I was so hoping that this book would center around gourmet food and romance like the title suggests, but The Kitchen Marriage reads like most other historical romances set in the west. I love historical romances, so It’s not a bad thing, just a little disappointing. That being said, this book also has a love triangle which I tend to loath these days since it seems to be an overused trope in tv, film, and books. Still, I actually still like this book in spite of it having checked off that major Renee no no.

Issak Gunserson, the gruff and starched hero of the book is catnip for me. He was really quite arrogant and holier than thou initially, but learned the error of his ways and actually apologizes to Zoe. I honestly feel like romance heroes nevertheless apologize even when they act like tools. It always seems to fall on the heroine to just forgive him. I like when a man, even a fictional one, can admit he’s in the wrong. ;-)

The Kitchen Marriage is just what I expected it to be as far as inspirational content. It was squeaky clean without being preachy. I’m definitely checking out more romance from this publisher in future!

I do love a good mail-order bride story—especially when it starts with mishaps and miscommunications. The Kitchen Marriage is just that, and it is a whole lot of fun to read.

Chef Zoe de Fleur heads west in need of a job without realizing she’s actually responding to an ad for a bride. Upon her arrival in Helena, Montana, she gets to know Jakob Gunderson, the man who sent for her, and his twin brother, Isaak. Naturally, a problematic love triangle ensues, along with a story full of danger, mystery, faith, and delicious cooking.

A sweet, romantic story, The Kitchen Marriage is an enjoyable read. It is sure to please readers of historical romance—check it out!

This was a fun story that put a unique spin on the whole mail order bride plot. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading more by these authors!

When I saw the title and summary of this book, I was very intrigued. I have never met a French mail order bride before, or even a female chef from this time period. Unfortunately, it did take me a bit to really get into the story. The first part of the book didn't hold my interest a whole lot. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been shortened. I wanted for Zoe to quickly answer an ad and be on her way to Montana, but it took a while to get to that point. And then when she did arrive, I felt like she was a little bit too easily taken with Jakob. Typically in a mail order bride series the "couple" are a little shy, or maybe don't get along. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

At first anyway. Once I reached probably about the half way point or so, the story line got a little more interesting. The authors held my interest, and I found myself starting to really enjoy the story line. I loved how Zoe kept her french accent, which I imagine can be difficult to put on paper. But I was easily able to imagine a french dialect in my mind whenever she spoke. The tension between her and Isaak was good, and probably what I had expected in the beginning. This turn of events made the book enjoyable to read, and made me glad that I stuck with it until to the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Interesting book about a mail order bride. Loved the cooking side of it. Story was a bit predictable. Nice light romance. Easy read.

Any book with a Montana setting or theme is always going to be a wonderful book to me. Now add the mailorder bride aspect and you have a great book on your hands. Zoe de Fleur is a chef that is in need of work or maybe in this latest bind, a husband. When the answer to her problems comes in the form of a “cook” request, Zoe heads to Montana. When she realizes she isn’t cooking food but stirring up romance in her life, Zoe is a bit conflicted. Enter the brothers and a possible love triangle and this book will be read into the wee hours.

I really love that it is set in Helena, Montana during a time of growth and new beginnings. It was a sweet read, with lots of fun moments between characters. I really loved the storyline and mailorder bride background. It was a light hearted read.

The Kitchen Marriage has a couple of unexpected twists and a mystery. It was enough to keep my interest and keep me turning pages. I won’t say what happened as I don’t want to spoil it, but do be on the lookout!

This is the second book in a series, and while you can read it as a standalone I wouldn’t recommend it. I haven’t read book one and got lost periodically. But I always found my way back and enjoyed the story.

I did find a few flaws with phrasing etc. and the time period but I could overlook them and become absorbed in the story. The characters were well defined. Some I really liked and others I didn’t, which is the way a good story should be. Not your typical romance, there was enough tension to make it interesting and keep me wondering. If you enjoy historical romance then I recommend giving this a read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Sparks fly in the kitchen and in the heart...

I've been looking forward to The Kitchen Marriage since I read book 1 in the Montana Brides Romance series last year. Within a few pages I was immersed in the lives of Zoe, a certain young rapscallion, and the equally charming and frustrating Gunderson brothers.

The Kitchen Marriage was a lovely blend of sweet romance, a dash of humor, and a continuing thread of suspense. There were some real twists and turns in the story, not so much in the romance end but in the suspense thread, that left me quite surprised.

One of the reasons that I really liked this book, and its predecessor, is that the authors consulted with one of most knowledgeable people at the Montana Historical Society, and it really shows in the quality of the historical details and sense of setting. The streets and people of New York, Denver, and especially Helena, Montana came alive under the talented hands of Gina Welborn & Becca Whitham.

Gina Welborn & Becca Whitham make a great writing team, one that I enjoy quite a bit, and I am definitely looking forward to my next adventure with them in historic Helena, Montana...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I enjoyed The Kitchen Marriage. It took me a bit of time to sort out who everyone was in the book. I was fairly confused about some of the underhanded things going on in town that were hinted at. I think it might have helped to have read the first book in the series to understand some of the backstory.

I enjoyed the mail order bride aspect of this book and the resulting relationship issues that developed between Zoe and the Gunderson brothers. The fact that Zoe was the focus between these two brothers added good tension to the story. All three characters grew a lot emotionally by the end of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Carpe diem - seize the day. This motto fit Zoe very well, who because she was female, was known as a home cook, even though she was a Paris trained chef. Having left Paris for New York City, it wasn't difficult to seize the opportunity to head west to seek her dreams. A mail-order bride was not what she had in mind, but it seemed to be the right ting to do at the time. Read on to find a story of twin brothers always trying to best each other, lies, intrigue, family and maybe even love.
This was my first book in this series, and I throughly enjoyed my introduction and am looking forward to more.
I received this ebook through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

This is the second book in this series and it would be helpful to have read the first book in the series but not imperative. I so enjoyed Zoe and Jakob and Isaak. This is a great historical western romance. This really shows how family members need to learn to communicate. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

The Kitchen Marriage

I enjoy mail order bride stories and especially during this book in history. This one has a different version of mail order bride. Zoe just needs to find a home since was being kick out from where she lived. So, her and Nico travel across country to Helena, Montana. Nico is like a brother to her but read the book to find out more about him.

Isaak and Zoe has quite an interesting time actually finding their way to each other. I loved the scene where she is getting a bunch of books in French from his resale shop. Of course, there is lot more to the story, this is also 2nd in the but a stand alone but appears the next one in the series will be more of a continuation. I definitely recommend reading this book.

I received an complementary copy of the book from NetGalley through the publisher and Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.

THE KITCHEN MARRIAGE is the second book in the Montana Brides series. Wow, all I can say is, this story blew me away! Keep the tissues close by as you are reading THE KITCHEN MARRIAGE by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Zoe after she was forced out of her job as a household cook! What an awesome story. All of Gina and Becca’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. You will also wonder how much heartache a person can stand before they completely break down and shatter.

THE KITCHEN MARRIAGE takes place in 1887. Zoe answers an ad for a cook in Denver but in actuality, she is really answering a mail order bride ad. It had me flipping through the pages like a woman on a mission. I had to know what was going to happen to Zoe and Jakob and his brother Izaak and all of the secondary characters. THE KITCHEN MARRIAGE is a heart felt story that will hold you hostage until the very last page. Once you start reading, it will be very hard to put down! I found myself wishing and hoping that Zoe would follow her heart and choose the right brother. I also wanted to taste every dish Zoe made while reading this beautiful story. I loved the proposal scene and found myself laughing out loud while reading!

THE KITCHEN MARRIAGE isn’t your typical historical romance. It is filled with quite a few subjects that aren’t usually included in a historical romance story, but the authors handled the situations perfectly. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Gina and Becca really know how to write about personal struggles, trusting in ones faith, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by these wonderful and heart tugging authors. This is the very first book I’ve read by Ms. Whitham and Ms. Welborn. I’m excited to continue with this series.

A story of matchmaking and mail order brides. It definitely took bravery and faith to chase dreams into the Montana territory. Zoe’s story is a wonderful adventure! Fun reading her French accent and ideas on cooking.. I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary...

A very different type of mail order bride story, especially when the perspective bride is lied to when she only reads French. Now who was the culprit who lied? Well, a delightful youngster who is very street smart, and becomes our Zoe’s unofficial brother, or a brother of the heart.
This is the second book in this series that I have read, and as enjoyable as the first. When our Zoe arrives, she is pledged to a twin brother, one who seems to like her and the other thinks she is a gold digger.
There is a theme of danger here, and if you read the first book you know what is happening, but if now there is enough information provided. Will Zoe find her happiness ever after? I found her speaking English with her French accent delightful, and she sure found food as a way into the hearts of the locals, but as you will see she needs to be careful of whom she trusts, not all are as they appear.
Will Jakob wake up and see what a treasure he is being offered, and will Isaak wake up and realize whom Zoe really is? There are answers here, but there is also danger, and our girl is way too trusting and loving!
A read you don’t want to miss, and yes, it can be read alone.

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

What could be more stressful and awkward than to be attracted to your twin brother’s fiancée? Yet, Isaac finds himself in that very situation. I loved all three of the main characters in this story. Isaac who strives to do right and what is expected from him. Jakob who struggles to grow up and prove he can finish what he starts. Zoe, I love her French accent, strength and courage as she faces decisions for her future and that of her sort-of brother. I would so like to taste the many tempting desserts that she creates through out the book. What a talent to create art with food! She’s wise in seeking the counsel of those she can trust but can she find the courage to tell each brother she can’t marry either of them.



Blessings,

Karen Hadley Rating: 5*

I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

This was a great read. I really enjoyed this story line. From the beginning we get to know these characters and their desires.

I loved that there was a mystery character thrown in and we don’t know who it is, but we get to hear his or her thoughts and they aren’t good. That adds some tension to the book.

It was such an intriguing plot because Jakob was a nice guy and you want things to work out for him but by reading the backcover you know there could potentially be a twist that could really hurt him.


A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

I was hoping that the story would move faster as I read but for me it seemed to drag. I did like the idea of mail order brides as the theme. It seemed to be very popular during the time period of this story. Zoe is the main character of the book and I had a like/hate relationship with her. For some reason she bothered me with her over the top sugary personality or perhaps she went to Helene on false pretenses. She did have some redeeming qualities of caring for others and staying committed.

Jacob is excited when he says Zoe. She was beautiful, graceful and I think he may have hit the jackpot. I did not feel any connection between him and Zoe through the entire story. At times the story seemed to drag and become repetitive. When Jacob's twin brother enters the story I had figured out what would happen. Isaac is very different from his brother. Isaac is arrogant, rude and just plain unfriendly. I wanted to know more about Jacob, but the story seemed to focus on Isaac more. That confused me since the book was about a mail order bride which Jacob was looking for. I didn't like all the deceit going on between characters and hoped for more of how Jacob comes to court Zoe to woe her over. I wanted the story to not focus so much on how beautiful Zoe was. It was almost prideful to read that because she was beautiful she would make the perfect bride.

The story does pick up towards the end and I enjoyed the intrigue that developed as we learn of something illegal going on in the town. I was pleased with who Zoe ended up with, but it was a bit obvious with the not so subtle hints throughout the book. Overall a pleasant read, but a little long winded at times.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

The Kitchen Marriage is a mail-order bride book with a couple of twists. First, the bride doesn't realize she's responding to an ad for a bride. Second are the twin brothers who have big, but completely different personalities.

Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham take readers to the bustling city of Helena, Montana and expose some of the challenges of a growing city as well as the difficulty of a newcomer finding their place.
Zoe de Fleur is a memorable character--originally from France, a chef who can't claim it because she's female, and a sweet, even-tempered woman who is alone in the world. When she makes friends in Helena, she thinks maybe she's found a place to call home.

The only problem? Isaak Gunderson--the twin brother of Zoe's intended. Isaak comes over as gruff as first with a couple flaws (even if the man is the one everyone depends on). But maybe what he needs is a woman to balance those flaws out.

While I would have enjoyed a couple more scenes from Jakob’s perspective (the brother who placed the ad), I enjoyed watching Isaak’s initial animosity toward Zoe change to appreciation as he watched her genuineness. Then a friendship is formed and the leader is left wondering how everything is going to work out to everyone’s benefit.


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.

This was my first introduction to the Montana Brides Romance series by Gina Welborn and Becca Whitham. I admit that the beginning was quite confusing to me at first because of the introduction of a slew of characters all at once. Being new to the series, I found it hard to follow for a bit, but once I got into the story, I found it quite delightful. I loved the French heroine and was rooting for her to find her heart's desires. While both of these authors were new to me, they are ones that I will look to read again.

While this book was provided for free, I was not obligated in any way to write a positive review, that pleasure was mine - 2018.