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The Great Wedding Giveaway #4
The Unexpected Bride
Wanted: nanny. Needed: wife.
Laurent Fletcher has to admit his life would be a whole heap better if there was woman in it. His kids are running wild, and his dog is acting crazy; he’s been finding it tough to juggle everything since his wife died, and run his successful custom-built furniture business. But maybe there is a solution that won’t demand any emotional input from him: hire a female to whip his turbulent household back into shape.
Emma Peabody is a British nanny, looking for a new life in the New World. When she arrives at River Bend and finds two small motherless children, a miserable pet and a man who’s placed his emotions in the deep-freeze, she realizes she’s joined a broken family and it will be down to her to put it back together again.
The kids and the dog are easy—all they need are routines and love. Their father is something else. Laurent isn't about to drop his guard and let Emma work her magic—and it doesn’t help that she finds this dark, brooding man incredibly attractive�
Laurent Fletcher has to admit his life would be a whole heap better if there was woman in it. His kids are running wild, and his dog is acting crazy; he’s been finding it tough to juggle everything since his wife died, and run his successful custom-built furniture business. But maybe there is a solution that won’t demand any emotional input from him: hire a female to whip his turbulent household back into shape.
Emma Peabody is a British nanny, looking for a new life in the New World. When she arrives at River Bend and finds two small motherless children, a miserable pet and a man who’s placed his emotions in the deep-freeze, she realizes she’s joined a broken family and it will be down to her to put it back together again.
The kids and the dog are easy—all they need are routines and love. Their father is something else. Laurent isn't about to drop his guard and let Emma work her magic—and it doesn’t help that she finds this dark, brooding man incredibly attractive�
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2014
26 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 31, 2014
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
I really felt this needed a little more plot/character development. As it stands now, Laurent comes across as a self-absorbed jerk. He doesn't bond with his son because his wife died giving birth to the child. He buries himself in his work, resulting in his children being out of control. That only makes him spend more time away from them, rather than stepping up and being a father. His behavior toward the British nanny, Emma, is nothing short of rude and ill-mannered.
***Spoiler alert*** I have no problem with "predictable", but I do have a problem with Laurent and his attitude that he'll never fall in love again, proposing marriage to Emma as the perfect solution to their situation, then suddenly he's in love with Emma. From reading the book, I'd say it's not love, but lust. The perfect solution would have been for Laurent to keep his hands to himself until he could identify his true feelings. The perfect solution would have been for him to be the father his children deserved.
There are some fairly significant jumps in time (i.e., "a fortnight had passed", etc.), and it gave the story a rushed feeling. I found myself wishing Ms. Walsh had given us a little more interaction to warrant both of them saying they loved the other.
Some typographical and editorial issues. 2.5 stars, rounded up, somewhere between I Didn't Like It and It Was Okay. I don't think I'd recommend it. Others in this series (by other authors) have been stronger than this one.
I really felt this needed a little more plot/character development. As it stands now, Laurent comes across as a self-absorbed jerk. He doesn't bond with his son because his wife died giving birth to the child. He buries himself in his work, resulting in his children being out of control. That only makes him spend more time away from them, rather than stepping up and being a father. His behavior toward the British nanny, Emma, is nothing short of rude and ill-mannered.
***Spoiler alert*** I have no problem with "predictable", but I do have a problem with Laurent and his attitude that he'll never fall in love again, proposing marriage to Emma as the perfect solution to their situation, then suddenly he's in love with Emma. From reading the book, I'd say it's not love, but lust. The perfect solution would have been for Laurent to keep his hands to himself until he could identify his true feelings. The perfect solution would have been for him to be the father his children deserved.
There are some fairly significant jumps in time (i.e., "a fortnight had passed", etc.), and it gave the story a rushed feeling. I found myself wishing Ms. Walsh had given us a little more interaction to warrant both of them saying they loved the other.
Some typographical and editorial issues. 2.5 stars, rounded up, somewhere between I Didn't Like It and It Was Okay. I don't think I'd recommend it. Others in this series (by other authors) have been stronger than this one.
May 10, 2014
Laurent Fletcher is having a hard time with his young kids. As a widower who misses his wife and still carries (unnecessary) guilt from her death two years ago, he knows things can't continue on the way they have. Enter the British nanny, Emma Peabody, hired by his father to help with the kids. Laurent isn't very happy initially especially considering his unwanted attraction to Emma.
This story gave me warm fuzzies. Seeing the way Evie missed her mom and how Jerome was missing a mother period broke my heart. I loved how compassionate and considerate Emma was towards both Laurent and the kids. It was also great to see Ren and Tully, Robert and Pascale, and a visit to Sage's chocolate shop.
The novella moved at a smooth, but rapid pace. The characters are very well developed and will pull your heart strings. Joanne Walsh has done justice to this story and I look forward to reading more of her Montana Born stories.
This story gave me warm fuzzies. Seeing the way Evie missed her mom and how Jerome was missing a mother period broke my heart. I loved how compassionate and considerate Emma was towards both Laurent and the kids. It was also great to see Ren and Tully, Robert and Pascale, and a visit to Sage's chocolate shop.
The novella moved at a smooth, but rapid pace. The characters are very well developed and will pull your heart strings. Joanne Walsh has done justice to this story and I look forward to reading more of her Montana Born stories.
April 28, 2014
This review is from: The Unexpected Bride (Montana Born Brides) (Kindle Edition)
This is a feel good western romance, it is a work of fiction.
Emma has flown into Montana to be a nanny for widower Laurent's two kids Evie and Jerome. The Mountains are so differant from her home in England.
This book has the farm and barn and kids and dog and even a bear that roams the mountain, awe and Laurant, Emma should be very happy here.
This is a very heart warming read I recommend it to all who love romances novellas and don't mind a few tugs at the heart strings.
This is a feel good western romance, it is a work of fiction.
Emma has flown into Montana to be a nanny for widower Laurent's two kids Evie and Jerome. The Mountains are so differant from her home in England.
This book has the farm and barn and kids and dog and even a bear that roams the mountain, awe and Laurant, Emma should be very happy here.
This is a very heart warming read I recommend it to all who love romances novellas and don't mind a few tugs at the heart strings.
November 16, 2017
Author:
First published: 2014
Read in:
Length: 1720 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Marietta, Montana.
Sex: Explicit, infrequent
Hero: Furniture maker
Heroine: Nanny
The Super Nanny arrives in Montana.
A perfect heroine with Regency views, she inserts herself into their lives.
With a stoic, distant hero who still mourns his wife.
And two children who were absolutely not their age.
And goodness it was annoying.
It didn't make sense. The romance was... absent. The love was... absent. The caring was... absent. Did not like the hero. Did not believe in the HEA.
Not an author I would read again.
The Great Wedding Giveaway:
Book 0.5 by - Taylor Harris and Troy Sheenan
Book 1 by - Ella Grace Emerson and Cam Sawyer
Book 2 by - Scarlett Buck and Mitch Bannister
Book 3 by - Tara Buck and Reid Dalton
Book 4 by - Laurent Fletcher and Emma Peabody
Book 5 by - Monty Davison and Risa Grant
Book 6 by - Emmy Mathis and Griffin Hyatt
Book 7 by - Marly Ackers and Drake Everett
Book 8 by - Cole McCullough and Nell Corbett
Book 9 by - Andie Bennett and Heath McGregor
References:
On Marietta, Montana: /places/1560...
[ISBN 9781940296357]
-CR-
First published: 2014
Read in:
Length: 1720 kindle locations
Setting: Contemporary. Marietta, Montana.
Sex: Explicit, infrequent
Hero: Furniture maker
Heroine: Nanny
The Super Nanny arrives in Montana.
A perfect heroine with Regency views, she inserts herself into their lives.
With a stoic, distant hero who still mourns his wife.
And two children who were absolutely not their age.
And goodness it was annoying.
It didn't make sense. The romance was... absent. The love was... absent. The caring was... absent. Did not like the hero. Did not believe in the HEA.
Not an author I would read again.
The Great Wedding Giveaway:
Book 0.5 by - Taylor Harris and Troy Sheenan
Book 1 by - Ella Grace Emerson and Cam Sawyer
Book 2 by - Scarlett Buck and Mitch Bannister
Book 3 by - Tara Buck and Reid Dalton
Book 4 by - Laurent Fletcher and Emma Peabody
Book 5 by - Monty Davison and Risa Grant
Book 6 by - Emmy Mathis and Griffin Hyatt
Book 7 by - Marly Ackers and Drake Everett
Book 8 by - Cole McCullough and Nell Corbett
Book 9 by - Andie Bennett and Heath McGregor
References:
On Marietta, Montana: /places/1560...
[ISBN 9781940296357]
-CR-
March 12, 2019
For the life of me I have no idea why Emma fell in love with Laurent since he didn't have anything going for him other than the fact that he was handsome. Au contraire he was obnoxious, rude, withdrawn, selfish, neglectful towards his son, his marriage proposal should result in a slap not a stammering 'I don't know what to say' and then she has sex wit him and of course decides to marry him anyway...
April 28, 2014
In The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh, Emma has come to Marietta from England to be the Nanny for Laurent's two small children. After his wife died giving birth to the youngest, Laurent has struggled to raise his son and daughter. Despite help from everyone, Laurent just can't do it all. He has trouble connecting with and controlling his kids. When his father hires a Nanny, he is wary...especially when he meets Emma.
Young, beautiful Emma is not at all what Laurent expected his new Nanny to be, and he has little faith in her abilities. Emma soon proves Laurent's misconceptions wrong though. She also stirs unwelcome feelings in him long forgotten, feelings he believes he has no business feeling. Laurent is not the only one feeling the attraction though, and soon Emma will need to make a choice. Laurent claims he can't offer her love, but he can offer her everything else. Can Emma settle for less than love in return for the love she feels for not only Laurent but his children? Or is it best for her to move on?
Joanne gives us a wonderful romance in The Unexpected Bride that is at times sad, but at other times will make you smile and feel hopeful and happy. Laurent will pull at your heart strings as he struggles with guilt over his wife's death and his difficulty moving on from it. Joanne demonstrates so well in Laurent's story that the time needs to be right to move on, and it is not an easy thing to do. He is a tortured hero, and Emma is the perfect heroine for him with her patience and ability to see beneath Laurent's tough surface. Emma is easy to like and relate to. Both characters have a lot of depth, and as much as they fight it, the chemistry between Emma and Laurent is hot!
The Unexpected Bride is fast paced and although a quick read it is also riveting. I'd recommend The Unexpected Bride to any romance reader looking for a well written, emotionally driven read about a second chance at love.
May 28, 2014
The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh
Montana Born Brides
Wanted: nanny. Needed: wife.
Laurent Fletcher and Emma Peabody story.
Laurent Fletcher has to admit his life would be a whole heap better if there was woman in it. His kids are running wild, and his dog is acting crazy; he’s been finding it tough to juggle everything since his wife died, and run his successful custom-built furniture business. But maybe there is a solution that won’t demand any emotional input from him: hire a female to whip his turbulent household back into shape.
Emma Peabody is a British nanny, looking for a new life in the New World. When she arrives at River Bend and finds two small motherless children, a miserable pet and a man who’s placed his emotions in the deep-freeze, she realizes she’s joined a broken family and it will be down to her to put it back together again.
The kids and the dog are easy—all they need are routines and love. Their father is something else. Laurent isn't about to drop his guard and let Emma work her magic—and it doesn’t help that she finds this dark, brooding man incredibly attractive�
Can he take a chance on life and on love?
As Emma and Laurent's friendship and attraction grows, Laurent starts looking for ways to keep Emma in their lives, permanently.
Can Emma help Laurent reconnect with his children? Just as importantly, can Emma and Laurent help mend one another's hearts?
This is a wonderful well written 4 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Joanne Walsh.
The Great Wedding Giveaway Series
Prequel: Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter
Book 1: What a Bride Wants by Kelly Hunter
Book 2: Second Chance Bride by Trish Morey
Book 3: Almost a Bride by Sarah Mayberry
Book 4: The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh
Book 5: The Reluctant Bride by Katherine Garbera
Book 6: Game Of Brides by Megan Crane
Book 7: The Substitute Bride by Kathleen O'Brien
Montana Born Brides
Wanted: nanny. Needed: wife.
Laurent Fletcher and Emma Peabody story.
Laurent Fletcher has to admit his life would be a whole heap better if there was woman in it. His kids are running wild, and his dog is acting crazy; he’s been finding it tough to juggle everything since his wife died, and run his successful custom-built furniture business. But maybe there is a solution that won’t demand any emotional input from him: hire a female to whip his turbulent household back into shape.
Emma Peabody is a British nanny, looking for a new life in the New World. When she arrives at River Bend and finds two small motherless children, a miserable pet and a man who’s placed his emotions in the deep-freeze, she realizes she’s joined a broken family and it will be down to her to put it back together again.
The kids and the dog are easy—all they need are routines and love. Their father is something else. Laurent isn't about to drop his guard and let Emma work her magic—and it doesn’t help that she finds this dark, brooding man incredibly attractive�
Can he take a chance on life and on love?
As Emma and Laurent's friendship and attraction grows, Laurent starts looking for ways to keep Emma in their lives, permanently.
Can Emma help Laurent reconnect with his children? Just as importantly, can Emma and Laurent help mend one another's hearts?
This is a wonderful well written 4 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Joanne Walsh.
The Great Wedding Giveaway Series
Prequel: Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter
Book 1: What a Bride Wants by Kelly Hunter
Book 2: Second Chance Bride by Trish Morey
Book 3: Almost a Bride by Sarah Mayberry
Book 4: The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh
Book 5: The Reluctant Bride by Katherine Garbera
Book 6: Game Of Brides by Megan Crane
Book 7: The Substitute Bride by Kathleen O'Brien
April 29, 2014
Widower Laurent Fletcher is still in love with his late wife. Unfortunately, while he has been holding on to a ghost for two years, life has continued on without him. Now his children and dog are completely out of control and his father is convinced that hiring a British Nanny is the family's last hope. Yet this nanny is nothing like he expected and suddenly he finds himself guilty of a huge offense in his mind...betraying the memory of his wife.
Emma Peabody is looking for a fresh start. Leaving behind a heartbreaking situation in London, she arrives at Copper Creek full of wonder and hope. She immediately falls in love with her charges and her new home, but trying to break down her new boss' defenses in proving to be a challenge, especially since she finds her self falling for him. Can she stay and do what she was hired to do without losing her heart in the process?
The premise behind this story is a common, and highly workable, subject: widower falls for new nanny and feels guilty about it. Hello! Sound of Music anyone? I don't mind a retelling of stories. Really, this was actually a great story. He had a hard time letting go. She puts his life in order, but is wary of repeating her past. The story unfolds with little to no problems for it to be delightful.
My issue with this story is actually the writing style. There are some books that are simply harder to read than others. I want to be captivated by the story, not distracted by the sentence structure. I simply had a hard time working around that.
The only other thing I had a hard time with was Laurent's sporadic spirals into chauvinism. It left a sour taste in my mouth. Luckily those scenes are few and far between.
Overall, it was a good story. If you aren't distracted by sentence structure then you should definitely give this book a try.
Emma Peabody is looking for a fresh start. Leaving behind a heartbreaking situation in London, she arrives at Copper Creek full of wonder and hope. She immediately falls in love with her charges and her new home, but trying to break down her new boss' defenses in proving to be a challenge, especially since she finds her self falling for him. Can she stay and do what she was hired to do without losing her heart in the process?
The premise behind this story is a common, and highly workable, subject: widower falls for new nanny and feels guilty about it. Hello! Sound of Music anyone? I don't mind a retelling of stories. Really, this was actually a great story. He had a hard time letting go. She puts his life in order, but is wary of repeating her past. The story unfolds with little to no problems for it to be delightful.
My issue with this story is actually the writing style. There are some books that are simply harder to read than others. I want to be captivated by the story, not distracted by the sentence structure. I simply had a hard time working around that.
The only other thing I had a hard time with was Laurent's sporadic spirals into chauvinism. It left a sour taste in my mouth. Luckily those scenes are few and far between.
Overall, it was a good story. If you aren't distracted by sentence structure then you should definitely give this book a try.
March 5, 2015
This was a cute little nanny-turned-bride romance that I picked up back in November after reading devouring Christmas in Venice.
Laurent is a widower whose children are out of control. When his father takes it upon himself to hire a British nanny, Laurent isn’t please and even less so when he discovers that Emma is younger—and more attractive—than he expected.
Emma knows that she can handle the children but it’s Laurent she’s not sure about. When he decides to spend time when his children he chooses to question all of Emma’s techniques. Although there is no denying that Laurent is attractive but Emma isn’t sure she can allow herself to fall in love with a man who is still in love with his deceased wife.
Okay. So, I liked the book. I liked the nanny-turned-bride-of-brooding-hero premise. But I didn’t love the book like I thought I would.
The characters were grand. Both Emma and Laurent have their own baggage that comes into play making their characters feel realistically flawed and likable. And I loved the push and pull of Emma and Laurent’s relationship at the start of the book. He was determined to rebel and she was determined to make him see things her way.
What drove me mad was the lack of external dialogue. The internal dialogue rambled on for what seemed like an eternity and right when Emma and Laurent were starting to come together and actually talk about major issues it switched right back to an internal monologue.
Overall, I really liked the characters as well as the premise. This would have been an amazing book if only there had been more external dialogue.
Laurent is a widower whose children are out of control. When his father takes it upon himself to hire a British nanny, Laurent isn’t please and even less so when he discovers that Emma is younger—and more attractive—than he expected.
Emma knows that she can handle the children but it’s Laurent she’s not sure about. When he decides to spend time when his children he chooses to question all of Emma’s techniques. Although there is no denying that Laurent is attractive but Emma isn’t sure she can allow herself to fall in love with a man who is still in love with his deceased wife.
Okay. So, I liked the book. I liked the nanny-turned-bride-of-brooding-hero premise. But I didn’t love the book like I thought I would.
The characters were grand. Both Emma and Laurent have their own baggage that comes into play making their characters feel realistically flawed and likable. And I loved the push and pull of Emma and Laurent’s relationship at the start of the book. He was determined to rebel and she was determined to make him see things her way.
What drove me mad was the lack of external dialogue. The internal dialogue rambled on for what seemed like an eternity and right when Emma and Laurent were starting to come together and actually talk about major issues it switched right back to an internal monologue.
Overall, I really liked the characters as well as the premise. This would have been an amazing book if only there had been more external dialogue.
April 30, 2014
Emma Peabody needed to get out of England, she needed a fresh start and what’s more she needed to be able to be herself again. Signing up with a nannying agency she was offered a job half way across the world in this strange state. Unsure of what she would find other than two little children and an overwhelmed father she took a leap of faith and flew out to Montana.
Laurent Fletcher lost his wife in childbirth two years ago. Now he was a widower with two children under the age of four, a business owner and trying to figure out who and what he was. He knew he was overwhelmed, it didn’t take much to see that but when his dad hired a nanny and an English one at that he didn’t know what to do.
When Laurent and Emma met they realized that it was never smart to make assumptions or judgments about people before you meet them. A bear, a set of marbles and a run a way little boy later neither can believe it’s been less than a year since they met. Can they both get over their pasts? Or will the past haunt their futures?
This is an interesting take on the nanny and widower story. Ms. Walsh spins a story that really tears at the heart, full of sweets and romance. While this is part of the Marietta, Montana series it is not necessary to read the others in the series to understand this novella. Though I do need to add a forewarning that when you finish this sweet treat you may be craving a cup of Sage’s hot chocolate and another serving from Tule publishing from this great series.
Laurent Fletcher lost his wife in childbirth two years ago. Now he was a widower with two children under the age of four, a business owner and trying to figure out who and what he was. He knew he was overwhelmed, it didn’t take much to see that but when his dad hired a nanny and an English one at that he didn’t know what to do.
When Laurent and Emma met they realized that it was never smart to make assumptions or judgments about people before you meet them. A bear, a set of marbles and a run a way little boy later neither can believe it’s been less than a year since they met. Can they both get over their pasts? Or will the past haunt their futures?
This is an interesting take on the nanny and widower story. Ms. Walsh spins a story that really tears at the heart, full of sweets and romance. While this is part of the Marietta, Montana series it is not necessary to read the others in the series to understand this novella. Though I do need to add a forewarning that when you finish this sweet treat you may be craving a cup of Sage’s hot chocolate and another serving from Tule publishing from this great series.
May 15, 2014
The Unexpected Bride was another win in the Montana Born Brides series. Laurent is a widower with two very young children who are in dire need of firm, but loving guidance. Enter Emma...the nanny from England who arrives on their doorstep and breathes love and laughter back into this family who has been treading water since the death of the mother in childbirth a couple of years earlier. Laurent tries hard to fight against developing feelings for Emma, not wanting to betray his wife's memory. Emma loves her new charges and soon finds her heart drawn to Laurent, as well....but she's struggling to forget a bad situation she left behind in England. The children need and desperately want the love of a mother, so Laurent decides that a marriage of convenience is the answer. Will Laurent allow himself to love again and will Emma agree to his unexpected proposal, or will she flee Montana and head back home across the pond? Grab a box of tissues...this story is packed full of emotion, as Emma gives little Evie and Jerome the mother's touch they've needed for so long. The growing chemistry between Laurent & Emma was sweetly simmering throughout the book...you can't help but hope that these two will be able to let go of old fears and won't pass up this unexpected chance of love and a new life together!
April 29, 2014
Laurent Fletcher needs help. He is a widower with two young children that are out of control, and, despite all the help he has, he really needs someone dedicated to the kids. In an effort to help, his father hires him a British Nanny. Emma Peabody is ready for a change, and Montana seems just the place for a fresh start. She quickly falls in love with the children, giving them stability and love, and helping them to connect with their Father. She also hopes to help Laurent have a better relationship with his children. Laurent is still in love with his wife, and has spent the past two years mourning her and letting life pass him by. As Emma and Laurent's friendship and attraction grows, Laurent starts looking for ways to keep Emma in their lives, permanently.
This was a very sweet tale, with a wonderful cast of characters. The children tug at your heart, and both Laurent and Emma have personal pain to deal with.
The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh is a charming and emotional addition to the Montana Brides series, and a fun return to Marietta and its inhabitants. Every visit brings the reader a stronger connection to this fictional town. I love the way each author's individual voice blends new characters into the town.
This was a very sweet tale, with a wonderful cast of characters. The children tug at your heart, and both Laurent and Emma have personal pain to deal with.
The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh is a charming and emotional addition to the Montana Brides series, and a fun return to Marietta and its inhabitants. Every visit brings the reader a stronger connection to this fictional town. I love the way each author's individual voice blends new characters into the town.
October 10, 2014
Well written and edited stand-alone book with no cliffhanger.
This story had a lot of potential, but never quite got there for me. I really liked the lead female character and found her genuine and realistic. The lead male character never quite connected for me. I get that he was recovering from his wife's death, but he was a little bi-polar for me. I didn't connect at all with the switch in the way he spoke to her in normal conversation, versus when they were locked in an embrace. It just felt weird.
The supporting cast of characters was also mostly MIA. One of the aspects of the Montana Born Brides/Great Wedding Give-Away series that I've enjoyed is the development of the supporting characters and introduction of people who will pop up in future books. This story was missing that additional color. The lead male's mother is French, and that was sort of played up early in the book, but never used in the romancing of the lead female character.
So, I like the story, but it could have been so much more. On to the next in the series.
This story had a lot of potential, but never quite got there for me. I really liked the lead female character and found her genuine and realistic. The lead male character never quite connected for me. I get that he was recovering from his wife's death, but he was a little bi-polar for me. I didn't connect at all with the switch in the way he spoke to her in normal conversation, versus when they were locked in an embrace. It just felt weird.
The supporting cast of characters was also mostly MIA. One of the aspects of the Montana Born Brides/Great Wedding Give-Away series that I've enjoyed is the development of the supporting characters and introduction of people who will pop up in future books. This story was missing that additional color. The lead male's mother is French, and that was sort of played up early in the book, but never used in the romancing of the lead female character.
So, I like the story, but it could have been so much more. On to the next in the series.
June 23, 2016
I'd really been enjoying this series and then I read this book. The writing and story telling are so different, and not in a good way, that it breaks up the smooth transition from book to book. The author has no subtlety in her writing. Not only does she constantly "tell" rather than "show" the developing relationship between the main characters, but she does so in a rather blunt style. We know that Laurent is conflicted because Walsh tells us repeatedly. We know that Emma is attracted to Laurent because we're told repeatedly. I was never engaged by the characters nor convinced that Laurent loved Emma. And don't get me started on the sex scenes. Just badly written.
Given that each book is written by a different author, it's to be expected that there will be some variety between books. But this was a harsh transition. However, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next book is as good as the first three in this series.
Given that each book is written by a different author, it's to be expected that there will be some variety between books. But this was a harsh transition. However, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the next book is as good as the first three in this series.
March 18, 2015
The Unexpected Bride is #4 in the Montana Born Brides The Great Wedding Giveaway. It was written by Joanne Walsh.
It is the story of Laurent and Emma.
Emma is a British nanny hired by Laurent's father to help him out with his 2 kids. She comes to Montana for a fresh start. She quickly becomes attached to the kids, and helps them connect more with their father.
Laurent has been mourning his late wife for two years. His kids and dog are out of control. His father hires Emma to help him get things back on track. She is nothing like he expects and he finds himself feeling like he is betraying his late wife. He has a hard time letting go. Emma helps him to get his life in order, and tries as well as not to repeat her past.
I enjoyed the story. It is the first book by Joanne Walsh that I have read and I look forward to reading more from her.
It is the story of Laurent and Emma.
Emma is a British nanny hired by Laurent's father to help him out with his 2 kids. She comes to Montana for a fresh start. She quickly becomes attached to the kids, and helps them connect more with their father.
Laurent has been mourning his late wife for two years. His kids and dog are out of control. His father hires Emma to help him get things back on track. She is nothing like he expects and he finds himself feeling like he is betraying his late wife. He has a hard time letting go. Emma helps him to get his life in order, and tries as well as not to repeat her past.
I enjoyed the story. It is the first book by Joanne Walsh that I have read and I look forward to reading more from her.
April 27, 2014
received an ARC for an honest review
Widower Laurent is in need of help for his children, and unbeknownst to him--for himself, too. Emma is a proper English nanny looking to start over--far away from an ex-fiancé and former employer. As Emma sets order into the chaotic Fletcher home, the bonds of family are forged. There is attraction between Laurent and Emma. They question the propriety, but decide on a marriage of convenience because they get on so well. As Emma debates if she can truly exist in a loveless or one-sided love marriage, Laurent gives in to his heart, and their love is true. In the end, like a phoenix rising from the ashes to be born anew, a true family is born from the love, trust, and hope for the future.
Widower Laurent is in need of help for his children, and unbeknownst to him--for himself, too. Emma is a proper English nanny looking to start over--far away from an ex-fiancé and former employer. As Emma sets order into the chaotic Fletcher home, the bonds of family are forged. There is attraction between Laurent and Emma. They question the propriety, but decide on a marriage of convenience because they get on so well. As Emma debates if she can truly exist in a loveless or one-sided love marriage, Laurent gives in to his heart, and their love is true. In the end, like a phoenix rising from the ashes to be born anew, a true family is born from the love, trust, and hope for the future.
May 6, 2014
Laurent Fletcher is having a difficult time recovering from the loss of his wife, Brooke. He doesn't know how to help his two children through the trauma. Hopefully life will change with the arrival of the new nanny, Emma. She's not what he expects. She is a breath of fresh air. He and the children care for her. Maybe too much. Can he take a chance on life and on love? Joanna Walsh writes from the heart in this emotional story. Laurent and Emma feel a deep connection. Can he let go of the past? The characters are well written and their romance is filled with emotional intensity. As always it's nice to see the locals from Marietta featured in the story. The Unexpected Bride deals with love, healing and moving on with life. This story tugged at my heart.
May 7, 2014
This is not a love story...or so Laurent Fletcher and Emma Peabody would say at the onset. Laurent, widowed father of precocious Evie, 3, and Jerome, 2, just needs some consistent help with the kids. He's tired of contradictory advice from everyone. His father, with all good intentions, gets Laurent a nanny from England. Laurent pictures a stodgy, middle-age, gray haired lady but gets Emma Peabody, the exact opposite.
Emma doesn't want romance, love or men period. She had a bad experience in England and just wants to be a great nanny to Evie and Jerome. But, then there's the handsome Laurent.
Fate, Fickle Fickle Fate, has other ideas in mind for both Laurent and Emma and Fate always has her way!
Emma doesn't want romance, love or men period. She had a bad experience in England and just wants to be a great nanny to Evie and Jerome. But, then there's the handsome Laurent.
Fate, Fickle Fickle Fate, has other ideas in mind for both Laurent and Emma and Fate always has her way!
May 17, 2015
Whoa this was a fast read indeed!
I must admit, though that I wasn't happy with a lot of Laurent's actions and way of thinking...seriously, I wanted to slap some sense into him! He came across as a jerk more often than not.
Emma, while I didn’t particularly dislike her, she sometimes annoyed me more than I care to admit.
As an overall, even though I pushed through until the end, I couldn’t quite connect with the story, and the writing style is something I would classify as not for me.
I must admit, though that I wasn't happy with a lot of Laurent's actions and way of thinking...seriously, I wanted to slap some sense into him! He came across as a jerk more often than not.
Emma, while I didn’t particularly dislike her, she sometimes annoyed me more than I care to admit.
As an overall, even though I pushed through until the end, I couldn’t quite connect with the story, and the writing style is something I would classify as not for me.
April 28, 2014
A sweet story with a wonderful happily ever after.
It's been two years since the death of Laurent Fletcher's wife, Brooke. The kids are out of control and he doesn't know what to do with them anymore.
Emma Peabody, has come all the way from England to be a nanny for Jerome and Evie. Leaving a painful past behind her, she decides to make a new life in Montana with this family.
Emma and Laurent become drawn to each other but their memories are still so vivid in their minds. Laurent doesn't think he could ever love anyone again. Putting the memories of the past is always difficult, but they just might find a way to be together.
It's been two years since the death of Laurent Fletcher's wife, Brooke. The kids are out of control and he doesn't know what to do with them anymore.
Emma Peabody, has come all the way from England to be a nanny for Jerome and Evie. Leaving a painful past behind her, she decides to make a new life in Montana with this family.
Emma and Laurent become drawn to each other but their memories are still so vivid in their minds. Laurent doesn't think he could ever love anyone again. Putting the memories of the past is always difficult, but they just might find a way to be together.
May 2, 2014
I have been loving all the books in the Montana Born Brides and this was no exception.
This story was a little slower paced than the previous stories, but I enjoyed the build up of the characters. I thought the descriptions and cultural differences were explained beautifully.
This was Laurent(a widower) and Emma's (a British Nanny) story. Both have had great hurts in the past and moving on, trusting and loving again is never easy. There are some delightful secondary characters (Laurent's children.)
This story had a very old fashioned feel to me; almost a historical mail order bride type but with contemporary characters. I look forward to more stories from Joanne Walsh.
This story was a little slower paced than the previous stories, but I enjoyed the build up of the characters. I thought the descriptions and cultural differences were explained beautifully.
This was Laurent(a widower) and Emma's (a British Nanny) story. Both have had great hurts in the past and moving on, trusting and loving again is never easy. There are some delightful secondary characters (Laurent's children.)
This story had a very old fashioned feel to me; almost a historical mail order bride type but with contemporary characters. I look forward to more stories from Joanne Walsh.
May 4, 2014
The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh is book 5 in the A Montana Born Brides Novella series. Laurent Fletcher is a widower with 2 out of control, wild small children. Laurent is in need of a nanny, enter British nanny Emma Peabody. Laurent is still in love with his dead wife and Emma is dealing with overcoming the the problems she had in in England. The Unexpected Bride is a story of second chances at love after experiencing losses and problems, I personally like stories with children
involved. A great addition to the series. Check it out, you will not be disappointed. Not having read any of Joanne's books before, she now has a new fan in me.
involved. A great addition to the series. Check it out, you will not be disappointed. Not having read any of Joanne's books before, she now has a new fan in me.
May 15, 2014
When Emma arrives from England in Marietta, Montana to take a new Nanny job, she finds herself facing a brokenhearted family. Laurent and his two small children have been devastated by the death of his wife and their mother while giving birth to the youngest child, Jerome. Laurent has closed himself off emotionally, blaming himself for her death.
Emma is more than up to the task of putting this family back together, but finds herself falling for Laurent all the while refusing to allow herself the luxury of getting involved with him. How will she ever walk away from this family she loves when it is time to go home to England?
Emma is more than up to the task of putting this family back together, but finds herself falling for Laurent all the while refusing to allow herself the luxury of getting involved with him. How will she ever walk away from this family she loves when it is time to go home to England?
June 23, 2014
Laurent has been struggling with life ever since his wife died. Emma takes a job as his nanny and begins the task of helping him get his children under control as well as get his household running more smoothly. Neither expect the attraction they feel for the other. The Unexpected Bride is a good read. Laurent is definitely hurting and not sure how to regain control of his life. Although he fights it, Emma's presence and his growing feelings for her makes him want to do better. I would recommend The Unexpected Bride. It's worth the time to read, as are all of the books in the Montana Born Brides series.
May 1, 2015
Laurent Fletcher, father of two, widower, custom furniture maker in Marietta, Montana has a big problem. His two preschool children are running wild and driving him crazy. The solutions is an English nanny named Emma and she works a miracle with the kids and helps him give past the tragic loss of his first wife in childbirth.
The Unexpected Bride is about two nice people with problems in past relationships and they work to get to know one another and get past their personal hang-ups until they find their happy ending. (And the bear on the mountain found his Momma Bear and they had two cubs for a second happy ending.)
The Unexpected Bride is about two nice people with problems in past relationships and they work to get to know one another and get past their personal hang-ups until they find their happy ending. (And the bear on the mountain found his Momma Bear and they had two cubs for a second happy ending.)
November 13, 2014
I loved this book. Emma was wonderful as the nanny and I loved how they portrayed her interactions with the children and with Laurent. I also really enjoyed how realistic Laurent was portrayed as the grieving widower with two young kids. The emotional struggles with him just made me want to give him a hug.
Realistic characters are what sells a book to me. I love seeing flaws in them because no one is perfect. So having a hero and heroine work through their flaws and hangups really sucks me in to a story.
Realistic characters are what sells a book to me. I love seeing flaws in them because no one is perfect. So having a hero and heroine work through their flaws and hangups really sucks me in to a story.
May 1, 2014
Emma leaves a painful past behind in England to become a nanny for a family in Montana. Laurent's wife died in childbirth and now needs a nanny for his two children. They both get more than what they were looking for. They are instantly attracted to one another, but have been hurt so badly they have to decide if they can open themselves up to love again.
I have read all the books in the Bride series and love them. This is my first book to read by Joanne Walsh and will definitely read more books by her.
I have read all the books in the Bride series and love them. This is my first book to read by Joanne Walsh and will definitely read more books by her.
May 2, 2014
The Unexpected Bride is a lovely story of second chances for father of two Laurent and his children's English nanny Emma. Laurent is struggling to raise two young children on his own when nanny Emma arrives fresh from England. Emma has had problems of her own courtesy of an overly amorous employer and a jealous former fiancé, so both are wary about embarking on a relationship despite their attraction to each other. I felt the children's dialogue was more advanced than one would expect in children of two and three, but that was a minor annoyance. Overall this was a lovely story.
May 6, 2014
The story of Emma, a nanny from England arrives in River Bend to care for Laurent's kids as he is a young widower. Emma is leaving a painful past in England and Laurent is still mourning his young wife while trying to care for his two young children.
The growth of their relationship is fun but both afraid of moving forward with their emotions.
I really enjoyed this story of personal growth of these two characters and moving forward in their life. Roll in the antics of the two little kids and you have a fun sweet romance.
The growth of their relationship is fun but both afraid of moving forward with their emotions.
I really enjoyed this story of personal growth of these two characters and moving forward in their life. Roll in the antics of the two little kids and you have a fun sweet romance.
May 25, 2014
This story is about two people with a past. One trying to run away from her's and the other unable to move on. Emma is a nanny who is hired by Laurent's father to work with Laurent's two children. With the passing of their mother, the children are a bit on the wild side. As Emma takes over, she wins the hearts of every one around her. But can she win Laurent's heart?
I quite enjoyed the book. The beginning had a bit of a slow start but as I got to know the characters, I found that I really loved their story. This is a must read!
I quite enjoyed the book. The beginning had a bit of a slow start but as I got to know the characters, I found that I really loved their story. This is a must read!
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