Aundy~ A Sweet, Historical, Mail Order Bride Romance~ by Shanna Hatfield

• Series: Pendleton Petticoats
• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 28, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1484966287
• ISBN-13: 978-1484966280

This book is also available as an e book.

To purchase a copy of Aundy click here.

Desperate to better her situation, Aundy Thorsen agrees to leave behind her life in Chicago to fulfill a farmer's request for a mail-order bride in Pendleton, Oregon. When a tragic accident leaves her a widow soon after becoming a wife, Aundy takes on the challenge of learning how to manage a farm, even if it means her stubborn determination to succeed upsets a few of the neighbors. 

Born and raised on the family ranch, Garrett Nash loves life in the bustling community of Pendleton in 1899. When his neighbor passes away and leaves behind a plucky widow, Garrett takes on the role of her protector and guardian. His admiration for her tenacious spirit soon turns to something more. He just needs to convince the strong-willed Aundy to give love another try.

My take on this book:

Aundy, by Shanna Hatfield takes readers back to 1899 and introduces us to Twenty-One year old Aundy Thorsen. Aundy's  life in Chicago hasn't been the same since the death of her beloved fiance Gunther. She longs for a change so when she reads an ad in the paper from Erik Erikson, a farmer from Pendleton, Oregon stating that he is looking for a mail order bride Aundy decides this might be the what she is looking for, after corresponding with him she travels west. She is married right off the train, but an accident occurs that leaves her a widow within days of becoming a wife. When she learns that Erik has left his ranch to her she decides to stay even though she knows nothing about running the ranch. The Nash family lives next door and are more than willing to take Aundy under their wing, soon though feelings start to spark between Aundy and Garrett, thing is Aundy is convinced that she is bad luck where men are concerned, can Garrett change her mind? 

Aundy is a story that pulled in in and kept me reading, because it was like a breath of fresh air where mail order bride stories are concerned. Sure there is romance, but there is also humor, as well mystery and suspense that surrounded the goings on at the ranch.   Aundy was such  a strong character, full of pluck,but with a kind heart, that helped those less fortunate than herself, it was so easy to become invested in her life and want the best for her.  I could easily envision the plights that she found herself in.  Garrett was a true gentleman, such a help to Aundy and the love story between the two was touching and sweet. The character of Nikola, the shepherd and his dog Bob really gripped my heart, I was so glad that he found his way to Aundy's ranch. The author's attention to detail brings not only the setting but the characters to life as well, but it was the plot twists that kept me glued to the pages of this one. Fans of good clean historical romance that is rich in detail will certainly enjoy Aundy, but anyone looking for a sweet mail order bride tale filled with a few twists will be pleased as well. 

Reviewed for Readersfavorite.com