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)

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!

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.

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.