Marriage of convenience stories are usually reserved for historical fiction — it is hard to imagine such a thing occurring in our modern times. But Karin Beery’s latest novel, Practically Married, accomplished the task! With a bit of humor, some swoony kissing scenes, and a relevant message, this book is a recommended read.

Ashley Johnson travels to Boyne Heights in northern Michigan to marry a man she has never met, at least not in person. They have cultivated an online friendship that led them to taking the next step — an arranged marriage that each hopes will grow into a love match. But tragedy occurs and Ashley is left without a fiancé, but with a house, part of a farm, and some explaining to do!

If you think arranged marriages are a thing of the past, or that convenience marriages are an impossibility in the 21st century, consider the number of unmarrieds out there who are disillusioned with dating yet desperately want families. The scenario behind Practically Married may seem unusual, but it really works! It helps that Beery has created some extremely likable characters and allowed them to fall in like as well as in love. Sparks are set off right from the start, and you just know that despite the many, many obstacles the characters encounter there will be an HEA. Along with a great romance, setting details made northern Michigan come to life. I also liked the message that family expectations are important, but should never be the final determination in finding one’s own life.

A quick read, Practically Married was the perfect choice for my weekend getaway read!

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

What I think you should know:
Practically Married is a contemporary fiction, clean romance novel. Ashely Johnson decides after many failed dating attempts that should would rather marry a man that she can be friends with than and hope to fall in love. After making an online friend who feels the same way she picks up her life and moves to Michigan. However instead of finally meeting her fiance she meets his roomate cousin Russ, who is left to give her the devastating news that her fiance has tragically died. To make matters worse she has nowhere else to go and her is willed his shared family home to her.

What you might want to know:
This book does deal with the topic of loss. It is a very prominent topic throughout the book not just with the death of Ashley’s fiance.

What I enjoyed about this book:
Karin Beery has written a book that makes me think of a modern day mail order bride, the bride arrives to find out her intended has died and she has nowhere to go. I think that it was nice to see a book that shows even in our modern high tech world the unexpected can still occur Parts of the books reminded me of an accident, you can’t help but watch. I couldn’t wait to find out what crazy thing was going to happen next. I enjoyed the family members who were screaming caution at both Ashley and Russ,

I received a complimentary copy for this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own ( )

I have one thing to say before I begin this review, I pray this is the start of a series. Otherwise, the ending is just plain unfair. The story captured my heart, imagination, and attention from the moment I began reading. Ashely, Russ, and their family and friends made this story memorable. From the death of Ashley’s intended fiance to Russ’ ex-girlfriend appearing on the scene, there is quite a bit of drama to this story. But it is the kind of drama that grabs your attention and makes you want more of the story.

As one of two children whose parents were both only children who married someone who was one of five who also had parents who were one of five and one of six, I can appreciate what it must have felt like for Ashley to meet Russ, Ton’s cousin, and the rest of the family.

The characters were memorable, the events in the story incredible, but the ending was not fair or right. No book should end like this one did (or at least not without the promise of more to come). Other than the fact the book ended, I loved the story. I loved the relationship between Russ and his niece and nephews. I loved Russ’ interactions with his mother and sisters. It was such a well-put-together story, but there is so much more I want to know. So check out this story for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review. ( )

I wouldn’t exactly call this a marriage of convenience book, maybe more of an agreement of a marriage of convenience, but it’s obvious from early on that Russ and Ashley belong together.

As you can guess from the description of Practically Married, the beginning is someone sad and dismal but as Ashley finds comfort in the Michigan town and with Russ and his family, things lighten up.

Ashley is a people pleaser—to the point that her life decisions are affected by others. Russ is almost forty and ok with his life, but Ashley’s presence makes him long for more. In fact, I wondered more than once if maybe Tom’s intent was to get these two people together all along.

While you may have to suspend some disbelief regarding the questionable “will,” the relationship that grows between the two main characters is worth sticking around for. And all the other females in Russ’s life are forces to behold.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

Practically Married by Karin Beery is a stand-alone novel about finding your rightful place in life. Deciding to give up the dating scene Ashley moves to northern Michigan to marry Tom, whom she met online. They are both settling for companionship instead of romance and love. When she arrives, she finds out that Tom has died in a tragic accident and didn’t tell anybody about her. Meeting Tom’s family fills that empty place in Ashley’s heart. Russ, Tom’s cousin and business partner, finds Ashley to be everything that he’s ever wanted in a wife. Can they overcome all the obstacles and realize that they were meant for each other? I loved the big meddling family. All the love and worry and comradery made the story come alive. The care that Russ showed Ashley was so refreshing considering today’s standards. A very sweet romance.

I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review. ( )