I am the girl that lives in her books and just like the heroine Susan Hanson, I have dreamed of the man that would sweep me off my feet, like the hero's in my favorite tales. I don't think that I am as strong and brave as the leading lady of The Blacksmith's Bride. Leaving your life, and era, and becoming a mail order bride in hopes that fate would match you with your prince charming is a bravery I do not possess.

Taking us to Birch Creek, Idaho at the turn of the century, with newly pioneered land, Laura D. Bastian does an incredible job of painting a beautiful picture of this primitive frontier. Both Susan and Michael, the mail order groom, are incredibly fleshed out and I found myself immediately falling in love with Susan's strength of character and Michael's pure and genuine spirit. They are a pair that I rooted for from the beginning and couldn't wait to see their happy ending.

A quick, satisfying read that is perfect to curl up with on a cozy Saturday afternoon, The Blacksmith's Bride is a wonderful addition to The Book Club series and is easily read as a standalone. ( )