THE BRIDE

Author: Debra Mullins ISBN: 0373772203 2/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Time Period: Victorian - 1890 New Mexico

She thought her fate was sealed... Isabella Montgomery's future looked bleak. Before her father died, he betrothed her to Juan Garcia, an old ranchero infamous for cruelty. Now, shut away in a convent, she dreaded the day he would come to claim her. Until a dark horse revealed her true destiny... Rafael McKenzie needed a bride before he came into his inheritance. The moment he laid eyes on Isabella, he knew she was the one. Breaking into the convent and capturing her was easy enough, but stealing her heart was another story....

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE BRIDE by Carolyn Davidson is a historical romance whose characters face issues that are still faced by modern couples. Familial loyalty, duty and obligation are strong motivations for marriage that can often overshadow the stirrings of one's heart. This is shown clearly in THE BRIDE.

Isabella has been betrothed by her father to an old, mean man. She lives in dread of the day when Juan Garcia will come to force her to face her obligation to him, and to her dead father. But when she is taken from a convent by Rafael McKenzie, a man who has his own agenda, she is saved from a loveless marriage-for now.

I liked this book for a number of reasons, but the most compelling is the fact that the characters are realistic. Also, the dialogue is engaging and very well written. These two features bring the action and emotions from the page and into the reader's mind so clearly, the story is a pleasurable experience. I loved watching Juan woo Isabella in his way, bringing her closer to realizing her emotions with every exchange. This is a tale that brings old customs to life again in a rich, emotionally satisfying tale of love, duty and honor.

THE BRIDE by Carolyn Davidson is an adventure that is too good to be missed.

Kay James