"5 Cups!...Ms. Snodgrass...has made the hero and heroine such wonderful characters you cannot help but turn the pages. I loved this story, it was refreshing and, though a lot of it was playful, the characters shared their deep inner fears and dreams with the reader. Well done."—Mary, Coffee Time Romance
"[A] down-to-earth, thoroughly enchanting historical romance...The earthy characters practically jump off the page, and the emotional aspect of the story is so realistic that readers will feel as if they’ve gotten a hidden peek into the mind of a good friend. Sweet, with just a hint of spice in the love scenes...Will hold your attention until the very last page."—Janean Nusz, The Road to Romance
"...Grabs you from the first paragraph, and won't let you go. The characters are true to life and the dialogue sizzles. The story is compelling and you'll find yourself rooting for Belle and Paul with every word. The writing is crisp and first-rate. This is an exciting, suspenseful historical romance that will keep you up all night to finish it. Don't pass it by!"—Elizabeth Delisi, Word Museum
"4½ Stars!...Snodgrass pits humor and romance against some powerful conflicts. When Belle seduces the pious reverend in the local whorehouse, it's a scene stealer. This second installment in the Texas Brides series is one that can stand on its own."—Faith Smith, Romantic Times BookClub Magazine
"5 Stars!...The plot is gooood!!! The characterization is typical of the old west, where the reader is swept away into the past of bygone days through this wonderfully written story. A past that needs to be forgotten suddenly begins to creep in when an old friend hits town. Why does Paul want to keep his past a secret? A bad man turned preacher. Is he? In this story, the love portrayed between the man and the woman is enough to melt any heart, especially in the days of innocence. Once Paul finds out that the committee has sent his best friend to take his girl, will he let pride stand in his way; will he leave and lose her? Or will he stay and fight for her? The intrigue of not knowing what is about to happen next, makes this story so moving. Very good page turner. Great suspense!"—Wanda Maynard, Sime~Gen Reviews
"5 Angels—Recommended Read!...Belle Marshall is a healer and now that Doc is gone, it’s up to Belle to take care of the people in Cottonwood Bend. Belle loves the town and the people in it, but she considers Reverend Paul Harrington her best friend. She has feelings for Paul, though, that she’s never had for anyone else. Belle is not looking for marriage; she feels that is not for her. She loves her independence and wants to keep it...The people of Cottonwood Bend wiggle their way into your heart and refuse to leave. You’re heart breaks for Paul and what his past has forced him to endure. You understand Belle’s need for independence and her struggle with her feelings for Paul. The plot is solid with twists that keep you turning the pages. Ms. Snodgrass has created a treat in Cottonwood Bend. The emotion and friendship that abounds will have you coming back time and again to visit. This story is about past mistakes, change, love, friendship and new beginnings. Catherine Snodgrass has woven a tale that you won’t soon forget."—Cindy, Fallen Angel Reviews
"5 Hearts!...The past has a strange way of catching up to one and when it does, can what a person is now erase the person from before? Can both Belle and Paul find that what they have is far more than just the present? Are the feelings deep enough to overcome all the past and look toward a future? The story has given the reader a host of possibilities and conclusions yet the real answer is one worth reading the book for. It is a romance that should and hopefully will go down as one of this year's best and I for one am happy I read it. For those of you who love romance novels and make no mistake this is one in every sense of the word—do read this one. You won't regret it."—Louise Riveiro-Mitchell, The Romance Studio
"4 Hearts!...A delightful excursion to the wilds of 1880 Texas. The author incorporates fully realized characters into a fast-paced and engaging narrative full of twists and turns. Paul is an exceptional hero: complex, wounded and wrestling with his demons as well as his passions. Belle is a strong heroine but flawed by her own indecision with regards to Paul. Together their passion is HOT and certainly makes up for any annoyance this reader felt towards Belle....The second installment in Ms. Snodgrass' Texas Bride Series; however, it reads very well as a stand alone work. I look forward to better acquainting myself with the collection of characters who live in Cottonwood Bend, as well as the author's impressive backlist."—Melissa Fowler, The Romance Reader's Connection
"4 Hearts!...Set in 1880 in Texas...an impressive romance penned by Catherine Snodgrass. She has a remarkable talent in her ability to weave an intriguing tale...The characters are warm and inviting...the vast secondary characters...are equally well written and perhaps within this company, the marriage committee will find huge success...A fascinating read and is highly recommended for historical romance fans."—Penny, Love Romances
“Paul would have liked nothing better than to offer marriage to Belle, but Paul has a past which no one knows about...Complications abound and secrets and desires are revealed...Texas Rangers ride into town...providing some unexpected competition for Belle’s affections. Catherine Snodgrass brings to life the human relationships of small town life in 1880's Texas with plenty of humor, drama, and surprise developments. Her descriptions are vivid and drop the reader right into the center of the lives of the townsfolk of Cotton Bend, Texas. I highly recommend The Marriage Committee."—Theresa Gallup, Fictional Pursuits
"...A madcap attempt to push two people together who are perfect for each other. Too bad they don’t see it that way. When the town gets together to marry them off, things get crazy. Matchmaking, romance, sneakiness, and jealousy are just a few things that make this story amusing and sweet. When I finished this book, I felt like the characters were all real people that I interacted with on a daily basis. Ms. Snodgrass’ ability to create lifelike characters that step from the pages and make themselves real to the reader is a gift. If you enjoy a lighthearted romance with light love scenes and a sweet story, you will enjoy this book."—Ansley Velarde, The Road to Romance
“The people of Cottonwood Bend soon felt like my own family and friends. The way Ms. Snodgrass kept weaving little turns and surprises in the plot kept the readers interest. My only complaint was that when reading time was up I didn’t want to put the book down. This is the second in the Texas Bride series by Catherine Snodgrass, but is a totally stand alone book. However, this reader will soon be looking for the first in the series, The Wishing Tree!”—Pam Bless, Round Table Reviews
Paul called himself a fool for loving her. Belle could do a lot better than him. She deserved better. There wasn’t a night or day that passed without him cursing the demons and the past that kept him from letting her know how he felt.
Oh, there was a time when she had first arrived when he thought he could. Then the Tanners had run into a bit of trouble and the old Paul, the Paul he fought, the Paul he feared, had leaped in to help. It shocked him how quickly the ghost of his former self had appeared. Since then, he’d done everything in his power to tamp down passion of any kind. He simply could not afford to be that person anymore. And now his past had just ridden into town.
Brady was the only one in Cottonwood Bend who knew Paul was a former Texas ranger. And he knew why Paul had switched professions. Brady had accepted his decision and offered Paul the chance of a church in this quiet little town once the former preacher had moved on.
But the men before him now…well, that was a painfully different matter. They might not have known about Paul’s new line of work, but they sure knew what had happened before he’d dropped out of sight. The way they gabbed when liquored up, it wouldn’t be long before the whole town knew. What would the townsfolk think then of their wonderful, kind, thoughtful reverend?