** I received a free copy of the e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. All words and opinions here in my review are my own, as usual.**

When I learned that this contemporary clean romance was based on one of my favorite movie musicals of all time, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, I was ready to enjoy it. What I wasn't expecting was how much I enjoyed getting to know more about the backstory of several of the brothers and brides; it made me wish that I had knew more of the backstory behind the characters in the movie.

Time for a remake! And using this book to base the remake would not be a bad idea.

I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the setting--Montana instead of Oregon, contemporary instead of romanticized history. It was hard at first to keep everyone straight, and as another reviewer said keeping the two sets of twins straight was the most difficult.

As always, epilogues make my heart happy. Stories only get more interesting with time, and this one followed suit. I wouldn't mind reading more of Amy and Grant's story (the youngest pairing).

If you grew up watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers like I did, you'll love this book! Brides and Brothers has enough of the original story in it to make it familiar and nostalgic, but is enough of its own story to make it fun and interesting! I really loved that you get to know all the characters a little better in this book than you did in the movie.

I enjoyed this book! It was a sweet retelling of the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers story. I loved how the author interwove faith with the story in a real way. I fell in love with the Peterson brothers! I thought the situations that Adrian and Celia, the main characters, faced were realistic and it was nice to journey with them as they worked out the bumps and obstacles they faced throughout their relationship!

While I loved the idea of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for inspiration, it felt like it became a prison for this story. I liked each of the characters the authors create which isn’t as flushed out in the old movie musical. I even like the added conflicted relationship Camille has with her mother. It went a long way in explaining her stubborn behavior. I did find it hard to believe there wasn’t a little resentment against Camille’s sister for the relationship Amy has with their mother. I think the story could have been better served with giving each brother a book on how their romantic relationship flourished. Especially since the author took such pains to give each bride and brother such distinct characters. This is my first time reading Christian romance so I don’t have any comparison.

As a fan of musical theater, old classic movies and movie musicals I immediately was interested in the premise of this book. I love the nostalgia of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and thought this was an ambitious task to adapt the story (originally set in the mid 1800s) to the modern day era. This story had lots of references to events in the film and the story telling was creative in many different ways. If you love heartfelt romances with a bit of cheesiness and predictable but good fun, this might be a story for you. I absolutely love the cover design!

I love the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers so I was anxious about this adaptation. I had no reason to worry. It remained true to the idea of the movie while being a wholly modern romantic comedy with all the right elements. It was most definitely a Christian fiction with its themes of faith and turning to God. It was light-hearted in spots and serious when it needed to be without taking itself too seriously.

I appreciated the author's attention to the details like the alphabetization of the guys names without sticking to the originals. I also caught the same detail on the first letter of the ladies names and who they ended up with. That is a detail I did not expect, but was very happy to see.

I am a person that loves a good tribute to a favorite story, but they have to be done right and this one was definitely done right. This was a perfect romantic escape.

I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Brides & Brothers is an updated retelling of the musical, Seven brides for seven brothers, and is a fun, clean contemporary, romantic comedy.
With two main characters and a vast number of supporting characters the author did exceedingly well, following and finishing the intertwined stories of the various couple’s relationships, including some funny, some poignant and, tbh, some frustrating moments in each.

Let me preface by saying I haven't seen 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. I should have clued in to this being an adaptation of that, but I didn't until I read the author's note at the beginning.

Also, spoilers.

I really wanted to like this book. But for me, the two main characters both didn't stay true to who they were at the beginning. Aiden was described as such a perfect guy - and he was, until they got married. Then he turned into a jerk (for way more reasons than leaving her for so long). Camille was also super great at the beginning, but then when things got crazy she would meddle when she shouldn't (which certain times didn't make sense for her) and then NOT meddle at the worst times. For no apparent reason. I just felt like the characters weren't following who they were supposed to be, they were just doing whatever worked best for the author's plot purposes.

Between that and the book being kind of chaotic, focusing on the problems between everyone (meaning very little happy moments or chapters with good vibes), this book just wasn't for me. Many of these issues could very easily be part of the original story, which I would have appreciated had I known that version. But since I don't I missed any references or inside jokes.

However, the writing style was great, and the pace was really balanced; there weren't ever any slow parts. I also loved the brother dynamic and the way they interacted.

What a funny book! Any story that involves a family with SEVEN brothers is bound to have some great plot potential. I enjoyed this story, and I've never seen the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. On the other hand, I feel like there must have been some jokes that went over my head or situations that would have made more sense and been funnier if I had seen the movie that inspired this story. I think the author did an excellent job trying to find balance in all the story lines (it's gotta be tough to write 7 romance stories into 1 novel!).
There were some parts though, i just felt...weird ... about. Almost like, it was written for an LDS audience, but then scrubbed of those culturally specific references to make the book more appealing to a wider audience... but then, it lost some character depth and nuanced understanding, leaving it a little... bland. Not sure if that was an author's or editor's decision. I will say, it can be widely enjoyed by anyone with no culturally exclusive content, and still had a host of funny moments mixed with a healthy dose of poignant drama that feels fulfilling. 4 stars.

Thanks to netgally for the advance copy. This review is entirely my own, and voluntarily given.

I received a complimentary e-copy of the book Brides and Brothers, by Anneka R. Walker, from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Initial Interest
After watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, my mom and I would often respond to sneezes with the line “Bless your beautiful hide!”, which was most appropriate after our sweet dog, Lillie, would sneeze. When I came across Brides & Brothers, a modern-day adaptation of the classic, on NetGalley, I was definitely intrigued by the premise.

Overall Impressions
Throughout the reading, the word “delightful” popped into my head when I would think about reviewing the book. I enjoyed meeting Camille and Aiden, getting to know them and also being introduced to the large cast of secondary characters. I was also quite impressed with Walker’s ability to create so many distinct characters. Although I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to distinguish between the many characters, I found that, as the plot progressed, it was pretty easy to remember who was who (though two sisters and twin brothers felt somewhat interchangeable).

I also really enjoyed the humor of the book. The characters were often doing surprising things, and I updated my mom on the narrative, several times.

I would have liked to see a little bit more development in Camille’s relationship with her mom.

Comparing it with the Film
I liked Aiden much more than I did Adam. Additionally, although it has been several years since I watched the film, I found that the book provided a lot more insight into the characters of the brothers and their love interests. In the movie, I didn’t really “get to know” the brothers, and their future wives felt even less distinctive. In contrast, the book introduced the female characters (the main character’s former roommates–basically) early on, as well as the male characters.

I was curious to see how the book would deal with the automatic-marriage arrangement, and was pleasantly surprised with the way that Walker built-up to the main characters’ decision to marry. I think it fit with the modern setting and was ultimately (mostly) believable.

I also enjoyed reading about the brothers’ romantic gaffes, and their choice to accept Camille’s (or Millie’s, as they called her) relationship advice. This felt consistent with the movie, as well.

Overall, I felt that the modern rendition did an excellent job of bringing the cherished tale to the present, while also making the male characters much more likable. Although they could be clueless and insensitive, they treated the women with a lot more respect than in the movie and I really liked that element in reclaiming the story. It maintained the overarching plot and humor, while also adopting a more healthy and respectful approach to relationships. For instance, Camille, instead of being forced to care for the men, offers to cook and clean because they are her family members.

Spiritual Elements
Spiritual elements elements were more “told,” rather than shown. For instance, the narrator might mention that a character prayed, rather than actually showing what the character said in prayer, or how God specifically spoke. However, it is quite clear that characters attribute sovereignty to God and are seeking to follow Him. I would describe this as a definite Christian worldview, but not as a book that was particularly impactful to me on a spiritual level. Nonetheless, the book’s portrayal of purity was quite refreshing.

Recommendation
This is another book that was nice and clean, with Adam and Camille waiting until they were in a committed relationship before even kissing. I really liked that aspect of the book. I also appreciated that Aiden was such an awesome caregiver for his brothers– though he certainly gave Camille the short end of the stick, in the process. I would recommend this as a fun, light, clean read.

A whirlwind romance knocks Camilke off-balance...or it might be the fact that she's just learned her new husband has five of his brothers living with him still. Unwilling to play mother to all those men, who have no cooking or cleaning skills, she decides to set all of them up with her friends. Will everyone find their perfect match or is this a disaster waiting to happen?

I wanted to like this one. I was always amused by Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and a retelling of that story seemed right up my alley. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I will never see it the same way again. I'm not sure if it was the modern setting, but all I saw in this story was a heap of problematic ideas being encouraged.

First, the short courtship of our two main leads. They proclaim they love each other, but then complain when there is miscommunication and married life is not what they expected. Second, Camille decides that her friends would make perfect girlfriends for her new brothers-in-law, and get them in shape. Expecting someone to change because of a relationship is unrealistic and is asking for trouble. Third, tricking someone who is already dating to go on a date with someone else is manipulative and disrespectful of that person, no matter how much you dislike THEIR choice. The last straw for me was when a problem comes up, instead of actually TALKING to the men, the girls' first thought is revenge and teaching the men a lesson. And the men are the ones who need to grow up? What a mess! I didn’t want any of them to reconcile because none of them displayed the maturity needed for dating and marriage!

This doesn’t even touch the kidnapping of the ladies. Basing this decision on a Bible verse shows an astonishing lack of respect for the Bible for being a "Christian" story. And calling the parents of these adult women doesn’t excuse it either.

Though I had been looking forward to this, it was the story for me. I'm not even sure who I would recommend it to.

This was a cute modern day take on Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Just with a little less singing and dancing.

You mostly get the perspective from Camille and her ways of trying to get her new brother-in-laws and friends paired off to one another. At times I enjoyed Camille and her witty ways. However, there were times when she came off not as bright. So I ended up only liking her but not loving her. Aiden, her husband, can be just the same way.

Some times the story felt a little rush and transitioning of time was a bit blurred. All of a sudden we're a few months past where we left off in the last chapter and it took a minute to realize we jumped a bit in time,
You can also tell which characters seemed more prominent than others. With fourteen characters I can see how this would happen. Some relationships apparently developed more behind the scenes because the next time we hear about their relationship they've getting serious. My only real complaint is the over used, cliché song Aiden sings at towards the end. Made me roll my eyes.


I think this book was ok. It did a good job of showing how fast some relationships can be. It doesn't come off overly "religious" (if you're worried about that). It even shows the conflict that can happen when you're religious and your family isn't.

This book was a very sweet story. A little more Christian than I expected. But that didn’t effect the story too much. Plus, I’m a sucker for families romance series. There were times it was confusing to keep track of all the girls names and all the brothers names. A light hearted story that’s perfect for when you’re craving a good mood book.

This is such a cute and addicting book! I started it one day and finished it the next and now I will be following Anneka Walker and reading all her other books. 🤣

Camille is afraid she will never find anyone worth dating in Cherish, Montana and Aiden is determined to get himself and his 6 brothers married. When Camille and Aiden meet they move fast and end up engaged after two weeks of dating. It seems too good to be true and when Camille realizes they are living with all of Aiden’s brothers it seems it might be. Now she is determined to play matchmaker to get his brother’s married off and decides her friends would be their perfect matches. A new relationship, new home, and new family is bound to cause some challenges especially for two people who are just starting to get to know each other. Read Camille and Aiden’s story to see how they handle it all. 💒

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brides & Brothers is a cute and fun retelling of 7 brides for 7 brothers. The book is clearly a Christian romance which is not currently part of its description. The main character Camilla gets married to Aiden after only a short engagement. When she realises, he still lives with his 6 brothers she tries to marry them off to her friends.

It is an interesting concept and the author stays close to the original story but it does not really work for me. The pacing of the book seems a little off. Both the ending and the beginning felt rushed while the middle part felt a little slow for my taste.

Totally adored this retelling of one of my favorite classic musicals. All of the essential elements and favorite movie moments that made the original so perfect and timeless were seamlessly woven into a contemporary version that was fun, witty, clever, romantic, and adorable. I’m not a huge re-reader, but I can already tell this is one that I would happily pick back up again. Predictable? Sure, but only because I’ve seen Seven Brides for Seven Brothers about a hundred times. This was a refreshing modernization and I loved every word. My first book from Anneka R, Walker, this won’t be my last!

Brides & Brothers was a laugh out loud funny story that takes a fresh look at the old Seven Brides for Seven Brothers movie. After a whirlwind get to know you Camille and Aiden marry. In the speedy engagement she never quite makes time to go meet his family or see his house, so the fact that all Aiden's brothers live in the same house is quite a surprise.

While Camille and Aiden work hard to strengthen a relationship, they also work hard to help all his brothers find love... with all her friends.

This was the perfect book to kick off my summer reading!

This book is a sweet romance book with a nice premise. I really like the heroine but the book pace was a little slow for my taste. Also another think I didn't see coming was the importance of the religion which was not bad but was a little too much for me.
Overall it is a nice clean romance with a HEA

I'm a big fan of the 1950s musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," so was really excited to check this book out.

It's certainly an entertaining present-day retelling of the story I know so well! I was a little disappointed to realize that it's more specifically Mormon fiction (though there's only a couple references to the two-year service mission); that just hadn't been clear in the description; the publisher listing on BN (which also would have tipped me off) differed from NetGalley's listing as well.

I felt like the story could have been shortened up a bit. But, its close parallel to "Seven Brides" kept me most invested in the read. An enjoyable way to pass an afternoon.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Aiden Peterson is getting tired of looking after his six brothers and re-heating frozen food. His grown brothers like to date, but are in no hurry to marry. As his 30th birthday draws near and his software is ready to sell, Aiden decides it's time to get married himself and set the example for his younger brothers.
Camille Kelly just needs her computer fixed so she can do her online teaching and figure out where her life is going. Falling in love with the handsome guy who helps her out and marrying him after a whirlwind romance seems like a fairytale, but finding herself as the cook, laundress, and den mother for 6 brothers is no dream come true. Maybe the best way to solve her problems is to help the brothers find wives of their own.
Fans of the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers will enjoy this light-hearted romance with the feel of a classic screwball comedy.