In Want of a Wife

By: Jo Goodman

Narrated by: Talmadge Ragan

Jane Middlebourne needs a way out. In 1891, life in New York is unforgiving for a young woman with no prospects, especially when her family wants nothing to do with her. So when Jane discovers an ad for a mail-order bride needed in Bitter Springs, Wyoming, she responds with a hopeful heart.

Rancher Morgan Longstreet is in want of a wife who will be his partner at Morning Star, someone who will work beside him and stand by him. His first impression of the fair and fragile Jane is that she is not that woman. But when she sets out to prove him wrong, the secrets he cannot share put into jeopardy every happiness they hope to find...

©2014 Joanne Dobrzanski (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This first-rate tale easily measures up to its predecessors and will make [listeners] eager for their next visit to Bitter Springs." ( Publishers Weekly, Starred Review)

Nice realistic story

What did you love best about In Want of a Wife?

The story was not over done, it was nice and level, not to dramatic and not to slow.

Which character – as performed by Talmadge Ragan – was your favorite?

all of them, she has a fantastic voice for audio books.

Any additional comments?

the story is just the one you would want, when just relaxing and enjoying.

One of My Favorites

I almost didn't buy this title because of the mix reviews. To each his own. I love this book. I did not have any issues with the narration. My only surprise that was so cheap. I am sorry I wasted a credit on this book. I should have bought it out right. I am now more savvy on what I spend credit on. It is definitely worth a credit but cheap enough to buy. I would highly recommend it. I love the main characters and will definitely listen to this one again.

Not my favorite

The actual story line wasn’t too bad a little bit predictable, but I liked the characters. The narrator however was bit hard to listen to, sounds a little robotic at times and I wish they had done a better job distinguishing different voices for different characters. Good to listen to once but not something I would probably listen to multiple times.

I Could Not Finish It!

I really did want to like this book. Mail Order Bride western romances are some of my favorites. But this book lacked substance, not much of a story, yet. After listening 7 hours I see no purpose in the story. Morgan and Jane are likable private individuals. Morgan likes to eat, as do his ranch hands. It goes into detail about what they eat and how they eat it, Jane's ride to and from the ranch, who is seated where in the church. There is so much detail the story (if there is one) is lost.

They talk about rustlers, and someone stays with Jane making sure she does not go outside. The ranch-hands, even Morgan, hang the wash, etc, to keep Jane inside. But no rustlers are encountered, no action taking place. Very little is said about the rustlers in the first 7 hours...actually little is said about anything, other than mundane things, lighting the hard to light cook-stove, cooking, Jane having one of the "hands" buy her a pretty sewing box, she had seen in the mercantile when she was in town, paying for it with her own money, rather than ask Morgan for it. She mends his clothes. The only excitement (if you can call it that) was when Morgan tried to ride a Mustang, and hurt his ankle and ribs.

There has been no romance thus far, even after consummating their marriage. Some of my lack of enjoyment in the story could be the narrator, like Jane and Morgan she is straight forward in her reading of the text; unemotional. Most of Ms Ragan's performance sounds by rote.

There seem to be contradictions from the Prologue to after Jane arrived in Bitter Springs and married. I had to go back and listen to the prologue to see if I was mistake about what transpired between Jane and her cousin, since this was my 4th attempt at listening to "In Want of Wife", but I was remembering right.

I'm too bored now, but maybe I will try once again to listen to "In Want of Wife" and see if any loose ends gets tied up. I would fast forward to the last chapter, but could miss explanations for the contradictions, if there are any.

I see several people enjoyed the book; literature, like food, is certainly up to an individual's taste.

A romance worthy of staying up all night

This audio book is an unexpected delight that I couldn’t put down. From the first chapter until the last, I was transported to another place in time.

This book is so well written and narrated that you can visualize each and every one. The female lead, Jane, is strong yet vulnerable. She is so resourceful that I promise there will be a point where you will actually cheer out loud for her. The male lead, Morgan, is strong, loyal, and tough as nails, except for his Achilles heal which is his love for his wife and his need to protect those under his charge.

Just like a bad storm coming, you can feel the inevitable build up as Evil rides into town.

This book has it all. Romance. Drama. Suspense. Action. Redemption.

not good

the story would be great if the narrator brings the story to life she reads slow dull with no real emotion maybe reading the book myself would be better

An enjoyable listen.

This book is a light and easy listen with engaging characters. I especially enjoyed the fact that Jane, the female lead came across as a strong and self-reliant individual. Narration wasn't great but it wasn't awful either. It sometimes sounded like the book was being read rather than performed but the main characters were well delivered.

Excellent story.

I have listened to this audiobook many times. It's different than your regular boy-meets-girl books. It's an excellent and interesting story with twists and turns. I especially like how the author ordered the chapters and paragraphs. And, Talmadge Regan is exceptional as always.

The Strength of both people and their secrets

Like how the pair got to know each other personally and learned how to satisfy each other physically.

OUTSTANDING

I haven't listened to a book that I enjoyed as much as In Want of a Wife in a long time.
The story line is very well done with a not so typical twist to it. A bad man gone good with desires to keep his past just that, in his past; but circumstance has it's own ideas. That's Morgan's thorn in his side. Then there's Jane. A young woman with horrific tales to tell of a life that No one should have to endure.
I love how all the characters had a complete development making this story all it was.
I hope Jo Goodman continues to write more in this historical era, with as talent an ability to express as she has.
I gave the narration a 4 because it would have been nicer if the characters had a more distinct difference in their voices. Once you get to know who each person is and with the flow of the story line you are able to follow who's saying what.
Worth the credit? Absolutely!!