A Bride at Last

August 10, 2015
In her latest novel, Jagears (A Bride for Keeps) goes for low hanging fruit by structuring the plot around the inevitable complications of being a mail order bride. Lucinda Riverton is on her death bed and, knowing she is close to the end, sends her ex-husband of ten years, Silas Jonesey, a note asking for money. Years before, Lucinda had been Silas's mail order bride, but after early difficulties decided to leave. Kate Dawson is a schoolteacher in Brenton, Mo., where Lucinda moved after leaving Silas. After entering an engagement as a mail order bride, Kate discovers her intended's nefarious character and breaks off her agreement. Lucinda's son Anthony is a student in Kate's class, and when Lucinda becomes ill Kate volunteers to care for the boy. Silas and Kate's paths cross when Lucinda passes and they are forced to work out an agreement that is best for the Anthony. The characters are all well-balanced and engaging: Silas' struggle with his failed marriage, struggling faith, and dark past makes him sympathetic; Kate's commitment to Anthony gives her depth and pathos; and their romance develops realistically. Despite the predictable set-up, empathetic characters will make the book a memorable read for fans of redemptive historical romances.