Book Review: A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee
April 26, 2012 by Lillie
A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I met Diana Brandmeyer online several years ago when we both had books with the same electronic publisher and have been a fan a long time. While I was predisposed to like Diana’s latest book, historical romance isn’t a favorite genre for me, so my review is as objective and unbiased as humanly possible.
I love the characters, especially Heaven, Angel, and Travis. My minor complaint about the characters is that I wondered for about halfway through the book how old Angel was. At various times in the story, I guessed her age to be younger or older than it actually was when it was finally mentioned. I hope to read more about Annabelle and Jake in a future book.
The faith message is intricately woven into the story so that it teaches but doesn’t preach. A strong woman’s struggle to be independent, a discouraged doctor’s desire to avoid medical failures, a pre-teen’s will to live a normal life in spite of a disability, a father’s attempt to provide a safe future for his daughters, a guilt-ridden soldier’s efforts to withdraw from society, and a jilted young woman’s plan to run away from embarrassment combine in an intriguing story in post-Civil War Tennessee. Add a little humor, and you have a real winner that will appeal to fans of Christian fiction, lovers of romance, readers who enjoy history of Civil War times, and those who like to read a love story that acknowledges physical attraction but focuses on emotional connection.
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Thank you so much for your review of A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee.
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
You’re most welcome, Diana. I really enjoyed the story.
It’s neat that you know the author and that you have remained friends. How nice! The book looks interesting too….
Heather,
Diana is a lovely writer and an excellent writer. I think you will enjoy the book.
Awe, thanks Lillie! I’m glad to have known you for so long.
Diana
Yes, Diana, we were publishing ebooks when no one else had heard of them!
I love that we were pioneers back then.
Diana
Diana,
I went to the EPICon recently here in San Antonio on Saturday afternoon. Because of family caregiving responsibilities, I couldn’t attend the entire conference, but I really enjoyed visiting with old friends on Saturday afternoon. Several of us “old-timers” in epublishing (including Ginny McBlain, Marilyn Meredith, and Billie Houston) talked about how much had changed. Back when you and I were at Awe-Struck, we were pioneers in an exciting new venture, and everyone was friends. Now the epublishing companies are more like traditional businesses and relationships are more business-like than friendly (not to say people aren’t friendly–it’s just a different atmosphere). Back then we were looking forward to the day when ebooks would be a significant part of publishing, and now that time has come. We’re glad for that, but we miss some of the pioneer environment.
I wondered if EPIC was still active. I went to two EPICons. That was fun. We were all trying to figure out how to get people to understand how and ebook worked. I tried to show a woman how to use my reader. She said she would never read on one of those. 2011, saw the same woman and she has a kindle now. She laughed because she remembered saying that she’d never use a reader. Never say never!
Diana,
I remember meeting you in person at an EPICon–not sure which one, but if my failing memory is correct, we sat at the same table at the banquet. I love your story about the woman who was never going to read on a reader–there are a lot of people like that, I think. It wasn’t long ago that I would be sitting in a waiting room reading on my eBookWise ereader and people would want to know what it was. Now when people see me with my Kindle, they either ask, “Is that a Kindle?” or “How do you like your Kindle? I love mine!” We’ve come a long way!
Thank you for sharing your review with us.. I’ve been looking for a good new read and this might just be it. I’m wondering whether or not it is age appropriate for someone a little younger? I usually give the books I read to a friend of mine after I’m done, and she is about 15 years old. Any information on that would be much appreciated. Thanks again!
Brian,
The book is certainly appropriate for a 15-year-old girl. Hope you both enjoy it!
Sure, in fact I think the 15 year old would like it because there is a younger character, Angel that plays a big part in the story.
Thanks so much for asking.
Diana
Diana,
Angel was my favorite character!
Mine too, Lillie!
Diana,
I’d love to see another book with Angel. Any chance of that?
I don’t have any plans for her yet.
Diana
Diana,
That little word “yet” gives me hope.