Emma has been left a penniless widow in a small Scottish village. Her late husband's cousin, James, comes to the island, and he and Emma decide to marry in name only so she can clame her inheritance. But James has always loved Emma, and now he is determined to make her fall in love with him.
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The review of this Book prepared by Rebecca Herman
Pocket, May 2002, 6.99, 352 pp.
ISBN: 0743410289
The toast of the Ton just last year, Emma Van Court married Stuart Chesterton because of his compassion and sense of community activism. Stuart needed to help the poor so he accepted a curate's job in Scotland. His cousin Earl James Marbury angrily cut Stuart off with no money. However, neither James nor his bride cared as they knew he was doing the right thing. Six months later Stuart died leaving his widow without funds residing in a dilapidated Scottish hut.
When James learns that Stuart died, he performs his duty as the head of the family and visits the widow. He is appalled by Emma's living conditions and feels guilty that he not just allowed that to happen, he enabled it to occur. He also realizes that the locals are courting Emma because she inherits a fortune if she marries soon. Trying to correct his error and protect Emma, James realizes he loves her, but wonders how to prove it to his skeptical beloved. Though she loves him too, Emma also feels guilt over the memory of Stuart and struggles with forgiving James for his maltreatment of her deceased spouse.
KISS THE BRIDE is an engaging Regency romance that uses humor to ease the tension of a sensitive character driven tale that focuses on a romantic triangle of sorts. The lead couple is a delight and their insight into Stuart makes the deceased man seem as if he is still alive.. Though the concept has been often told before, Patricia Cabot shows her talent by providing the audience with an enthrallingly vigorous historical romance.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
