Historical
Reese’s Bride
By Pamela Denise
Feb 4, 2010 - 2:00:46 PM

Reese Dewar left for the war eight years ago to serve his country proudly.  The joy he felt knowing his sweetheart waited for him to return was short-lived upon discovering that, just two short months after his enlistment, his beloved Elizabeth had betrayed him. Instead of becoming his bride, she accepted the hand of the Earl of Aldridge, a man who could give her a title and possessed more wealth than young Reese could offer. Now a major, Reese returns home to honor his dying father’s request, which is to run his family’s estate as a gentleman farmer.  The pain of the wounded knee he brings with him pails in comparison to the emotional scars from love that open at the site of Elizabeth upon his arrival back at Briarwood.

Elizabeth Clemens had been smitten with the dashing Reese Dewar in her youth and pledged her heart to him. However, her father did not approve of the match. After Reese’s departure, she gave in to her father’s demands of marrying the rich Earl of Aldridge. Now a widow with a young son she lives in constant fear. She is continuously thwarting her vile brother-in-law Mason’s advances and is terrified for her son’s safety. Elizabeth is convinced he and his wife will stop at nothing to gain the title and wealth left to her son, even committing murder.  With no one to turn to for help, her only hope rests in Reese.

Reese is thrown for a loop when he unexpectedly finds Elizabeth and her son on his doorstep.  After hearing of her dilemma, he reluctantly gives his vow as a gentlemen offering them protection. Reese may allow her back into his life but swears she will not find a place in his heart again. The more time he spends around the alluring beauty and her shy little boy however, the more his feelings are aroused. Having never gotten over her love for Reese, being near him again is overwhelming for Elizabeth. The two may have a second chance if she can help heal Reese’s old wounds and regain his trust. However, the secrets that she is sheltering may cause Reese to despise her for eternity.

REESE’S BRIDE, the second book in the BRIDE series, is filled with passion and intrigue. Kat Martin brings forth a classic tale of betrayal and forgiveness with a fresh spin that is sure to pull at the heart strings. The way she communicates the effects of making bad decisions in life and the struggles the couple must go through to overcome them are quite moving. It was great to get another glimpse into Royal and Lillie’s life as well. I have been captivated by the Dewar brothers and so look forward to Rule’s story.