In Grace Hitchcock's The Pursuit of Miss Parish: A Mail-Order Bride RomCom, shy Belle Parish escapes a life of servitude in Charleston to seek love and belonging in New Mexico as a mail-order bride. Her intended, the handsome Colt Lawson, harbors a secret that shatters Belle's dreams, leaving her fleeing to the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House and a life as a waitress. Meanwhile, Colt, regretting his deception, must win back Belle's trust, a task complicated by a charming Texas Ranger vying for her affections. This historical romance, brimming with humor and heart, blends the charm of a mail-order bride story with the excitement of a competitive courtship, promising a delightful and engaging read.
Review The Pursuit of Miss Parish
"The Pursuit of Miss Parish" completely charmed me! As a huge fan of the Aprons & Veils series, I had high expectations, and this second installment not only met them but surpassed them. It quickly became my favorite of the three I've read so far. The story of Belle, a mail-order bride whose dreams turn sour when she discovers her intended, Colt, wasn't entirely truthful, is captivating. The setting, the historic Castañeda Hotel Harvey House in Las Vegas, New Mexico, is richly described, making me feel like I was right there among the bustling Harvey Girls. The author expertly weaves in historical details, giving a real sense of time and place, and the menu descriptions alone were enough to make my mouth water!
What truly resonated with me, though, were the characters. Belle's strength and vulnerability were beautifully portrayed. Her initial disappointment and justifiable distrust of Colt were entirely believable, especially given the circumstances. And Colt? While his deception was a significant hurdle, his unwavering faith and persistent pursuit of Belle's forgiveness felt both endearing and realistic. He's not a perfect hero, but his struggles and determination to overcome his past made him a truly sympathetic character. The inclusion of Scripture and prayers within the story wasn't preachy at all; it felt entirely natural and deeply moving, particularly the scenes of Colt and Belle praying together. These moments added a layer of emotional depth and hope to the narrative.
The plot itself was wonderfully engaging. The mystery surrounding Colt’s brother and the dangerous gang robbing trains kept the tension high. I loved the suspenseful moments where Belle’s life is threatened, and the way Colt's determination to protect her, while navigating his own perilous situation with his brother and a Texas Ranger, added another dimension to their burgeoning relationship. The secondary characters, familiar faces from the first book, added a sense of continuity and warmth. Even the less-likeable characters, like Dolly, served a purpose in driving the conflict and highlighting Belle and Colt's personal growth.
The romantic tension is palpable throughout the book. It’s not just a whirlwind romance; it’s a slow burn, filled with misunderstandings, forgiveness, and a growing trust that feels incredibly satisfying to witness. The "love triangle" aspect, involving the Texas Ranger, adds a nice layer of complexity without overshadowing the central relationship between Belle and Colt. Ultimately, the story isn’t just about romance; it's a compelling tale of faith, redemption, second chances, and the enduring power of love amidst danger and deception. The Pursuit of Miss Parish is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I eagerly await the fourth book in the series!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.14 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 452
- Publication date: 2024
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