Review: "The Runaway Bride" by Noelle Marchand

Reviewed by *Katie McCurdy for Legacy of a Writer

4/5 Stars

THE BOOK:

The only husband Lorelei Wilkins ever wanted was Sean O'Brien, but she's wasted too much time waiting for him to love her back. When another man proposes, she accepts—until she stands at the altar…and realizes she can't marry without love. Bolting out of town toward a fresh start, she never suspected her parents would send Sheriff O'Brien to bring her home!

After an innocent mistake leaves Lorelei and her reluctant rescuer with compromised reputations, marriage is their only option. But first they must triumph over suspicious locals, shady characters, an inconvenient groom and the bride's own stubborn heart. Will it take putting their lives on the line for Sean and Lorelei to realize that only love can conquer all?

MY REVIEW:

Having read the first book in this series, Unlawfully Wedded Bride, I was eager to re-visit the characters in this new installment, The Runaway Bride. What fun to discover that the two youngsters from book one have grown up. Sean is now an adult—and the sheriff of Peppin, ta boot!

I liked Sean from the previous book, so when I saw that he was the main character in The Runaway Bride, my interest was instantly roused. His friendship with Lorelei’s spurned fiancé forced him into a very delicate situation when the “forced courtship” was proposed, and I liked seeing how concerned he was for his friend. Lorelei was a one-of-a-kind girl! But I found her character likeable—aren’t we all at fault of not following through, in some way or another?? And seeing her realize her mistakes and endeavor to change her ways…it made for a good lesson!

The fun-if-somewhat-forced romance between Lorelei and Sean was amusing, and the mystery they solved together was intriguing and fun. There were several things I didn’t see coming and that surprised and delighted me. And since the synopsis happens in the first few chapters, The Runaway Bride will doubtless surprise you, too!

I had a hard time completely accepting/believing all the reasons for their forced courtship, but it was fun! And the ending I couldn't help but sighing in satisfactions. Now I can look forward with anticipation to Ellie’s story in the next book—and since she is such a fiery-tempered and lively girl…it will doubtless be fun!

* I reviewed this book for the author. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.