Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Romance #PostWWII – A Beggar’s Bargain by Jan Sikes

Delighted to share my review for the latest release by Jan Sikes… a world war two romance – A Beggar’s Bargain.

About the book

A shocking proposal that changes everything.

Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.

Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.

But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?

Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.

Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

My review for the book May 25th 2024

A lovely heartwarming story of two young people who have lost so much and have little hope that their lives will change any time soon. Set just after WWII, times are hard, especially when drought and lack of work is being faced by millions.

For Laykin Martin having returned from the war to find his family farm has been left devastated following his parent’s death, and Sara Beth whose affluent father has his own plans, an unexpected turn of events throws them together to face an uncertain future.

The author always creates interesting and engaging characters and slowly over the story other down on their luck waifs and strays find their way into their home as they rebuild their lives. They expect hard work but not the kindness of others or how their own relationship will develop.

There are some devils in their lives who are determined to bring their hopes crashing down and it is a race against time for both crops and the safety of those they have come to consider familly.

It is a book I found hard to put down and read in one sitting and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the journey of two young people determined to prove to themselves and to those who might doubt their decisions, that there is hope and love to be found.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

A small selection of other books by Jan Sikes

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And : Amazon UK – Website: Jan Sikes – Goodreads: Jan on Goodreads – Twitter: @rijanjks

About Jan Sikes

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I can still remember the excitement that surged through me the first time I realized I could decipher words. Many summers, I won the highest award possible from the Hobbs, NM Public Library for reading the most books.

There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I never had any ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music to match the time period of each story segment.

In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Romance Writers of America, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books… Sally