Beneath a Prairie Moon: A Novel

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a historical romance novel that takes readers back to 1888. Mrs. Helena Bingham owns Bingham’s Bevy of Brides in Newton, Massachusetts. She is not surprised to find that Abigail Grant has returned once again. Abigail was raised to be a lady with a genteel education and refined manners. After the downfall of her father from his illegal dealings, Abigail found herself without a home and a fiancé. Helena knew Abigail would be a challenge, but she took her on anyway. The last gentleman (I use the term loosely) found her too “hoity toity”. Mrs. Bingham agrees to give Abigail one more opportunity. She has had a request from sixteen men in Spiveyville, Kansas who are looking for brides. Mrs. Bingham wants Abigail to give the men lessons in manners, table etiquette, how to court a woman, teach them to dance and proper decorum. They are met at the station by Mack Cleveland, the hardware store owner. Mack did not request a bride because he believes that only God can make a heart match. The enthusiastic grooms are not happy with the delay of their brides nor with the required lessons, but they will do what it takes to get wives. Events keep throwing Abigail and Mack together, but Abigail’s attitude makes it hard for him to get close. As time passes, Mack begins to see a different side of Abigail. Is there a chance for these two different individuals? Will Abigail realize that perfection will not bring her love and happiness? Beneath a Prairie Moon is a delightfully entertaining novel. The book is well-written and has a steady pace. I enjoyed the mail order bride angle that the author used in this story. It was unique (hooray). There are a wide variety of characters from the oh so proper Abigail to Athol Patterson who ran the restaurant (and did not appreciate anyone else cooking in his kitchen) to the evil Elmer Nance. It was nice to see the townspeople work together to help each other in times of turmoil (a bad storm and a kidnapping). I like how humor was interlaced throughout the story. Abigail and her sunburn (ouch) provided me with some laugh out loud moments (you would have to read it to understand). Beneath a Prairie Moon is a Christian novel and the author handles it beautifully. There are good lessons woven into the story about forgiveness, pride, the power of prayer, having faith, and following the path God has laid out for you. The story has a villain in Elmer Nance and a hero with Sheriff Bill Thorn. I kept hoping Sheriff Thorn would end up with a certain lady, but it did not happen. The ending will leave you with a smile on your face and a good feeling in your heart. My rating for Beneath a Prairie Moon is 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).

Beneath a Prairie Moon by Kim Vogel Sawyer was a delightful historical Christian romance. It's not your normal Mail Order Bride story. This author is a master at character development. Abigail Brantley, one of our main characters, finds herself penny less and fallen from high society. This due to her father's illegal dealings and incarceration. She has no other choice but to sign up as a mail order bride with Mrs. Helena Bingham, of Bingham's Bevy of Brides. Abigail has returned, or been returned from her assignments six times. “Six times.” Mrs. Bingham aimed a barbed look across the desk and steepled her hands on the ledger. “The first time, you claimed the house was too small and was without a cooking stove. The second time, the prospective groom had rotten teeth and bad breath. The third time, the distance from town was too great and you felt insecure. The fourth time, you said you couldn’t possibly marry a man with such a short stature. The fifth time, the town itself had no apothecary or millinery shops—how could you survive in such a barren place? Now, this time, the reason is a dirt floor, sod roof, and spiders descending during meals.” Mrs. Bingham released a heavy sigh. “The description on the telegram—‘hoity-toity’—is far too accurate, and it is your biggest detriment to finding a match.” “My clients are down-to-earth, hardworking, responsible men who are seeking down-to-earth, hardworking, responsible women with whom to build a lifelong relationship. Sending you to a city will not solve the problem, because you will take your snooty airs, fastidious manners, and unrealistic expectations with you.” She raised both hands in a gesture of surrender. “I’ve tried my hardest, but half a dozen failures is six too many for this business. If I continue to accept money for a match that cannot possibly succeed, you’ll damage my reputation as a matchmaker.” When Mrs. Bingham receives a letter from Spiveyville, Kansas requesting 16 brides, she knows how she can use Abigail's short comings for a positive outcome. Mrs. Bingham and Abigail will take a trip to meet the 16 ranchers and shop owners in Spiveyville. With all of Abigail's training in decorum it should be an easy assignment for her to tutor these rough Kansas ranchers in manors and morals making them more suited to marry her Bevy of Brides. Mack Cleveland, a hard ward store owner has a dislike and bad history with mail order brides. His father was swindled by one and he doesn't want to have any part of this transaction. He wants a loving marriage like his father and mother had and trust God to provide the right woman for him. Mack finds Miss Brantley's “hoity-toity” attitude very off putting. Will these two get past their differences? Can two people so different come to a truce and at least be friends? God may have a different--and better--future planned for them than either could imagine. I found this to be a wonderful story and would recommend it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers through NetGalley, Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.