"love is once again in the air in Bliss County"
Reviewed by Sandra Wurman
Posted January 11, 2015
Western | Romance
THE MARRIAGE CHARM is the second in The Brides
of Bliss County series. Not sure how many will follow
but
I can guess at least one more. The series revolves around
three friends who make a pact that they will ultimately
marry the man of their dreams for love. For anyone who
understands what it means to settle THE MARRIAGE CHARM
will instantly find a place in their heart -- as did the
first book -- The Marriage Pact. Linda Lael Miller is such
a romantic but she also has great integrity for her
characters so she diligently keeps them honest. THE
MARRIAGE CHARM
has just enough silliness to entertain but it's the
warmth of friendship that truly keeps you turning pages.
When I look at a Linda Lael Miller booklist it's like
revisiting old friends. I've always been a fan of her
family based series -- of course westerns complete with
cowboys, cowgirls and horses. But Miller is such an
animal lover that all kinds of pets have recurring parts.
THE MARRIAGE CHARM as others in this series does not
revolve around a family instead they star a trio of
friends who have the most amazing and enviable
friendship.
Chief Spence Hogan initially has his hands full with his
friend's wedding. Spence was allergic to anything that
even remotely resembled relationships or hinted at love.
He had the dubious reputation as a ladies man but that
was an unfair label. Spence had his own set of rules -- of
course honed by his history with his father. It was
rather simple -- he didn't believe in making promises he
couldn't or wouldn't keep.
The best thing that ever happened was that Spence wound
up in Mustang Creek where he made lifelong good friends
and developed into a very responsible man. He considered
his limited relationships with women as short term
friendships.
Melody Nolan was part of the pact trio. She has secretly
crushed on Spence for years -- starting when she was just
six and he was thirteen. Perhaps you might even call it
hero worship. Spence had hung around with a bunch of
guys that included Melody's brother.
All and all this tug of hearts between Melody and Spence
is what great romance stories are filled with and in THE
MARRIAGE CHARM there is lots of that going around.
In a small town like Mustang Creek there is usually not
much crime -- petty offenses sure -- but crime sprees just
don't happen. However Spence is in the middle of an
investigation into a series of robberies that have some
commonalities that are keeping them in the forefront.
After all this is Spence's jurisdiction and he is
beginning to take it personally. His reputation as a law
enforcer is at stake.
But when it becomes really personal -- well that is an
entirely different matter.
Growing up in a small town has its share of problems but
also lots of wonderful assets to brag about. The people
of Mustang Creek are its biggest and most impressive
asset. So welcome back to a great little town that comes
with a steady flow of quirky conversations, relationships
and warmhearted fun. Be prepared to fall in love and
become totally invested in the outcome of the who dun it
in this western romance that has it all. After all it's
what we expect from a Linda Lael Miller book and once
again she serves up a delicious spread.
SUMMARY
The women of Bliss County have a pact—to find husbands.
The
right husbands.
One already has: Hadleigh
Stevens, who married rancher Tripp Galloway a few months
ago. Now Melody Nolan thinks it's her turn. Melody has
recently found success as a jewelry designer, and her work
is the focus of her life. She's not exactly unhappy, but
she
wants more. She's always been attracted to Spence Hogan,
the
local chief of police, but she's convinced that Spence, a
notorious charmer, isn't what you'd call husband
material.
Spence is a good cop who isn't
scared
of anything—except love. And he's done everything he can
to
preserve his reputation as a womanizer—a reputation that
keeps marriage-minded women, including Melody, at bay. And
yet…there's something about Melody he can't forget.
Something his heart can't ignore.
What do you think about this review?
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