Bride of the High Country (Runaway Brides, #3)

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Bride of the High Country (Runaway Brides #3)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 121 ratings · 26 reviews

Kaki Warner’s newest novel in the series about unlikely brides who make their way west—and find love where they least expect it…

Margaret Hamilton escaped the Irish slums of Five Points as the ward of a wealthy Manhattan widow, but only marriage can make her future secure. Railroad mogul Doyle Kerrigan needs a well-connected wife. It seems a perfect match...until a shocki...more

Paperback, 400 pages

Published June 5th 2012 by Berkley Trade

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Oct 17, 2012 Linda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1800s-period-of-history, romance-series, not-as-good-as-first-in-the-series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. So many things come to my mind after finishing BRIDE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY. This is the third book in the 'Runaway Brides' trilogy and a necessary ending. I needed Lucinda's story so I could have closure on this 'family' of lovable strong women. Unfortunately it did not meet my high expectations that I found with the first two books: Heartbreak Creek, #1 and Colorado Dawn, #2.

Be aware that this is NOT a stand-alone book. You will need to read the first two stories to understand what is going on.

Lu...more So many things come to my mind after finishing BRIDE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY. This is the third book in the 'Runaway Brides' trilogy and a necessary ending. I needed Lucinda's story so I could have closure on this 'family' of lovable strong women. Unfortunately it did not meet my high expectations that I found with the first two books: Heartbreak Creek, #1 and Colorado Dawn, #2.

Be aware that this is NOT a stand-alone book. You will need to read the first two stories to understand what is going on.

Lucinda Hathaway, as we know, was running from a groom when she met Maddie, Edwina and Pru. What we were left to guess was why? What happened to lead up to her settling in Heartbreak Creek? 'Luce' was reserved yet not afraid to share what she thought when necessary. Of the four ladies, I thought of her as the leader. After reading the first two books I knew she had secrets and I wanted to have some answers. I placed this book on autobuy with anticipation.

So now as to why I rated it two stars for 'OK'. This is one of those times when you'd like Amazon to allow reviewers to give half stars; I would have given it two and a half. For a little over the first half of the book it is about Lucinda BEFORE she met the other ladies. It is the story of Margaret Hamilton (Lucinda), Doyle Kerrigan (her fiancee and eventual groom) and Tait Rylander (Doyle's business partner and confidant). Lucinda was a prickly character that was willing to settle for security rather than love. I knew the minute I read about Tait's character that he was important to this story. If I share more than this I'll give away spoilers but I found out about Lucinda's past and why she was on the run.

The problem arose when she met up with Maddie. The remaining story felt, hmmm...., choppy? The best way I know how to describe it was the structure was uneven. And it was this way until the end. I am not putting the blame on Ms. Warner, I think of this as an editing issue.

It is funny because I am actually recommending this romance unless you have a friend who has read it and will tell you everything. After completing this narrative you will have answers. I only regret there was not a fourth book about Pru and Thomas. That part left me wanting.

But I am not deterred, I will read more of Ms. Warner's stories. I enjoy her style of writing. So read this book with some mild anticipation and you won't be disappointed.(less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Yellow Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am surprised that this book does not have more reviews I wonder if its the lack of readership or if its a hard to find book, however if its a rare readership case people are missing out by not reading this amazing romance historical novel. I absolutely loved the book, the main heroine was one of the best that I have read about. Also the hero as well was very charismatic and loving he paid his debt to Lucinda after he left her and he came back a more loving man what a romantic, just the right m...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Barbara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, westerns

3 1/2 stars for this one. This one suffered a bit from 'wrap-up-itis' in the second half, but the first half was first rate.
This is Lucinda's story and what a story it is. Born Cathleen Donovan, we meet her as a 12 year old girl who has fled from a burning brothel. She's rescued by the local priest and placed in a new home with a new identity. When next we see her she is Margaret Hamilton, ward of the late Judge Throckmorton and his very much alive widow. (Mrs Throckmorton is a doll and one of t...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Mariann {a.k.a. Belle's Book Bag} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-favorites

I want to thank Kaki Warner for sending me Bride Of The High Country to review, it was my absolute pleasure. She is truly an amazing writer that has the ability to draw me into whatever world her books have created and where her characters sink in deep and don't let go till long after the book is finished. That to me is the mark of a great author and a great book and is the reason that I love to read!!

From the very first page I was lost in this book. So So Good!!! I loved catching up with the am...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romances-a-la-kimberly

The story begins with Margaret Hamilton, an orphan with a not so bright, but secretive past, preparing for her wedding to wealthy Irishman/New Yorker, Doyle Kerrigan. It's not a love match, but Margaret doesn't believe in love, just security and safety. After discovering that her intended is not all he presents himself to be, she still takes that walk down the aisle but absconds before the reception, leaving her "husband" confused. Her loving guardian Mrs. Ida Throckmorton plays like she has no...more
The story begins with Margaret Hamilton, an orphan with a not so bright, but secretive past, preparing for her wedding to wealthy Irishman/New Yorker, Doyle Kerrigan. It's not a love match, but Margaret doesn't believe in love, just security and safety. After discovering that her intended is not all he presents himself to be, she still takes that walk down the aisle but absconds before the reception, leaving her "husband" confused. Her loving guardian Mrs. Ida Throckmorton plays like she has no idea what's going on, when she is the one that encouraged her ward to run.

When Doyle realizes that his bride as run off with the stock options he gifted her, he sends his right hand man, Tait Rylander to find the runaway. Only thing is, Mr. Rylander has been pining after Margaret for a year and never did anything about it. Can he be objective enough to find Margaret but not return her to his gruff "employer"? Hmmmmm. Will he let Margaret know he has feelings for her?

Once Margaret is free of Doyle Kerrigan, or she thinks she is, she becomes quick friends with Englishwoman, Maddie Wallace, who we meet in book one of Kaki Warner's Runaway Brides series.
The two ladies end up in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado.Margaret, now using the name Lucinda Hathaway and Maddie take up residence in the comfy town, making new friends.

Danger is always lurking for Lucinda now as she has more than one person from her past seeking her out and in addition, Tait Ryland, who wants to protect her and open his heart to her. Will the new Lucinda Hathaway allow that to happen? Will she allow her past to continue to taint her future? Read Kaki Warner's Bride of the High Country to find out.

How I enjoyed this book!! I loved the suspense and that all the characters were not quite all that they portray themselves to be. I loved the capacity for change and understanding, which every single one of Kaki Warner's books have. I was a fan of hers from the get-go. It just goes to show that out of darkness the sun can always shine with the right people beside you. I highly recommend this book.... A joy to read!

~KIMBERLY~

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Aug 23, 2012 Regina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Margaret/Lucinda was a multifaceted heroine, and her stories were equally traumatic, fascinating and entertaining. She was a survivor, but her gutsy attitude wasn't obnoxious. Tait was a true protective-type hero, the kind who loved her from the sidelines. And he was human: sensitive and strong, yet only able to do so much. The story sped along up until a little over half-way when it bogged down when Lucinda met up with Maddie, Edwina, and Pru on the train and was trying to catch up with the pre...more

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Aug 10, 2012 Lynn Spencer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I gave this a C+ on AAR, so that would be 3.5 stars here I think.

Having read several of Kaki Warner's books, I had high hopes for Bride of the High Country. I expected adventure, romance, and a well-told story full of genuine sweetness. A tall order to be sure, but as I read the first part of the book, I got exactly this. Then I got to the second half, where between the loose ends being wrapped up and the characters from other novels making forced appearances, the beauty of the story somehow got...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

First half was a four-star historical romance, second half was a disjointed two-star mess as the author tried awkwardly to integrate the third "runaway bride" narrative with the occurrences of the two previous novels. As a result, the romance was abruptly shortchanged. Which was a shame, because I liked Lucinda and Tait and would have liked greater depth to their love story.

Although there were four runaway brides introduced in the first book of the series, it looks like noble half-black Prudenc...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Marquetta (LoveToReadForFun) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, historical-romance

Bride of the High Country is the third book of the Runaway Brides series. I haven't read the two previous books but I had no problems following the plot. The book easily read as a stand alone with characters from the previous two books smoothly being a part of Tait and Margaret's story.

I really enjoyed Bride of the High Country. The romance is really well-written. The one thing that I heard about Kaki Warner's books is that there are no graphic sex scenes. The intimate scenes fade to black, some...more Bride of the High Country is the third book of the Runaway Brides series. I haven't read the two previous books but I had no problems following the plot. The book easily read as a stand alone with characters from the previous two books smoothly being a part of Tait and Margaret's story.

I really enjoyed Bride of the High Country. The romance is really well-written. The one thing that I heard about Kaki Warner's books is that there are no graphic sex scenes. The intimate scenes fade to black, something that I'm not used to reading but it worked for me. The focus was on the relationship and the romance.

Margaret has experienced a lot of hardship at a young age so as an adult, what she wants in life is safety and security. She thinks she's going to find that with Doyle but when she discovers a secret about Doyle, she takes off. Tait is tasked with bringing her back. Tait and Margaret's relationship has always been a tense one but the longer they are in each other's company, the tension begins to ease. Margaret is a strong-willed woman and knows her own mind. She frustrates Tait constantly with battling him at every turn. Margaret is a woman who must have the last word. Some of these scenes, with Tait and Margaret arguing back and forth, were some of my favorite.

"Take down your hair."
"It might get tangled."
"I'll brush it later."
"But it knots easily."
"I'll brush out every snarl. I promise."
"But-"
"Now? You want to argue about your hair now?"

Because Tait and Margaret's relationship is written so well, I was not overly fond when the two were separated. I loved that Margaret met new friends and started establishing her life and independence at Heartbreak Creek but for me, it took too long for Tait and Margaret to get back together. I really liked Tait; he is written so well as the hero. You can't help but root for him to find his way back to Margaret. I was hoping the reconciliation would have happened sooner rather than later. Because of my impatience of the inevitable reunion, some parts of the book dragged for me.

At the end, it felt like the plots of the previous two books were quickly wrapped up while leaving us wanting more with the epilogue. I am definitely interested in reading more about Thomas and Pru. I liked Bride of the High Country a lot. I haven't read many historical romances that take place in America and it was refreshing. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.

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Mar 11, 2013 Jan Aldergate rated it 3 of 5 stars

this was the third and final book of the runaway brides trilogy and I was slightly disappointed in it, it wasn't up to the other two's standards. Just felt it was a bit rushed and also went over a lot of the same ground, from another point of view. also didn't like the resolution of the love between Thomas and Pru. that being said, I read it in one day, so It was still pretty good. a soppy romance, but enjoyable for a change from my usual fare of mysteries and thrillers. every so often a girl ne...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

I am so glad I discovered Kaki Warner last year when I read her Wilkins brothers trilogy. I’ve enjoyed every last word she’s written, right up to this latest book in her Runaway Brides series, Bride of the High Country. Her characters are charming and complex with wonderful flashes of humor. She’s become quite proficient at weaving previous characters into the current story without pushing the romance aside. The feel of early America is perfect, right down to the most minute detail. Each book ha...more I am so glad I discovered Kaki Warner last year when I read her Wilkins brothers trilogy. I’ve enjoyed every last word she’s written, right up to this latest book in her Runaway Brides series, Bride of the High Country. Her characters are charming and complex with wonderful flashes of humor. She’s become quite proficient at weaving previous characters into the current story without pushing the romance aside. The feel of early America is perfect, right down to the most minute detail. Each book has its own separate storyline, all of which have been intriguing, and she seamlessly brings her characters together to invite readers along on an adventure each and every time. But aside from all that? You just need to read Ms. Warner’s books because they’re so darned good. End of story.

In this third and last book of the trilogy, we finally get Lucinda’s story. She’s been the most closed-mouth of the three brides throughout the story arc; therefore, you’re curious as to what made her run. We find her in Manhattan going by the name of Margaret. As a child, she was taken in by a lady of means, Ida Throckmorton, after Cathleen – Margaret’s birth name – was found at the scene of a fire at a local brothel. Throughout the book we find out what happened to young Cathleen, and it breaks your heart. But she overcame that tragic part of her life and became Margaret, who is now just days away from marrying Doyle Kerrigan, a fellow Irishman.

This is not a love match for Margaret, but more a union of security, something she needs more than anything. On the groom’s part, he needs her connections to raise his reputation even higher and erase more of the Irish taint that’s always surrounded him; obviously he doesn’t know Margaret is Irish. Happy with the way her life is headed, she’s content to be wife and mother and keep her secrets hidden. Until her wedding day. She learns just before her walk down the aisle that Doyle played a part in the loss of everything she held dear.

With the help of her foster mother, Margaret is now on the run, has become Lucinda, and heads west, but where she ends up is not what she’d planned. In her travels she meets an adventurous and feisty photographer, Maddie Wallace. They become fast friends and decide to keep heading west to see what they find. Lucinda is game, hoping the farther she goes, the less likely Doyle and his men, including the Pinkertons, won’t be able to find her. Little does she know she still has an ally back in New York.

Tait Rylander is friend and business associate to Doyle. In actuality, he cleans up the messes left behind by the Irishman. Lucinda never warmed up toTait, but when he’s the only one who knows where she is, he’s the only one she’s opened up to, he’s the only one who wants her for who she is, she finds herself casting off her doubts about him. Tait, on the other hand, has kept himself in check for more than a year, keeping his hands off another’s man woman. The more he discovers about his partner, the more he wants out of their arrangement and the more he wants Lucinda and will help her all he can.

Lucinda and Maddie decide to stay in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, where they meet more friends and opportunities they never imagined crop up. This is the place that says home to Lucinda and she jumps right in to breathe life into the small town. That’s when her greatest fear is realized, and now that Tait has abandoned her, she has only herself to depend on. Tait is determined to find Lucinda to try to explain what happened on that train in his efforts to protect her. And it’s a good thing he eventually does it face to face, because the lady is having none of him and his explanations by letter. And Lucinda can’t resist him whatsoever in the flesh.

This trilogy has been nothing but fun. I’ve loved these characters from the beginning. They depict the times just as Ms. Warner’s descriptions do. The stories take you through so many emotions as you live with these people and become entrenched in their lives. Lucinda’s is the most heart breaking of the three, but as with those early pioneers of this great nation, she’s a survivor, as well as an adventurer, though that is the last thing she ever expected in her life. Tait is a straight shooter, even with Lucinda. He knows his own mind and never backs down. These two belong together in every way. It’s also nice to catch up with the characters from previous books, and this is done very well throughout the trilogy so you don’t forget their story in between books.

Whether or not you pick up western and/or early American historicals, you should read Kaki Warner’s books. Strength of character and of the land she writes about, filled with heart and spirit, each book paints the perfect picture of overcoming hardship to conquering love and romance and carving a new life for the future. You will not be sorry you plunked your hard-earned bucks down for these reads. The characters of Heartbreak Break guarantee that.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

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Nov 25, 2012 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the third in the Runaway Brides trilogy, in which we finally hear the mysterious Lucinda Hathaway's story. True to Warner's other novels, this one grips from the start. I liked that the hero, Tait, immediately won me over-- not because of perfection, but because of his boy-scout protection of Lucinda. It was obvious that he admired her, but of course, she doesn't know this right away. Pages of witty dialogue adorn this book, and the suspense is made better through the historical lens of...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Theresa Rizzo rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is another terrific story, by Ms Warner!
This book is the third in the Runaway Bride series--and I'm so sad to see the series end! Those of you have just discovered Kaki Warner are lucky because you can read the stories back-to-back. This is Lucinda's tale and as with all the others, the writing is very strong, the story compelling, the love scene is sensual and passionate without going into details--well done!

Tait is a wonderful hero. In time when woman were mothers and housekeepers, It was...more

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Apr 14, 2013 Marianne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, multiple-couples, historical, romance, western

I was very involved in the first half of the book but found the second half lagged; it rehashed or retold events from previous books when I was more interested in the aftermath of the Denver trip. I also wish we had got some specific insight into what happened in Denver i.e. why Lucinda was suddenly persona non grata. I can infer what happened but I think this should have been explored.

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Sep 24, 2012 Lisa Potocar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kaki Warner has once again masterfully set us in her time machine and turned the dials to this time start on the streets of late 1800's New York City. Here she sets the stage for Irish-born Lucinda Hathaway and her journey across country by train until she finally lands in Heartbreak Creek and joins the other "brides" in the Runaway Bride Series. The love between Lucinda and Tait Rylander, a scrapper yet Southern gentleman, consummates when they team up to fight the evil in Lucinda's past. I esp...more

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Jan 13, 2013 Darcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-read, library, rate-4

I liked this book but liked the other book in the series much more. They did a good job of covering the time period again, but I am sure people who read this book and not the others think - that is unbelievable to the items that were glossed over from the other characters. I made me not beleive all the things that happened and I had just read the other 2 books! :) That being said I really enjoyed this series!

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Mar 31, 2013 Kate Vale rated it 5 of 5 stars

This wrap-up story was too good to end; that is, I didn't want it to. The details of what Irish immigrants endured on arrival in the United States gave an historical anchor to the story even as it follows Margaret's flight westward, as so many people did, though not necessarily for the same reasons.

The post-Civil War experiences of freed slaves and Southerners as they sought to rebuild their lives also informs the story and provides a rich back story to Tait's life. Occasional references to both...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Phyllis rated it 4 of 5 stars

i like the way all three of the books in this series were interwoven with each other. it was different than most books in which one character is just introduced in the previous books. these were all interwoven so parts of the story were in all three books.

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Aug 14, 2012 Jen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked this one least out of the runaway brides series. I felt like I was re-reading some of the second book. Also...is there now going to be a 4th book? What kind of ending was that?! I hope we at least get another book.

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Nov 03, 2012 Pat Morris rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite authors did not disappoint in this third novel of the Runaway Bride series. Now I just have to be patient for the fourth book.

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Jun 21, 2012 Ruthie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Romance Lovers

Recommended to Ruthie by: Author Auto Buy

Shelves: favorites, kindle, historical-romance, read-2012, series

Another great book by Kaki Warner. She has become an automatic buy for me. I'm not a reviewer but I can say you will not be disappointed in this book if you are a romance lover.

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Jan 30, 2013 Krystle Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was my favourite in the series. Not a dull moment had me up reading for all hours of the night.

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Aug 07, 2012 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

So glad that you saved Lucinda's story for last. I am so glad that I got to understand why she is the way she is. She had a lot of hurt to overcome and she did it in order to survive. Might have spent time weaving her story within the first two books but it was still a good read. heard that there are going to be more books from Heartbreak Creek. YAY! Looking forward to reading more about Thomas and Pru and the rest of the family.

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Jun 11, 2012 NList rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5. The first half of this book is very good...and worth 5 stars! I did think the second half of the book wasn't as good...there was repetition of the of the other books. I wish she had just picked up from where the other book ended for the second half. However, I still really really enjoyed this book.

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May 20, 2013 Christine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance-western

Excellent! This is a wonderfull series and a great story, vivid characters, funny, sad and adventurous !!
Every HF fan should read Kaki Warner and they will become an addicted fan as I am!

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Mar 15, 2013 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical, tlr-book, runaway-brides-series, 2013

3.5 stars - First two/thirds of the book was good, but the last third was a rehash of the former book, since events in this book were happening simultaneously with events from the previous book.

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May 23, 2012 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love these books. Review to come

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May 18, 2013 Mcfree added it · review of another edition

May 14, 2013 Erin marked it as to-read

May 11, 2013 Heini rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About Kaki Warner

Kaki Warner is an award-winning author and long time resident of the Pacific Northwest. Although she now lives on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Kaki actually grew up in the Southwest and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas. Her years spent riding horses and enjoying the expansive views of Texas became the Historical Romance Author, Kaki Warner inspirat...more

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Quotes from Bride of the High Country

“I've found that putting one's person in peril is not nearly as frightening as putting one's heart at risk. In the former, one might endure a momentary injury. While with the latter there is the possibility of suffering a lifetime of loneliness and regret.” — 1 person liked it

“Imagine if you can ... a world in which half the inhabitants are larger and stronger than you and are thus able to force you to their will at any time or any place. That unchangeable fact colors everything in your life - from the route you choose when you walk down the street to what you look for when you enter a room, how you dress, how you smile, how you assess people on first meeting? Friend or foe? Is this person a threat? Will tha tone do me harm? It's all about survival. ... Mocka a woman's desire for jewels and fine clothes and grand houses if you must, but understand that they are simple manifestations of what she truly desires - survival, safety, security - because those baubles are the thing that proclaim to the world that she is of value and, as such, will be protected.” — 1 person liked it

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Bride of the High Country (Runaway Brides #3)

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