"Loving is impossible by the rules of society"
Reviewed by Sandra Wurman
Posted May 3, 2015
Romance Historical
Welcome to a magical series -- The Brides of
Wishmore - by
Cathy Maxwell that takes place around 1807 and includes
all the pomp and circumstance of that historical romance
era. THE BRIDE SAYS NO brings us back to a time that on
the outside appears so romantic and glorious with all the
London activities of the ton. But what is most
fascinating about this time are the secrets and
subterfuge that those vivid gowns and lavish homes hide.
Every time I read about this era I feel as though I am
visit a time where people almost seemed to lose their
humanity especially when it came to women. Women were no
better than chattel -- bartered for the most advantage of
their families. THE BRIDE SAYS NO by Cathy Maxwell is a
fabulous example of why I am always so taken with this
era.
It all starts in 1807 when Lady Aileen Davidson is
leaving her home to be presented into society. Aileen
looked forward to seeing more of the world outside of
Annefield her homeland. The only down side was leaving
her younger sister Tara. Aileen wanted her chance to meet
and marry a man of means and dare she hope for love.
Leaving Tara was something she would regret but in their
world inevitable.
Love was not really a prerequisite for marriage -- more
often than not it was a matter of finances and rank.
Sounds cold and calculating and for the most part was
just that. Women were practically sold to the highest
bidder to help fill the family's coffers. Men needed
heirs and the respectability marriage brought even if
there was little if any true merit to the union.
But what happens when the potential bride and groom are
not well suited -- here in lies the dilemma that is the
core of THE BRIDE SAYS NO.
Aileen returns home years later with a societal stain on
her reputation. She had divorced the abusive gentleman
she had married and in addition was falsely accused of
cheating on the monster. All Aileen's illusions were
shattered.
Now Tara is preparing to wed Blake Stephens -- a very
wealthy catch. Blake basically arranges the marriage with
Tara's father knowing that his own father would be very
pleased. And herein lies the twists and turns of what
becomes a sort of labyrinth of lies and innuendos that
threaten the future happiness of them all. Wonderfully
done by Cathy Maxwell.
THE BRIDE SAYS NO is about the people affected by these
arranged marriages. No one could predict how many lives
would be touched and altered by this series of events.
Certainly no one expects to fall in love but love is
definitely in the air in THE BRIDE SAYS NO -- but amidst
so many societal rules the question is whether the heart
will be the winner. The stakes are high and believe it or
not the enemy is polite society. It's kind of like a game
of chess -- better make the right move.
SUMMARY
What happens when a bride says no? He is the bastard son of a duke, arrogant, handsome, a
little bit dangerous, and, of course, one of the most
sought-after bachelors in London. He is also about to be
publically jilted by some chit of a girl! Blake Stephens'
pride isn't about to let him be humiliated, so he charges
after his bride to the wilds of Scotland, determined to
bring her to the altar. What happens when the heart says yes? He is promised to one woman, but discovers his soul
stirred
by . . . the chit's sister! Lady Aileen Davidson's
reputation was ruined ages ago, which is why she's buried
herself in the country, but her fiery spirit and bold
beauty
threaten to bring Blake to his knees, making him wonder if
he has proposed to the wrong lass. And now he must make a choice: marry for honor . . . or
marry for love?
What do you think about this review?
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