the historical details, the delightful romance, and the pace of all the descriptions. I also appreciate the beautiful lessons the characters learned along the way.
An entertaining and worthwhile book. Good job, Deanne Gist! This is my second book of yours I’ve read this month. I am looking forward to reading more.