Deeply Devoted, Maggie Brendan

Maggie Brendan has done it again. This is the first book in a new series that promises to be just as engaging as the last series she wrote. It will draws readers in to the story and leaves them wanting to see more of the story unfold.

Catherine Olsen is a beautiful lady touched by tragedy and heartache living in Holland. She has struggled to hang on to her life as it is turned upside down. However, after the sudden and unexpected loss of her parents the finally tragedy shatters Catherine's heart. Left with the charge of her two sisters Anna and Greta, and longing for a new start in life Catherine answers an add for a mail-order bride. Through the correspondence with Peter Anderson Catherine falls in love with the caring and tender Peter Anderson.

Across the world in Wyoming Peter Anderson is the only son of a doting and controlling mother. Clara, Peter's mother, has his life planned. She has given him the farm that was once her and her husband and she has chosen the "perfect" bride for him. Dorothy is a Cheyenne socialite and is deemed a perfect match despite the fact that Peter has no feelings past friendship for the beautiful lady. Wishing to find someone to share love with Peter places an add for a mail-order bride and begins correspondence with Catherine Olsen. In her letters he finds a woman that truly is his answers to prayers. Not telling his mother his plans, Peter brings Catherine to Wyoming to be his bride.

Thus begins the tale that will bring the reader to the edge of their seats. Brendan has done an excellent job at making her characters real and believable. Will the things left unsaid by Peter and the secret heartache that Catherine has hidden tear the two apart. Or will their individual faith and their united love be enough to overcome these things and begin a healing process for Catherine. Is love really enough?

This story is written so well that it is an easy and quick read. I found myself in tears when the fullness of Catherine's heartbreak is revealed. I then found myself angry at those who dared to meddle in the matters of the heart. I wanted more than anything for the truth to come out before it was too late. Truly this is one story that does keep the reader guessing until the end what the ultimate outcome will be.

Excellent job Maggie Brendan! I can't wait to read the following stories in this series.

Thank you Revell for this review copy.

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.