The Engagement Bargain by Sherri ShackelfordMy rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Netgalley to review
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Book Description: Make-believe betrothal
Rock-solid and reliable, confirmed bachelor Caleb McCoy thought nothing could rattle him--until he discovers he needs to pose as Anna Bishop's intended groom. After saving her life, his honorable code bid Caleb watch over the innocent beauty. And a pretend engagement is the only way to protect her from further harm.
Raised by a single mother and suffragist, Anna doesn't think much of marriage--and she certainly doesn't plan to try it herself. But playing Caleb's blushing bride-to-be makes her rethink her independent ways, because their make-believe romance is becoming far too real...
My thoughts: I haven't read many books about the suffrage movement. I found the topic to be interesting and enlightening. I appreciate the sacrifices women made to ensure that I have the right to vote. It was good to see the movement through the eyes and mind of a fictional character.
There were many light moments in this book. I enjoyed the humor in a serious subject. My favorite character would have to be a goat. The other characters were great, but Pipsqueak stole many moments.
I loved the theme that you don't have to loose your femininity to fight for rights. Anna was raised to believe that in order to make a difference, she had to put aside all personal desires and focus on women's right to vote. Men were an unnecessary distraction, religion was frivolous and pointless. It took a near death injury for her to see that she could have a life of her on and still have a voice and make a difference for women.
The religion part of the book was subtle. It wasn't preachy, it just showed that religion can have a place along side with political progress. My favorite moment in the book happened at church. (I'll give you a hint, a goat is involved.)
This is a fun book to read that also involves an important time in US history.
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This does look like an interesting book. I don't normally read historical fiction unless it's historical romance. I like that this deals with events that actually happened. Thanks for your review :)
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