Genre: Historical Romance | Christian Romance
Period: 1879 (The year of the “Exodus of 1879“- several blacks fled the south to live in Kansas)
Location: On the Trail to Nebraska
Purity “Par” Pennington has no trouble pretending to be a man if she overlooked the reason why she started to pretend to be one in the first place. What she is having trouble with is the vexing passenger riding in her stagecoach, who stirs up her heart. Livingstone ‘Caspar’ Smith isn’t looking to stir anyone’s heart except his future bride, who is waiting for him in Nebraska. Yet, after the stagecoach was robbed, and they were abandoned in the wilderness, he finds his heart being tempted by the man who is helping him survive.
“Help me to be a man like you.”
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What Makes A Groom for Purity by Parker J. Cole A Good Read
1. A Different Type of Man
The male character isn’t my usual taste or one that is commonly seen in romance books. Yet, it was refreshing to have a character like Casper in the center of this love story. While he has major character flaws, such as not knowing when to stop talking and what to do in their current situation, he has other admirable characteristics, which include admitting when he is wrong, being willing to learn from others, and being a gentleman at all times. The author expands on the type of character that can be the leading male in a romance book. And, I like it!
2. How They Run
Both Par and Casper are running away from something. What I like is how the author shows how the characters deal with their situations and express their pain based on the characters’ personalities. It gives Par and Casper more depth to who they are.
3. Be a Man
(The song from Mulan is currently playing in my head.)The portrayal of Par as a man is perfect. We don’t just see a woman dressed in men’s clothes, who is hiding and trying not to be noticed. We see a woman who is actively living and creating a life for herself as a man. This is seen in her mannerism, language, and rash attitude. And, sis isn’t afraid of throwing hands or pointing a gun at a man!
4. The Best Man?
In the story, the gender roles and expectations are switched. Par is unruly and quick temper while being capable of surviving and providing herself and others in most situations. Casper, on the other, is polished and well-mannered but isn’t strong nor is able to depend on himself in the book’s current situation. Yet, it doesn’t take away from the feminine of Par and the masculine of Casper and allows them to connect with one another.
What I feel Some Kinda Way About
1. The Time Frame
I feel like I always mention this in almost all of my reviews, so I won’t elaborate.
2. Ottie
It seems as if the characters don’t care about her, and she is just an afterthought. Given Casper’s gentlemanly personality and Par’s history, their attitude to her situation was unexpected.
3. Not Long Enough
I really enjoyed reading about Par’s and Casper’s love; however, I felt they were too interesting and their personalities were too large for a short story. They deserve a longer story!
Book Review and Recommendation
Review: 3.5/5
Recommendation: 4/5
As always, check out my Top Three Things, which contains spoilers, by clicking “here” !!!
To check out more books by Parker J. Cole, click here.
