Practically Married, (Paperback)

This is a a enjoyable story with some very likable characters but it didn't take me long to figure out that Ashley Johnson is a 'people-pleaser'. She had lost her parents as a teenager and reading her mother's journal convinced Ashley that her mother's fervent wish was for her to have a husband and family. Ashley becomes engaged to a man that she knows only through email and phone calls but an unfortunate event alters their plans drastically and Ashley's future becomes very uncertain. Can she find her happily ever after? Is it possible to please everyone? Should a person keep trying when it is causing them so much pain? So many questions and then Ashley receives this advice from her uncle......"Maybe it's time to stop worrying about everyone else and start doing the right thing, even if that means that someone else doesn't like it." (p. 244) Ashley's decision to move to Michigan to marry someone that she knew only through email and phone calls at first seemed irresponsible but is this any different than the mail-order brides that were such a big part of our early U.S. history? Practically Married is a sweet romance and even though the ending is predictable, there are enough complications to make it an interesting and intriguing read. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts in this review.

This was a very interesting take on a marriage of convenience . Usually we see books about this subject set during the 1800's or 1900's. I liked the premise of a contemporary story and that is was a clean romance. Today we hear about people meeting online and marry. It doesn't always work out, but there are the few that make a connection. I was surprised at Ashley giving up her job and selling everything to marry a man she had never met. What was she thinking? As we get to know her better, we find out that she has always wanted to please others . Living like that takes away from really making yourself happy. I wanted to ask her why she would make her decision when she hadn't heard from her fiance . Something is not adding up but Ashley is determined to see her commitment through. Russ is someone who is smart and a little apprehensive about Ashley's story. Why has no one heard of Ashley in the family? His cousin, Tom liked to keep things close to the vest and puts Ashley in a very uncomfortable position. Ashley is in for a very hard time when she is hit with tragic news. I liked how Russ was a gentleman and gave Ashley a little empathy. The story takes a few surprises that change the course of the two main characters. Russ and Ashley will both have to make hard decisions and question their motives. The author shows the struggles both characters have and how their decision could impact many. I liked the ending even though I guessed what would happen. What I liked was how the author showed how pleasing others can affect your life and cause pain and insecurity. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.