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    A Bride for Tom
    A Bride for Tom
    A Bride for Tom
    Ebook133 pages1 hour

    A Bride for Tom

    By Ruth Ann Nordin

    3.5/5

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Tom Larson is having trouble finding a wife, and Jessica Reynolds decides to help him overcome his awkward and clumsy manners so he can attract women. (This has been updated to include the wedding night.)

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRuth Ann Nordin
    Release dateFeb 27, 2010
    ISBN9781452355061
    A Bride for Tom
    Author

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    Ruth Ann Nordin has written almost 100 romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for twenty-two years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 16, 17, 19, and 20. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

    Read more from Ruth Ann Nordin

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    Reviews for A Bride for Tom

    3.5/5

    66 ratings12 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      A historical romance, with Christian based principles. I would definitely recommend it to others.The book starts out with Jessica and Peter & Peter's mother. Thankfully, Jessica realizes that Peter's mother is more interested in the relationship than Peter is, (a lot of daughters-in-law can relate). Jessica befriends Tom, and falls in love with him.
    • 3/5
      This was another book that was outside the box for me. For me personally, because this isn't my typical type of read, it was a slow go for me but it was a good book.

      I loved Tom, he was as sweet guy who just happened to get really clumsy around women, especially one in particular.

      I loved Jessica as well. She had her own mind and spoke up for herself. And seeing that this was set in the 1800's and how unlady-like that was back then, that made it all that much better. For me personally!

      This is a series it seems, and I didn't realize at the time but it's a book you can read and not feel like you're missing out on something.

      This book is very much a family type of book. If it were to become a movie, the kids could sit down and watch too.
    • 3/5
      This was another book that was outside the box for me. For me personally, because this isn't my typical type of read, it was a slow go for me but it was a good book.

      I loved Tom, he was as sweet guy who just happened to get really clumsy around women, especially one in particular.

      I loved Jessica as well. She had her own mind and spoke up for herself. And seeing that this was set in the 1800's and how unlady-like that was back then, that made it all that much better. For me personally!

      This is a series it seems, and I didn't realize at the time but it's a book you can read and not feel like you're missing out on something.

      This book is very much a family type of book. If it were to become a movie, the kids could sit down and watch too.
    • 3/5
      This was another book that was outside the box for me. For me personally, because this isn't my typical type of read, it was a slow go for me but it was a good book.

      I loved Tom, he was as sweet guy who just happened to get really clumsy around women, especially one in particular.

      I loved Jessica as well. She had her own mind and spoke up for herself. And seeing that this was set in the 1800's and how unlady-like that was back then, that made it all that much better. For me personally!

      This is a series it seems, and I didn't realize at the time but it's a book you can read and not feel like you're missing out on something.

      This book is very much a family type of book. If it were to become a movie, the kids could sit down and watch too.
    • 5/5
      Very very sweet. A completely perfect novella. Both are great characters.
    • 5/5
      I am really enjoying these light romance novels they are a light reprieve from real life.
    • 5/5
      A sweet book about love life and living in early America
    • 4/5
      A wonderfully 'cleanly' written book about challenges and choices we make in life and the directions they often lead us. All though this is slightly Utopian in nature it is more uplifting than depressing. It would also be a good book for book clubs with a variety of discussion topics. Allie has an opportunity to reconnect with others from her past and re conciliate any wrongs.
    • 2/5
      It's a cute story. Nothing all that exciting. Easy to read and enjoyable.
    • 4/5
      A good quick-read novel about a clumsy young man whom no one believes can find a bride until someone decides to help him learn how to act around women.
    • 5/5
      Love this book. Tom and Jessica and the life paths that brought them together. Jessica's compassion and realization as to what is right for her life instead of what makes everyone else happy is what made this book for me. I have added Ruth Ann Nordin to my short list of favorite authors.
    • 5/5
      This is a novella. This is the love story of Jessica and Tom. Jessica is engaged to Peter on of the towns wealthy men , but one night at a dance she meets and dances with Tom the clumsy farmers son and everything changes from there.

    Book preview

    A Bride for Tom - Ruth Ann Nordin

    Nebraska Series: Book 2

    A

    Bride for

    Tom

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    A Bride for Tom

    Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

    Copyright © 2010 by Ruth Ann Nordin

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

    Cover Photo images Copyright Shutterstock Images LLC. All rights reserved – used with permission.

    Cover made by Stephannie Beman.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter One

    Chapter Two

    Chapter Three

    Chapter Four

    Chapter Five

    Chapter Six

    Chapter Seven

    Chapter Eight

    Chapter Nine

    Chapter Ten

    Chapter Eleven

    Chapter Twelve

    Chapter Thirteen

    Chapter Fourteen

    Chapter Fifteen

    Chapter Sixteen

    Books Featuring the Larsons

    Chronological Order of Ruth Ann Nordin’s Books

    Find Out More About Ruth

    Dedicated: This is for everyone who has stuck with me through the years. You make writing worthwhile.

    Chapter One

    September 1868

    Omaha, Nebraska

    Margaret Williams nudged her friend in the side. Don’t look now but Tom Larson is coming over here.

    Jessica Reynolds looked. Of course, she had to look. Whenever someone said, Don’t look, they secretly hoped you would, and Jessica had to oblige her friend. She directed her attention to the tall blond who asked Daisy to dance.

    Daisy shook her head.

    His shoulders slumped, he turned toward the next lady in line. He, however, was not a graceful young man for, in the next moment, he succeeded in toppling into Beth, and they both fell onto the barn floor.

    People around them chuckled, and yes, Jessica was one of them. She’d never seen a clumsier person in her entire life. Whatever was Tom Larson doing working on his pa’s farm? He’d be better off not working with anything sharp.

    Tom stood up and offered to help Beth to her feet, but Beth shoved his hand away. I’ll do it myself, thank you very much. Then she got up, dusted the dirt off her skirt and stormed off.

    Tom’s face was red, but to his credit, he didn’t give up. He just proceeded down the line to the next lady who happened to be Rachel.

    Margaret grabbed Jessica’s arm and dragged her across the barn. There’s no need to stand in line like a sheep waiting for the slaughter, she whispered.

    Jessica secretly agreed with her, though she had to admit that she felt sorry for him. At the rate he was going, he’d never find a wife, and everyone knew he was hoping to get married and get his own farm. He was trying too hard, she thought. She shook her head as another lady rejected him. Someone had to teach the poor man how to act around women.

    As she turned toward Tom, Margaret gasped and pulled her back. What are you doing? He’s done with this side of the barn. He won’t ask us to dance.

    He needs help.

    But not yours.

    Then who’s going to help him?

    Who cares? As long as it’s not us.

    Jessica put her hands on her hips. Really, Margaret. Just the other day you were teaching your little sister about manners. Is it good manners to leave this man in the state he’s currently in?

    What will Peter think?

    He’ll think I’m doing Tom and the woman he ends up marrying a great service. Besides, Peter couldn’t make it tonight. What am I supposed to do? Spend my time moping in the corner?

    Yes. You are engaged to him.

    And this won’t change that. Now, go find someone to ask you to dance. She smiled and pointed to Ethan. He’s been staring at you. Go over there. Maybe we can be in the same square dance.

    Margaret loudly groaned but made her way past the refreshment table.

    Jessica turned around and saw that Tom was walking her way. She glanced down and saw that a napkin was stuck to his boot.

    Hello, he greeted as he ran his hand through his wavy blond hair. My name is Tom Larson.

    Yes. I know. Everyone knows who you are...and not for a good reason. You have something stuck to your boot.

    He looked down. Oh. So I do.

    When he was ready to touch the sticky candy that was responsible for gluing the napkin to his boot, she stopped him. If he touched that and then her... Well, that would just be gross. Hold on. I’ll get another napkin and wipe it off.

    She hurried to the table and glanced back to make sure he wasn’t touching his boot. Good. He wasn’t. She snatched a cloth napkin and returned to him and scraped the candy and napkin off his boot.

    Oh, well, I could’ve done that, he said.

    I know. She just thought this way would be safer. What if he was trying to clean off his boot and lost his balance? She’d been watching him stumble around all evening. I’ll be back.

    As she made her way to a trashcan, she caught Margaret’s eyes and saw her friend shaking her head at her. Jessica shrugged and returned to Tom.

    I never got your name, he said.

    Jessica Reynolds.

    I’ve heard the name Reynolds before. You live in town, don’t you?

    Yes. My father used to make shoes and boots.

    That’s it. I bought these boots from him. No wonder your name seemed familiar.

    She nodded.

    So...would you like to dance?

    Yes.

    That’s alright. I under- He stopped and gave her a cautious look. Did you say ‘yes’?

    The very fact that he seemed shocked by her answer brought a smile to her lips. In some ways, he was a little cute. He was like a clumsy puppy.

    Yes, I said yes.

    A wide smile crossed his face. That’s great! Come on.

    She raised an eyebrow as he headed for the dance area without her. He obviously didn’t know he was supposed to take her hand and lead her there.

    When he turned around, he appeared startled that she wasn’t right with him.

    She waited for him to come back. If he was going to find a wife, she had to teach him what to do and what not to do. This was one of those ‘not to do’s’ on the list.

    He came over to her. Did you change your mind?

    No, but you didn’t take my hand. See? She pointed to Ethan as he took Margaret’s hand and led her to one of the squares where people were getting ready to square dance. That’s what gentlemen do.

    Oh. I hadn’t noticed that before. I’m sorry.

    As he extended his hand to her, she chuckled. I guess it’s not that big of an issue, but some ladies won’t dance with a man unless he does that. She accepted his hand and thought he had a nice firm grip. Not too tight but not lax either. Really, it was just right.

    They went to the same square that Margaret was in, and Margaret gave her a ‘you poor thing’ look. Jessica simply shrugged. When the music started, it occurred to her that Tom had two left feet. He bumped into other people and tripped twice. It was up to her to prevent him from falling. Still, he had a big smile on his face and eagerly followed the commands. One thing was for sure: he had enthusiasm. And that was refreshing. He probably enjoyed life more than most people.

    When the music ended, they returned to their original position in the square and clapped their hands. Jessica chanced a glance at Margaret and saw her nod in Tom’s direction. Wondering what had her friend worried, Jessica looked over at him and saw that he was fiddling with the button on the cuff of his shirt. She didn’t know why such a thing should bother Margaret, so she decided to ignore it. Maybe it was the fact that Tom was even waiting for the next round of square dancing that had her friend upset. He did, after all, spin Margaret too fast when she had to switch partners.

    The poor man needed to learn to dance. It just wasn’t right to make him continue on like this. She didn’t believe he was intentionally being a bad dancer.

    She nudged him in the arm. When he turned to her, she whispered, Let me lead this one, alright?

    He seemed concerned. Am I that bad?

    She hesitantly replied, You just need a few pointers. Really, it’s minor things. And that was true. If he could master the basics, he’d be better off...and so would those who’d dance with him in the future.

    When the music started up, she took the lead, which caused some odd looks from the

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