Book Review: The Brickmaker's Bride

From the Back:

In the clay-rich hills of the newly founded state of West Virginia, two families tentatively come together to rebuild a war-torn brickmaking business.



Ewan McKay has immigrated to West Virginia with his aunt and uncle, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial help. Uncle Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, and it's Ewan's job to get the company up and running again.

Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he quickly feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man--a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Resolving that he'll make the brickworks enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Ireland, Ewan pours all his energy into the new job.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work is put in jeopardy. As his hopes for the future crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. Can she help him save the brickworks, and will Ewan finally get a shot at winning her heart?

My Reflections:

The Brickmaker's Bride is the first novel in the new series by Judith Miller, Set in the late 1860's this book encapsulates the time period splendidly. From the first page to the last the reader is transfixed with the unique characters and well thought out story line.

Having no foreknowledge of the brick making industry I quite enjoyed learning about the process and technique of what it took to produce bricks in this era.  What backbreaking hard work it was!

Laura was such an interesting character. She was driven and motivated to keep her deceased father's business and name in good standing. Although she was actively selling the business she was deeply invested in finding a good buyer who would prosper.  I am sure Laura faced great difficulties being a forward thinking individual, in a time where women were expected to be meek and mild, and not help run such a business as this. 
To confuse issues further, Laura must choose which man she wished to pursue, the upstanding Lawyer or the nephew of the man who is purchasing her families business.

Ewan an Irish immigrant is hard working and upstanding. Navigating the treacherous relationship of his overbearing uncle and aunt he tries to make a new start and overcome the stigma of his heritage. I quite enjoyed watching these two characters slowly unfold and become whole and well rounded. Such a beautiful progression to witness.

This story is rich and meaningful, peppered with history and faith it is the perfect holiday gift or winters read. Well done Judith Miller, I eagerly anticipate your next book in this series.

 "Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group a division of Bethany house and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."  Thank you Graf-Martin!

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The Author

1. 

   Judith Miller

   Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She...
   

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