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An Unforgettable Romance Novel by Mona Hodgson

by Brandi Markert

July 26, 2012

@BrandiM_

Vivian isn't too excited about traveling to Cripple Creek, Colorado, with her aunt. But with her father in Paris, she has no other choice but to make the journey all three of her older sisters have made before her.

But for Vivian, Cripple Creek holds little hope. All she wants is to become a famous fashion designer, but how can she when all the best designers are in Paris? The way she sees it, designing clothes is all she can do with her life. She had one hope for marriage - a man named Gregory - but even he scorned her after they gave in to temptation.

Now, all Vivian wants to do is forget her past.

Would her prim and proper aunt care so much if she knew the truth? But she couldn't know. Neither could her sisters. Enough had changed for Vivian already, and she couldn't bear the blame she deserved. Especially if it meant seeing her guilt reflected back to her in the virtuous eyes of her sisters.

But moving to Cripple Creek doesn't work out the way she thinks it will. First, two men rob the train she's traveling in. Then she meets the Cripple Creek police deputy, Carter Alwyn, whom she finds both annoying and strangely alluring.

Determined to prove her worth, Vivian tries to pay for her own boarding at the local inn, instead of having to rely on her sisters. But finding - and keeping - a job isn't easy. How far will Vivian go to make up the money?

So... what's not to like?

I'm usually hesitant about reading romance novels. But this one didn't have some of the less admirable features - unbelievable love triangles, dragging endings - that many others do. In fact, every bit of Vivian's and Carter's budding romance impressed me.

I also loved the depth of the characters. Vivian's sisters are all supportive and have a knack for independence that rivals the precepts of the time period. And don't forget their husbands, who suit them perfectly.

Even the "bad guys" (and girls) are three-dimensional. The author gives them both good and bad traits, with the underlying theme that all people make mistakes. It's those who turn to Jesus for forgiveness who find peace amidst a sinful life.

In the words of Carter Alwyn: "God doesn't list sins from the worst down to the slightest and judge a person accordingly. Only people do that."

(Now breathe a sigh, ladies. Pure poetry, am I right?)

Which leads me to the best part about this book: the romance. In The Bride Wore Blue, you won't find superficial scenes of intimacy. Instead, you'll find clean, Christian romance that revolves around the ultimate power of grace and forgiveness.

I really loved this book. I read it as a stand-alone novel and didn't miss a beat. Mona Hodgson has a lot to offer as a writer. The Bride Wore Blue was an entertaining read and has been even more fun to look over again.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah through its Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

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