Reviews

The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze

bolte_books's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sarah_moynihan's review against another edition

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4.0

'A Blizzard Changes Everything

Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.
 
Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.
 
All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?'
________________________________

I want to preface this by saying that Christian Fiction is not my usual genre, but I do occassionally pick one up. As for Daughters of the Mayflower, this is the third book from the series that I have read, but the first from this author. I enjoyed the book and I am glad I read it. It was a sweet story with the addition of some danger, some subterfuge, and a mystery.

This book intruiged me all the more knowing that it was based off of the true story of the Schoolchildren's Blizzard in 1888. Being able to read a reimagining of this devestating storm and the harrowing acts of heroism that followed as the characters battled their way to shelter. It was an intense an nerve-wracking journey as our fictional Abigail battled her way to safety with her students in tow.

If you are interested in knowing the paticulars of this historic storm, there is a historical note included at the end of the book which includes a detailed briefing of the impacts the storm had on those in its path.

At the start of the book, Abigail was jaded and kept everyone at arm's length. When those around her attempt to provide her a shoulder to lean on and a sympathetic ear, she pushed them away. I really enjoyed following her character as she opened up and learned to put trust in those around her. She is able to do this after she finds her way back to her faith and lets go of some of the anger and resentment that have been her constant companions. This book is a lovely story of faith, bravery, and forgiveness.

The Blizzard Bride is a great addition to the series and if you have enjoyed the other Daughter of the Mayflower books and faith-based historical romance then I recommend this book.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Ink for sharing an eARC of The Blizzard Bride with me. This is my honest review.

sassybookishmama1's review

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medium-paced

4.5

55_sallymander's review against another edition

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5.0

The Blizzard Bride by Susanne Dietze
February 2020
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
ISBN: 9781643522937
Pages: 256
Reviewed by: TH, Green Forest, AR, USA
02/17/2020
Format: Softcover
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Abigail Bracey is a school teacher with an undercover assignment, for the Treasury Department. She is to find out the identities of a woman and boy in hiding, that are the sister in law and child of an evil man who murdered Abigail's father. She will have a contact within the Treasury Department, who will be her backup, in case she runs into trouble.

Dashiell Lassiter is her contact, he is also her former fiancee, who broke off their engagement several years ago. Dash is supposed to be contactable, but he fouls up Abby's plans by moving to the same town in Nebraska as Abby and getting a local job there in a stable.

The evil counterfeiter does not know where his son is, but he is believed to be heading straight to the town, where everyone is located. Trouble is, no one knows exactly what the evil man looks like.

This is a great book, The Blizzard of the book is the one that struck Jan. 12, 1888 over the plains states. The temperature dropped so quickly that many children froze to death on their way home from school. That part is non fiction. I have read historical descriptions of the terrible storm, in the past.

Many thanks to Barbour Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book, I was under no obligation to publish a review.

peachyclaudia's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

Started off kind of slow, but the plot got better. The background context made me want to read more on this event.

abigailkayharris's review against another edition

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5.0

This turned out to be ... Not so dark as I expected.

The themes of forgiveness and healing from bitterness were well done and I loved the sweet romance.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher/review company. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

cbear550's review against another edition

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4.0

An enjoyable story that kept me turning pages, I learned a lot about this event in history from this book. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship, and the sense of community that you felt throughout the story. I did find the "mystery bad guy" a bit too obvious, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the book and story. I really enjoyed the strong faith plot in the book, and I think it's a message we all need to hear.

Overall this book is a solid 4 stars and if you like historical fiction you should give it a try!

melmo2610's review against another edition

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5.0

This was such a fun historical read! This is my first read of The Daughters of the Mayflower series but I will be looking in to more of them. This book has great characters, an interesting(and based on true events) plot and a satisfying conclusion. And can we talk about that cover?? It is so pretty! The blizzard element made for some exciting and tense moments and the mystery angle was really good. All in all, this was an enjoyable and easy read. This book perfect for curling up with a blanket, a cup of tea/coffee and reading to your heart's content.

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

michellef's review against another edition

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4.0

The Blizzard Bride is a Christian historical romance novel by author Susanne Dietze. The Blizzard Bride is book #11 of the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This novel is about the blizzard of 1888.

After reading The Blizzard Bride I had to sit and ponder how I would write my review. The Blizzard Bride started out very slow for me, almost as if I had missed a story somewhere. However, even though there are twelve books in the series each novel can stand alone. And, they are written by several different authors.

However, as the momentum picked up speed I was soon engrossed in the story. It did help to have a historical note at the back of the book where I learned more about the Secret Service. And, since so many children perished it was actually known as the Children’s Blizzard or the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

esthery_rn's review against another edition

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4.0

I am enjoying the entire Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book builds my knowledge of history and appreciation for our country. While each book stands alone, I eagerly look forward to each new installment.

I first heard about the “School Children's Blizzard” about a year ago. What a horrible and tragic event! The winter of 1888 had two devastating blizzards. This one hit the plains about the time kids were being dismissed from school. Knowing this, I was nervous when reading. But thankfully, like all the other books in this series, the tragedy was handled very well—accurately, but not destroying my heart as a reader. I also enjoyed the other storyline about counterfeiting. History is so interesting. I love it when authors draw me into the time period. I can’t wait to read more!

I follow the GoodReads rating system. Please note that this means even the 3-star books are ones I liked.
1 star – didn’t like it
2 stars – it was OK
3 stars – liked it
4 stars – really liked it
5 stars – it was amazing; I’ll read it over and over and/or it will impact my daily life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.