by 
Title and Author: The Advent Bride (The 12 Brides of Christmas #1)
Series: The 12 Brides of Christmas #1
No. of Pages: 51 Pages
Publication Date: 6th October 2014
Language: English
Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Short Story, Christmas Romance
Blurb:
Melanie Douglas is alone on the Nebraska plains, teaching school to get by. She finds a unique box with hidden drawers to use over the advent season to engage a young boy in his schooling. When Henry O’Keeffe sees a positive change in his son, he has to see for himself what this new teacher is doing.
Book Review:
The Advent Bride attracted me at first because of its cover which is so Christmasy and then because of the blurb which instantly hooked me. 🙂
This is the first book in the 12 brides of Christmas series. Set in a past time in Nebraska where Melanie Douglas lives and fights each day to brave the harsh cold, keep a roof over her head by never saying anything back to the obnoxious Mrs. Rathbone who only has threats and complains for her and also tackle the rowdy and wild Simon O’Keeffe who is always hell bent on mischief- Melanie has her hands full. In a society where girls marry young, she has accepted her fate and being an orphan has only her job as a teacher keeping her happy.
The story had all the ingredients of a lovely romance but still I felt the romance between Melanie and Henry was under developed. The characterization is good and I loved Melanie, Simon and Henry together. Melanie is strong, kind and dedicated to her job as a teacher. Simon is unhappy after the death of his mother and with a busy father, he is often left alone. Henry has done everything in his power to support his remaining family which constitutes Simon but has hardened his heart to never let love in again.
The idea of an advent box was great and brought a new interest in the story. Melanie was able to bring back Simon’s interest in school as well as improve his relationship with his father through the advent box. With many hidden drawers in it I was curious to see what each contained but could not visualize such a box in my mind which had so many hidden compartments and still could fit in a bag!
Mary Connealy’s writing is perfect with fluid dialogues and scene settings which take you to Nebraska.
Overall, The Advent Bride is a sweet holiday read that I enjoyed reading but would have really loved it more had the romance between Melanie and Simon’s father been developed more.
3.5 out of 5 to The Advent Bride and recommended to everyone looking for a feel good book. This is a perfect Christmas read with the holiday spirit. 🙂
I received the book from the publishers and NetGalley and I am very thankful to them. The above review is my honest and unbiased opinion and in no way influenced.
Buy From: Amazon
Checkout the other books in the series:
October 6 – #1: The Advent Bride
October 13 – #2: The Nutcracker Bride
October 20 – #3: The Evergreen Bride
October 27 – #4: The Gift-Wrapped Bride
November 3 – #5: The Yuletide Bride
November 10 – #6: The Gingerbread Bride
November 17 – #7: The Nativity Bride
November 24 – #8: The Christmas Tree Bride
December 1 – #9: The Festive Bride
December 8 – #10: The Christmas Star Bride
December 15 – #11: The Snowbound Bride
December 22 – #12: The Fruitcake Bride
Buy From: Amazon | 
