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The O’Brien Family Saga #2
The Runaway Bride
"Will You Take This Man..." The only husband Lorelei Wilkins ever wanted was Sean O'Brien, but she's wasted too long waiting for him to love her back. When another man proposes, she accepts- until she stands at the altar...and realizes she can't marry without love. Bolting out of town toward a fresh start, she never suspected her parents would send Sheriff O'Brien to bring her home! After an innocent mistake leaves Lorelei and her reluctant rescuer with compromised reputations, marriage is their only option. But first they must triumph over suspicious locals, shady characters, an inconvenient groom and the bride's own stubborn heart. Will it take their lives on the line for Sean and Lorelei to realize that only love can conquer all?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
34 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Marchand
32 books123 followersNoelle Marchand's love of literature began as a child when she would spend hours reading beneath the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep. Over the years, God began prompting her to write. Eventually, those stories became like "fire shut up in her bones" leading her to complete her first novel at fifteen.
Noelle is a Houston-native who graduated from Houston Baptist University in May 2012. She received bachelors degree in Mass Communication with a focus in journalism and Speech Communication.
Noelle is a Houston-native who graduated from Houston Baptist University in May 2012. She received bachelors degree in Mass Communication with a focus in journalism and Speech Communication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 4, 2025
This is a real good series, I love all the characters.
May 19, 2012
This was a very enjoyable historical fiction novel, and I loved the fact that it had more than one interesting storyline going. They were expertly woven together, too. There is romance set in Texas in the late 1880's, which is where the runaway bride comes in, and to add to the excitement of the story there is some small town criminal activity and an undercover investigation that really enhances the book. The main characters are well-developed, and, of course, you have to have the town gossip adding to the drama. I plan to read other books by Noelle Marchand.
I won an advanced copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to write a positive review.
I won an advanced copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to write a positive review.
July 23, 2012
I liked this one, but not as much as I wanted to. Lorelei just didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I had a hard time relating to her. Same goes for Sean. I guess in that sense they are perfect for each other. I wanted to feel more chemistry between them than what I did. Some of their conversations were really anticlimactic. For example, when she confronts him and tells him why she doesn’t trust him his answer is just so lame. There were a few conversations that really needed to be flushed out. They just lacked a lot of the tension that I so love. Especially since they were supposed to be enemies (but secretly in love), so you’d expect more sparks between them. It was a weird quasi-friendship/relationship going on between them. My other problem with the book was the bank robbery storyline, which also felt a little anticlimactic and seemed a bit contrived.
Having said all that, the book really was okay. I liked it enough that I’m probably going to go back and read the first book in the series and keep my eye out for other books from this author.
Content: Clean. Christian elements were pretty mild, a tiny bit preachy.
Having said all that, the book really was okay. I liked it enough that I’m probably going to go back and read the first book in the series and keep my eye out for other books from this author.
Content: Clean. Christian elements were pretty mild, a tiny bit preachy.
February 1, 2016
Hi, everyone! I am happy to present The Runaway Bride to you. Of course, I think it's wonderful since I wrote it but I hope you will like it too. Review it to your heart's content. Thank you so much for being interested in my work! Be blessed. :)
August 21, 2018
It was amazing. A great continuation from the first. I never wanted to put the book down. So many great surprises and little twists in this story.
April 7, 2025
Flat unlikable characters. Silly story. DNF
June 29, 2012
Noelle's sophomore novel continues with the strong hero and feisty heroine formula she did so well in her debut novel. The story is different and I was surprised because having recently finished Karen Witemeyer's Short Straw Bride I was a little afraid to read another "forced marriage" novel. But Sean O'Brien made it worth it and there was enough of a twist at the end with one of the minor characters that overall this was an enjoyable read. Category romance has such clearly defined parameters and reader expectations its almost impossible for the author to surprise the reader so that was a nice touch.
You know what's going to happen yet with most romances, its the execution that makes it worth it and the repeated head-butting by the hero and heroine and their banter read well all the way to the end. The subplot regarding the bank is fairly predictable, but again, done well and woven nicely into the romance. Or, rather, the lack of romance. But here's the kicker, that's the story! Usually two people so perfect for each other trying so hard not to be in love are the ones that already are. Sean and Lorelei are no exception. I always enjoy a perfect love lost once and regained by two people with very different perspectives than they had the first time. Enjoying Nathan and Kate on the sidelines, from the first novel, was a nice treat and I will look forward to Ellie's novel next.
You know what's going to happen yet with most romances, its the execution that makes it worth it and the repeated head-butting by the hero and heroine and their banter read well all the way to the end. The subplot regarding the bank is fairly predictable, but again, done well and woven nicely into the romance. Or, rather, the lack of romance. But here's the kicker, that's the story! Usually two people so perfect for each other trying so hard not to be in love are the ones that already are. Sean and Lorelei are no exception. I always enjoy a perfect love lost once and regained by two people with very different perspectives than they had the first time. Enjoying Nathan and Kate on the sidelines, from the first novel, was a nice treat and I will look forward to Ellie's novel next.
January 31, 2023
Loved Sean and Lorelei's story! Lorelei is to marry Lawson, everyone's at the church, she's even made it down the aisle. But, she realizes she doesn't love Lawson as she should, and he doesn't love her, either. So, she runs. The last person she expected to show up is Sean O'Brien, the one man she loves and hates. When circumstances force them into marriage, will he be able to convince Lorelei he's not pretending, and give God control to work things out? Will she be able to realize she's still loves him, and love is worth the risk?
April 21, 2023
Just as wonderful as book 1. Loved reading about Sean as an adult; now sheriff. His tense relationship with Lorelei is well written. On to book 3!
I purchased this used book. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Released 2012
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 24 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
I purchased this used book. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Released 2012
𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 24 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023
November 15, 2024
They were both heavily focused on their past to have a lot of heat to get them together in the future. Very nice read though. I do think she should have confronted Elmira and gotten her belongings back it isn’t right Elmira gets off then keeps using a false name. Just my two cents there.
June 26, 2017
I enjoyed this book. The h was a little bit dippy, but overall a fun read.
August 25, 2017
All of these Noelle Marchand books are like Hallmark movies. Cheesy, sweet, and pretty predictable.
May 9, 2020
Loved it!
September 23, 2020
5 stars!
March 23, 2023
Too much unbelievableness in this one. Just so over the top and the heroine was annoying with no good reason for her actions.
November 2, 2024
Inspirational romance. Second in a series.
January 26, 2026
cute ig
August 14, 2012
“Will you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband...?”
With those formidable words ringing in her ears, Lorelei Wilkins realises that she can’t go through with her marriage to Lawson Williams. She doesn’t love him the way a wife should love her husband. With that she picks up her skirts & runs down the aisle. Facing the town now after her failing to marry Lawson would be a nightmare, her parents would be disappointed, & as for Sean O’Brien (the guy she had loved as a child & announced she would marry)...Well, she had never met his approval anyway. Now that she had jilted his best friend at the altar, he was going to be unbearable. There was only one thing to do. Her bags were already packed & she had the train ticket – she would run away!
Sheriff Sean O’Brien is not impressed. He had spent several hours sorting out the mess Lorelei had left behind at the wedding so that his best friend wouldn’t have to. Then he was sent by Lawson & Mr Wilkins to bring Lorelei back. Once he had caught up with Lorelei, he had then hired a chaperone to see them home. Only she drugs them, robs them, & leaves them with compromised reputations. Despite their innocence, Mr & Mrs Wilkins fear for the reputations of their daughter & the Sheriff. The solution? They need to get married. There will be a courtship of 6 weeks & then Sean needs to propose!
Lorelei is wary of Sean – she knows he disapproves of her. She mustn’t let her guard down & fall in love with him again. A marriage where she loved her husband but that love wasn’t returned would be intolerable. No! They would put on a good show for the town, but she must guard her heart & keep her distance. Sean has always dreamed of a wife, family & “happily ever after”. Now he has to marry impulsive, unpredictable, flighty Lorelei. Can 2 stubborn hearts let their guards down, reach out & take a chance on love & “happily ever after”?
A runaway bride, robberies, meddling gossips, a kidnapping, conspiracies...and rekindled love – another winning historical & faith filled romance from Noelle Marchand.
#1
#3 Matchmade Bride – Coming 2013!
It was really nice to again visit Peppin. Although “Unlawfully Wedded Bride” precedes this one & is where we first meet Sean’s family, hear about Lorelei & meet several other members of Peppin, you don’t need to have read it before this one.
With those formidable words ringing in her ears, Lorelei Wilkins realises that she can’t go through with her marriage to Lawson Williams. She doesn’t love him the way a wife should love her husband. With that she picks up her skirts & runs down the aisle. Facing the town now after her failing to marry Lawson would be a nightmare, her parents would be disappointed, & as for Sean O’Brien (the guy she had loved as a child & announced she would marry)...Well, she had never met his approval anyway. Now that she had jilted his best friend at the altar, he was going to be unbearable. There was only one thing to do. Her bags were already packed & she had the train ticket – she would run away!
Sheriff Sean O’Brien is not impressed. He had spent several hours sorting out the mess Lorelei had left behind at the wedding so that his best friend wouldn’t have to. Then he was sent by Lawson & Mr Wilkins to bring Lorelei back. Once he had caught up with Lorelei, he had then hired a chaperone to see them home. Only she drugs them, robs them, & leaves them with compromised reputations. Despite their innocence, Mr & Mrs Wilkins fear for the reputations of their daughter & the Sheriff. The solution? They need to get married. There will be a courtship of 6 weeks & then Sean needs to propose!
Lorelei is wary of Sean – she knows he disapproves of her. She mustn’t let her guard down & fall in love with him again. A marriage where she loved her husband but that love wasn’t returned would be intolerable. No! They would put on a good show for the town, but she must guard her heart & keep her distance. Sean has always dreamed of a wife, family & “happily ever after”. Now he has to marry impulsive, unpredictable, flighty Lorelei. Can 2 stubborn hearts let their guards down, reach out & take a chance on love & “happily ever after”?
A runaway bride, robberies, meddling gossips, a kidnapping, conspiracies...and rekindled love – another winning historical & faith filled romance from Noelle Marchand.
#1
#3 Matchmade Bride – Coming 2013!
It was really nice to again visit Peppin. Although “Unlawfully Wedded Bride” precedes this one & is where we first meet Sean’s family, hear about Lorelei & meet several other members of Peppin, you don’t need to have read it before this one.
July 29, 2014
Cute, clean Christian romance.
Lorelei runs out on her wedding to Lawson when she realizes that they will never love each other as a man and his wife should. She runs away to California to live with a relative, but her dad sends the sheriff, Sean O'Brien after her.
Sean is the last person Lorelei wants to see. He is the man she once loved, but was humiliated when he didn't return that love. He finds her in two days, but it takes another 4 days for him to convince her to return home with him. They hire a woman to be their chaperone, but she steals their money and leaves them to return home unchaperoned.
To protect their reputations, they must court for six weeks and then get engaged... and in the meantime they need to catch a band of bank robbers before Lorelei's father's bank gets robbed.
I liked Sean's sister Ellie who played matchmaker for them... I want to read the next book to read her and Lawson's story.
Content: Squeaky clean
Lorelei runs out on her wedding to Lawson when she realizes that they will never love each other as a man and his wife should. She runs away to California to live with a relative, but her dad sends the sheriff, Sean O'Brien after her.
Sean is the last person Lorelei wants to see. He is the man she once loved, but was humiliated when he didn't return that love. He finds her in two days, but it takes another 4 days for him to convince her to return home with him. They hire a woman to be their chaperone, but she steals their money and leaves them to return home unchaperoned.
To protect their reputations, they must court for six weeks and then get engaged... and in the meantime they need to catch a band of bank robbers before Lorelei's father's bank gets robbed.
I liked Sean's sister Ellie who played matchmaker for them... I want to read the next book to read her and Lawson's story.
Content: Squeaky clean
July 5, 2012
Best Part:
"He cleared his throat and became all seriousness and sincerity as he captured her gaze. "Lorelai Wilkins, you are the most wonderful, beautiful and captivating woman I have ever met. I didn't fall in love with you to fulfill my plans. I fell in love with you because, as you informed me nearly ten years ago, 'We belong together. We'll always belong together. I don't know how I know it, but one day you're going to marry me and we're going to be happier than anyone who's ever lived.'" Lorelei laughed as tears filled her eyes, and she shook her head in slow disbelief. "You remembered that?" He smiled slowly, "I never forgot it...or you. Now-" he stood and pulled her to her feet along with him "-will you please prove yourself right and marry me already?"
"He cleared his throat and became all seriousness and sincerity as he captured her gaze. "Lorelai Wilkins, you are the most wonderful, beautiful and captivating woman I have ever met. I didn't fall in love with you to fulfill my plans. I fell in love with you because, as you informed me nearly ten years ago, 'We belong together. We'll always belong together. I don't know how I know it, but one day you're going to marry me and we're going to be happier than anyone who's ever lived.'" Lorelei laughed as tears filled her eyes, and she shook her head in slow disbelief. "You remembered that?" He smiled slowly, "I never forgot it...or you. Now-" he stood and pulled her to her feet along with him "-will you please prove yourself right and marry me already?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2015
just finished reading this book I couldn't put it down it was such an easy read and had more than just the romance side of things going on, I completelyfell in love with the the character of Sean O'Brien I find myself wanting to read more about him. I hadn't realised that it was a three part story and I'm now reading the first book about Kate and Nathan and I'll definitely be reading Ellies story after, this book was such an easy read and I recommend it to anyone looking for a historical romance because it's so easy to follow has plenty of storyline the character's are loveable and it keeps you interested and its not too long as some books can be. Sean's story has become one of my favourites.!
July 28, 2012
Having read the first book in this series, I was eager to re-visit the characters. What fun to discover the two youngsters have grown up and Sean is now an adult--and sheriff of Peppin, too!
The fun-if-somewhat-forced romance between Lorelei and Sean was amusing, and the mystery they solved together was intriguing. I had a hard time completely accepting/believing all the reasons for their forced courtship, but it was fun! And the ending I couldn't help but sighing in satisfactions. :-)
Full review to come.
The fun-if-somewhat-forced romance between Lorelei and Sean was amusing, and the mystery they solved together was intriguing. I had a hard time completely accepting/believing all the reasons for their forced courtship, but it was fun! And the ending I couldn't help but sighing in satisfactions. :-)
Full review to come.
July 30, 2012
I really enjoyed these characters and the writing very much. The hero (Sean O'Brien) was my favorite kind-- the steadfast, consistent kind. I liked Lorelei, but there were times that her emotional journey throughout the book didn't quite make sense. For the most part, I liked everything that went on between Sean and Lorelei, but the execution of the story was just a little off. I felt the situations that brought about the major plot points concerning the forced courtship and the bank-situation needed to be refined and strengthened.
July 7, 2013
Great read! I loved the characters and the Christian lessons. It was a great follow-up to the first book, but I felt like there was a lot of potential for more... I mean I adored the Kate and Nathan story so much that I really wanted Sean and Lorelei's story to be just as romantic, but it left me hoping. Also, it was a little slow in some parts, although the humor was still great! Don't get me wrong- still a lovely book that gave me a lot to reflect on! Can't wait for Ellie's story!! (I'm betting on Lawson or Smitherson...;) Thanks, Noelle Marchand for another wonderful novel!!
May 8, 2015
The plot here was super flimsy. Not sure I believed that anyone would believe that Lorelei was interested in helping rob her father's bank and sure enough no one did, but really the fact that Sean went along with it...and it 'all turned out' just wasn't worth it and I'm pretty sure the Ranger would have coordinated with the Sherriff. Also I really thought there would be more to the chase to bring her back from her attempt to get to California.
July 7, 2012
I really enjoyed the story in this book and how the main characters grew. I also enjoyed how the author introduced a sub plot(aka a bank robbery) and then showed the characters growth through this event. However, the greatest thing that impressed me was that there continued to be growth after the robbery was over. The plot was not rushed so that the book ended at the same time as the subplot. A truly memorable book. :)
March 31, 2016
Lorelei leaves her groom to be at the alter, knowing she had always loved his best friend Sean. She leaves on her honeymoon anyhow only to be brought back by the best friend, Sean. Rumors and drama ensue . . .
Loved it. Love those feelings where you love even though you think you're not loved back and then you have to figure things out. Between that and bank robbers there was plenty of action.
Loved it. Love those feelings where you love even though you think you're not loved back and then you have to figure things out. Between that and bank robbers there was plenty of action.
July 11, 2012
I loved this story. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters and the subplot about the robbery. I especially like seeing how they decided to love each other and that changed their hearts toward each other.
October 12, 2012
the story was good, because it made me look some at myself and how i viewed things.i really enjoyed it.the fact that the people are all the same as "the unlawfuly wedded wife" was fun.i cann't wait for Ellys story.
November 20, 2012
It was a little better than "OK" kind of lame but entertaining enough :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews