The Vigilante's Bride

Well-crafted story line in this Western about a plucky orphan snatched from an arranged marriage. The hero/heroine dialogue is snappy and realistic. The Western details are what make this book a real page-turner though, with thundering horses, Indian villages and cattle drives.

The Vigilante's Bride is Yvonne Harris' debut novel and what a fabulous debut! I absolutely loved this book! This story takes place in 1884 in Montana Territory. The writing is wonderful, the story line hooked me from page one and I could not put it down. I thought the author created some fabulous characters in this book. I loved Emily! She's so young and intelligent but yet still very naive. Her strong faith in the Lord makes her a very inspirational character. My heart went out to her and I was rooting for her all the way! I very highly recommend this book to anyone. If you love wild west historicals, (as I do), then you will really love this one. It's full of nail biting suspense, great action, fun humor that made me laugh out loud many times, sweet romance, and it's all tied together with a beautiful message of God's never ending love! This one is an all around winner in my book. I certainly will be hoping for more books from this great author.

This has been the best "Western", I have read in a long time . First, I'm not one to sit still and read a book,but this book was full of suspence from page one . I was so interested through out the story line of what would be happening next . It was clean,honest,funny,emotional and very moving and held true to all the character's Faith . I enjoyed the storyline very much. The creativity and imagination was awesome . I hope everybody enjoy's her book as much as I did. "Hat's Off", to the author.. Great Job,Mrs. Harris !! Bess W.

Today it's my pleasure to review THE VIGILANTE'S BRIDE by Yvonne Harris, a Christian western romance published by Bethany House. Emily McCarthy is an orphan forced out into to the world and sent to be the mail-order bride of a powerful man in Montana. But she is kidnapped just before arriving at her destination by Luke Sullivan, a former vigilante who has gone back to serve at the New Hope orphanage where he grew up. He feels he cannot allow her to be wed to the evil, corrupt Bart Axel without knowing what a monster he is. She certainly doesn't see his taking her as the rescue it is at first, but when she reaches New Hope and learns the truth about the man she was to marry, she slowly begins to realize how fortunate she has been that Luke came along when he did. Her realization does not immediately turn her feelings for Luke from enmity to tenderness, however. At first they get along like cats and dogs, but gradually, hostility turns to tenderness and love. Luke's snatching of his intended bride do nothing to endear him to Axel, of course, either, and the powerful man sets about trying to achieve revenge. When his claim to a portion of his own ranch is disputed by New Hope, he sets in motion a ruthless plan to achieve revenge and conquer New Hope, Luke Sullivan and Emily McCarthy, and the story builds to an inevitable showdown. Unlikely allies help to turn the tide, and Luke and Emily are finally free to achieve happiness. A wonderful Christian message of redemption and second chances make this book a treasure. Interesting secondary characters--especially the Crow Indians--and the real flavor of the Old West, complete with gun battles but without glorifying violence, make this a keeper for the lover of western romance and certainly for this reader! Kudos, Yvonne Harris! This book was provided for review by Bethany House. Blessings, Laurie Kingery

Emily McCarthy has lived in Aldersgate Home for Girls since she lost her parents. Now that she's of age they need room at the school, so they arrange for her to marry a wealthy rancher named Bart Axel. They wish her well and put her on a stage heading for her new home. Luke Sullivan has been part of a group who enforces Range Laws. Just before exacting judgment to one particular man he confesses to Luke that Bart Axel cheated his father out of his land. Luke decides to give up his lifestyle and head for New Hope where he grew up. While on his way there he finds out that the stage is carrying Axel's money. He decides he's going to get back what Bart stole from his father. Then he finds out the beautiful woman on the stage is on her way to marry Bart. Feeling like he can't leave her to that fate he takes her too! Bart is a powerful rancher who wants Emily for his own and Luke Sullivan out of the way. Will he be successful??? This is the first book I've read from this author and let me tell you, you will be unable to put it down! I have to say that the cover is what first drew me to the story. Love the man in black! As soon as you open the book you are involved in the story. The harsh realities of living in territories where law was exacted by groups of vigilantes was quite interesting. The author did a wonderful job of making you feel like you were there. Sometimes I could even taste the dust and hear the hooves! The characters were complex and very well drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed our lead couple. Their banter was believable and sometimes funny. But...there were moments that melted the pages... like their first kiss...ooh la la! Very well written! I loved watching Emily's quiet and gentle faith slowly change Luke's heart. The secondary characters were also well drawn. You learn something about the Crow Indians along the way as well. This book had it all from gun fights and cattle rustling to sweet romance. I highly recommend The Vigilante's Bride and look forward to this authors next endeavor. A thank you goes to the author and publisher for this complimentary copy for my review.