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The Brides of Bath #3
The Bride's Secret
Since his commanding officer in the Peninsula took a bullet meant for him, James Moore, now the Earl of Rutledge, feels responsible for the dead man's young son and the boy's exquisite mother, Carlotta Ennis -- so responsible that he offers to marry the lavender-eyed beauty.
Though their marriage was not to be a love match, Carlotta's torturing presence has James yearning to make her his true wife. Though she did not love his lordship, her desperate situation forced her to accept his proposal.
Little did she know she would come to crave being with him, would hunger for his every touch. If only she could be worthy of the fine man she's married, if only she can keep him from learning her dark secret.
Though their marriage was not to be a love match, Carlotta's torturing presence has James yearning to make her his true wife. Though she did not love his lordship, her desperate situation forced her to accept his proposal.
Little did she know she would come to crave being with him, would hunger for his every touch. If only she could be worthy of the fine man she's married, if only she can keep him from learning her dark secret.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2002
682 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
79 books1,667 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 23, 2012
Oh, I disliked Carlotta immensely when this started. She was a less than stellar mother, and was wallowing in her breakup from a man who used her body, but didn't want to marry her.
Along comes the man, now an Earl, that through his disobeying of orders caused her husband to be killed in a battle.
He wants to help her son and has always had a "thing" for Carlotta. Not that he acted on it, because he really IS a kind man, an honorable man.
He is enchanted now that he's met her again. And he really wants to help her with her son.
To his surprise, he asks her to marry him and she accepts. She does confide that it's based on the fact that she has NO money and marriages do thrive even under such conditions.
He's ENCHANTED. Then he finds out about the man that used her. And, of course, he blames her...and leaves.
I was impressed at how much Carlotta grew in this story. She was incredible self involved to begin with, but then she started looking outside of herself. She began to be a real mother, and then she wanted to be a real wife.
It was a journey, that's for sure!
Well done!
Along comes the man, now an Earl, that through his disobeying of orders caused her husband to be killed in a battle.
He wants to help her son and has always had a "thing" for Carlotta. Not that he acted on it, because he really IS a kind man, an honorable man.
He is enchanted now that he's met her again. And he really wants to help her with her son.
To his surprise, he asks her to marry him and she accepts. She does confide that it's based on the fact that she has NO money and marriages do thrive even under such conditions.
He's ENCHANTED. Then he finds out about the man that used her. And, of course, he blames her...and leaves.
I was impressed at how much Carlotta grew in this story. She was incredible self involved to begin with, but then she started looking outside of herself. She began to be a real mother, and then she wanted to be a real wife.
It was a journey, that's for sure!
Well done!
August 26, 2011
A wonderful story of a marriage of convenience. I loved the heroine, Carlotta Ennis with her sassy attitude and strong will. When she accepts the proposal of James Moore, the Earl of Rutledge, she didn't expect anything more than help with Stevie, her son and settling her financial problems. Time plays a trick with her heart and she struggles with her growing love for James while keeping her dark past a secret from him.
A beautiful romance full of the Regency pagentry that I've come to enjoy so much and characters that will pull at your heart strings will earn this book a space on your keeper shelf.
A beautiful romance full of the Regency pagentry that I've come to enjoy so much and characters that will pull at your heart strings will earn this book a space on your keeper shelf.
September 2, 2015
Have you given too much to a partner, thinking he/she would honor a verbal condition of engagement, only to find you dropped cold? Our poor heroine has had this happyen and in this story suffers from those ill-fated choices.
Audiobook Review:
Carlotta Ennis, we learned in book 2 had been a mistress to one Gregory Blankenship who is quite the rake and filthy rich. It was my intention to disfavor her, not because of being a mistress, but from outward appearance she was a women who took advantage. She had been a widow for six years losing her husband just after giving birth to their son. Not in good health and knowing nothing about rearing a child she had her son raised by her grandmother. She lived on very little each quarter, hardly making ends meet. In need of a husband she met Gregory. Now Carlotta was an extremely beautiful women and quite passionate and had fallen in love with his lordship. Before they had started this relationship she had told him she expected nothing less than marriage. She had been close to catching Gregory, but he suddenly fell in love with another.
Broken and devastated she walked away from her lover with little dignity. Her severance pay, so to speak, didn’t last forever. At the end of hope, Lord Rutledge, appears, and feeling he was responsible for her husband’s death on the battlefield (shows he’s one honorable man), pays her debts, sets her in a townhouse and sends for her six year old son. He, too, was extremely wealthy having just inherited his title. Carlotta thought she had played her cards well. She felt he was responsible for her husband’s death, so why not take advantage of that fact? Here I thought she was less than honorable.
Lord Rutledge had known Carlotta for he was in the same regiment as her husband Stephen when they were on the Peninsula. Lord Rutledge would not admit it allowed, but he had always admired Carlotta’s beauty. Feeling guilty for making her a widow, he searched her out, discovering her living in Bath.
Lord Rutledge had dreams of a family, settling down. He spent considerable time in the company of Carlotta after he procured her son for he was a lonely man, who had always had feelings for Carlotta. One evening, he blurted out he wanted to marry her, surprising even himself for he knew he wanted a love match and knew Carlotta didn’t love him. She may need him, but not love him. Immediately taking advantage, she acquiesced, next directing her efforts to get his lordship out of Bath as soon as possible before he hears the truth about her.
Carlotta fit in amazingly well at his country estate, Yarmouth Hall. She dare not entertain socially. However, during this time, Carlotta began to change. She admired and respected her new husband. But admiration and respect doth not a good marriage make!
Lord Rutledge hoped to get Carlotta to love him. Carlotta wanted to keep her secret being a mistress from Lord Rutledge, for she knew if he had known, he would not have married her.
Beware of secrets in a relationship. When found out their hurt will destroy everything good. Carlotta learned to love again. Lord Rutledge had succeeded in his quest. He had gotten his dream love match after all. Then the sky falls. All is broken. Nothing can be mended. I cried buckets here.
A story of love, yes, but it also was a story of self-discovery for Carlotta. She found self-worth and self-love, able to care for her son, bond as a mother should, interact with those who worked for her husband and felt needed and respected in her own right. She discovered she could love, and love passionately a man, who became much more than the means to comfortable living.
Narrator Rosalind Ashford continues to entertain with her thoroughly proper Regency voice. Ms. Bolen writes with a Regency voice while Ms. Ashford is perfect for the telling.
Audiobook Review:
Carlotta Ennis, we learned in book 2 had been a mistress to one Gregory Blankenship who is quite the rake and filthy rich. It was my intention to disfavor her, not because of being a mistress, but from outward appearance she was a women who took advantage. She had been a widow for six years losing her husband just after giving birth to their son. Not in good health and knowing nothing about rearing a child she had her son raised by her grandmother. She lived on very little each quarter, hardly making ends meet. In need of a husband she met Gregory. Now Carlotta was an extremely beautiful women and quite passionate and had fallen in love with his lordship. Before they had started this relationship she had told him she expected nothing less than marriage. She had been close to catching Gregory, but he suddenly fell in love with another.
Broken and devastated she walked away from her lover with little dignity. Her severance pay, so to speak, didn’t last forever. At the end of hope, Lord Rutledge, appears, and feeling he was responsible for her husband’s death on the battlefield (shows he’s one honorable man), pays her debts, sets her in a townhouse and sends for her six year old son. He, too, was extremely wealthy having just inherited his title. Carlotta thought she had played her cards well. She felt he was responsible for her husband’s death, so why not take advantage of that fact? Here I thought she was less than honorable.
Lord Rutledge had known Carlotta for he was in the same regiment as her husband Stephen when they were on the Peninsula. Lord Rutledge would not admit it allowed, but he had always admired Carlotta’s beauty. Feeling guilty for making her a widow, he searched her out, discovering her living in Bath.
Lord Rutledge had dreams of a family, settling down. He spent considerable time in the company of Carlotta after he procured her son for he was a lonely man, who had always had feelings for Carlotta. One evening, he blurted out he wanted to marry her, surprising even himself for he knew he wanted a love match and knew Carlotta didn’t love him. She may need him, but not love him. Immediately taking advantage, she acquiesced, next directing her efforts to get his lordship out of Bath as soon as possible before he hears the truth about her.
Carlotta fit in amazingly well at his country estate, Yarmouth Hall. She dare not entertain socially. However, during this time, Carlotta began to change. She admired and respected her new husband. But admiration and respect doth not a good marriage make!
Lord Rutledge hoped to get Carlotta to love him. Carlotta wanted to keep her secret being a mistress from Lord Rutledge, for she knew if he had known, he would not have married her.
Beware of secrets in a relationship. When found out their hurt will destroy everything good. Carlotta learned to love again. Lord Rutledge had succeeded in his quest. He had gotten his dream love match after all. Then the sky falls. All is broken. Nothing can be mended. I cried buckets here.
A story of love, yes, but it also was a story of self-discovery for Carlotta. She found self-worth and self-love, able to care for her son, bond as a mother should, interact with those who worked for her husband and felt needed and respected in her own right. She discovered she could love, and love passionately a man, who became much more than the means to comfortable living.
Narrator Rosalind Ashford continues to entertain with her thoroughly proper Regency voice. Ms. Bolen writes with a Regency voice while Ms. Ashford is perfect for the telling.
April 17, 2013
This is the third book in the Brides of Bath series by Cheryl Bolen.
I am not certain I cared for Carlotta Ennis. She certainly does not fit the image of the Regency heroine. She is depressed and manipulative. She is a "fallen woman," who takes advantage of a very nice gentleman. In the end, the reader learns more of Carlotta and many of her earlier deficits are overcome. She does not have redeeming qualities in the beginning, and that fact affects how much I enjoyed the book.
I am not certain I cared for Carlotta Ennis. She certainly does not fit the image of the Regency heroine. She is depressed and manipulative. She is a "fallen woman," who takes advantage of a very nice gentleman. In the end, the reader learns more of Carlotta and many of her earlier deficits are overcome. She does not have redeeming qualities in the beginning, and that fact affects how much I enjoyed the book.
May 8, 2018
This book was long and drawn out.
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September 1, 2018
I've certainly never read a book that slut-shamed it's main character so blatantly before, so that's new.
Carlotta had a child in the middle of a war when she was still a teenager, then her husband died, then chose not to raise the baby....so naturally she's painted as a bad mother.
Her son prefers the company of most other people....so it's a bad reflection on Carlotta?
James married her because he wanted to "possess" her (his own words), but of course he's blameless?? Oh, and basically coerces Carlotta into having sex. He's a real keeper.
BOTH of these characters were horrible people. I almost didn't want to see either or them happy. The son, even was kind of annoying. If I had to read "wemember" one more time I think I would have gone berserk.
This book was badly written and it bothers me that I spent money on it. I will certainly never read another Cheryl Bolen book again. They all just make me angry.
Carlotta had a child in the middle of a war when she was still a teenager, then her husband died, then chose not to raise the baby....so naturally she's painted as a bad mother.
Her son prefers the company of most other people....so it's a bad reflection on Carlotta?
James married her because he wanted to "possess" her (his own words), but of course he's blameless?? Oh, and basically coerces Carlotta into having sex. He's a real keeper.
BOTH of these characters were horrible people. I almost didn't want to see either or them happy. The son, even was kind of annoying. If I had to read "wemember" one more time I think I would have gone berserk.
This book was badly written and it bothers me that I spent money on it. I will certainly never read another Cheryl Bolen book again. They all just make me angry.
February 18, 2016
Carlotta Ennis has had nothing but sorrow since her soldier husband perished in battle. So when his comrade comes to make reparations, she accepts with gratitude. But James wants more than to help the lovely widow. He feels an obligation to take her son in hand and be the man in his life. His attention forces Carlotta to examine her life and realize she hasn’t been the best mother. Hoping to improve her situation, she accepts James’ proposal of marriage. Will he still hold her in regard when he learns of her sordid past? As she grows to love him, she fears that once he discovers her secret, he’ll turn away in disgust. Can she overcome her history and show him how much she cares? An engaging historical romance with an unusual heroine.
December 17, 2015
This is book 3 of the Brides of Bath. It is better developed and better written than either of the previous books of the series.
Carlotta Ennis has appeared in the earlier books and honestly, I didn't like her much. She was selfish and immodest and rather mercenary. However, the author manages to redeem her character very well and Carlotta matures into a caring person, devoted wife and loving mother.
Carlotta Ennis has appeared in the earlier books and honestly, I didn't like her much. She was selfish and immodest and rather mercenary. However, the author manages to redeem her character very well and Carlotta matures into a caring person, devoted wife and loving mother.
April 19, 2012
This is the third installment of the wonderful Brides of Bath series. (See my comments for The Bride Wore Blue, the first book in the series).
September 16, 2024
An entertaining, easy-to-read historical romance!
The Bride's Secret, book 3 of Cheryl Bolen's The Brides of Bath series, features a character readers love to hate, Carlotta Ennis, another widow of a soldier and friends of Felicity, the heroine in book one of the series. Carlotta married for love the first time but announces in book one her determination to marry for fortune. Her character is selfish, class conscious, and basically hateful. Her flaws seem even more pronounced as she is compared to Felicity, who embodies grace and kindness. Thus, Carlotta does not seem like a typical heroine when readers meet her again in The Bride's Secret. If possible, since her affair with Lord Blankenship in book two, she has become even more hateful than before. Carlotta comes across as whiny, yet conniving and treats people horribly. She appears to be a better villain than heroine! So why choose her to be a heroine?
I believe The Bride's Secret demonstrates Cheryl Bolen's exceptional talent as a writer. She takes Carlotta Ennis, a character that is very hard to sympathize with or find relatable, and develops a story around her transformation into a woman we can all admire. It is not a fast-paced, full of action and adventure tale. The changes in Carlotta take time and patience. There are a lot of times she reverts to her old self. Yet, if we are being honest, isn't that true about being human? Are we not all flawed and struggling to grow into better people? I think Carlotta's transformation is what makes this book so relatable and believable. Cheryl Bolen's character development of Carlotta in The Bride's Secret is one of her best works yet. Though, I admit I was halfway through the book before I began to feel that way! So my advice would be to not give up on the Bride's Secret because you find Carlotta distasteful. It does get better!
If you have read any of Cheryl Bolen's other works, you know she specializes in hunky male heroes who often have some issue they must work through before they can truly fall in love. Thus, the hero in The Bride's Secret, James, is not all that surprising. I loved how Cheryl's theme concerning true unconditional love heals plays out throughout both James' and Carlotta's lives. Their slow burn romance was beautifully orchestrated by Cheryl's creative hands! I found myself crying in places as the beauty of their longed for love overwhelmed me! Very well done!
The Bride's Secret was entertaining and easy-to-read as the other two novels in the series. However, I didn't read it quickly in one sitting as I have done with other Cheryl Bolen books. Between the frustration with Carlotta's setbacks and the back and forth in the characters' love affair, I needed to take frequent breaks. But in the end, I was glad I stuck with the book. It was intriguing and very well written. It was well worth my time.
The Bride's Secret, book 3 of Cheryl Bolen's The Brides of Bath series, features a character readers love to hate, Carlotta Ennis, another widow of a soldier and friends of Felicity, the heroine in book one of the series. Carlotta married for love the first time but announces in book one her determination to marry for fortune. Her character is selfish, class conscious, and basically hateful. Her flaws seem even more pronounced as she is compared to Felicity, who embodies grace and kindness. Thus, Carlotta does not seem like a typical heroine when readers meet her again in The Bride's Secret. If possible, since her affair with Lord Blankenship in book two, she has become even more hateful than before. Carlotta comes across as whiny, yet conniving and treats people horribly. She appears to be a better villain than heroine! So why choose her to be a heroine?
I believe The Bride's Secret demonstrates Cheryl Bolen's exceptional talent as a writer. She takes Carlotta Ennis, a character that is very hard to sympathize with or find relatable, and develops a story around her transformation into a woman we can all admire. It is not a fast-paced, full of action and adventure tale. The changes in Carlotta take time and patience. There are a lot of times she reverts to her old self. Yet, if we are being honest, isn't that true about being human? Are we not all flawed and struggling to grow into better people? I think Carlotta's transformation is what makes this book so relatable and believable. Cheryl Bolen's character development of Carlotta in The Bride's Secret is one of her best works yet. Though, I admit I was halfway through the book before I began to feel that way! So my advice would be to not give up on the Bride's Secret because you find Carlotta distasteful. It does get better!
If you have read any of Cheryl Bolen's other works, you know she specializes in hunky male heroes who often have some issue they must work through before they can truly fall in love. Thus, the hero in The Bride's Secret, James, is not all that surprising. I loved how Cheryl's theme concerning true unconditional love heals plays out throughout both James' and Carlotta's lives. Their slow burn romance was beautifully orchestrated by Cheryl's creative hands! I found myself crying in places as the beauty of their longed for love overwhelmed me! Very well done!
The Bride's Secret was entertaining and easy-to-read as the other two novels in the series. However, I didn't read it quickly in one sitting as I have done with other Cheryl Bolen books. Between the frustration with Carlotta's setbacks and the back and forth in the characters' love affair, I needed to take frequent breaks. But in the end, I was glad I stuck with the book. It was intriguing and very well written. It was well worth my time.
April 11, 2020
In Fallen Woman: The Bride’s Secret (Brides of Bath, Book 3) by Cheryl Bolen we are introduced to very different lead characters in Carlotta Ennis and James Moore. Mrs. Ennis is a military widow and a mother. Trying to rebuild her life, under harsh financial circumstances, she turns to her grandmother to help raise her son and relocates to Bath. Subsequently falls in love with Gregory Blankenship. The beautiful and enchanting Carlotta presumed they would marry but Gregory did not. Upon the end of their relationship he bestows on her an outstanding diamond necklace. Carlotta continues to reside in Bath and diligently works at countering the ill effects of her liaison. She keeps this incident under wraps. James Moore is the Earl of Rutledge and feels a responsibility for Carlotta Ennis as her husband died taking a bullet meant for him. He seeks her out in Bath and spends time with her. He arranges for her son to join her covers her debts. He realizes that there is more to Carlotta’s situation than she lets on. As James continues to help Carlotta and her son, he realizes that they would fulfill his dream of a loving family. But reservations still exist. Will James and Carlotta make it together as a couple? Will Carlotta’s son like James? Will James ever find out her secret? To discover the answers to these questions I recommend reading this historical romance.
I appreciate the way Ms. Bolen penned these characters. At first glance, I would not call Carlotta or James multi-layered characters. They are complex and flawed. This makes them ideal for this character-driven plotline. I appreciate Ms. Bolen’s use of descriptive language and dialog to move the plotline along. As I continued to read this tale, I found myself laughing and getting annoyed with the characters. Their conversations and actions kept me riveting to this book. This was a good read.
I appreciate the way Ms. Bolen penned these characters. At first glance, I would not call Carlotta or James multi-layered characters. They are complex and flawed. This makes them ideal for this character-driven plotline. I appreciate Ms. Bolen’s use of descriptive language and dialog to move the plotline along. As I continued to read this tale, I found myself laughing and getting annoyed with the characters. Their conversations and actions kept me riveting to this book. This was a good read.
April 21, 2023
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Carlotta Ennis…a widow, has a young son, likes to go against society rules. James Moore…the Earl of Rutledge, former soldier, life was saved by Captain Ennis. The h is in dire straits financially. The H promised himself that he would see to the family of the man who saved his life, but he has to find them first. LOL, the H has all types of plans for the son of Captain Ennis. He found her! Both the MCs have a secret they are trying to keep from the other. Oh I am not liking the h at all. Oooh the h is really getting on my nerves. I like the H, he says exactly what what’s on his mind baldly. What! I cannot believe the H just did that. Well the h got her wish, I’m still not happy with her. Oh my the H appears to have a jealous streak that erupts into a bad temper. The thoughts the H is now having about the h may be true. Now both the MCs are being slightly deceptive with one another. The H might be making an unwise decision to keep his secret from the h, of course the h should probably share her secret as well. LOL, the h just discovered something happened that she did not want to happen - nope I still don’t like her. Uh oh the H has learned the h’s secret and he is not taking it well. I think the H is being unrealistic right now. It always takes a near brush for things to straighten themselves out, the MCs romance was no different. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I found completely easy to read and follow. Now, I have said this before and will say it again - the h got on my nerves, LOL. Hey maybe you will feel different when you read the book, happy reading.
April 11, 2023
Heartwarming and sincere
What an inspiring read, not because it's a rags to riches story, but because it's a tale of the growth we humans are capable of! Sometimes it borders on sappy but then the next sentence drops the posturing sentimentally and brings the reader back to reality.
The story is pretty commonplace, a lonely woman who's lost her first love, gives it next to a man who tells her forthrightly marriage isn't in the cards. She persists in giving her heart, but he never relents, instead finally marrying a woman of "suitable" class.
She withdraws to the sticks, where she eventually meets the guilt-ridden man whose disobedience in the military caused her first love to be in the wrong place for the bullet. He offers to provide for her and they eventually fall in love. Inspired by his care and service to those he is responsible for, she grows to emulate his behavior when he learns of her previously foolish: love decisions. CRISIS. The rest is predictable.
The characters are relatable, the writing compelling, and the pace exciting. It's simply good, enjoyable historical romance. Don't miss it!
What an inspiring read, not because it's a rags to riches story, but because it's a tale of the growth we humans are capable of! Sometimes it borders on sappy but then the next sentence drops the posturing sentimentally and brings the reader back to reality.
The story is pretty commonplace, a lonely woman who's lost her first love, gives it next to a man who tells her forthrightly marriage isn't in the cards. She persists in giving her heart, but he never relents, instead finally marrying a woman of "suitable" class.
She withdraws to the sticks, where she eventually meets the guilt-ridden man whose disobedience in the military caused her first love to be in the wrong place for the bullet. He offers to provide for her and they eventually fall in love. Inspired by his care and service to those he is responsible for, she grows to emulate his behavior when he learns of her previously foolish: love decisions. CRISIS. The rest is predictable.
The characters are relatable, the writing compelling, and the pace exciting. It's simply good, enjoyable historical romance. Don't miss it!
May 18, 2022
To make amends
James has one primary mission after ascending to a distant relative's earldom. He wishes to use his life and wealth to provide for the officer's family, the man who saved James' life during the war. He'd known his commander's wife, Carlotta, during the war and his choices had left her without a husband's support.
Things had become so difficult in the intervening years, that Carlotta had allowed a man to provide his protection for her. When he left her with a small quarterly stipend, she had racked up bills far in excess of her meager living. When James appears on his doorstep, seemingly willing to provide for she and her young son, Carlotta keeps her past from him.
This story is filled with hope, tragedy, and redemption, becoming spellbinding in its telling. A wonderful read!
James has one primary mission after ascending to a distant relative's earldom. He wishes to use his life and wealth to provide for the officer's family, the man who saved James' life during the war. He'd known his commander's wife, Carlotta, during the war and his choices had left her without a husband's support.
Things had become so difficult in the intervening years, that Carlotta had allowed a man to provide his protection for her. When he left her with a small quarterly stipend, she had racked up bills far in excess of her meager living. When James appears on his doorstep, seemingly willing to provide for she and her young son, Carlotta keeps her past from him.
This story is filled with hope, tragedy, and redemption, becoming spellbinding in its telling. A wonderful read!
May 28, 2022
A redemption story
I really liked this story of Carlotta's redemption. She was a bit wicked in the previous book and she certainty paid for it. She met a man who was not blind to her faults and grew to love him. I would have given the review 5 stars, except for the needless jealousy of James. He almost injured himself in riding away when he realized her great secret. But Carlotta had changed so much I didn't even remember the woman she had been at the beginning. She showed remorse and applied herself to being a good mother and Countess. You couldn't help but admire her character development.
This novel showed a wide breath of emotions so well. I was moved to tears for the miners' loss. I was carefree as the h when her debts were paid. I like this book over all the rest.
I really liked this story of Carlotta's redemption. She was a bit wicked in the previous book and she certainty paid for it. She met a man who was not blind to her faults and grew to love him. I would have given the review 5 stars, except for the needless jealousy of James. He almost injured himself in riding away when he realized her great secret. But Carlotta had changed so much I didn't even remember the woman she had been at the beginning. She showed remorse and applied herself to being a good mother and Countess. You couldn't help but admire her character development.
This novel showed a wide breath of emotions so well. I was moved to tears for the miners' loss. I was carefree as the h when her debts were paid. I like this book over all the rest.
November 1, 2024
Character development was severely lacking for both main characters. There was no growth, individually or as a couple (in fact, one could say there was a decline for James), and this resulted in their relationship feeling forced, with little to no chemistry.
Lots of telling instead of showing, constant repetition of the same phrases, body shaming and slut shaming.
Side characters (such as the dead husband) are not well developed and feel just like plot devices to get the girl to the guy, but nothing else. Tons of missed opportunities, such as Carlotta relating to the widows of the dead miners because she is also a widow, but instead deciding it is comparable to her worry over James while he was on the mine.
The result? A very slow-paced romance book where the hero and heroine’s happy ending feels unearned and leaves the reader feeling icky.
Lots of telling instead of showing, constant repetition of the same phrases, body shaming and slut shaming.
Side characters (such as the dead husband) are not well developed and feel just like plot devices to get the girl to the guy, but nothing else. Tons of missed opportunities, such as Carlotta relating to the widows of the dead miners because she is also a widow, but instead deciding it is comparable to her worry over James while he was on the mine.
The result? A very slow-paced romance book where the hero and heroine’s happy ending feels unearned and leaves the reader feeling icky.
March 30, 2020
A mistress or a Countess
Carlotta was a mistress to a man she loved but said he would never marry her! Now a fallen woman and almost penniless she resides in the outskirts of Bath society! James was the cause of her husband's death so he seeks out the widow and her son to make amends! Carlotta does not love James but greatly admires the intelligent, wealthy, and honest man he is! As she grows to love her husband she is desperate to hide her past from him! Be sure your sins will find you out!! Will James leave her and her son? Will James accept her past and embrace their future?
Carlotta was a mistress to a man she loved but said he would never marry her! Now a fallen woman and almost penniless she resides in the outskirts of Bath society! James was the cause of her husband's death so he seeks out the widow and her son to make amends! Carlotta does not love James but greatly admires the intelligent, wealthy, and honest man he is! As she grows to love her husband she is desperate to hide her past from him! Be sure your sins will find you out!! Will James leave her and her son? Will James accept her past and embrace their future?
May 18, 2022
Lovely cover, enticing title and different plot surround the novel of The Bride's Secret. Due to James' negligence, Carlotta's husband was killed in war protecting him leaving her with a newborn. Upon coming into a title and inheritance, he seeks her out to compensate her six years later. However he doesn't know that she was the mistress of a wealthy Lord in the interval who ultimately shunned her for another bride. Desperate, she accepts his proposal of marriage but must hide her secret and learn to love her new husband with consequences. Unique plot makes it interesting from beginning to end.
November 13, 2018
I truly disliked this book! The heroine was obnoxious, her husband died so she handed off her newborn to her grandmother to raise and visited him every couple of years, and sends a portion of her widow's pension to her grand mother who is not really financially solvant. Then when the child is six she decides to take him back but wants to hand him over to a nanny immediately. She decides it's ok to milk the hero financially as he was responsible for her husband's death. Then she decides to marry him.
February 20, 2018
A page turner! I enjoyed it with all its ups and downs.
Realistic and moving, this story will pull you in from page one. Carlotta at first seems a bit pathetic and calculating, especially with her not seeing her son for two years. As her history and motivations become evident, the reader is drawn into hoping for a good outcome, even as you know her secret will come out and ruin things. Another good book in The Brides of Bath series!
Realistic and moving, this story will pull you in from page one. Carlotta at first seems a bit pathetic and calculating, especially with her not seeing her son for two years. As her history and motivations become evident, the reader is drawn into hoping for a good outcome, even as you know her secret will come out and ruin things. Another good book in The Brides of Bath series!
March 30, 2018
I was confused about Carlotta as in the first book, she was considered not too intelligent and did not enjoy poetry nor even reading. I hope that was just a pose as in this book she develops quite differently.
An indifferent mother who never gave herself a chance to bond with her child and much too young to have to cope with the death of her husband and the effects on her life.
It was with pleasure that the relationship developed and she changed.
An indifferent mother who never gave herself a chance to bond with her child and much too young to have to cope with the death of her husband and the effects on her life.
It was with pleasure that the relationship developed and she changed.
February 24, 2019
Loved this book in the series!!!!!
Okay, 3rd book in the series and so far definitely my Favorite!!!! In the second book we get to read about C.E. And it almost made me hate Blanks for his mistreatment of her. But this book developed C.E. Very well and women can really relate to this character- I hope the books to follow is as good as this one and the characters presented in this book.
Okay, 3rd book in the series and so far definitely my Favorite!!!! In the second book we get to read about C.E. And it almost made me hate Blanks for his mistreatment of her. But this book developed C.E. Very well and women can really relate to this character- I hope the books to follow is as good as this one and the characters presented in this book.
May 14, 2022
An enjoyable read. A light, charming historical romance. Some sex scenes with some level of detail so if you prefer clean, sweet romances you may not like those parts.
I did like seeing the positive developments in Carlotta’s nature and I thought James was justified in getting upset when her secret was revealed. I’m glad he came around though.
I read this without having read the other books in the series and didn’t feel that I missed anything.
I did like seeing the positive developments in Carlotta’s nature and I thought James was justified in getting upset when her secret was revealed. I’m glad he came around though.
I read this without having read the other books in the series and didn’t feel that I missed anything.
August 16, 2021
The Bride's Secret (The Brides of Bath Book 3)
The love story of James and Carlotta. After Carlotta fail to marry, life was became hard, £60 a month did not go far, £30 she send to her grandma to take care of her son and £30 for her to live on. Then on day James enter her life and all thinks changes. Can happiness last with her secret? Great story.
The love story of James and Carlotta. After Carlotta fail to marry, life was became hard, £60 a month did not go far, £30 she send to her grandma to take care of her son and £30 for her to live on. Then on day James enter her life and all thinks changes. Can happiness last with her secret? Great story.
June 6, 2022
Love Grows and Forgiveness Prevails
Everyone’s love story is different. Tragedy, broken relationship, secrets, forgiveness and love can bloom again.
I enjoyed seeing the characters grow in their love for one another as well as forgiveness for past mistakes that could have easily destroyed them.
Everyone’s love story is different. Tragedy, broken relationship, secrets, forgiveness and love can bloom again.
I enjoyed seeing the characters grow in their love for one another as well as forgiveness for past mistakes that could have easily destroyed them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2022
Carlotta is not your typical heroine. In fact I lost patience with her fairly early on in the book. James is almost too saintly. A three star read if you can tolerate Carlotta until her character develops. Now I don't hold the widow's previous lover against her....the big secret....but that is the theme of the book. Glad I finished it as it did get better as it went along.
August 7, 2017
Pride is the bain of our lovers existence
Liked the setting starting in Bath and then moving to the west country in mirrored the changes in fortune and the development of the lovers relationship.
Liked the setting starting in Bath and then moving to the west country in mirrored the changes in fortune and the development of the lovers relationship.
January 4, 2018
Hero: James/Rutledge Heroine: Carlotta
Reading Enjoyment:4.4* I enjoyed this story about maturity, redemption and a friendship growing into love. I did enjoy this book more than the 1st 2 books in the series. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
Reading Enjoyment:4.4* I enjoyed this story about maturity, redemption and a friendship growing into love. I did enjoy this book more than the 1st 2 books in the series. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
November 25, 2018
Romantic
I loved this story. A women’s struggle with being a widow and then finding love. The characters were absolutely beautiful. I loved James. If only real men out there could forgive and hold onto real love! That’s how strong this story is.
I loved this story. A women’s struggle with being a widow and then finding love. The characters were absolutely beautiful. I loved James. If only real men out there could forgive and hold onto real love! That’s how strong this story is.
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