The Bartered Bride Review with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Bartered Bride

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2025

A rebellious suffragette and a steadfast sailor—tied by duty, divided by secrets, and tempted by a love that changes everything.

A born sailor, Jonathan Kennebrae thrives in his role running his grandfather’s shipping enterprise. That is until his grandfather delivers a crippling ultimatum—Jonathan will marry Melissa Brooke or lose his inheritance and everything he’s worked for. Though Jonathan finds himself drawn to Melissa, he can’t help feeling his intended may not be who she appears to be.

​Melissa Brooke is tired of being voiceless. She’s been the perfect daughter all her life, doing what she’s told for the good of the family. Except she has a secret. Melissa lives a double life, teaching literacy to struggling immigrant women and fighting for the suffragette movement. If she goes through with the wedding, she’ll be forced to abandon her life’s work. Yet refusing the union could cost her any chance at an inheritance to fund her cause. To make matters worse, she can’t deny the tender feelings blooming between her and her fiancé.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online where she spends way too much time!

 

 

 

More from Erica

Do you ever wish you could turn back time? That’s what I recently got to do, as I read through my very first published novel, The Bartered Bride, that is now being re-released by Wild Heart Books.

What a blast from the past. I was amazed at all the feelings that rushed back in as I revisited Duluth, MN in the last century. Melissa and Jonathan hadn’t changed a bit in sixteen years.

The story idea first came to me as I sat in church awaiting the start of the service. There I was, a not-yet-published-author, minding my own business when the plot sort of burst into my head. An arranged marriage set in Duluth, and using the “Gales of November” and the wreck of the Mataafa…

I jotted down a few notes, because face it, the best idea for a novel could pop into my head, and if I don’t write down the gist, I will forget it in two minutes.

I wrote The Bartered Bride in about six weeks, and I sent it through my critique group of the time. Then my agent submitted it to the publisher in the spring of 2008.

And we waited.

And waited.

And waited.

We heard nothing for months. My agent sent word that the publisher was still considering it, and I was to be patient. It wasn’t a no, but it also wasn’t a resounding yes!

I had already started the sequel to The Bartered Bride, a story called Marriage Masquerade, so I finished that one, and then with summer upon me, I wrote a new story, Clara and the Cowboy, about an heiress to a ranch and one of the cowboys who rode for her father. Maybe the publisher would like that series better. I heard nothing all summer on either of the two series I had proposed and submitted.

Then in September of that year, I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. The conference was being held in Minnesota, just a hop up the road from where I live. I ferried agents and editors from the airport to the hotel, I met people, I sat in workshops, all the time wondering if I would ever be a published author. Would my writing ever be ‘good enough’? Was I wasting my time?

Imagine my surprise when the publisher to whom I had submitted The Bartered Bride took the stage at a general session and announced that they were offering a contract to me for that book! Not only that, but when I had an appointment with the editor later, she offered not only a three-book contract on the The North Star Brides, but an additional three-book contract for the Brides of Money Creek of which Clara and the Cowboy was book one!

I had sold six books! The rest of the conference, you could have bought me for a dollar.

Melissa and Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. They were the couple that started it all. I’m so glad they are getting a new start, and hopefully they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they have mine.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 28

Melissa’s Bookshelf, July 28

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

lakesidelivingsite, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Betti Mace, July 31

Fiction Book Lover, July 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, August 1

Devoted To Hope, August 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 2

Devoted Steps, August 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Simple Harvest Reads, August 3 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Stories By Gina, August 4 (Author Interview)

Inklings and Notions, August 4

For HIm and My Family, August 5

Artistic Nobody, August 5 (Guest Review from Donna)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 6

Book Looks by Lisa, August 7

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Bizwings Book Blog, August 8

Vicky Sluiter, August 8

Blossoms and Blessings, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Cover Lover Book Review, August 10

To Everything There Is A Season, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

GIVEAWAY

 My Thoughts

This is a very sweet and quick read. The historical aspects are interesting and the plot, while predictable, had some cute moments. Melissa's work in helping immigrant women was the best part of this book. Her character and attitude made the story flow along nicely. I didn't especially love Jonathan's character but I had warmed up to him in the end. If you enjoy a light historical romance this would make a good quick escape. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review."

The Bitter End Birding Society

About the Book

 Hometown hero Ana Leigh Watkins ventures to Bitter End, Tennessee, to help her great-aunt get her house ready to sell. Bitter End seems an ironic place for Ana to refresh her weary spirit, but she's desperate for respite from her community's attention and unwarranted admiration. While on a hike in Roan Mountain, a ragtag group of amateur bird watchers take her under their wing--a little against her will. However, she quickly warms to these genuine souls seeking solace in the great outdoors.

But when Ana's adventures in Bitter End lead her to a severed branch of her family tree--one that involves the forbidden love between a moonshiner's daughter and a preacher's son--what began as a quest to study Appalachian birds becomes a transformative journey that binds together two women who, though they live on the same street, have been estranged for sixty years.

Immerse yourself in the lyrical prose and layered plotting of award-winning novelist Amanda Cox as she offers up an engaging story of finding belonging, reconciliation, and new beginnings in the most unexpected places. (Goodreads)

Buy Here

My Thoughts

I finished reading this book days ago and it is still on my mind. That usually says a lot about a good story. I think this is my second favorite book by Amanda Cox and it really touched on some special things. There is a lot going on with many different characters and it flips back and forth from the present to the past. Once you get in the flow of reading it all makes sense but it did take me a minute. 

The characters are so real to life and well developed that I feel like I know them well enough I could spend time with them and their bird society. So many issues are dealt with such as bitterness, death, grief, trauma, regret, love, family connections, and value in God's eyes. There is even a delightful dog that shows up on the scene. This story also includes a mobile wedding chapel that I did not see coming. From laughter to tears, this story is heartfelt and one to savor until the end. I highly recommend! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own."

When The Road Comes Around Review

 

About the Book

In the small town of Grady, Montana, twenty-four-year-old Tad Bungley has a reputation for trouble. When he lands a job at Come Around Ranch, however, his life seems to take a positive turn. As he develops a soft spot for Sam, the ranch owner's disabled son, and a special bond with TJ, a rescue horse with a poor reputation of his own, Tad becomes determined not to mess up this time.

Forty-eight-year-old Anita Wilson is too young to feel so old, but rheumatoid arthritis limits her ability to work on the guest ranch she owns with her husband. It was a risk to hire Tad for the summer, but Anita is convinced he just needs a bit of grace and encouragement to find his footing. What she doesn't anticipate is that Tad's presence at the ranch will change everything, including her relationship with her son. And when Tad finds himself in more trouble than ever, he and Anita must learn when to hold on, when to let go, and how to embrace grace.

Set near the towering mountains of rural Montana, Katie Powner explores themes of redemption, second chances, and the true meaning of grace in this evocative contemporary novel. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here

My Thoughts

Oh, how I loved the setting of this novel! I felt like I was right there in Montana, sitting in Anita's kitchen, and it was like I was home. This story isn't what I was expecting and that is the great thing about Powner's writing. You never know what you are going to get, but it is always thought provoking. The lives of Tad, Sam, and Anita flow through with their different perspectives as the plot moves along. I really love Anita's character and found her to be so well written. There are some really difficult issues dealt with and I appreciate how Tad's story is told. Grace is the main theme and it is shown over and over. It was encouraging to me and a good reminder that I need to give people more grace. We don't typically know the full story and sometimes things aren't always as they seem. 

I enjoyed this one, though it was a little bit slower read for me. 

Four Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review." 

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books That Have Surprised Me

For my Top Ten Tuesday here are some of the fantasy and sci-fi books that have surprised me-in a good way! I typically have not read a lot of fantasy or sci-fi. It is increasingly difficult to find any in those genres that don't have explicit content unfortunately. But the last couple of years I wanted to read something out of my comfort zone and broaden my imagination. Here are some that I really enjoyed!  

This one is darker and general market. I did enjoy it a lot though!

I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

LOVED. 

Five star series. One of my all time favorites!

The Governess and the Rogue

About the Book

 A down-on-her-luck Victorian governess and an unrepentant rogue enter into a fake engagement during a lengthy voyage at sea in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s sixth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.

Stranded in India after being dismissed without a reference, governess Beatrice Layton exchanges her freedom for passage home to England, taking a position with the only family that will hire her. But Bea hasn’t reckoned for just how dreadful her new employers will be. Stuck with them at sea in increasingly desperate circumstances, she finds an unlikely champion in the injured ex-soldier traveling aboard their ship.

Colonel Jack Beresford has spent the last fourteen years serving in Her Majesty’s Army. Though time has lent him maturity, it hasn’t dulled the roguish impulses of his youth. When he’s confronted with the tantalizing prospect of a damsel in distress, he naturally steps in to rescue her. His solution? An engagement of convenience, of course. One that will last only as long as their voyage.

But once back on land, Jack and Bea’s simple arrangement is beset by complication after complication. There are Bea’s horrid employers to contend with, and the growing gossip in Somerset society. Most complicated of all, there’s Jack’s family—his parents, siblings, and precocious nieces and nephews—all of whom seem to think that Bea might be perfect for him. Jack is beginning to think so too. All that remains is to convince bold, beguiling Bea that he’s perfect for her. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here. 

Mimi's Website

My Thoughts

My goodness, I enjoyed this story. It was truly refreshing to have a leading lady not be a socialite. Bea's perspective on life shines throughout the pages and makes her a decidedly strong yet gentle heroine. Jack is not what I expected and his honesty and sensitive nature (in a way) made me wish I had such for a brother. My favorite thing about this entire story is the delightful friendship that blooms between Bea and Jack. I was completely amazed how the author wove in a very sweet and subtle romance while creating a beautiful friendship. This is an excellent addition to the series and I enjoyed getting a peek into the other families lives from the previous books. 

I recommend! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review."

Beachy Reads

Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about beachy reads. I am not a beachy person and I don't tend to read what you would initially think of as a "beachy" read. BUT I have read some delightful tales that are either set by the beach or have very specific scenes that involve the beach. So here are a few that I thought up! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

You have to read the book to truly understand why it is included. :) 

This is on Kindle Unlimited if you haven't read it. I adore this book. 

A Carol For Mrs. Dickens Review

About the Book

 Catherine Dickens, wife of Charles Dickens, experiences her own Christmas Eve transformation as she magically travels through her cherished memories to rediscover her lost love of Christmas.

By 1851, all of London has fallen in love with A Christmas Carol, heralding Charles Dickens as “the man who invented Christmas.” But for his wife, Catherine, Christmas is less of a reason for celebration and more of a burden. Between hosting lavish parties, decorating her home, and caring for her eight children—with one more on the way—she feels more like Scrooge than herself this year.

But everything changes after a chance encounter with a kitchen cook, who reminds her that Christmas can be a time of miracles and magic, if she is willing to open her heart.

Armed with a magical sprig of holly, Kate embarks on three transformative journeys into her past, hoping to reconnect with the love she once felt for the holiday—and with herself. But can these memories be enough to reignite her Christmas spirit? Or are such miraculous transformations only meant for the characters in her husband’s beloved tales?

Inspired by real individuals, A Carol for Mrs. Dickens reminds us that the true spirit of the holiday lies in love, faith, and the joy of giving. (Goodreads)

Purchase HERE.

My Thoughts

This is such a cozy and festive read. I wanted to curl up with a blanket and hot cocoa while reading it. Everything in the story is told from Catherine Dickens point of view. She is trying to enjoy the Christmas holiday while grieving the loss of a child and being hopeful for the one to come. It is similar to a Christmas Carol in many ways but the pages of this tale are more dear to my heart. I loved every chapter and this is easily going to be a new annual Christmas read. This short book shows the true meaning and sweetness of the holiday season. It also shows real life difficulties and that sometimes we have to really search and consider our focus to find joy. 

I enjoyed!

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review."

Books with a Lighthouse Setting

Welcome to today's Top Ten Tuesday! 

I decided to come up with a list of books that have something to do with lighthouses. I really enjoy a good lighthouse setting so here are a few that I came up with. 

Echoes of the Sea Review

About the Book

 A modern-day London actor is hurled back to 1803, where a love that defies the centuries awaits.

For Kipling Summerfield, the glamour of Hollywood is becoming a distant memory. After losing the role of a lifetime, he’s forced to take a lesser job as a historical reenactor on England’s Guilford Island. But a sudden storm changes everything, casting him into the ocean—and into the care of a mysterious lighthouse keeper. Kip assumes everyone he meets and the island’s historical setting are just an elaborate performance—until he meets the captivating Amelia Archibald, whose quiet strength feels too real, making him question everything about Guilford.

Amelia has spent her life as an unimportant poor relation and is now trapped by her late grandfather’s will on an island she loathes because of her great fear of the sea. When Kip stumbles into her world, his strange ideas and warm presence are both a disruption and an unexpected light.

As Kip and Amelia work to save Guilford Island, an undeniable connection blooms between them. But when Kip uncovers the truth about where—or when—he is, he must make an impossible choice: rise to meet the expectations of Amelia’s world and build a life worthy of her station or walk away from the love that has redefined his very existence. (Goodreads)

Purchase Here. 

My Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Kipling gives this story life, and the unique way that the author uses historical reenacting is brilliant. Kip manages to time travel but without knowing it. A good part of the book has the main hero totally clueless as to what has happened-and for the plot it works! Amelia is a determined to do her best no matter what life throws at her and I really admire her character. The romance, while predictable, is simple and sweet. There are a few twists and turns that I was not expecting but I really couldn't put the book down. There are some pieces that seemed rushed and a little thrown together, especially at the end. Overall this is a quick read with a unique take on time travel. This is my favorite of the series so far. 

4.5 Stars. 

"I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review."

To Love a Beast

About the Book

Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

 

 

 

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.

Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. 

GIVEAWAY HERE

My Thoughts

 I simply can't pass up a Beauty and the Beast retelling, as it is my all time favorite fairytale. This book is pretty fun. I really liked the first part of the story and how it was all set up. The library is dreamy and the idea for Callista to be a book binder is brilliant! At times I forgot this book is set in Texas but then something very "Texan" would happen and pulled me out of the world slightly. The second half of the book seemed a bit slower for me and some of Callista's choices made me cringe a bit. Everett is delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed him as the leading grumpy man. The staff at his manor are well written and added a lot to this story. The ending seemed to happen so fast and I found myself wanting a tad more at the end. Regardless, this is a fun quick read that makes for an enjoyable escape. 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."