TROUBLE AT THE WEDDING – Laura Lee Guhrke
Abandoned at the Alta r, Book 3
Avon
ISBN 978-0-06-196317-9
January 2012
Historical Romance

On the Atlantic Ocean; New York City; England – 1904

Heiress Miss Annabelle Wheaton has planned her wedding to Bernard Alastair, the Fourth Earl of Rumsford, aboard a luxurious ocean liner.  He is British and she is American, and because they could not agree in which country to wed, the marriage will take place on the ocean between both countries.  Although it is not a love match, she feels that they like and understand each other.  That is enough for Annabelle who isn't interested in a love match.  So what if Bernard is marrying her for her money?  After all, she is marrying him for social acceptance for her and her family, and she is willing to pay for it.

His brother's death left Christian Du Quesne penniless along with his title, the Duke of Scarborough.  He is hoping to make some connections with wealthy Americans for investment purposes.  He runs across Rumsford in New York , but they never liked each other.  When he hears that the earl is getting married, he feels sorry for the unfortunate woman.  He doesn't realize that Annabelle is a strong Southern woman with a mind of her own, determined to marry Rumsford.

Annabelle's uncle does not approve of Rumsford and is not happy to see Annabelle rush into marriage.  He calls on Christian and offers him a small fortune if he can persuade Annabelle to either not marry Rumsford or persuade her to put it off for a few months.  Because Christian needs money, he agrees to the scheme.  He is amazed to see that Annabelle is such a beauty.  Will he be able to convince Annabelle to break her engagement or take more time with her choice?

A beautifully written tale, TROUBLE AT THE WEDDING immediately catches the reader's interest and takes off running.  You can't help but like Annabelle, but hope that she will take a little more time before she makes such a final and lasting decision.  Christian is an engaging man, a charming scoundrel who has made his money playing poker, but now needs money to shore up his inheritance.  He is a romantic hero that readers are sure to enjoy.  Will he be able to talk sense into Annabelle?  The attraction between them is strong—something that neither of them wants.  All the secondary characters have minor roles with Annabelle and Christian on center stage.

Ms. Guhrke knows how to write an intriguing story, and TROUBLE AT THE WEDDING, with its delicious hero, is one of her best.  The dialogue is delightful, the pacing excellent.  It's a story readers will love but hate to finish, as love develops between the two major characters.  Another winner for Ms. Guhrke!

Marilyn Heyman