Rugged lumberjack and sawmill owner, Sam Maynard, enjoys a happy-go-lucky life in the 1870's small town of Brownville, Nebraska. Seeking out a wife of his own is the farthest thing from his mind until he sees his brother, Finn, so blissfully happy with his new proxy bride, and it sparks a desire within his own soul to find a mate. The girl he might have been able to love, sadly, is already promised to someone else, so he turns down the same avenue his brother had taken-the matrimonial advertisements. After multiple replies fail to generate any interest, however, he is about to chuck the whole idea...Tired of living in an apartment all alone, Beth Ann Gilmore looks forward to having her own hearth, home, husband, and children, but when she finds herself unexpectedly jilted by Stanley, her longtime beau, all her dreams go up in smoke. Refusing to rest on her laurels, she ponders the fact that her best friend, Charise, found happiness through mail-order-bride notices-so why couldn't she? For good measure, she visits a local marriage broker as well. Soon, however, circumstances take a drastic turn and in fear for her life, she wires her friends in Nebraska for help. The return telegram contains a shocking idea. Can she go through with it? Should she? Could a man she only met once be her salvation...in more ways than one? Beth knows it's a gamble, but faced with no other choice, it's a chance she can't afford to pass up. This is a clean, inspirational romance. The story contains themes of real life, but is suitable for all ages, as it contains no illicit sex or profanity.REVIEWSAdventure abounds from the moment you turn the page! Linda Ellen submerges us into the bustling city of 1870's Louisville, through the eyes of Beth Ann. Penny-farthings, streets jostling with trolleys, and a frantic dash to the train station, are all richly written to tantalize your imagination. But with a seedy marriage broker on her heels, and a hasty proxy marriage to kind-hearted lumberjack, Sam, the rustic town of Brownville welcomes us back. I absolutely loved revisiting the town and it's sundry characters. Not to mention following our couple through their whirlwind courtship as they discover their deeply defining love for one another, and the near unstoppable force bent on tearing them apart. From it's charming sawmill nestled by the surging Minnow Creek, to the breathtaking expanse of Lover's Vista, and back to Finn's barbershop carved out of the former Lone Tree Saloon, Linda Ellen has written a world you won't want leave in A Bride for Sam. Venessa Vargas, Editor and AuthorThis story is full of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat! All the characters are well written and the storyline flows seamlessly. Love the relationship between Sam and Beth Ann but also the updates on the characters from the previous story. Good, clean romance with drama and humor as well. Judy Glenn, Beta ReaderA Bride for Sam is a standout in the Proxy Brides series. Melding a unique concept with creative plots and wonderful characters, Linda Ellen has outdone herself with her latest book. Shucking the generic formula for a refreshingly new approach to storytelling within the genre, Linda weaves a tale filled with gallantry and romance, featuring a hunky lumberjack, a daring escape, devoted friends, and a happily ever after all wrapped into one delightful package. Liz Austin, Beta Reader, Poet, Blogger
