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A review by parklandmom
Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Read: October 2024
Series: The Wrong Girl, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #41 of 50 - “includes sisters”
Book #103 of 2024: This book was just what I needed as a pick-me-up and it didn’t disappoint! I enjoyed the Jones and Baxter families and their years and years of established bonds. I smiled, I laughed, I agonized in sympathy, and I definitely swooned. Sometimes romcoms can be just fluff and fun —and that’s okay—but I truly appreciate when there are underlying nuggets and contain more than meets the eye. This is one of those romcoms.
While I’m not one for marriages of convenience, these two had a history of many years of friendship. They weren’t strangers by any stretch so they had a huge “leg-up.” As noble as it was for Bram, his feelings toward Lois should have been an upfront item. His idea of marriage screamed of rebounding or just taking the “leftovers” when the prime rib wasn’t available. (I realize that it makes for a more intriguing storyline and reflects our probable human nature however.) Regardless, I was happy to see that Bram spent time in prayer, reading Scripture, and asking for his Dad’s counsel. His Dad’s advice about marriage/commitment being a CHOICE was something we rarely read about outside of Christian fiction. Quinn also spent time in prayer and seeking an answer.
Something I really appreciated about this novel is that we see the stark difference between what we PERCEIVE as being “in love” versus the depth and breadth of a foundation of friendship, respect, trust, AND attraction. They are very different. One is on a rather conditional and emotional foundation relegated to “feelings. The other is so very much more and posses growth. Again, it’s a choice. The world is full of break-ups and divorces because they were built on shaky foundations. Deep down both Bram and Quinn knew they would honour their commitments or they wouldn’t have gone through with it. That speaks volumes of the strength between them. They are both strong cornerstones and caretakers of their respective families. Often what we THINK we want and what we truly NEED are vastly different. Bram and Quinn realized they fit together like puzzle pieces and they made far more sense.
A few other great aspects to this story were the health-related news, foster care, the sister conflict & resolution, personal struggles, and the prior loss of a parent. (I’m being vague on purpose for the health aspect as not to bring in a spoiler.) I appreciated that the story wasn’t simply about a couple’s marriage of convenience. Regular life was still happening and it all kept the story grounded.
This romcom was a huge change from the romantic suspense books that I’ve read and enjoyed by this author. She handles both well. I will certainly be continuing The Wrong Girl series!
Series: The Wrong Girl, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #41 of 50 - “includes sisters”
Book #103 of 2024: This book was just what I needed as a pick-me-up and it didn’t disappoint! I enjoyed the Jones and Baxter families and their years and years of established bonds. I smiled, I laughed, I agonized in sympathy, and I definitely swooned. Sometimes romcoms can be just fluff and fun —and that’s okay—but I truly appreciate when there are underlying nuggets and contain more than meets the eye. This is one of those romcoms.
While I’m not one for marriages of convenience, these two had a history of many years of friendship. They weren’t strangers by any stretch so they had a huge “leg-up.” As noble as it was for Bram, his feelings toward Lois should have been an upfront item. His idea of marriage screamed of rebounding or just taking the “leftovers” when the prime rib wasn’t available. (I realize that it makes for a more intriguing storyline and reflects our probable human nature however.) Regardless, I was happy to see that Bram spent time in prayer, reading Scripture, and asking for his Dad’s counsel. His Dad’s advice about marriage/commitment being a CHOICE was something we rarely read about outside of Christian fiction. Quinn also spent time in prayer and seeking an answer.
Something I really appreciated about this novel is that we see the stark difference between what we PERCEIVE as being “in love” versus the depth and breadth of a foundation of friendship, respect, trust, AND attraction. They are very different. One is on a rather conditional and emotional foundation relegated to “feelings. The other is so very much more and posses growth. Again, it’s a choice. The world is full of break-ups and divorces because they were built on shaky foundations. Deep down both Bram and Quinn knew they would honour their commitments or they wouldn’t have gone through with it. That speaks volumes of the strength between them. They are both strong cornerstones and caretakers of their respective families. Often what we THINK we want and what we truly NEED are vastly different. Bram and Quinn realized they fit together like puzzle pieces and they made far more sense.
A few other great aspects to this story were the health-related news, foster care, the sister conflict & resolution, personal struggles, and the prior loss of a parent. (I’m being vague on purpose for the health aspect as not to bring in a spoiler.) I appreciated that the story wasn’t simply about a couple’s marriage of convenience. Regular life was still happening and it all kept the story grounded.
This romcom was a huge change from the romantic suspense books that I’ve read and enjoyed by this author. She handles both well. I will certainly be continuing The Wrong Girl series!