Grace: Bride of Montana

American Mail-Order Brides, Book 50

By: Debra Holland

Narrated by: Lara Asmundson

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Grace: Bride of Montana by NY Times and USA Today best-selling author Debra Holland is number 41 in the unprecedented 50-Book American Mail-Order Brides series.

Practical Grace Dickinson thought she had her life all planned, including picking out the perfect husband. But she couldn't have predicted the disaster that changed everything, leaving her no choice but to become a mail-order bride to a most imperfect man.

Grace: Bride of Montana is also part of Debra Holland's award-winning Montana Sky Series, which includes The Mail-Order Brides of the West.

©2015 Debra Holland (P)2015 Debra Holland

Let Love Grow

Grace’s story is technically book number 41 in the 50 books series American Mail-Order Brides; but don’t be fooled by this statement, you do not need to read them in any order. Each bride is simply from a different state in the United States. Grace is the bride of Montana – although her story starts in Massachusetts and with a sort of tragic story.

Grace sets her mind on becoming a mail-order bride because the company she works for burns down and her romantic prospects take a huge flop. She is desperate to get as far away from where everything has turned toward the worst and can’t perceive anywhere being further away than Montana. When she arrives in Montana she is met not only by her future spouse, Frey, but also Trudy and Seth Flanagan. It was interesting to see Grace interact with Trudy as Trudy arrived in Montana as a mail-order bride herself (she even has her own book!) and she could offer experience and someone for Grace to relate to in the new world. The scenes between Grace and Frey are sweet and develop from a friendship and into love. They both give each other time to get acquainted with their situation and don’t try to force something that isn’t necessarily there…yet. Grace is still reeling from the failed relationship at home and is both trying to deal with that as well as this new romantic relationship – so she is a rocky boat but trying to make the best of it.

This is a low drama novel; its strength is in its character building. I appreciated that the author allowed the characters to get to know each other and not have them fall in love at first sight. All of the characters are very likable and I found their conversations to be downright funny at times. There is one dramatic scene toward the end that really cements this new relationship, a pivotal moment that caught me off guard as I was used to the low key nature of the plot.

The heat rating is very low on this one – as I said, they are really just trying to figure things out and Grace is still mourning her last relationship. There are sweet thoughts, some hand holding, and a chaste kiss or two – it all made sense with how their relationship was forming.

I enjoyed this novella and would love to read more set in this world of Sweetwater Springs – which is excellent as there are not only many written by this author but a few written by other authors as well!

I had some issues with the narrator, most notably the voice that she used when reading the lines and thoughts of Frey, the male protagonist. It sounds like she was trying hard to pull over a low pitched voice, which didn’t quite come off natural, but felt a little forced. It would shake me from the story every time Frey would come back into the story, which was a little unfortunate as he was very often there. I didn’t have any issues with her other voices, even for the other male character, Seth Flanagan. I think it would have been markedly improved if she did not try for so low a voice for Frey. Ms. Asmundson narrates many of the novels in the Montana Sky series, particularly the Mail-Order Brides of the West segment, so I’m hoping that this doesn’t continue to be a repeated issue for me, since I would like to enjoy more of these on audio format. I enjoyed her pacing of the story, it felt natural and even overall.

This review was previously posted at The Maiden's Court blog and the audio download was received in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic story again by Debra Holland

I loved the book and now love the audible edition as it brings out the emotions of each character and their stumbling blocks they each had before meeting. Both had hard times in their past to work through, Grace more so than Frey.

Love always triumphs over problems and this is a fantastic story to show that.

The book is a must read and the audible is a great extension to the story so it too is a must listen.
Lara Asmundson is a fantastic narrator for Debra Holland's books.

Grace Bride of Montana

My first audible book. Took awhile to get used to someone else reading to me, but loved hearing the story as I got my daily walk in. I loved the fact that we were again in Sweet Water Springs as I have loved all the books situated there and enjoyed revisiting some of the characters. As usual I wanted the book to go on longer. Always enjoy the details of the frontier life and the love and caring your families portray.

A Wonderful Journey

This was simply wonderful. Debra Holland has written a story of the how life can take you on a different path, but it was the one you needed all along. Grace is one of the girls who lost their job from the factor they worked in burning down. Through a series of events she ends up a mail order bride to a man in Montana, Frey had been working hard to build his business and he advertised for a mail order bride. These two meet and it is a journey or friendship and understanding that leads love. The narrator Lara Asmundson was truly spot on in her voices and with the heartfelt words of Debra Holland, I could only sigh as it ended.
But! I love the cover and the story that was shared at the end!!

Grace: Bride of Montana(America M.O.B. #41)

Frey and Grace are such lovely couple. It was wonderful listening to their story. It made me think of the saying,"When God closes a door, He opens a window."

At the beginning, my heart broke for Grace because she was preyed upon when she was vulnerable. I fell in love with her strength and character. She was able to take charge of her life and not allow her heartache to stop her. Frey is a wonderful, gentle giant who is impossible not to love but it was Gertie who stole my heart.

I have two favorite parts in the story. The first is when an unexpected guest interrupts the wedding and the second is when Gertie behaves heroically during the outing.

Favorite Line: "Grace caught her breath at the magical sight, too awed to even speak. Without turning her head, she reached for Frey, clasping his hand to keep herself rooted to the earth, lest the buoyancy filling her soul float her into the brilliant blue sky."

Great addition to the series loved it

I know when ever I pick up a book from this author it is going to be a good listen. The plot was so entertaining, filled with heartbreak, I love watching these two so unsure but willing to give it a try to find love even through their hearts have been broken. It was a pleasure watching them to learn to trust and lean on each other. Building a life and love that will last. There is a little danger, lots of laughter filled with getting to know each other and those around them. It was a touching listen that kept me entertained for hours.

It is always a delight to listen to a book that Lara Asmundson has narrated. She has always been able to bring the story to life for me. Her different character voices are outstanding as she pulls you and takes you away. There are no background noises only a wonderfully clear wonderful voice that is a pleasure to listen to. There was one mistake where it should have been head not hug but beside that there were no other issues. There were no repeating of words. You have no trouble knowing who is talking her male voices are as wonderful as her female ones. Her tones let you know what each character emotions are as she pulls you in giving you a story you cannot put down.

A mesmerizing historical western romance!

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

I just love the small, homey community of Sweetwater Springs where this story is set. It is always a joy to catch up with favorite characters who reside there from the former mail-order brides' books. It is a truly lovely clean western historical romance!

What other book might you compare Grace: Bride of Montana to and why?

I would compare this audio to any and all of the author's other historical western romances. Debra Holland's books always bring joy to my heart and leave me with a feeling of warmth when all is said and done.

Which scene was your favorite?

Before I even delved into this audio, I was captivated by the extra personal touches that were incorporated into this installment including that the author, herself, is featured on the cover AND that the dog in the story is patterned after the dog who owns the hunky male model featured on the cover with Debra.

Being an avowed dog-lover myself, a particular heart-stirring scene involved Frey's dog, Gertie. I just can't resist sharing it. Following please find a small snippet from that segment:

"If any can show just cause why this couple may not be lawfully joined in matrimony, speak now or --- "Reverend Norton halted, looking behind them with raised eyebrows.
Before Grace had time to wonder why the minister paused - if someone was, indeed, objecting to their union - the rapid click of toenails on the wooden floor made both of them look back over their shoulders.
Frey groaned and made a face. "Gertie!" He released Grace's hand.
Who?
A brown and black dog trotted up the aisle to them, tail held high. She had soft brown eyes and a thin, dark line down the middle of her forehead that gave her a worried look. She stopped in front of Frey and looked at him, her head cocked as if in expectation. The tips of her ears flopped forward.
Seth burst into laughter. "Do you think Gertie's objecting to your marriage?"
Obviously aghast at his breach of decorum, Trudy gave Seth an owlish glare.
Frey shrugged in apparent chagrin. "I'm sorry. I left her tied up on my porch."
She looked from the man to his dog...
The dog sniffed her fingers. Seeming to approve, she edged closer.
Grace rubbed Gertie's head. "If Reverend Norton doesn't mind," she said to the dog, "I'm fine with you remaining for the rest of the ceremony."

I just love that scene and re-reading it makes me smile every time. The book is chock-full of scenes that will evoke similar emotions making it a read to enjoy over and over.

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

I wanted to listen to it in one sitting! I found myself adding in extra workouts just so I didn't have to hit stop!

Any additional comments?

I can't imagine anyone other than Lara Asmundson voicing this series. She always delivers a polished, solid, totally awesome performance with her clear, pleasant voice that is wholly easy on the ear. She never fails to nail all aspects of the stories from seamlessly differentiating between the characters, to the pacing, to perfectly exuding the array of feelings displayed by the individuals in the story. I look forward to savoring many more of her renditions in the future.

Great introduction to a great author!

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

Yes! It was a great fast listen and the story was wonderful and light along with a good plot.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the way Grace lived her name. She was gracious to everyone she encountered including her larger than life husband to be!

What does Lara Asmundson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Although Lara does not have my favorite voice as a performer, she brings many characters to life. Her performance and inflections were good, my review of her performance was a preference issue, NOT a Lara issue.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part that moved me was the part that I cannot say or it will give the surprise in the book away. Sorry. :)

Any additional comments?

This was my introduction to Debra Holland's writing. I will be getting more. This copy was given to me for review purposes.

Grace

Grace thinks she has found the perfect man, but he wants her to hide their relationship. When tragedy strikes she thinks she won't have any worries they will marry and all will be OK. Until she's helping her friends apply as mail order brides and discovers her intended is married. She decides to be a mail order bride and get as far away for him as she can. Grace finds her perfect match and some great new friends. The narration is nice and brings the story to life.

Can Grace find love again?

Grace had a good job and was in love. Then everything fell apart. The factory where she worked burned down and she found out the man she was going to marry was already married. She decided that she needed to move away and answered an ad for a mail order bride. She doesn't think that she will be able to really love her new husband as she should, but she would try. Her new husband is so wonderful, she just might start believing in love again.