Finally A Bride by Vicki McDonough

Reviewed by Sarah Varland

"...an intriguing tale of secrets and redemption. All the while, the lovable characters and lighthearted writing style make it a book that’s great for an afternoon of relaxing reading."

Historical romance isn’t usually my go-to genre when I need a good read. I know there are those out there who love it, and there are plenty of authors who excel at writing it, but it’s just not my style. Most of the time. Like every rule, there are exceptions. I first picked up Vickie McDonough’s book The Anonymous Bride because of the fun cover (yes, people do judge books by their covers. It’s true.) and after reading that I was hooked on the way she tells a story. Her latest, and last, book in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, Finally a Bride met every expectation I had after reading the first two books, and exceeded quite a few of them.

Finally a Bride features a heroine readers of the previous books will be familiar with. Jaqueline “Jack” Davis is no longer the pre-teen tomboy she was in the first book. She’s grown into a young lady…well, sort of. She’s grown up, but her desire for adventure and to make an impact on the world as a journalist has her performing feats like climbing onto roofs and balconies. Her dreams for her career make marriage the farthest thing from her mind but when Noah Jeffers, a tall, dark, and mysterious pastor arrives in town. His looks—which seem vaguely familiar to Jack—and his gentle but strong manner draw Jack to him in a way she doesn’t understand and isn’t sure she likes.

Intertwined with Jack and Noah’s story is another story about Carly Payton, an ex-outlaw who had come to Lookout, Texas before to escape her place in an outlaw gang. She served time in prison for past crimes and returns to Lookout for a fresh start. Despite the fact that Garret Corbett—another familiar character to readers of the other books in this series—is convinced she’s not wife material, the two are drawn to each other in a hilarious, not-quite-traditional relationship.

Readers who are unfamiliar with McDonough’s books should enjoy this book very much, but faithful readers of the series will no-doubt love it even more. The way Vickie McDonough brought the character’s pasts into this book—some in good ways, some in bad ways—make it an intriguing tale of secrets and redemption. All the while, the lovable characters and lighthearted writing style make it a book that’s great for an afternoon of relaxing reading.

Sarah Varland lives in Georgia with her husband, son, and two dogs. When she's not busy teaching high school English or walking around with her nose stuck in a book, she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors doing things like hiking and kayaking. Sarah is currently pursuing publication as a novelist and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can read some of her thoughts on life, books, and the ministry fishbowl at her blog.