About the Book

Book: Practically Married

Author: Karin Beery

Genre: General Market, clean fiction, women’s fiction, contemporary romance

Release Date: October 22, 2019

She moved to a new town to marry her fiancé. Instead, she’s burying him.

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.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Karin Beery grew up in a rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today, she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she enjoys being at home with her husband and fur babies watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies.

More from Karin

Why would two contemporary American’s agree to a marriage of convenience?

That’s what I asked myself when I sat down to write Practically Married. I love reading historical books about mail order brides and other arranged marriages, but I wanted to see if I could make that historical theme more modern (and still be believable).

That’s how Ashley and Russ came to be, and—after several revisions—I think I did it! It takes two to get married, but this is really Ashley’s story—it’s her past that inspires her future, and it’s up to her to decide where that inspiration with lead her.

The story couldn’t just be about their relationship, though. I’ve always thought it would be fun to have a big brother, so I gave Russ little sisters. And nieces and nephews. And a pie-baking mom who doesn’t like his beard (which may have been inspired my mother-in-law, who tried desperately to get my husband to shave his beard before our wedding). I also threw in some real buildings and places in northern Michigan (even though Boyne Falls is fictional). And it’s possible that some of my character names came directly from friends and other local inspirations. Practically Married isn’t only set in northern Michigan, it’s inspired by it.

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.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 22

Blogging With Carol, October 22

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 23

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 23

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

CarpeDiem, October 24

Maureen’s Musings, October 24

Emily Yager, October 25

Rebecca Tews, October 25

Older & Smarter?, October 26

For Him and My Family, October 26

janicesbookreviews, October 27

Quiet Quilter, October 27

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 27

Cultivating Us, October 28

April Hayman, Author , October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

SusanLovesBooks, October 29

Through the Fire Blogs, October 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 31

Moments, November 1

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, November 1

EmpowerMoms, November 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 2

Inklings and notions , November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Godly Book Reviews, November 4

Pause for Tales, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed90/practically-married-celebration-tour-giveaway