The Bride Fair

by Cheryl Reavis

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373292031
• ISBN13: 9780373292035
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Harlequin Books
• Length: 297 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.3" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

What a Terrific Find . . . 4 Big Stars!

A bargain bin, an unknown author, and a total surprise! Cheryl Reavis is a new author to me, but after reading THE BRIDE FAIR, I will now add her to my "hunt down" author list. Mini Synopsis: In the south, the war had been costly, it had taken Maria Markham's two brothers and fiancé, but Maria was a survivor. She was also a dutiful daughter. If not for her father, she would never have met the new commanding officer at the train station. The Commander of the Reconstruction troops was not someone she wanted to keep company with! Colonel Maxwell Woodard had been in Salisbury, North Carolina before . . . courtesy of the Confederate Civil War prison system. Those painful memories were vivid, ugly and bitter. And now he vowed he would not allow a southern woman to disarm him with her sad eyes, thin body, or insolent attitude. In this occupied town, he was the commanding officer and this dignified, proud woman would get used to this fact . . . quickly! The enemy in him wished to annoy her; the gentlemen in him wanted to help her; but the man in him needed to love her. Reviewer's Comments: Cleverly, Cheryl Reavis pushes the political hatred into the background and moves the romance front and center. Slowly she unwraps the love story, which allows her reader to savor its delicate growth. Cheryl Reavis has written a caring tale full of hope and new beginnings. So why the slip in the rating, because VAGUELY at times, I felt shortchanged - details seemed neglected - would they appear answered, if I had read the parent book, THE PRISONER? Still, don't miss THE BRIDE FAIR; Reavis' lovely tale will be remembered long after the final page is turned. Grade: B+ Status: page turner Sensuality: warm MaryGrace Meloche.

Make the Movie

The Bride Fair is the story of John Howe's best friend Maxwell Woodard who John left behind when he escaped from the prisoner of war camp in Salisbury, NC. Max has survived against great odds and is now the military governor of Salisbury, NC where he was held prisoner. Max is all that honorable and fair and despite the great hardship he was subjected to as a prisoner of war he holds no ranker towards the people he is in charge of. The two little boys who steal Max's heart are darlings and will bring many a smile to the reader as he/she reads of their exploits. We see more of Kate in this book and the only complaint I have is why isn't more told us via the letters Maxwell reads from John Howe of how John and his wife are doing? Also Perkins the Sergeant Major who was born to run officers should find love (Ms. Reavis how fixing Perkins up with Kate)? Great read, great story you will find yourself coming back and back again to the book. I highly recommend it.

EXCELLENT - DEFINITELY A KEEPER #2

Finally a follow-up to John Howe's story in The Prisoner. He was ridden with guilt at leaving Max Woodard behind when he escaped the prison. Max survived and went home to recuperate. Back on duty and made Commander of the Occupation of Salisbury, N.C., this Army Colonel was not above digging at the pride and hide of the southern inhabitants under his jurisdiction. Max took full advantage of his position and accepted Mr. Markham's desire to obtain the rent monies for housing the Colonel. Maria Rose Markham was definitely against having him in their house. I dearly love Sargeant Major Perkins and the way he tended to help all concerned. Then there was the scumbag, Colonel Hatcher, [grin] who left in some haste. Marie has lost her two brothers in the battle at Gettysburg and her intended, Billy Canfield. Another plus to the story was the way Phelan Canfields' sons, Joe and Jake took to Max. Wonderful little rascals. Max still carried the scars of the prison camp and its inhumanities. Maria and Max, both, fought the attractions building between them. This was something that, in all honor, could not happen between them. Mr. Markham seemed to be the most sensible of persons. Now the ladies, that is a different matter. Expecially as Mrs. Kinnard was determined to push her daughter, Valentina in front of Max. Mrs. Russell was not about to bend to any Union officer. Mrs. Justice was most amenable and apparently quite good friends with Mr. Markham. Ah, then there was Suzanne Canfield and Nell, Maria's close childhood friends and Ceily Walker, now married to Carscaddon, another friend. And I loved to meet Mrs. Woodard and her daughter Kate, who had given birth to John Howe's son, now being raised as his brother. [C.R. - Kate needs a husband] Neither were allowed to acknowledge Harry. What a fascinating story that ties up a lot of loose ends. And is excellent in itself. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - definitely a keeper. Enjoy!

Superb

Finally a sequal to the amazing Civil War historical "The Prisoner." Another wonderful book featuring characters you like and a love story with a powerful conflict. I love all her books -if you haven't discovered this author do yourself a favor and find "The Bartered Bride" and read it too. You won't be disappointed.

Another outstanding book from Cheryl Reavis

Cheryl Reavis has become an auto-buy author for me. Whether she's writing contemporary or historical romance, she writes deftly, with skill, compassion and wisdom. I had been looking forward to THE BRIDE FAIR for months and it didn't disappoint. Set in Salisbury, NC, in 1868, THE BRIDE FAIR simply and quietly explores the aftermath of the Civil War as seen through the lens of the relationship between two people, a U.S. Army Colonel and a woman of the South. As always, Cheryl Reavis writes with clear-eyed empathy for all her players. There are no demons or angels here, just human beings doing the best they can in difficult times. Her prose is clear, deceptively simple, the kind of writing that enables the reader to sink into the story.All of Ms. Reavis's books are on my keeper shelf. This one is no exception.