The Mariner's Bride

The Outer Banks #5

by Bronwyn Williams

The whole idea of a marriage of convenience had sounded so simple when Reverend Dunwoody had suggested it. Kathleen Stevens needed a home and protection, and Rogan Rawson needed someone to keep an eye on his wayward stepmother while he was at sea. But somehow, the proud, plain Kathleen had turned the tables on him. The solitary freedom of Rogan's livelihood had lost its luster, and he couldn't come within a day's sail of Hatteras without making some excuse to check on the new Mrs. Rawson. If he didn't watch himself, Rogan was liable to wind up on dry land for good!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Harlequin, Historical, Harlequin Historical, Marriage Of Convenience

298 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

About the author

Dixie Burrus was born on September 09, 1930 in North Carolina's Outer Banks, U.S.A, where her family had lived for generations, to sea captain Dozier Burrus and Achsah Williams. Her father was the professional baseball player Maurice Lennon "Dick" Burrus, she has two sisters, Mary and Sarah Burrus.

Dixie is an artist and romance writer. She began writting contemporany romance novels as Zoe Dozier, now she writes her contemporary romances with her married name, Dixie Browning, and historical romances with her sister, Mary Burrus Williams as Brownwyn Williams, one combination of their married names. She has been awarded a Romance Writers of America RITA Award, and been a five-time RITA finalist. She has also won three Maggies, and numerous awards from the National Federation of Press Women and the NC Press Club.

Reviews

[Melissa Johnson]

I'm not surprised this story has such a range of likes and dislikes. I changed my mind a few times between 3 and 4 stars because I do think it's a well-written and interesting story! I think Bronwyn Williams is one of the best historical romance writers of the seafaring setting and her characters are incredible. This story is no exception and I enjoyed the secondary cast very much, including the eccentric Hetty and the matchmaking Reverend Dunwoody. And then there was the charmer Callum, the hero's best-friend who I imagine has his own story. I enjoyed that he became such a good friend to Kathleen. But I also think some things go "wrong" in this story that lead to the wide ranges of opinion. I wanted to shake the hero, Rogan, for some of his choices and I'd give it another star if he'd shown a little more faith and caring for Kathleen...or at least groveled more at the end! When I think about it, the two main characters did not spend a lot of time together. This is probably historically accurate of ship captains to leave their wives alone at home for long periods of time -- and this was a marriage of convenience after all -- but I felt a little short-changed on Rogan and Kathleen's romance.

[Nisha Firdous]

This is my first Bronwyn's book and I really really liked it.

Story starts when 18 years old Kathleen,who has no place to live now, comes to pastor Dunwoody for help. Rogan, who spends most of his time on sea is looking for a caretaker for his step mother Hetty , Dunwoody suggests him to marry Kathleen because she knows how to take good care of old people and she knows all the chores as well. Both Rogan and Kathleen disgaree at first but due to no other option in hands both agree eventually. Inspite of their agreement not to have physical relationship like normal husband and wife ,they start falling in love with eachother but both too stubborn to confess their love.

"Suddenly , the future didnt seem quite so grim"


Such a beautiful story and characters were incredible including Dunwoody, Hetty and Amos . I really really like Callum. I would love to read another whole book on him. This was my first Bronwyn's book but definitely not the last one.

4 out of 5 stars

[Judy]

Pastor Josiah had found Hetty for Edmund some years ago. He needed a wife to take care of his five year old son, Rogan. Now he had a letter from Rogan needing a caretaker for Hetty. She was a handful and with him out to sea he needed help.

The older woman Josiah had in mind found a job but he had a young woman who was kicked out of her home after her brother in law tried to take favors from her. His wife witnessed what she thought was a two way agreement and sent her sister packing. Now Kathleen needed some where to live and work.

After much persuasion Josiah convinced Rogan he had to marry Kathleen and it could be a business agreement. Kathleen was afraid of a mans intimacy and did not want a husband and Rogan did not want a wife.

Hetty was a handful. Stealing things or giving things away. A childs attitude in a womans body.


Great story.

[Rose]

Bronwyn Williams' The Mariner's Bride offers a historical romance set against a backdrop of maritime life. The story follows Kathleen Stevens, who enters into a marriage of convenience with sea captain Rogan Rawson. Williams explores how this unlikely union evolves as Kathleen seeks refuge and Rogan grapples with his newfound responsibilities.

As an all-time favorite book by one of my favorite authors, this novel delves into the challenges and surprises that arise when two people from different worlds are brought together. As Rogan navigates his duties at sea, the narrative focuses on Kathleen's resilience and growth, and their developing relationship. The book also features wonderful secondary characters.

Fans of historical romance with elements of arranged marriage themes may appreciate this story.

[Leanne]

Enjoyed the quirky supporting cast in this one. Callun is deserving of his own story. Is there one out there?
I'll certainly try Bronwyn Williams again.