Book Review: Julia’s Romance (Mail Order Brides of Hickory Stick Book 2) - Patricia PacJac Carroll
Synopsis:
Julia Brooks tries to console timid Sarah Graham after the infamous Thomas J Connors marries Caroline. To get the fearful woman's mind off her loss, Julia promises to help her find a husband.
Sarah picks the sheriff, Zane Walker.
Fine with Julia, until she begins to notice the man herself, and discovers he has an eye for her and not Sarah. What do you do when love blooms? But Julia has secrets so dark that she pulls away from the man she loves to protect him.
My Thoughts:
I thought this book was a good sweet read. The premise was unique and the writing flowed smoothly. You could see how real the characters were with their interactions not only with the men but with themselves. Women can be catty behind the backs of other women especially when they think they are being wronged. I liked that no matter how catty Sarah was that Julia was the bigger person despite her past.
I liked the fact that it wasn’t instant meet the man and get married. It shows that a love can be instant but grow even when you fight against the inevitable. I thought the addition of Zane finding the peace and forgiveness at the river and taking Julia there to find her peace and new beginning was a sweet and nice touch.
I never anticipated the surprise that came right before the wedding and loved how that no matter if you can’t forgive yourself that family can forgive and love. It seemed to pull together and seal the day full of bliss and happiness. I liked how it hinted at what could happen in the next book but doesn’t give anything away.
The only thing I thought was strange is that the first book sort of hinted like you thought Zane would have gotten together with Sarah and then this book immediately was all about Julia being in Zane’s thoughts. There was not much interaction with Zane and Julia in the first book. It did not deter from the book at all and was still a very enjoyable read.
I can’t wait to read more from this author and see what happens with the rest of the Hickory Stick characters.