The Bashful Bride

by Vanessa Riley

Overview

A friend's newspaper advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes to elope with the handsome man, who she's secretly loved for two years, in order to escape an impending engagement arranged by her overbearing family.

Trying to outlive the shadow of his villainous uncle, Bex needs to marry quickly-to a woman of good character. And smart, beautiful Ester fits the bill. But a harrowing trip to Gretna Green and dangerous abolition rallies prove to be a more treacherous stage than either imagined. Infatuation and a mutual love for Shakespeare might not be enough to bind a couple looking to outrun the chains and secrets of family and the past.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781718906853
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	05/10/2018
Series:	Advertisements for Love , #2
Pages:	330
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.99(h) x 0.74(d)

About the Author

Vanessa Riley writes Regency and Historical Romances of dazzling multi-culture communities with powerful persons of color. Vanessa writes for historical romance readers who admire and acquire books that showcase women who find joy in sweeping kisses and strong sisterhoods. Even in the darkness, she promises to give you laughs and to show you how light always prevails and how love always, always wins. Vanessa juggles mothering a teen, cooking for her military-man husband, and speaking at women's and STEM events. She’s known for her sweeping romances and humorous delivery of poignant truths. You can catch her writing from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey tea. You can find her at: www.vanessariley.com

Editorial Reviews

Jessica Bolte narrates a surprisingly sweet love story set during the tumultuous British abolitionist movement. Ester Croome wants her marriage to be one of grand passions—and not simply a furthering of her father’s business arrangements. Arthur Bex, a rising star of the London theater scene, is in desperate need of a wife. Bolte’s portrayal of Ester as she grows from a slightly spoiled girl into a young woman who is secure in her sense of self is remarkable in the ways that the character’s emotional stumbles and missteps are given full due. Similarly, her visceral depiction of Arthur’s guilt and grief over his role, however small, in his uncle’s slave trade is extremely poignant. Bolte also does well with secondary characters, especially groom Jonesy and journalist Phineas. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

JUNE 2019 - AudioFile