Beauty Contest: A Bride in the Bargain

In a PW cover story from the week of November 17th there was a great article about romance covers.  Among the books chosen was A Bride in the Bargain by Deeanne Gist. (Published by Bethany House)  I loved the design of this book.  I have a thing for big dresses and folds, such as on the Luxe novels.  Gist’s cover communicates so many elements: it’s pretty, ladylike, earthy, and DUDE SHE HAS AN AXE!   So of course I wanted to know more.

Sadly, it doesn’t look like she’ll be using that axe to go on a rampage against the wedding industry.  

Amazon’s Plot Description: In 1860s Seattle, a man with a wife could secure himself 640 acres of timberland. But because of his wife’s untimely death, Joe Denton finds himself about to lose half of his claim. Still in mourning, his best solution is to buy one of those Mercer girls arriving from the East. A woman he’ll marry in name but keep around mostly as a cook. Anna Ivey’s journey west with Asa Mercer’s girls is an escape from the griefs of her past. She’s not supposed to be a bride, though, just a cook for the girls. But when they land, she’s handed to Joe Denton and the two find themselves in a knotty situation. She refuses to wed him and he’s about to lose his land. With only a few months left, can Joe convince this provoking–but beguiling–easterner to be his bride? 

All in all, however, I’m not uninterested which is surprising cause historical romance novels aren’t usually my thing.  I hope Anna lives up to that same spunk as seen on the cover.

A Bride in the Bargain will be available in June 09, according to Amazon.