Elopement For One
Fleeta CunninghamHistorical romance
Available from The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-809-5
September 2010
| In April 1956, Troy Richards leaves Eric Townsend, her husband-to-be, literally at the altar and escapes with the help of her long-time girlfriend, Zarah, and her brother Zach. Troy heads to the small Texas town of Santa Rita to spend some time with their aunt, who has an herb and flower farm. Zach, a county attorney there, hires her to decorate his home. But Eric isn't willing to let her go and hunts for her. When Zach investigates and realizes the man may be dangerous, he asks Troy to marry him, believing that would take care of the matter. But he's been getting Troy out of trouble for years, and she's determined not to ask him help and doesn't believe he loves her. When she returns to Dallas to tell her father how dangerous Eric is, he doesn't believe her and tries to prevent her from leaving. Trouble comes at them even at their wedding. Will Troy escape Eric's clutches, or is it too late?
This is a well-crafted story with an exciting plot and interesting characters. The author has described the settings beautifully, from the ostentatious home Troy grew up in to the lovely A-frame of Zach's, as well as the small town and the surroundings. The reader can almost feel the breezes off the river, or want to run to escape the downpour of a violent storm. Troy is a well-drawn character and her fears and wants are realistic. It is interesting to see how she grows while living in Santa Rita, and how she becomes a loving and capable person. Zach is the quintessential hero, strong, capable, and very loving, and with a sense of humor, a man easy to fall in love with. The struggles each go through before they finally admit their love for one another has the reader on edge and wondering. The secondary characters are varied and interesting and do a beautiful job of filling out the cast, including the dangerous Eric. The love between the two main characters is precious, from the beginning to the final, exciting conclusion. Since this is part of a series, I am now determined to read the rest of the series.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Jaye Leyel |
