Ashley Johnson moved to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrived in time to attend his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed her the family farm house. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’ problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.
Born and raised in Michigan, Karin Beery wrote her first novel in high school (mostly during government and psychology classes – sorry Mr. Winkle). Today she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When not writing fiction, she’s editing or teaching others at conferences and through the PEN Institute. When not engaged in writerly pursuits, she enjoys time at home in Northern Michigan with her husband and fur babies.
My Impressions:
Marriage of convenience stories are usually reserved for historical fiction — it is hard to imagine such a thing occurring in our modern times. But Karin Beery’s latest novel, Practically Married, accomplished the task! With a bit of humor, some swoony kissing scenes, and a relevant message, this book is a recommended read.
Ashley Johnson travels to Boyne Heights in northern Michigan to marry a man she has never met, at least not in person. They have cultivated an online friendship that led them to taking the next step — an arranged marriage that each hopes will grow into a love match. But tragedy occurs and Ashley is left without a fiancé, but with a house, part of a farm, and some explaining to do!
If you think arranged marriages are a thing of the past, or that convenience marriages are an impossibility in the 21st century, consider the number of unmarrieds out there who are disillusioned with dating yet desperately want families. The scenario behind Practically Married may seem unusual, but it really works! It helps that Beery has created some extremely likable characters and allowed them to fall in like as well as in love. Sparks are set off right from the start, and you just know that despite the many, many obstacles the characters encounter there will be an HEA. Along with a great romance, setting details made northern Michigan come to life. I also liked the message that family expectations are important, but should never be the final determination in finding one’s own life.
A quick read, Practically Married was the perfect choice for my weekend getaway read!
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
I tend to love marriage of convenience stories! Contemporary ones are rare — this one sounds good!
It is!