2013- 12 Days of Fiction: DAY 8!

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

Even though I loved the cover on this book, it took a bit of convincing to get me to read it. I guess I had this hang up that if I read the book, and the story wasn't good, it would ruin the cover. And I really liked the cover. So I looked and didn't touch for a long time. But when A Noble Groom popped up on FHF, I knew my hesitancy had cost me- and I figured it was time to read the book.
I really enjoy stories where the characters are forced together. It makes for some truly great dialogue, and who doesn't love those awkward moments when one (or both) of the characters blunder?
Combining two independent personalities and 'shoving' them into a relationship often makes for an explosive read. I don't know that I would call Groom explosive, although there did come a time while reading it that I exploded....and Carl and I had to part ways for a while. :) I suppose it is a testament to how much I cared about Annalisa and what happened to her.
A Noble Groom is a page turner with loveable characters and an absorbing plot.

http://www.fictionherofeatures.com/2013/06/carl-richards-gottfried-charles-von.html

Back Cover:
Michigan, 1880

Annalisa Werner's hope for a fairy tale love is over. Her husband failed her in every way and now his death has left her with few options to save the family farm. She needs a plentiful harvest. That, and a husband to help bring it in. Someone strong, dependable. That'll be enough. A marriage for love...that's something she's given up on.

So her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

Then a man appears: Carl Richards, from their home country of Germany and a former schoolteacher--or so he says. He's looking for work and will serve on the farm until her husband arrives.

With time running out, she accepts his help, but there's more to this man than he's admitting. He's also gentle, kind, charming--unlike any man she's ever known. But even as Carl is shining light into the darkness of her heart, she knows her true groom may arrive any day.