Brandi Boddie

While Valentine’s Day is not here, the nine stories in this book like the spirit of the holiday can easily warm the cockles of your heart at any time of the year.

Being a child of the 1950’s I can easily remember, like some if not most of most of you are reading this, those small red square boxes with the heart-shaped window, loaded with those sweet multi-colored heart-shaped candy with sayings only a young girl would understand; candy which the boys would frown about eating.

Each of these nine stories, like shaking of one those candies into your hand, don’t have to read in any particular order. So, write the nine titles on pieces of paper, put them in a small paper bag, and pick out one at a time just like you did with those candies. However, before you begin reading the story you’ve selected; close your eyes, and envision an imagine of what the message on the paper means to you today as an adult; because each of those pieces of paper is a major underlining component for the storyline.

While some of you might not have had any difficulty in finding your one and only, the rest of you did, and became desperate enough like in “Fiddler on the Roof” when Tevye and Golde's daughters sing about a matchmaker choosing a partner for them.

With stories from contemporary and historical romances, set in different time periods and locations you’ll find yourselves having a hard time not feeling the emotions felt by the two main characters as you fantasize being in the shoes of the female protagonists in these stories, the way I did. I could have easily downloaded this collection via KINDLE Unlimited, but I chose to buy a copy instead; I’m glad I did and it’s why I’ve decided to give this collection and its authors 5 STARS.… (más)

"You have to let a person be who they are."

As it was with The Preacher's Wife, the novel that precedes A Windswept Promise by author Brandi Boddie, I also found Promise to be an easy book to get into. There are glimpses of Marissa, from the first book, and the effect she has on this novel's heroine, Sophie Charlton, the town belle from a (now) well-to-do farming family. Sophie's got some decisions to make as far as suitors and marriage go, and as it often happens, these decisions won't be easy ones for her.

I found Dusty Sterling to be the most interesting character, a personable and rather easygoing man dealing with the inner tension of wanting to be faithful where he is while wishing to pursue his dreams elsewhere, wondering if and when he'll be able to have all that he truly desires. Boddie's inclusion of the character Joe Emmers and his family makes way for a touch on racial relations in Kansas not ten years after the Civil War.

In light of the relaxed and rather contemplative pacing of most of the novel, the switch into the main climax felt somewhat rushed and not thoroughly believable where all the characters were concerned. I couldn't put the book down after a certain point, as my aggravation with Sophie's parents, especially her mother, urged me to keep reading to find relief for my aggravation--not necessarily a bad thing.

Another enjoyable novel in the Brides of Assurance series. If the series continues, I plan on continuing with it.
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The Booketeria provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.… (más)

I liked The Preacher's Wife from its beginning, finding it to be an easy story to get into.

Author Brandi Boddie brings out a well-crafted heroine in Marissa Pierce, a woman with dangerous challenges to face, painful memories, but also a backbone. She's got an intelligent head on her shoulders and says what she thinks without the haughty attitude or acidic tongue that strong female characters can resort to. Facing a small town that views her as a prostitute, an abusive boss who's constantly after her, and an uncertain future, Marissa gives a human picture of what it's like not to be a weakling but to still come to the place of admitting one's weakness and reaching out for help.

I appreciated the humanness of Rowe Winford as well, that being a man determined to follow his calling from God doesn't make him a man out of touch with society or his own passions, with "perfect" answers for everything.

However, Rowe's character does fall apart a little to me in his timing, the timing he chooses for romantically pursuing Marissa. It seems strange that a reverend would so readily and openly court a woman who would admit she doesn't share his faith and would say out of her own mouth, "We'd be unequally yoked." It's also strange that, if leading people to Christ is a major priority of Rowe's, he would have no response when someone finally confesses to him, "I gave my life to Christ," that Rowe wouldn't smile, thank God, or even say anything about the confession, instead dwelling on thoughts about a town crook who's been thrown in jail.

Yet, the author wraps up a good story with a nice lead-in for the next novel in the series, A Windswept Promise, which I plan on reading when it releases.
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The Booketeria provided me with a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.… (más)

Brandi Boddie has written an excellent debut novel, in The Preacher’s Wife. Rich historical detail, well-developed and realistic characters, and a great story, make this a recommended read for those who like romantic, historical novels. It is also a wonderful story of God’s love and redemptive power. A bit reminiscent of the book of Hosea, it is highly original and well told.

Arrow Missy/Marissa is a dance hall girl and that is all. But the town of Assurance sees her as only a soiled dove, a painted cat, a harlot. Determined to escape the saloon where she works and make a new life, Marissa faces obstacles along the way — from an abusive employer, to the gossip and disdain of respectable citizens, to her own feelings of unworthiness. But the love and faithfulness of long time friends and the new preacher in town, teach her about God’s love and grace.

There is a lot to like in The Preacher’s Wife. The Old West of 1870 Kansas comes to life in the description of the town of Assurance. A bit rough around the edges, the town is striving to make itself presentable. The characters are realistic in their jealousy and cruelty and love and compassion. More than Marissa make a change in their attitudes. As I said the Biblical story of Hosea seems to be an inspiration for Boddie, but this novel is not a strict retelling. It uses Biblical themes in a fresh way. A great start to the new series, Brides of Assurance, I look forward to more books from Brandi Boddie.

Recommended.

(Thanks to Charisma for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (más)