How many times have you watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. I’ve watched it about a BILLION times. Okay, maybe only a MILLION, but it’s a lot. I grew up an avid devourer of the musical. My sisters and I were all in love with Benjamin and so of course we wanted to be Dorcus. However, as my husband pointed out when I introduced him and our sons to the musical, I am all the way Sara. I look like her, sound like her, and am just as bossy as her.
Okay, so onto the real reason you are here. Brides & Brothers by Anneka R. Walker is a delightful Seven Brides for Seven Brothers-inspired LDS romantic comedy clocking in at 275 pages. A fun afternoon read.
Brides & Brothers Book Description:
A modern retelling of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Camille Kelly is in real danger of becoming an old maid—at least by Cherish, Montana, standards. She has all but given up on finding Mr. Right—until her broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a tall, dark, and handsome computer genius. Camille would never have believed her magic moment was right around the corner, but after two whirlwind weeks, she has a ring on her finger and has happily ever after in sight. However, she soon discovers Aiden is part of a daunting package deal . . .
As the eldest of seven brothers, Aiden has never had a problem living under the same roof as his rambunctious siblings. When he falls for Camille, he is confident she’ll fit right into his family’s already bursting home. He thought wrong. Aiden and Camille’s storybook romance comes to a screeching halt when she discovers her new living situation. Not willing to submit to a life mothering a bunch of grown men, Camille has only one option: she embarks on a campaign to improve her new brothers-in-law and marry them off. And what better candidates for wives than her own best friends?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Charming and Faith-Filled Modern Retelling
Anneka R. Walker’s Brides & Brothers is a delightful modern adaptation of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, bringing the beloved musical’s humor, heart, and chaos into a contemporary setting with fresh depth and charm. Fans of the original will love the nods to classic moments like the barn dance and the brotherly brawls, while new readers will be swept up in a whirlwind romance that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful.
Set in small-town Montana, the story follows Camille “Millie” Kelly, who is rapidly approaching “old maid” status—at least by local standards. When a broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a brilliant but socially oblivious computer whiz, sparks fly fast. Within weeks, Millie finds herself not only engaged but married, believing she’s found her happily ever after. What she didn’t bargain for? The six grown, bachelor brothers who still live under Aiden’s roof and have no plans of leaving anytime soon.
What follows is a mix of laugh-out-loud moments, tender romance, and heartfelt challenges as Millie decides that if she’s going to survive this new life, she needs to whip these brothers into shape—and find them wives. Her matchmaking efforts lead to plenty of misunderstandings, jealousy, and unexpected connections, keeping the reader engaged in multiple love stories at once.
Walker does a fantastic job of staying true to the spirit of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers while adding layers of emotional depth. The book goes beyond lighthearted comedy, exploring themes of faith, trust, and the reality of building a strong marriage when love moves at lightning speed. Aiden and Millie’s relationship isn’t just about attraction; they must navigate communication struggles, family expectations, and personal insecurities. One of the most poignant moments of the book reminds us:
“Marriage was more than just living side by side; it was about overcoming difficulties, keeping promises, and striving harder to be what the other person needed. A good marriage wasn’t a matter of chance but a summation of everything both spouses put into it.”
Walker also weaves in strong Christian themes, highlighting the importance of prayer, faith, and commitment. Though the romance is sweet and clean, it is also deeply compelling, showing that love isn’t measured by time but by devotion and effort.
While the focus remains on Millie and Aiden, the brothers’ budding romances with her friends add an extra layer of charm. If anything, readers may find themselves wishing for more time with each brother’s love story. After all, with 7 love stories included the other six are rushed. That’s not a criticism, but a statement of fact. The story is about Camille and Aiden, but there’s 6 more loves stories woven throughout. I think some spin-off stories would be awesome.
Another fun feature was that the last page of every chapter had an adorable gray cutout art of the brothers and their girls. I love it when books have those little added touches.
With its humor, heart, and timeless themes, Brides & Brothers is a must-read for fans of clean romance, classic musicals, and stories about faith and family. Whether you grew up loving Seven Brides for Seven Brothers or are discovering this story for the first time, this novel is an absolute delight.
English