Title: The Farmer Takes a Wife
Author: Candice Sue Patterson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 28, 2024
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Librarian Gemma Breckenridge hates the spotlight. She’s content in her small town, living alone with books for company and caring for her once famous sister, Cammie, who’s now suffering from a degenerative brain disease. But Cammie’s care is expensive, and when the grant Gemma was counting on is denied, she’s forced to take desperate measures and applies to be a contestant on a reality television show where a wealthy farmer is looking for a love connection. What better place to keep her sister’s identity incognito than a thousand-acre farm in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota?
Colby Graham will do anything to save his almost bankrupt farm, even if it means that all of primetime will think he’s incapable of finding a wife on his own. The sponsorships alone should carry his business out of the red, and royalties from the producer will help to keep it there. But choosing a bride from among eight gorgeous strangers is tougher than Colby bargained for. Especially when the one woman he wants isn’t a contestant.
With a cast of vivid characters, join the crew in this witty romance filled with drama, heartache, elimination challenges, and fancy luggage full of secrets. Amid the beautiful setting of the Midwest, this tale unravels the tightly bound threads of sacrificial love.
Candice Sue Patterson studied at The Institute of Children’s Literature and is an elementary librarian. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, snuggling with her Great Pyrenees, or helping children discover books they love, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance–where the past and present collide with faith.
Can you imagine signing up to marry someone you’d never met? Neither had my heroine Gemma Breckenridge until it was her last resort. This thought is what propelled me to write The Farmer Takes a Wife.
In 2009, I came across a reality TV dating show where several women from the city were invited to test out farm life in hopes of gaining a proposal from a farmer at the end. That show was called Farmer Wants a Wife. Though most of the episodes made me cringe, I thought it was a fantastic plot for a book. Since I write both historical and contemporary romance, I strive to put modern spins in my historical novels and vintage threads through my contemporary novels. What better vintage thread to drop into a modern-day rom com than a marriage of convenience trope?
But I didn’t want it to be the average marriage of convenience trope. I wanted something fresh. So, I put a spin on it, which brought about another spin, and before I knew it the story was taking a twist every few chapters.
The Farmer Takes a Wife is nine years in the making. After I wrote the first draft, I put it away for several years as book contracts were offered. I’d pull it out every now and then, polish it a bit, and then put it away again. In 2020, one month before the Covid pandemic rocked our world, I had finally completed it. With many workplaces shutting down, publishing houses were hesitant to offer new contracts. So, again, the story sat in my computer. At the end of last year, I decided I’d release the book myself this spring, shocked and delighted when the reality show Farmer Wants a Wife made a comeback after all those years! And it’s so much better than original season.
Perfect timing? Here’s hoping!
Join my cast and crew in Evangeline, South Dakota, for a wild ride of romance, drama, heartache, witty banter, and two hunky farmers. Yes, I said two. Did I mention this story had twists?
If The Bachelor gets your heart racin’ or if you’re itchin’ for a sweet romance, this book will lasso you right in!
The Farmer Takes a Wife by Candice Sue Patterson is a delightful novel that blends the drama of reality TV with a sweet, clean romance set against the scenic backdrop of a South Dakota farm.
Gemma Breckenridge, a bookish librarian with a heart of gold, finds herself in a situation straight out of The Bachelor. Facing financial strain to care for her ailing sister, Gemma takes a leap of faith (quite literally!) and becomes a contestant on a reality show where a charming farmer named Colby Graham seeks his perfect match.
But unlike The Bachelor, The Farmer Takes a Wife is more than just roses and cocktail dresses. This story explores the importance of family and finding love in unexpected places. We witness the hilarious struggles of city girls tackling farm chores, the heartwarming bond between Gemma and her sister, and the undeniable chemistry between Gemma and Colby, despite the show's manufactured drama.
Candice Sue Patterson's writing is witty and engaging, bringing the characters and their journeys to life. The story is full of laugh-out-loud moments as the city girls grapple with farm life, but it also tugs at your heartstrings as Gemma deals with her sister's illness.
This is a delightful escape for anyone who enjoys a good dose of romance, a touch of faith, and a sprinkle of reality TV drama. So, grab your iced tea, settle into your favorite spot, and get ready to be charmed by The Farmer Takes a Wife.
I read The Farmer Takes a Wife via Celebrate Lit Publicity Group and Kindle Unlimited. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
To celebrate her tour, Candice is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon gift card and paperback copy of the book!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops
for nine extra entries into the giveaway!
Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church
near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Her previous work includes the Count on Love series, and the Carol Award finalist
Love You, Truly.
Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media
and sign up for email updates.