Bride by Necessity (Heartsong Presents) by Linda S. Glaz

Bride by Necessity (Heartsong Presents) Reviews

• 
  Karls

  What happens when you find yourself in a position where you've promised to protect someone's child, thinking that child is much younger than he/she is? What would you do when you learn that child is much closer to your own age and a "long lost relative" shows up with a look that says your charge would fare much better with you?
  
  Marry them, of course.
  
  And this is exactly what our hero does in Linda Glaz's newest release, "Marriage by Necessity".
  
  Payton is orphaned. Jonathan believes she’s about 12, and decides to protect her as he’d promised her father he would. What he doesn’t realize is that Payton is closer to 21 and is very much a woman, albeit little and a bit of a rebel when it comes to female etiquette. When her “long lost uncle” arrives on Jonathan’s doorstep demanding she be released to his guardianship, both Payton and Jonathan are disturbed and they agree to the only plausible solution: marriage.
  
  What Jonathan doesn’t expect to loose his heart to this petite woman, nor does she plan to offer her heart to him. Neither do they hope for the detours that pop up along the way. But God has plans of His own.
  
  When I was given the opportunity to read this book with the promise of an honest review, I was thrilled. I love Linda Glaz and value her as a witty, talented writer, speaker, and most of all, friend. While reading this book, I was confronted with mixed emotions.
  
  First, I love the premise and plot line. Payton and Jonathan make a really dynamic pair. They’re both met with tragedy, which cause them to wonder about God’s plan, faithfulness, or closeness to one or both of them. Plot twists bring about closure for Jonathan concerning his past and ultimately bringing freedom to him emotionally.
  
  However, my expectation for the book was not met as I’d hoped. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it was a bad book, because it is well written to the degree that there is a clear open, I can follow the characters from beginning to end, and there is definite resolution. As great as the plot line is, it didn’t offer enough time for the hero and heroine to fully develop and connect with me.
  
  Maybe it’s just me, but I felt rushed through various scenes; as though being given a house tour, and before I could get a good look at the artwork I was ushered into another room. I would’ve liked to spend more time with Jonathan and Payton, immersed in their gut wrenching battles for answers to the questions and callings of their hearts.
  
• 
  Janet Grunst

  Linda Glaz has penned another enjoyable story in Bride By Necessity.
  
  Payton Whittard, not yet of an age to be independent, has lost her parents in a terrible accident, so she is taken into the home of her wealthy landlord, Jonathan Lambrick. What begins as a somewhat paternal relationship between the gentleman and his ward develops into a budding romantic relationship on both of their parts. Neither of them realizes how the other feels however, which leads to multiple opportunities for misunderstanding. They each have their separate tragedies which make it difficult to bridge the divide.
  
  A questionable relative of Payton’s appears determined to take her into his custody. In order to protect her from this predatory and unknown relative, Jonathan suggests he and Payton marry. Sounds simple, but it’s not. There’s more than one villain afoot. This love story has elements of intrigue that have plenty of twists and turns. You won’t want to put it down until the last page.
  
• 
  June

  She's done it again. Linda Glaz has written another amazing story!!!
  
  This one takes place in England in 1855. Disaster strikes not once, not twice, but three times and Payton finds herself relying on Jonathan to protect and take care of her.
  
  Jonathan has decided he will never wed again but when it appears that is the only way to protect Payton, he allows his heart to be infiltrated, little by little.
  
  Then disaster strikes again and their love is tested. Someone does not want them to find a happy ever after.
  
  The story is full of action and suspense, humor and happy moments. I Loved it! And so shall you!!
• 
  Pegg

  When Payton Whittard's parents are killed in a carriage accident, she's lost all the family she knows. When their cottage is burned to the ground. She's lost everything. Jonathon Lambrick, as master of Kent Park, feels responsible for his long-time tenant's daughter. He's in for a shock when the girl he assumes to be a youngster is actually a young woman. A beautiful young woman. When a never-before-seen uncle with dubious intentions shows up to claim her, Jonathon decides the only way to protect her is to marry her.
  
  Set in the mid-19th century England, this story reads a bit predictably. It's a good beach-type read, or for a cozy night with fuzzy slippers and a cup of hot chocolate.
  
  
• 
  Anne Evans

  A delightfully light read, Bride By Necessity kept me turning pages until the very end as layer after layer of intrigue unfolded. Payton Whittard and Jonathan Lambrick have a sweet romance that unfolds naturally. Both are loveable characters that the reader will attach to quickly. I especially liked the villains in this book and the surprising plot twists and turns that they provided.
• 
  JoAnn

  It was ok. Heartsong books have great plots but are too short. They skip around a lot, and don't go into much detail. But I do enjoy the story lines.
• 
  Jane

  3.5 Stars