A review by fiction_aficionado
The Liberty Bride, by MaryLu Tyndall
3.0
I liked the basic plot of this book, but I didn't really click with these characters, which made it hard to become fully invested in the story. Emeline often came across as weak and wishy-washy in her thoughts, obsessing over what a "proper lady" would do and believing that God had brought all this calamity on her because she "wasn't good," yet her outward behaviour was that of a strong, confident woman—albeit also brash and naïve at times. The two didn't mesh to create a believable character for me, and at times one or the other was emphasized (or repeated) to the point where it became annoying.
Owen didn't do much for me as a hero either. He's supposedly a womanizer, although we see little evidence of that beyond numerous references to his appreciation of the sight and scent of the heroine. Nevertheless, I couldn't really see what attracted Emeline to him on an emotional level. He was so hot and cold with her, and all because he believed she was his enemy! I love stories where the hero and heroine begin as enemies but then learn to see beyond that; this couple never got to that point.
There was a strong spiritual thread running through this story, with both Owen and Emeline needing to discover that God was not simply a divine rule-maker and -enforcer, but this growth happened a little too suddenly after much resistance for it to truly convince me.
In the end, this one wasn't my cup of tea, but readers who read more for plot and setting may still enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Owen didn't do much for me as a hero either. He's supposedly a womanizer, although we see little evidence of that beyond numerous references to his appreciation of the sight and scent of the heroine. Nevertheless, I couldn't really see what attracted Emeline to him on an emotional level. He was so hot and cold with her, and all because he believed she was his enemy! I love stories where the hero and heroine begin as enemies but then learn to see beyond that; this couple never got to that point.
There was a strong spiritual thread running through this story, with both Owen and Emeline needing to discover that God was not simply a divine rule-maker and -enforcer, but this growth happened a little too suddenly after much resistance for it to truly convince me.
In the end, this one wasn't my cup of tea, but readers who read more for plot and setting may still enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.