A Bride for Sam

The Proxy Brides, Book 11

By: Linda Ellen

Narrated by: Gregory Lioi

Rugged lumberjack and sawmill owner, Sam Maynard, enjoys a happy-go-lucky life in the 1870s small town of Brownville, Nebraska. Seeking out a wife of his own is the farthest thing from his mind until he sees his brother, Finn, so blissfully happy with his new proxy bride, and it sparks a desire within his own soul to find a mate. The girl he might have been able to love, sadly, is already promised to someone else, so he turns down the same avenue his brother had taken - the matrimonial advertisements.

After multiple replies fail to generate any interest, however, he is about to chuck the whole idea...

Tired of living in an apartment all alone, Beth Ann Gilmore looks forward to having her own hearth, home, husband, and children, but when she finds herself unexpectedly jilted by Stanley, her longtime beau, all her dreams go up in smoke. Refusing to rest on her laurels, she ponders the fact that her best friend, Charise, found happiness through mail-order-bride notices - so why couldn’t she? For good measure, she visits a local marriage broker as well. Soon, however, circumstances take a drastic turn and in fear for her life, she wires her friends in Nebraska for help.

The return telegram contains a shocking idea. Can she go through with it? Should she? Could a man she only met once be her salvation...in more ways than one?

Beth knows it’s a gamble, but faced with no other choice, it’s a chance she can’t afford to pass up.

This is a clean, inspirational romance. The story contains themes of real life, but is suitable for all ages, as it contains no illicit sex or profanity.

©2019 Linda Ellen (P)2020 Linda Ellen

Sweet marriage of convenience

BethAnn was holding out for a marriage to her beau for a couple years and he threw her over. Then she decided to become a mail order bride like her friend. She gets herself in trouble with a man that won’t take no for an answer. So she marries Sam to get away from the man. This is a sweet Christian romance. It was the first book I had listened to by this author and this narrator. The narrator grew on me as I listened to the book but I struggled with some of the characters voices. It was an enjoyable story but a little slow moving for me. It had adventure in it but I felt the storyline dragged a bit. I appreciate that the author kept the book clean.

Sam & Beth Ann!

This proxy order bride series is so much fun to listen to. I can always count on a wonderful story. This is my first listen by Linda Ellen, and she had me falling in love with Sam from the very start. Sam's brother Finn has a proxy order bride, and though Sam was not thinking of marriage, he is aware of how happy Finn is now. When he finds out Beth Ann, whom he had met is in need of help, he decides to offer her to be his proxy bride. But will it only be in name? These two are just so cute together. I love Sam. He is a little awkward, but he is just so warm and lovable. I love that Beth Ann sees him for him, and doesn't expect more. And I love Beth Ann. Warm, helpful and loving, she is a perfect match for Sam. And Zeb is just a doll! But it's not that simple! There is danger lurking. Will it come to them? A little suspense, good friends and family and an unbreakable love make this a wonderful listen.

The voice of Gregory Lioi is cast perfectly for historical romance. He has that slight twang, and a voice that just reminds me of the old west. I enjoyed his array of voices and will be interested to see him in the future.

Loves it

In general: I was so invested in these characters from the beginning of the book. That tells me that the book is well written and well thought out. I found myself wanting to read faster and faster. I loved it. I can not wait for another.

However the audio...I love his voice, It just sounds as if he needs better equipment.

Pretty good story.

This was a pretty good story but the narrator was not so good. Some of His different characters were just so rediculous.

A Great Story

I listened to the audiobook and it was quite good. I’m really all in for the story and I got wrapped up in this book in a hurry. The heroine is hunting for a husband and she gets herself into a mess. You will want to see how she gets out of this mess and the many things that happens in between. At the end the author tells us this is a real town and I learned a little more history.
I have read/listened to several of the Proxy Bride books and have really enjoyed each one. I received an audio copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.