The Brickmaker's Bride { A Litfuse Publicity Review}

I have recently finished reading The Brickmaker's Bride. It appealed to me because one of the main characters Ewan McKay  is an immigrant from Ireland (albeit a long time ago) I felt that we had something in common. We both moved to the United States seeking a better life for our families. However, that's where most of the circumstances end. Although I liked this book, basically pretty harmless. I could relate to the heroine Laura Woodfield and her love of her father (I think mine is pretty awesome too).

About the book: 

Bestselling Author Judith Miller Debuts Historical Series Set in West Virginia

Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brick making operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it's Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner's daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she's being courted by another man---a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he'll focus on making the brick making operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.

But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan's hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brick works, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura's heart.

My Thoughts:

I found it difficult to handle the constant pettiness of some of the other characters. I mean really does one person have that many annoying people in their lives! There are really only four nice / sensible characters in the book. The two main characters I mentioned earlier, Laura Woodfield's mother, and a man that comes and saves the day at the end. I understand that they were supposed to be 'annoying and petty', but really the patience shown by some of the characters was saintly...I think I would have bopped a few of the characters way before the end of the book if I could have.

I found it an easy read. I think it took me about 2 or 3 days from cover to cover. (I was spending ALOT of time sat waiting for my kids at the pool - no laundry was left undone due to the reading of this book!) I loved the historical details that went into this story. The mental images of the riverboats and layouts of the cities in the 1860's were very interesting!

About the Author: 


Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. When time permits, Judy enjoys traveling, visiting historical settings, and scrapbooking the photographs from her travel expeditions. She makes her home in Topeka, Kansas.

Find Judith online: website,

I would be interested in reading more from Judith Miller.

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