The Reluctant Bridegroom Book Review

Book Description

Marriage for any reason but love was once unthinkable to Maryland councilman Henry Nash. But when an innocent encounter with a criminal puts Henry’s reputation in jeopardy, he’ll make any sacrifice to maintain custody of his orphaned nieces. And an alliance with a powerful politician’s daughter could secure the little girls’ futures. As long as gentle Rebekah Van der Geld never hears the rumors surrounding her new groom.

Refusing her father’s choice of husband wasn’t an option for dutiful Rebekah. But Henry’s kindness is a happy revelation, and she’s quickly falling for his adorable nieces. so she allows herself to hope this unconventional arrangement could become much more. But can it survive a shattering revelation that puts their new family in danger?

My Thoughts

I haven’t read a marriage of convenience story in ages, and I loved this one! It’s set right after the Civil War, and has a small bit of intrigue with the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Rebekah and Henry are put together by their fathers – neither is too happy about it. I felt awful for both of them from the very beginning as their fathers are equally terrible, using this marriage to bolster their political futures. Rebekah’s father was cruel and hateful to her on a regular basis, and never cared a whit for her happiness.

I had no clue that this story was part of a Civil War series of books by this author, but there were several secondary characters that seemed like they might have their own story. I’m eager to read the story of the newspaper journalist/artist couple; their job and the way they worked together sounded fascinating!

These two characters found their way to each other by the end of the book, and it was a satisfying conclusion! Their nieces were absolutely precious, and their love for them helped draw Henry & Rebekah closer to each other.

While it’s disappointing that the Love Inspired line no longer publishes these historical stories, there are many gems among their backlist. The Reluctant Bridegroom is one of them!

4 Stars

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