Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2014), 352 pages
Description
"In post-Civil War West Virginia, Ewan needs to overcome a bad business deal to save his West Virginia brickmaking operation--and win the heart of the former owner's daughter"--
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
352 p.; 8.4 inches
ISBN
9780764212550
User reviews
LibraryThing member CinaChilders
The Brickmaker’s Bride introduces us to the handsome Ewan McKay, an Irishman, along with his poor decision making Uncle Hugh and overly demanding Aunt Margaret (I think almost everyone has that one family member that just cannot be pleased). And not to forget Aunt Margaret’s sister, Kathleen.
I liked the ups and the downs that Ewan had to go through with the brickmaking business and how he was able to handle them, all the while having to put up with his family. I actually did like Laura. There was nothing to dislike except the fact she would have married Winston just to make her mother happy. That would have been a horrible choice. While it’s obvious Ewan and Laura would have a happy ending, I’m concerned for Kathleen. I wish Kathleen could have her own book, so I could see everything that happened and how she felt about that certain situation with Terrance and afterwards.
Overall, I liked the book. It was good. I just wish Kathleen had a better life than she did with her sister and with that horrible jerk Terrance. I feel so bad for her, but some good did come from it for Ewan and Laura.
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And Ewan’s adorable little sisters. We also meet Laura and her mother. And Winston, the lawyer fellow that I could not even bring myself to like at all. I liked the ups and the downs that Ewan had to go through with the brickmaking business and how he was able to handle them, all the while having to put up with his family. I actually did like Laura. There was nothing to dislike except the fact she would have married Winston just to make her mother happy. That would have been a horrible choice. While it’s obvious Ewan and Laura would have a happy ending, I’m concerned for Kathleen. I wish Kathleen could have her own book, so I could see everything that happened and how she felt about that certain situation with Terrance and afterwards.
Overall, I liked the book. It was good. I just wish Kathleen had a better life than she did with her sister and with that horrible jerk Terrance. I feel so bad for her, but some good did come from it for Ewan and Laura.
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LibraryThing member Bookworm_Lisa
Laura and Ewan are two characters that I rooted for. They were both nice and likable. I really wanted to see them succeed and find the happiness that they both deserved. Part of the reason that I couldn't help rooting for them was because some of the people around them were not nice
There were many obstacles that had to be faced and overcome for this book to have a satisfactory ending. First was Ewan's relatives. He was surrounded by selfish and superficial that were concerned only with the world as it benefited them. He turned out to be such a nice guy in spite of the many negative influences around him. I loved how he put his sister's first, wanting to give them a better life.
Laura was courted by a man that only cared about himself and appearances. He was also prejudice against Ewan and his family because they were Irish immigrants. I have read other books about the opposition to the Irish immigrating to America, in comparison the problems faced by Ewan and his family were mild.
The love story progressed at a slow rate for Laura and Ewan, but a great analogy is found at the end of the book comparing love to brick making. You would have to read the book to fully understand the significance, it was pretty profound though.
I am glad that I read this book. I will have to look up other titles by Judith McCoy Miller.
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characters.There were many obstacles that had to be faced and overcome for this book to have a satisfactory ending. First was Ewan's relatives. He was surrounded by selfish and superficial that were concerned only with the world as it benefited them. He turned out to be such a nice guy in spite of the many negative influences around him. I loved how he put his sister's first, wanting to give them a better life.
Laura was courted by a man that only cared about himself and appearances. He was also prejudice against Ewan and his family because they were Irish immigrants. I have read other books about the opposition to the Irish immigrating to America, in comparison the problems faced by Ewan and his family were mild.
The love story progressed at a slow rate for Laura and Ewan, but a great analogy is found at the end of the book comparing love to brick making. You would have to read the book to fully understand the significance, it was pretty profound though.
I am glad that I read this book. I will have to look up other titles by Judith McCoy Miller.
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LibraryThing member alekee
This story is set in a reconstruction America, the Civil War has finally ended, and the country is trying to recover. Laura Woodfield’s father was a casualty of the war, and now her mother wants to sell their brickyard.
We have Irish immigrants who become interested in purchasing this business,
The theme of the story is part romance, and part answering to God for sins. The money to purchase the plant is ill gotten, and Ewan’s Uncle is still following the wrong way of living. Things get so bad, that the new business appears to be going down the tubes. Will anything happen to help them save the company?
I loved looking at this part of our countries history, and could just picture going from home to home, by foot and horse. There are some very interesting characters in this story, and felt another book could be written about Kathleen, Uncle Hugh’s sister-in-law, and sister to Margaret.
The faith of most of these people touched me; they really lived their love of God. I enjoyed this story in many ways, and we need to remember our past, so it doesn’t repeat.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
We have Irish immigrants who become interested in purchasing this business,
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and a young man Ewan McKay who desperately wants the business to succeed; he wants to bring his sisters to America.The theme of the story is part romance, and part answering to God for sins. The money to purchase the plant is ill gotten, and Ewan’s Uncle is still following the wrong way of living. Things get so bad, that the new business appears to be going down the tubes. Will anything happen to help them save the company?
I loved looking at this part of our countries history, and could just picture going from home to home, by foot and horse. There are some very interesting characters in this story, and felt another book could be written about Kathleen, Uncle Hugh’s sister-in-law, and sister to Margaret.
The faith of most of these people touched me; they really lived their love of God. I enjoyed this story in many ways, and we need to remember our past, so it doesn’t repeat.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member lamb521
I absolutely enjoyed this story set in 1868, taking place in West Virginia and focusing on a widow with a grown daughter. Laura is a young woman whose father was killed during the Civil War, but knows how to run a brick making business in all aspects. Laura and her mother enjoy a very close, open
Winston is a character I think crafted by the author to be disliked by readers. His personality along with his self-centered importance is unappealing. Laura begins to see Winston for who he really is when she meets the younger of the two buyers of the brickyard, an Irishman named Ewan. Ewan’s faith and caring nature along with caring for his younger sisters is appealing. Ewan is working for his Uncle Hugh and is supposed to be made a partner after repaying his uncle for passage to America. Yet Uncle Hugh is not a man to be counted on as the audience will quickly realize.
As I read I had a feeling I knew what ending the author was leading me towards. While I was partially correct, the author threw in a well-crafted twist in the end. One of the aspects of the book I so enjoyed was the beautiful mother/daughter relationship throughout the novel. Another enjoyable part was how Ewan stayed true to his word and faith even when other characters disappointed or broke their word. I hope many take time to really enjoy the tale!
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and honest relationship that drew me further into the story. Laura is very honest with her speaking and sometimes that really tends to irk her friend Winston. While Laura’s mother gave permission for Winston to court Laura, as the tale progresses I couldn’t help but hope they didn’t marry.Winston is a character I think crafted by the author to be disliked by readers. His personality along with his self-centered importance is unappealing. Laura begins to see Winston for who he really is when she meets the younger of the two buyers of the brickyard, an Irishman named Ewan. Ewan’s faith and caring nature along with caring for his younger sisters is appealing. Ewan is working for his Uncle Hugh and is supposed to be made a partner after repaying his uncle for passage to America. Yet Uncle Hugh is not a man to be counted on as the audience will quickly realize.
As I read I had a feeling I knew what ending the author was leading me towards. While I was partially correct, the author threw in a well-crafted twist in the end. One of the aspects of the book I so enjoyed was the beautiful mother/daughter relationship throughout the novel. Another enjoyable part was how Ewan stayed true to his word and faith even when other characters disappointed or broke their word. I hope many take time to really enjoy the tale!
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
Brickmakers Ewan McKay and his uncle Hugh Crothers consider buying the brickyard belonging to Laura Woodfield's deceased father. Little do they know that it will not be a "clean sale." Laura, who as a young deb, should only concern herself with social niceties, will retain a keen interest in the
Miller has done a tremendous amount of homework to be able to describe the brickmaking process so meticulously. At times, it seemed a lot of detail to take in. I absolutely loved the ridiculous relationship between Uncle Hugh and his ultra-controlling wife, Maggie. Tragic to see in real life, it was rather fun to read about. To me, the characters in this book give it life and breath, whether we think about the brickmakers who were careless and had to be retrained, politically inclined Winston, or reserved Kathleen with her struggles against her sister. A book for the keeper shelves.
I won this book in a drawing at bookfun.org. in exchange for an honest review.
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performance and success of the brickyard. Add integrity, laziness, greed, shameless manipulation, trust in God, caring for the poor, political aspirations and societal expectations together; and you get a turbulent look at the re-establishment of a brick-making business. Will it succeed or fail? Given the mix of the characters' personalities, the reader is apt to want the business to do both!Miller has done a tremendous amount of homework to be able to describe the brickmaking process so meticulously. At times, it seemed a lot of detail to take in. I absolutely loved the ridiculous relationship between Uncle Hugh and his ultra-controlling wife, Maggie. Tragic to see in real life, it was rather fun to read about. To me, the characters in this book give it life and breath, whether we think about the brickmakers who were careless and had to be retrained, politically inclined Winston, or reserved Kathleen with her struggles against her sister. A book for the keeper shelves.
I won this book in a drawing at bookfun.org. in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member lanehillhouse
Friday, December 26, 2014
The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller, © 2014
"... I do wish the buyers weren't Irish, but we've had no other offers."
--Winston Hawkins, The Brickmaker's Bride, 11
Now, Mr. Hawkins' speculation may make this reviewer a little doubtful of his expertise.... Hopefully, Miss
Ewan McKay has traveled from Ireland with his uncle, Hugh Crothers, to America, hearing of opportunities for immigrants and the desire to do better for his sisters.
Deceiving humans is not difficult, but deceiving God is impossible. Only He knows the true heart.
--The Brickmaker's Bride, 194
So sad to see a dissatisfied wife and a man who pries on the weaknesses of others, turning his own to dust. Ewan's aunt and uncle are not pleased with any assessment he might give them; neither in business nor in social life. He makes it clear to his aunt that she is not to meddle in affairs of the heart as far as he is concerned.
As his uncle prowls around during the day, Ewan is busy securing the brickmaking occupations from previous workers and those newly arriving. Laura has come to help him get assimilated to the daily operations from the records of her father and assisting with the timekeeping. Mrs. Woodfield has introduced Ewan to previous contractors, and it is up to him to show the work C&M Brickyard is capable of producing for them and their new building projects.
Always feeling he has the upper hand, Hugh doesn't bother to thoroughly read the contracts he signs. First his wife feels she has been demeaned to live in a hovel instead of the main house, and he leaves the brickyard in the lurch compromising the assets.
A delight in the story is the arrival of Ewan's sweet sisters; oldest, Rose, and twins, Adaira and Ainslee. They are full of life and a lovely addition to the gloom Ewan must wade through with the antics of his "benefactors." I am eager for him to get out from under their control and influence.
My favorite of all is Laura. She is demure and reflects power under control. Through trial and adversity strength is revealed. Trusting God, Laura and Ewan find unwavering faith brings them clear direction. I liked reading of Laura's volunteer classes at the orphanage. In the community, their right standing reveals the character of others around them. Mrs. Woodfield's training example is well followed. Truth and integrity play a big part in developing relationships from generations before them. It is uplifting to see and experience a return on investments of heart measures from long ago. As those who had been helped before offer a hand, expressions of hope and continuance blossom.
I have read several of Judith Miller's novels, especially the Postcard from Pullman series, I really enjoyed. I like the history and research bringing their day to the forefront. We truly can learn from those before us and carry it on into the future.
***Thank you to Bethany House Book Reviewers for sending me a copy of Judith Miller's novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller, © 2014
"... I do wish the buyers weren't Irish, but we've had no other offers."
--Winston Hawkins, The Brickmaker's Bride, 11
Now, Mr. Hawkins' speculation may make this reviewer a little doubtful of his expertise.... Hopefully, Miss
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Laura Woodfield will not hold this regard!Ewan McKay has traveled from Ireland with his uncle, Hugh Crothers, to America, hearing of opportunities for immigrants and the desire to do better for his sisters.
Deceiving humans is not difficult, but deceiving God is impossible. Only He knows the true heart.
--The Brickmaker's Bride, 194
So sad to see a dissatisfied wife and a man who pries on the weaknesses of others, turning his own to dust. Ewan's aunt and uncle are not pleased with any assessment he might give them; neither in business nor in social life. He makes it clear to his aunt that she is not to meddle in affairs of the heart as far as he is concerned.
As his uncle prowls around during the day, Ewan is busy securing the brickmaking occupations from previous workers and those newly arriving. Laura has come to help him get assimilated to the daily operations from the records of her father and assisting with the timekeeping. Mrs. Woodfield has introduced Ewan to previous contractors, and it is up to him to show the work C&M Brickyard is capable of producing for them and their new building projects.
Always feeling he has the upper hand, Hugh doesn't bother to thoroughly read the contracts he signs. First his wife feels she has been demeaned to live in a hovel instead of the main house, and he leaves the brickyard in the lurch compromising the assets.
A delight in the story is the arrival of Ewan's sweet sisters; oldest, Rose, and twins, Adaira and Ainslee. They are full of life and a lovely addition to the gloom Ewan must wade through with the antics of his "benefactors." I am eager for him to get out from under their control and influence.
My favorite of all is Laura. She is demure and reflects power under control. Through trial and adversity strength is revealed. Trusting God, Laura and Ewan find unwavering faith brings them clear direction. I liked reading of Laura's volunteer classes at the orphanage. In the community, their right standing reveals the character of others around them. Mrs. Woodfield's training example is well followed. Truth and integrity play a big part in developing relationships from generations before them. It is uplifting to see and experience a return on investments of heart measures from long ago. As those who had been helped before offer a hand, expressions of hope and continuance blossom.
I have read several of Judith Miller's novels, especially the Postcard from Pullman series, I really enjoyed. I like the history and research bringing their day to the forefront. We truly can learn from those before us and carry it on into the future.
***Thank you to Bethany House Book Reviewers for sending me a copy of Judith Miller's novel, The Brickmaker's Bride. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
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LibraryThing member debs4jc
There is tension in the hills of West Virginia--and it isn't just because of post Civil War resentment. No, the tension here is between Ewan Mckay--a young Irish immigrant and his Uncle Hugh who wants him to manage the brickworks he is buying. The two decide to purchase the brickmaking operation
The well developed tension between the characters kept me from wanting to put this book down and I wondered how Ewan and Laura were going to manage to get together and also save the business. I also appreciated the details about brickmaking and and how the historical happenings of the time period and place were woven into the story. Laura shined as a strong female character and the Irish background of Ewan's family was captured well. Their Irish brogue and customs added quite a bit of liveliness to the story, as did the impish nature of Ewan's sisters. This all made for a very memorable read and I will definitely be interested to read more of the series.
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from a Civil War widow and her daughter, Laura. Ewan is keen to make the business successful so that he can care for his younger sisters, but his uncle's gambling is a constant worry. He finds an unexpected ally in Laura, however, who loved visiting the brickworks with her father and who is a skilled bookkeeper. She wants to see the brickworks become successful once again--and Ewan wants to get to know her better. As Ewan tries to win Laura's heart and make the brickworks successful he is deeply discouraged by all of the obstacles--including a rival suitor for Laura's hand--that block his path to success. The well developed tension between the characters kept me from wanting to put this book down and I wondered how Ewan and Laura were going to manage to get together and also save the business. I also appreciated the details about brickmaking and and how the historical happenings of the time period and place were woven into the story. Laura shined as a strong female character and the Irish background of Ewan's family was captured well. Their Irish brogue and customs added quite a bit of liveliness to the story, as did the impish nature of Ewan's sisters. This all made for a very memorable read and I will definitely be interested to read more of the series.
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