"2.5 out of 5 stars, a man sets out to America to create a better life for himself and his three younger sisters has to deal with deceiving relatives and powerful men hoping to see him fail while praying that God will see him through.

I had high hopes for this novel, and while I liked Ewan, Laura, and their relationship, it still didn't meet my expectations. I mostly feel that way because it was hard for me to take Ewan's Uncle Hugh & Aunt Margaret's constant scathing comments. If Ewan was real instead of fictional, I wouldn't know how he could've put up with the remarks as long as he did. In truth, the actions of Aunt Margaret, Uncle Hugh, and Winston (Laura's suitor) really made it difficult for me to get through this novel because animosity seemed never ending at times.

However, as I said before I liked Ewan & Laura. Them being together and seeing how their relationship played out was the only reason I stuck with this novel."

Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/disappointmentville-refined-by...

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See full review @ The Indigo Quill

A special THANKS to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A seasoned writer, Judith Miller has written a charming novel that incorporates the affects of the Civil War in West Virginia. She is skilled with her character development and is easy to read in text and content. This is one of those books you may pick up to read at a trip to the park, or an afternoon when nothing else is scheduled for the day.

It is very common in these types of books for the romance to seem sudden or simply impulsive. However, Miller does an exceptional job taking the time to allow the characters to naturally and realistically develop so the work is brought to a higher level of quality.

Integrating history seems to be no hitch for Miller. If you are interested in historical romances, this is a good book that has smooth transitions and some things to learn. As the title states, there is a "brick maker" involved and learning about this process and where it came from is actually very interesting.

I liked this book. It was enjoyable to read and I will definitely keep it on my shelf. It's a very interesting plot, I guess I just wouldn't say it's the absolute strongest plot. However, it is about what's expected from this caliber. I would recommend it. ( )

The Brickmaker’s Bride is the first book I have read by Judith Miller but it will not be the last!

Judith Miller has a way with words that draws you right into the story and I don’t mind telling you that I was not at all certain I would enjoy this book.

I’m so glad my fears were unfounded!

I was intrigued immediately. I was charmed by the honest Ewan and inspired by the fiery Laura.

Together, they weave a story that I never would have expected.

Judith Miller has written a story that not many others would have even thought of!

She has taken a commonplace business and used it to show us how the Civil War affected an entire community.

And what a GREAT job she has done with it!

I only recently discovered my love of Civil War fiction and I am excited to ass Judith Miller’s book to my growing collection! And I hope to find even more of hers to add as well!

Don’t miss this book! It’s a wonderful story with delightful characters who have a strong faith in God that clearly drives their lives!

Amazing!

I’m so thrilled to find so many wonderful new books about this era and others being published by Christian publishing companies.

It’s wonderful!

I was blessed to receive this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I can honestly say that I had never read a book involving brick making before, nor do I think I've read any books set in West Virginia. I like finding out new things even while reading fiction and thank the author for doing the research. However, her title is a spoiler alert, because you know Ewan and Laura will wed. All the characters were memorable and I was not quite ready to finish the book when it ended. ( )

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 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. ( )