Title: Hiram’s Brides
Author: Kimberly Grist
Genre: Inspirational Western Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
Two brides, a teacher, and an imposter. If anyone can sort out the truth, shouldn’t an experienced sheriff be the man for the job? His true bride is quickly losing confidence.
"Typical man, so easily bamboozled by a dimpled smile, flash of an ankle, and twisting skirt. It will serve him right if he marries the wrong woman."
Excerpt:
“Even if there were more opportunities to meet someone, I doubt I could have mustered the courage to risk my heart again. Dreaming and planning about life’s possibilities is much easier than in real life. You get all the pleasant sensations of anticipating the rewards without the risk.” Rosie sighed. “The difficulties I’ve faced with my boarding situation may have spurred my decision, but it’s more than that. At the age of twenty-five, it’s time I quit believing in fairytales and take a step in a new direction.”
“It’s a shame that a young woman in the prime of her life would think she’s past hoping and dreaming. Even so, we can agree on the need to move in a new direction. I will never understand why you left our home to board with your students’ families.”
“Proximity was one reason. The school’s rural location is more than five miles from town.” Rosie shivered. “Even so, I’m grateful to be home, especially after the latest bedbug incident. Traveling back and forth in the new horse and buggy that Uncle Edwin provided has made traveling convenient.”
“Why that husband of mine insists on supporting your independent nature is beyond reasoning. If I had my way, you’d be back home safe and sound where you belong.” Aunt Hannah whisked a lace handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed her eyes. “In my day, a young lady lived at home until she married. I shudder to think what my dear sister would say if she knew I’d allowed you to sleep in primitive conditions, drafty rooms with leaky roofs, and exposed to all sorts of vermin.”
“It’s likely she would agree with you.” Rosie sighed. “These past few years haven’t been all bad. I love the children and enjoy teaching. With few exceptions, rotating my boarding every month was often beneficial. It helped me understand the needs of my students. I enjoyed the companionship, and when given the opportunity, I especially enjoyed cooking the meals.”
“Another skill that will be useful if you accept the matchmaker’s recommendation to marry a man out west.” Aunt Hannah retrieved the telegram from Rosie’s desk. “Tell me more about this agency. Is this the same one the pastor’s wife told us about?”
“Yes, the agency is out of Chicago and has an excellent reputation. I figured there was hope for me if they could find a match for Mrs. Hall.”
“Unlike Mrs. Hall, you are not a widow with three children. You have family and friends here and a job you enjoy.” Her aunt’s brow furrowed. “Becoming a mail-order bride seems an extreme measure in your circumstances.”
“Not willing to take a risk has left me in a proverbial limbo. I’ve spent too many years waiting, watching, yet not truly belonging.” Rosie glanced across the room. The afternoon sun peeked above the partially covered windows, casting light on the one-room schoolhouse and her self-imposed exile over the past seven years.
“It’s as though I’m always peering through a window. The fulfillment that comes with companionship when participating in the family’s everyday life is temporary when I’m made to feel like an unwanted guest or an unpaid housekeeper.”
“Staying here hiding away under the cover of pursuing a teaching profession will never make you happy.” Aunt Hannah circled Rosie, shaking her head at her drab dress. “We don’t have much time, but with the dressmaker’s help, the three of us should be able to assemble a suitable wardrobe. You will look stunning in pastels. Blue and green will bring out the colors in your eyes.”
Although the shade of her dress would do little to improve what Rosie considered her rather ordinary appearance, her mood lifted as her aunt chatted about updating her wardrobe. “You’ll need new winter outfits, something special for your wedding, dresses for church or special occasions, and at least three calico work dresses.” Aunt Hannah continued ticking items off on her fingers. “A couple of walking skirts and blouses, new nightclothes, petticoats, and undergarments will do for starters.”
“Spoken like the wife of a bank owner.” Rosie laughed. “I’m not sure my budget can handle half as much.”
“Of course, it can. Your parents would have wanted you to use some of your dowry to start your new life dressed as a new bride should. Most people say a proper trousseau should contain what you will need for a year. So, I imagine you’ll need new boots, too.” Aunt Hannah waved her hand. “Besides, your uncle never needed an excuse to spoil you. He won’t bat an eye at the expense.”
Rosie’s brow furrowed at the reference to her supposed dowry. Her father’s lackluster desire to work, and her mother’s talent for spending were not conducive to a large bank account. If not for the generosity of her aunt and uncle, she and her mother would have been left destitute. Despite this fact, her lips curved upward as she imagined the enjoyment her mother would have had planning a new wardrobe. “I wish Mama were here to advise me.” Rosie offered what she hoped was an encouraging smile.
“Me too. I miss my sister terribly.” Her aunt placed her arm around her shoulders. “Despite my reservations, I believe your mama would approve of your choice. Your parents were strong in their faith. They would appreciate how the agency reaches out to Christian men and women seeking matrimony. The fact that each applicant must have a recommendation from their pastor and other members of their community is reassuring.”
“My concern is making the right choice.” Rosie smoothed the sleeves of her dress, struggling not to give in to the desire to scratch the lingering effects of her recent bout with bedbugs. “Do you think God would use my circumstances to make me desperate enough to consider marrying a man I’ve never met?”
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A sweet and heartwarming story filled with drama, chaos, humor and with a great spin on good versus evil. The story’s uniqueness made it a page-turner.
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Giveaway –
Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs April 23 – April 30, 2024.
Winner will be drawn on May 1, 2024.
Author Biography:
Kimberly Grist is married to her high school sweetheart, Nelson, who is a pastor in Griffin, Georgia. She and her husband have three adult sons, one with Down syndrome, and they have a passion for encouraging others with family members with special needs.
Kim has enjoyed writing since she was a young girl; however, began writing her first novel in 2017.
“I believe you should come away refreshed and inspired after reading a book. Despite my best efforts, sometimes life is difficult. I need and want an outlet, an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome. My stories are designed to entertain, refresh, and inspire you, the reader. They combine History, Humor, and Romance with an emphasis on Faith, Friends, and Good Clean Fun.”
Social Media Links:
Kimberly Grist | Facebook