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St. Leger #1
The Bride Finder
an alternate cover edition can be found here
Chosen by the Bride Finder, a man blessed with amazing insight, Madeline Breton has come to Cornwall to meet her new husband, the enigmatic Anatole St. Leger. But her dream of happiness soon diffuses in his overpowering shadow. Anatole knows only too well the legacies that to him have been more curses than gifts. But as Madeline embarks on an odyssey both otherworldly and undeniably real, she and her husband fall hopelessly in love--until she sees a haunting vision of murder and a terrifying enemy emerges to threaten both their lives. . . .
Chosen by the Bride Finder, a man blessed with amazing insight, Madeline Breton has come to Cornwall to meet her new husband, the enigmatic Anatole St. Leger. But her dream of happiness soon diffuses in his overpowering shadow. Anatole knows only too well the legacies that to him have been more curses than gifts. But as Madeline embarks on an odyssey both otherworldly and undeniably real, she and her husband fall hopelessly in love--until she sees a haunting vision of murder and a terrifying enemy emerges to threaten both their lives. . . .
403 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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1287 people want to read
About the author
Susan Carroll
63 books379 followersBorn Susan Carol Cute in 1952, Susan Coppula obtained a Degree in English with complementary studies in History in the University of Indiana. Since 1986, Susan has published books under three different pseudonyms: Susan Carroll, Susan Coppula, and Serena Richards
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
November 14, 2011
First things first... Thank you for recommending this book, Fani! Who would have thought I'd enjoy a historical PNR so much? Fani, that would be you! ;)
The Bride Finder is a romantic gothic tale, featuring a dark, tortured and brooding hero who lives in a haunted castle - where else could he live? - and a no-nonsense and engaging heroine.
Anatole St. Leger comes from a long line of ancestors who are cursed - or blessed, depending on how one sees it - with paranormal powers. Anatole's "gift" is, he's telekinetic, can see the future, and sense the presence of other people before he sees or hears them. Considering how "unique" they are, every member of the St. Leger family must ask the Bride Finder to choose his/her mate if they want to live a long and happy life. Anatole is well aware of the consequences of forsaking the Bride Finder's services - his parents' marriage was not a match made by the Bride Finder and, as the legend dictates, ended tragically - so he knows better than tempt fate. When the time comes for him to choose a bride, he calls the Bride Finder. He makes a list of what he wants in a wife, but we can't always get what we want... And what we want isn't always what we need...
What Anatole gets is Madeline Breton, who agrees to marry him sight unseen thanks to the Bride Finder's smart and somewhat tricky talking. When she arrives at Castle Leger to meet her husband, she's disappointed to find out that Anatole's nothing like she expected. He isn't thrilled with her either, so the Bride Finder has to smooth things out between the newlyweds. The Bride Finder strongly advises Anatole to come clean with Madeline about his paranormal powers, but Anatole decides to keep them a secret because he's afraid she'll get scared and reject him. And so begins their journey towards their HEA...
I loved both Anatole and Madeline, and I especially liked the fact that they didn't fall in love at first sight. That's very common in PNR romances, where the H/h are usually fated to be together and feel connected to each other right from the start, so it was nice to see a different approach. Anatole and Madeline were meant to be together - that was what the Bride Finder's job was about, to find the woman destined to be Anatole's love for all eternity - but that didn't mean that they fell instantly in love. It was wonderful to watch they find their way around each other and make their marriage work. And when he finally told her about his paranormal powers... All I'm going to say is, I'd have done the same thing she did.
The ending - most particularly, the last paragraph of the last chapter and the 1st line of the epilogue - almost gave me a heart attack. Wow, scary moment there! Thankfully, it was gone soon enough and I closed the book with a satisfying sigh. :)
The Bride Finder is a romantic gothic tale, featuring a dark, tortured and brooding hero who lives in a haunted castle - where else could he live? - and a no-nonsense and engaging heroine.
Anatole St. Leger comes from a long line of ancestors who are cursed - or blessed, depending on how one sees it - with paranormal powers. Anatole's "gift" is, he's telekinetic, can see the future, and sense the presence of other people before he sees or hears them. Considering how "unique" they are, every member of the St. Leger family must ask the Bride Finder to choose his/her mate if they want to live a long and happy life. Anatole is well aware of the consequences of forsaking the Bride Finder's services - his parents' marriage was not a match made by the Bride Finder and, as the legend dictates, ended tragically - so he knows better than tempt fate. When the time comes for him to choose a bride, he calls the Bride Finder. He makes a list of what he wants in a wife, but we can't always get what we want... And what we want isn't always what we need...
What Anatole gets is Madeline Breton, who agrees to marry him sight unseen thanks to the Bride Finder's smart and somewhat tricky talking. When she arrives at Castle Leger to meet her husband, she's disappointed to find out that Anatole's nothing like she expected. He isn't thrilled with her either, so the Bride Finder has to smooth things out between the newlyweds. The Bride Finder strongly advises Anatole to come clean with Madeline about his paranormal powers, but Anatole decides to keep them a secret because he's afraid she'll get scared and reject him. And so begins their journey towards their HEA...
I loved both Anatole and Madeline, and I especially liked the fact that they didn't fall in love at first sight. That's very common in PNR romances, where the H/h are usually fated to be together and feel connected to each other right from the start, so it was nice to see a different approach. Anatole and Madeline were meant to be together - that was what the Bride Finder's job was about, to find the woman destined to be Anatole's love for all eternity - but that didn't mean that they fell instantly in love. It was wonderful to watch they find their way around each other and make their marriage work. And when he finally told her about his paranormal powers... All I'm going to say is, I'd have done the same thing she did.
The ending - most particularly, the last paragraph of the last chapter and the 1st line of the epilogue - almost gave me a heart attack. Wow, scary moment there! Thankfully, it was gone soon enough and I closed the book with a satisfying sigh. :)
September 3, 2009
”The Bride Finder” by Susan Carroll (published paperback edition 2006 (1/30/99 original publication))
Anatole and Madeline
(Gothic setting romance believed to be set in the Georgian period (probably more toward 1800), Cornwall, England (no actual date noted.))
Anatole St. Leger comes from a long line of men that hold a menagerie of mystical powers – anything from Anatole’s psychic abilities to know the future and levitate objects, to one of his cousins being able to “see into the true soul” of another. With the first of his line, Prospero, a great sorcerer with the charms of a Don Juan still haunting the very “Castle Leger” he lives in, there’s not much escape for Anatole from the unusual (to say the least) legends he’s been born into, much to his dismay.
The time having arrived to choose a bride, Anatole knows the consequences, harsh and fatal, of going against the legends and making the choices himself, despite his reservations. Only the Bride Finder knows the destined perfect mate for a St. Leger man, and so Anatole sends him on his quest to ascertain who he will be obligated to pledge his heart and soul to for all eternity (as the legend goes). Of course, not before trying to influence him on the type of woman who he feels could stand up to his horrific countenance (as Anatole sees himself -- and not too far off the mark in reality). Making a laundry list to assist the Bride Finder Vicar Fitzleger, it contains qualities like large and buxom, with a sturdy frame and no-nonsense personality, not easily scared off or fragile. In this way Anatole feels he will be able to endure what he sees can only end up in reality as a marriage of convenience. Afterall, what woman in her right mind would want him – a beast in his gothic castle in the wilds of Cornwall? However, Fitzleger, with the added ghostly unknown assistance of Prospero, has other ideas about what is best for the tough as nails warrior on the outside, yet sensitive and loving at his core Anatole.
Fitzleger is “guided” by his own special gifts (as yes, the Bride Finder is actually a “Fitz” (meaning “bastard son of”) a St. Leger himself. The illegitimate son of Anatole’s great grandfather, Fitzleger has inherited the special powers of the line as well. He quickly hones in on Anatole’s mate of his heart, the only perfect woman for Anatole – Madeline Breton
Madeline is the only member of the Breton clan who seems to have any common sense. A bluestocking and mere slip of a woman with the good sense to keep all her family’s penchant for frivolous living under control from one day to the next. She’s a regular juggler of keeping all their overspending and over-socializing from toppling down on them and leaving them destitute. When a chance meeting with Fitzleger leads her down the path that her wisest choice is to marry by proxy the unknown yet wealthy Anatole, she comes to a decision quickly, practical woman that she is; it’s her family’s only hope of salvation out of its quick descent into bankruptcy. How bad could it be Madeline wonders? With the miniature portrait from Fitzleger of a poetic looking young man clutched to her breast and her head filled with the Bride Finder’s assurances that only she can fulfill the prophecy of the perfect love for Anatole, she sets out from London to the wild back country of Cornwall full of nothing but hope, happiness, family and babies for her future.
Upon Anatole and Madeline’s first meeting they are completely taken unawares of the reality of the other, in no way matching the expectations of each. Anatole is convinced the first time he lays with this fairy princess of a woman, she will be crushed under the weight of him alone, if not frightened into complete hysterics beforehand. Madeline is certain the dark, large and looming lord who has ridden up on a great destryer stallion, long black hair flying in the breeze, cannot possibly be her young, sweet-faced prince. From this point on, each will little by little disspell the stereotypes the other has created in their head, and find a love so deep with one another, they will genuinely be the most potent example of the Bride Finder’s certain powers.
This book is such a moving tale – really a true fairytale romance from beginning to end. Yet oddly enough, it rings true with so many real life relationship details that can’t be ignored that it’s a testament to Susan Carroll’s writing skills: She puts the fantastical together with paced and precise plotting, leading the reader to the end with just the right amount of suspension of disbelief necessary to go from reality to fantasy. There are no great leaps of logic that are necessary other than the fairytale premise itself’s magical elements, as the protagonists are instilled with very human characteristics necessary to emotionally travel through the book. It takes time and mutual trust and getting to know the other, flaws and all, for these two to find the love they are destined to have with one another. As intriguing as the fantasy plot was, it was all about the romance!
Anatole comes from a loveless and abused childhood, his parents so caught up in their own unfulfilled dreams they selfishly ignore little Anatole’s pleas for love and inclusion in their lives. And oh, can Susan Carroll write a tortured hero. My heart just ached for Anatole’s lost childhood and the cruelness heaped upon him by his mother’s overwhelming fear of the “other worldly gifts” of the St. Leger men, including her own baby. Naturally, with a rejecting mother and an emotionally withdrawn father, Anatole grows up very lonely, distrusting, guarded and cynical in the ways of love, feeling completely unworthy of Madeline. He’s built his emotional fences high in order to remain invulnerable, yet inside he can’t help but long for the sweet and beautiful Madeline, his one and only chosen bride. Madeline, though fraught with her own insecurities, with her gifts of common sense and no nonsense approach to life, hangs in there and doesn’t allow Anatole to run over her despite all his overwhelming outbursts of temper. She ultimately has the patience to allow Anatole to slowly come to terms that she, unlike his parents, will not shut him out permanently and he slowly lets his guard down as he falls in love with Madeline and she with him.
This is not a fast-paced romance full of lusty sex scenes. I read a review on this book at another site wherein the reviewer called it a “bodice ripper”; a description which couldn’t have been farther from the truth. That reviewer obviously had no idea what the true definition of a bodice ripper novel consisted of, as this romance smoothly and succinctly follows a trajectory of inevitable romantic love to a crescendo that leaves the reader as breathless as the story’s lovers. When these lovers finally let down their guards and make true, passionate love as only those who are securely sure of their love for one another at last, it was a scene right out of the most romantic love stories that anyone can imagine. Like many, I read a lot of different types of romance novels for a lot of different moods and reasons. Read this book for it’s deeply emotional journey and complete immersion into the life and love of these two people. You won’t be sorry. I closed this book with a smile on my face and a heartfelt *sigh*. Truly a keeper if I’ve ever read one.
K.
[NOTE: Mainstream “PG-13 to R” rated sex scenes, minor graphic sexual references; no graphic language; minor/non-graphically described violence; considered suitable reading for teens 16+ (younger teens with parental guidance).]
Anatole and Madeline
(Gothic setting romance believed to be set in the Georgian period (probably more toward 1800), Cornwall, England (no actual date noted.))
Anatole St. Leger comes from a long line of men that hold a menagerie of mystical powers – anything from Anatole’s psychic abilities to know the future and levitate objects, to one of his cousins being able to “see into the true soul” of another. With the first of his line, Prospero, a great sorcerer with the charms of a Don Juan still haunting the very “Castle Leger” he lives in, there’s not much escape for Anatole from the unusual (to say the least) legends he’s been born into, much to his dismay.
The time having arrived to choose a bride, Anatole knows the consequences, harsh and fatal, of going against the legends and making the choices himself, despite his reservations. Only the Bride Finder knows the destined perfect mate for a St. Leger man, and so Anatole sends him on his quest to ascertain who he will be obligated to pledge his heart and soul to for all eternity (as the legend goes). Of course, not before trying to influence him on the type of woman who he feels could stand up to his horrific countenance (as Anatole sees himself -- and not too far off the mark in reality). Making a laundry list to assist the Bride Finder Vicar Fitzleger, it contains qualities like large and buxom, with a sturdy frame and no-nonsense personality, not easily scared off or fragile. In this way Anatole feels he will be able to endure what he sees can only end up in reality as a marriage of convenience. Afterall, what woman in her right mind would want him – a beast in his gothic castle in the wilds of Cornwall? However, Fitzleger, with the added ghostly unknown assistance of Prospero, has other ideas about what is best for the tough as nails warrior on the outside, yet sensitive and loving at his core Anatole.
Fitzleger is “guided” by his own special gifts (as yes, the Bride Finder is actually a “Fitz” (meaning “bastard son of”) a St. Leger himself. The illegitimate son of Anatole’s great grandfather, Fitzleger has inherited the special powers of the line as well. He quickly hones in on Anatole’s mate of his heart, the only perfect woman for Anatole – Madeline Breton
Madeline is the only member of the Breton clan who seems to have any common sense. A bluestocking and mere slip of a woman with the good sense to keep all her family’s penchant for frivolous living under control from one day to the next. She’s a regular juggler of keeping all their overspending and over-socializing from toppling down on them and leaving them destitute. When a chance meeting with Fitzleger leads her down the path that her wisest choice is to marry by proxy the unknown yet wealthy Anatole, she comes to a decision quickly, practical woman that she is; it’s her family’s only hope of salvation out of its quick descent into bankruptcy. How bad could it be Madeline wonders? With the miniature portrait from Fitzleger of a poetic looking young man clutched to her breast and her head filled with the Bride Finder’s assurances that only she can fulfill the prophecy of the perfect love for Anatole, she sets out from London to the wild back country of Cornwall full of nothing but hope, happiness, family and babies for her future.
Upon Anatole and Madeline’s first meeting they are completely taken unawares of the reality of the other, in no way matching the expectations of each. Anatole is convinced the first time he lays with this fairy princess of a woman, she will be crushed under the weight of him alone, if not frightened into complete hysterics beforehand. Madeline is certain the dark, large and looming lord who has ridden up on a great destryer stallion, long black hair flying in the breeze, cannot possibly be her young, sweet-faced prince. From this point on, each will little by little disspell the stereotypes the other has created in their head, and find a love so deep with one another, they will genuinely be the most potent example of the Bride Finder’s certain powers.
This book is such a moving tale – really a true fairytale romance from beginning to end. Yet oddly enough, it rings true with so many real life relationship details that can’t be ignored that it’s a testament to Susan Carroll’s writing skills: She puts the fantastical together with paced and precise plotting, leading the reader to the end with just the right amount of suspension of disbelief necessary to go from reality to fantasy. There are no great leaps of logic that are necessary other than the fairytale premise itself’s magical elements, as the protagonists are instilled with very human characteristics necessary to emotionally travel through the book. It takes time and mutual trust and getting to know the other, flaws and all, for these two to find the love they are destined to have with one another. As intriguing as the fantasy plot was, it was all about the romance!
Anatole comes from a loveless and abused childhood, his parents so caught up in their own unfulfilled dreams they selfishly ignore little Anatole’s pleas for love and inclusion in their lives. And oh, can Susan Carroll write a tortured hero. My heart just ached for Anatole’s lost childhood and the cruelness heaped upon him by his mother’s overwhelming fear of the “other worldly gifts” of the St. Leger men, including her own baby. Naturally, with a rejecting mother and an emotionally withdrawn father, Anatole grows up very lonely, distrusting, guarded and cynical in the ways of love, feeling completely unworthy of Madeline. He’s built his emotional fences high in order to remain invulnerable, yet inside he can’t help but long for the sweet and beautiful Madeline, his one and only chosen bride. Madeline, though fraught with her own insecurities, with her gifts of common sense and no nonsense approach to life, hangs in there and doesn’t allow Anatole to run over her despite all his overwhelming outbursts of temper. She ultimately has the patience to allow Anatole to slowly come to terms that she, unlike his parents, will not shut him out permanently and he slowly lets his guard down as he falls in love with Madeline and she with him.
This is not a fast-paced romance full of lusty sex scenes. I read a review on this book at another site wherein the reviewer called it a “bodice ripper”; a description which couldn’t have been farther from the truth. That reviewer obviously had no idea what the true definition of a bodice ripper novel consisted of, as this romance smoothly and succinctly follows a trajectory of inevitable romantic love to a crescendo that leaves the reader as breathless as the story’s lovers. When these lovers finally let down their guards and make true, passionate love as only those who are securely sure of their love for one another at last, it was a scene right out of the most romantic love stories that anyone can imagine. Like many, I read a lot of different types of romance novels for a lot of different moods and reasons. Read this book for it’s deeply emotional journey and complete immersion into the life and love of these two people. You won’t be sorry. I closed this book with a smile on my face and a heartfelt *sigh*. Truly a keeper if I’ve ever read one.
K.
[NOTE: Mainstream “PG-13 to R” rated sex scenes, minor graphic sexual references; no graphic language; minor/non-graphically described violence; considered suitable reading for teens 16+ (younger teens with parental guidance).]
September 28, 2024
4 Estrellitas. Primer acercamiento con Susan Carroll y ha resultado una novela curiosa y muy entretenida. El problema es que no he podido leerla tanto ni tan bien como me habría gustado, porque he tenido una semana complicada y el libro es más largo de lo que parecía.
"El buscador de novias" es el primer libro de la trilogía St. Leger. Una trilogía de romance histórico con toques sobrenaturales, que nos transporta al Cornualles del siglo XVIII para conocer a la familia St. Leger. Los St. Leger son una poderosa y rica familia, con una terrible maldición, sobre ellos pesa una serie de leyendas y maldiciones, encarnadas en una serie de dones que poseen cada uno de ellos.
Anatole St. Leger es el actual cabeza de familia, y el protagonista de esta historia. Susan Carroll nos trae una versión tipo Bella y Bestia. Anatole es ésa Bestia, un hombre brutal y solitario, a quien su don condicionó su niñez y su vida adulta. Vilipendiado y temido por los que debían haberlo amado, Anatole sobrevive prácticamente aislado en sus tierras. Su don o maldición, es ver fragmentos del futuro y normalmente ve cosas que nunca acaban bien.
Pero sobre los St. Leger también pesa una leyenda, y es que a todos los miembro de la familia, una persona cercana a ellas y con el don del Buscador de Novias, deberá seleccionar a su pareja predestinada. De un modo u otros, todos sus miembros fueron felices, pero si se casan con una persona a quien el Buscador de Novias no ha elegido, el suyo será un matrimonio abocado al fracaso.
Anatole ha tenido una visión, una que le dice que se cuide de la mujer de cabello flameante. Y así es como un día, decide poner fin a su soledad, y encarga a su Buscador de Novias, un primo lejano de su familia, que le busque a su pareja, y este irá a Londres a buscarla.
La elegida es Madeline Breton. Una joven de buena familia, pero sin un céntimo. Madeline es un bicho raro entre su familia, es inteligente, le gusta leer, y no vive obsesionada con el gasto, la pomposidad y las fiestas. Por eso, cuando el señor Fitzleger le propone el matrimonio con su amo, el dueño del castillo St. Leger de Cornualles, Madeline lo ve como una vía de escape y acepta.
El principio no es nada fácil para ellos, Anatole es temible, irritable y está muy enfadado. Madeline no es lo que esperaba en una esposa, ni tiene los rasgos que le pidió a Fitzleger. Es pequeña, hermosa, delicada y muy pelirroja, y para colmo de males, acaba espantando a sus damas y servidumbre.
Anatole tampoco es lo que Madeline esperaba. Ambos están en un aprieto, ella no sabe si cortar con ese matrimonio y volver a Londres y a Anatole ella no le gusta nada. Pero con el transcurrir de los días, Madeline se irá adaptando a su situación y él a tenerla a ella, y así es como la Bella domó a la Bestia.
El suyo no es un amor fácil. Anatole quiere abrirse a su esposa y contarle la verdad sobre su maldición, y teme espantarla, y a Madeline le parece increíble que con lo inteligente que es su esposo crea en leyendas y tonterías. La vida les cambiará mucho cuando una amenaza del pasado, una familia rival de los St. Leger, a los que creían extintos, vuelvan a Cornualles, y pongan en peligro el amor que está naciendo entre los protagonistas.
Bueno, el suyo no es un romance fácil ni rápido, pero admito que no sé muy bien en qué momento los protagonistas se enamoraron, pero se pasan la primera mitad del libro discutiendo, esquivándose y Anatole comportándose como un energúmeno, y de repente, la amabilidad vuelve a ellos y también el amor.
Realmente me ha gustado y está muy bien escrito. Me han gustado esos toques paranormales que tiene el libro, con leyendas, poderes psíquicos y fantasmas, y además trasladado a un lugar mágico como es Cornualles y en pleno siglo XVIII.
Me ha convencido y lo he disfrutado mucho, así que no tardaré en continuar con la serie.
"El buscador de novias" es el primer libro de la trilogía St. Leger. Una trilogía de romance histórico con toques sobrenaturales, que nos transporta al Cornualles del siglo XVIII para conocer a la familia St. Leger. Los St. Leger son una poderosa y rica familia, con una terrible maldición, sobre ellos pesa una serie de leyendas y maldiciones, encarnadas en una serie de dones que poseen cada uno de ellos.
Anatole St. Leger es el actual cabeza de familia, y el protagonista de esta historia. Susan Carroll nos trae una versión tipo Bella y Bestia. Anatole es ésa Bestia, un hombre brutal y solitario, a quien su don condicionó su niñez y su vida adulta. Vilipendiado y temido por los que debían haberlo amado, Anatole sobrevive prácticamente aislado en sus tierras. Su don o maldición, es ver fragmentos del futuro y normalmente ve cosas que nunca acaban bien.
Pero sobre los St. Leger también pesa una leyenda, y es que a todos los miembro de la familia, una persona cercana a ellas y con el don del Buscador de Novias, deberá seleccionar a su pareja predestinada. De un modo u otros, todos sus miembros fueron felices, pero si se casan con una persona a quien el Buscador de Novias no ha elegido, el suyo será un matrimonio abocado al fracaso.
Anatole ha tenido una visión, una que le dice que se cuide de la mujer de cabello flameante. Y así es como un día, decide poner fin a su soledad, y encarga a su Buscador de Novias, un primo lejano de su familia, que le busque a su pareja, y este irá a Londres a buscarla.
La elegida es Madeline Breton. Una joven de buena familia, pero sin un céntimo. Madeline es un bicho raro entre su familia, es inteligente, le gusta leer, y no vive obsesionada con el gasto, la pomposidad y las fiestas. Por eso, cuando el señor Fitzleger le propone el matrimonio con su amo, el dueño del castillo St. Leger de Cornualles, Madeline lo ve como una vía de escape y acepta.
El principio no es nada fácil para ellos, Anatole es temible, irritable y está muy enfadado. Madeline no es lo que esperaba en una esposa, ni tiene los rasgos que le pidió a Fitzleger. Es pequeña, hermosa, delicada y muy pelirroja, y para colmo de males, acaba espantando a sus damas y servidumbre.
Anatole tampoco es lo que Madeline esperaba. Ambos están en un aprieto, ella no sabe si cortar con ese matrimonio y volver a Londres y a Anatole ella no le gusta nada. Pero con el transcurrir de los días, Madeline se irá adaptando a su situación y él a tenerla a ella, y así es como la Bella domó a la Bestia.
El suyo no es un amor fácil. Anatole quiere abrirse a su esposa y contarle la verdad sobre su maldición, y teme espantarla, y a Madeline le parece increíble que con lo inteligente que es su esposo crea en leyendas y tonterías. La vida les cambiará mucho cuando una amenaza del pasado, una familia rival de los St. Leger, a los que creían extintos, vuelvan a Cornualles, y pongan en peligro el amor que está naciendo entre los protagonistas.
Bueno, el suyo no es un romance fácil ni rápido, pero admito que no sé muy bien en qué momento los protagonistas se enamoraron, pero se pasan la primera mitad del libro discutiendo, esquivándose y Anatole comportándose como un energúmeno, y de repente, la amabilidad vuelve a ellos y también el amor.
Realmente me ha gustado y está muy bien escrito. Me han gustado esos toques paranormales que tiene el libro, con leyendas, poderes psíquicos y fantasmas, y además trasladado a un lugar mágico como es Cornualles y en pleno siglo XVIII.
Me ha convencido y lo he disfrutado mucho, así que no tardaré en continuar con la serie.
February 20, 2018
I loved this book! I first discovered Susan Carroll's Dark Queen series and was impressed, so I decided to go back and read her earlier works. The Bride Finder is the first and best of the St. Leger trilogy. It's a beautiful, original love story between two wonderfully drawn characters: the dark and wounded Anatole St. Leger, and the smart and spritely Madeline Breton. Bound by a magical legacy, Anatole dispatches the Bride Finder, who comes from a long line of Bride Finders charged with helping the St. Leger men find the perfect mates to fulfill the destiny of the family. But what he brings back is not what Anatole had in mind. How can this tiny, delicate woman possibly have the strength and courage to withstand his family's dark heritage and even darker secrets? From their first awkward meeting to the last page of the book, their story is superbly told through engaging scenes, sparkling dialogue, and sweeping imagery of the Cornwall coast. I couldn't put it down and when I finished it I was left completely satisfied, happy to have found such a great read!
January 7, 2019
Muy bien desarrollado el romance entre ellos. Especialmente en la época y las circunstancias en que se desarrolla. Muy bien llevada la parte sobrenatural también.
June 29, 2015
I liked The Bride Finder, but not enough to give it 3 stars. I found the hero and heroine adorable, but the weak and unimaginative plot devices, lacklustre dialogue, and flat secondary characters just screwed the story up for me. At one point, anything, anything--the crack in the wall, the hundred year old family vase, my half-eaten apple pie--was much more interesting than reading the book. My attention kept on slipping, and not even the climax piqued my curiosity. It was such a shame because the story really did show promise and I really tried, but gosh it was just so uninspiring.
The only upside to this book would be Anatole and Madeline. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I liked them at first because they were both so awkward. But as the story progressed, I grew to appreciate them and eventually found their awkwardness endearing. Anatole reminded me of a wild animal that only wanted to belong somewhere, but didn't know how to do so or where to begin. Madeline was perfect for him, because she was strong-willed and understanding. My only qualm about their relationship would be their lack of communication. I understand that it was normal, given the context, but it really frustrated the hell out of me when some of their conflicts could have been prevented by simply talking to each other.
I probably wouldn't read the rest of the books in the series. At least, not in the near future.
The only upside to this book would be Anatole and Madeline. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I liked them at first because they were both so awkward. But as the story progressed, I grew to appreciate them and eventually found their awkwardness endearing. Anatole reminded me of a wild animal that only wanted to belong somewhere, but didn't know how to do so or where to begin. Madeline was perfect for him, because she was strong-willed and understanding. My only qualm about their relationship would be their lack of communication. I understand that it was normal, given the context, but it really frustrated the hell out of me when some of their conflicts could have been prevented by simply talking to each other.
I probably wouldn't read the rest of the books in the series. At least, not in the near future.
January 6, 2014
I'm about 120 pages in & I don't think I'll finish, which to me means automatic one star. Just cannot get into it. I need to make a new rule that if a main character has a name completely anachronistic to the period & location, I'm not going to read it. The author is just not on my wavelength.
This is just way too slow, cliché ridden, & predictable. I really couldn't care about the constant hints about A BIG SECRET that come on every page. Also couldn't take the obvious lack of research, especially when it involves massive plot holes. For example, on her first night in Anatole's home, much is made about Madeline not having a lady's maid to undress her. At the time clothing was designed so a lady could not dress or undress herself. This included the dress itself. However, here the only article Madeline needs help with is her corset. It becomes a big part of the plot how her corset gets removed. Yet the next morning she shows up suitably dressed (in a hat that won't be fashionable for maybe 50 years) - and no one helped her. No mention of the event is made. The lack of logic goes on from there.
Women being forced to kiss & embrace against their will does nothing for me. I also found it impossible to believe a bookworm of the time, like Madeline, would be completely ignorant to anatomy & biology, no matter how sheltered she was - and we're not led to believe she is quite sheltered. (I've read much better historical bookworm characters in other books.) Some might be turned off by full on paranormal aspects of the story (Anatole has telekinesis, ghosts are real, etc) but that was one thing that didn't bother me as it comes with the paranormal romance territory.
Maybe one day I'll finish this & revise my review. Don't see it happening any time soon.
This is just way too slow, cliché ridden, & predictable. I really couldn't care about the constant hints about A BIG SECRET that come on every page. Also couldn't take the obvious lack of research, especially when it involves massive plot holes. For example, on her first night in Anatole's home, much is made about Madeline not having a lady's maid to undress her. At the time clothing was designed so a lady could not dress or undress herself. This included the dress itself. However, here the only article Madeline needs help with is her corset. It becomes a big part of the plot how her corset gets removed. Yet the next morning she shows up suitably dressed (in a hat that won't be fashionable for maybe 50 years) - and no one helped her. No mention of the event is made. The lack of logic goes on from there.
Women being forced to kiss & embrace against their will does nothing for me. I also found it impossible to believe a bookworm of the time, like Madeline, would be completely ignorant to anatomy & biology, no matter how sheltered she was - and we're not led to believe she is quite sheltered. (I've read much better historical bookworm characters in other books.) Some might be turned off by full on paranormal aspects of the story (Anatole has telekinesis, ghosts are real, etc) but that was one thing that didn't bother me as it comes with the paranormal romance territory.
Maybe one day I'll finish this & revise my review. Don't see it happening any time soon.
February 20, 2021
Hace años lo había leído, y decidí volver a re leerlo, me encanta!! Adoro la leyenda 😍 como se van acercando ellos dos, es una lástima que casi nadie sepa sobre esta saga de libros.
January 29, 2008
Anatole St Leger has to marry soon. According to his family history for him to be happy his bride must be chosen by the Bride Finder.
Madeline Breton falls in love with the portrait the Bride Finder shows her and accepts the marriage of convenience.
Chosen by the Bride Finder, a man blessed with amazing insight, Madeline Breton has come to Cornwall to meet her new husband, Anatole St. Leger---a man whose midnight eyes conceal strange, paranormal powers. As Madeline embarks on an odyssey both otherworldly and undeniably real, she and her mysterious husband fall hopelessly in love---until she sees a haunting vision of murder and a terrifying enemy emerges to threaten both their lives.
At first Madeline is not at all what Anatole wants. But having faith in the Bride Finder he starts to accept her even if he doesn't tell gher about his strange family history and his special powers. Unaware of how important some of the traditions are Madelien and Anatole seem to find it difficult to trust and love each other.
I think Carroll bigger virtue was to make us care about Anatole. And to suffer with him when he finds himself ready to love Madeline and sees how she denies what he believes it's true - the true love between the St. Leger and their brides. As in his youth he believes himself to be unloved and unwanted. And it's painful to see how he plans to give some daisies to his wife only to find out his cousin has given her a dozen roses.
What I really enjoyed was the tension between those two. Provoked by how Anatole wanted to give her his heart but was afraid of being rejected due to his powers and how Madeline was a bit too rational (too rational for the period I mean) but finally was forced to confront something irrational.
Finally, I really think the mystery solved in the last chapters was not needed. I was more interested in the couple's feelings than the outside plot.
Grade: B+ and looking forward to another one.
Madeline Breton falls in love with the portrait the Bride Finder shows her and accepts the marriage of convenience.
Chosen by the Bride Finder, a man blessed with amazing insight, Madeline Breton has come to Cornwall to meet her new husband, Anatole St. Leger---a man whose midnight eyes conceal strange, paranormal powers. As Madeline embarks on an odyssey both otherworldly and undeniably real, she and her mysterious husband fall hopelessly in love---until she sees a haunting vision of murder and a terrifying enemy emerges to threaten both their lives.
At first Madeline is not at all what Anatole wants. But having faith in the Bride Finder he starts to accept her even if he doesn't tell gher about his strange family history and his special powers. Unaware of how important some of the traditions are Madelien and Anatole seem to find it difficult to trust and love each other.
I think Carroll bigger virtue was to make us care about Anatole. And to suffer with him when he finds himself ready to love Madeline and sees how she denies what he believes it's true - the true love between the St. Leger and their brides. As in his youth he believes himself to be unloved and unwanted. And it's painful to see how he plans to give some daisies to his wife only to find out his cousin has given her a dozen roses.
What I really enjoyed was the tension between those two. Provoked by how Anatole wanted to give her his heart but was afraid of being rejected due to his powers and how Madeline was a bit too rational (too rational for the period I mean) but finally was forced to confront something irrational.
Finally, I really think the mystery solved in the last chapters was not needed. I was more interested in the couple's feelings than the outside plot.
Grade: B+ and looking forward to another one.
December 5, 2022
The Bride Finder is about the St. Leger family, specifically Anatole St. Leger the current head of the family. The St. Leger family however is not your typical family. It traces it's lineage to a particular man who's as mysterious and enigmatic as his successors. Almost everyone in the family is gifted with a strange power or ability including Anatole. His particular gifts include dark visions of things in the future and the ability to move people and objects with his mind. He's managed to live alone and unbothered by most of society until his legacy leaves him no choice but to use the Bride Finder. The men in the St. Leger family are said to have only one woman to love and marry for life, only to be found by the current Bride Finder. And eventually Anatole caves and decides to set the Bride Finder out to find his own wife. Who the Bride Finder returns with is nothing like Anatole expected though, and neither is Anatole to his expectant bride.
This book is really moody and atmospheric. It's very much in the same vein as books like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Jane Eyre. The heroine comes up to large imposing building owned by a mysterious enigmatic owner with a dark past. My only complaint is I feel like it needed to be longer and I thought the big scene at the end felt rushed. It was still highly enjoyable nonetheless and sucked me in from the first few pages.
This book is really moody and atmospheric. It's very much in the same vein as books like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Jane Eyre. The heroine comes up to large imposing building owned by a mysterious enigmatic owner with a dark past. My only complaint is I feel like it needed to be longer and I thought the big scene at the end felt rushed. It was still highly enjoyable nonetheless and sucked me in from the first few pages.
November 12, 2014
I didn't think the plot was well developed and the relationship between the two main characters was not very well developed either. They are destined by fate to be together, but the whole time we see evidence that they should not in fact be together. The heroine was weak, cowardly and just plain annoying. We do not see the process of how the two protagonists come to see the lovable side of the other's character. Instead, we are lead to believe that a magic stone does the trick of bringing about true love. I find that rather boring. I want to know how the two characters come to see the positive aspects of the other. In other words, the loved has to be "earned" through mutual experiences through the plot. We are cheated of that here. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of the story and found the secondary characters a lot more interesting than the protagonists.
July 28, 2012
I spent all night devouring this book. What's not to love about a brooding, gothic hero with a sword, a castle and telekinesis? The misunderstandings between the characters were frustrating, but understandable -the hero had serious emotional baggage to get through and didn't know how to love. The first two bedrooms scenes were surprisingly awkward for a romance novel. Usually you find the hero possessed of awesome talent and the heroine swept up in an instant conflagration of desire from the first glance. This book wasn't like that at all. Madeline needed to establish some emotional bonds before she allowed herself to become lost in passion. I don't think I've ever read a heroine timidly ask "is it over?" after making love with the hero. That was an interesting change.
My only complaint is at the end when after jumping through so many hoops to get Anatole to open up about his powers, his terrible past and ghostly companion, she flees in terror. Then Madeline decides to stay away "for his own good." This awful mistake has been overused in so many other romance novels I hoped Susan Carroll would have come up with something else.
My only complaint is at the end when after jumping through so many hoops to get Anatole to open up about his powers, his terrible past and ghostly companion, she flees in terror. Then Madeline decides to stay away "for his own good." This awful mistake has been overused in so many other romance novels I hoped Susan Carroll would have come up with something else.
October 30, 2008
If anyone other than me has read this book you will understand when I say, Holy cow I am a bit embarassed. So let me start off by saying this book was on a list of recomended books by the Salt Lake County libary as a book you might like if you liked Twilight. So I thought what the heck. The story was really cool and I fell in love with the characters, until it hit the middle of the book. That's when the sex scenes came in. Now I don't read modern romance books (for that very reason), and I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. I was totaly embarassed, I kept thinking that someone would look over my shoulder and call me a perv. Now here is the bad part...I finished it. The story was so riviting (without the sex) and I was so invested in the characters that I had to finish it. It was like one of those movies that people say is really good except for that one part (in this case three). So as much as I would like to recomend this book (the story was great) I would caution read at your own risk. I think that goes for all Susan Carroll books.
March 16, 2021
"He couldn’t help wondering if Madeline would have been so anxious for him to quit her bed if he had possessed more of the attributes of Prospero. Or of the handsome face he’d created in that damnable portrait.
But no. He was only Anatole, rough, scarred, and unrefined."
-----------
That’s what he’d told Fitzleger. That it would be enough for Anatole if Madeline learned not to fear him.
I have no desire to be loved, he’d insisted.
“And I still don’t,” Anatole told himself fiercely. But the words rang strangely hollow, as the predawn darkness hung like a gray curtain outside the window, as Madeline slept on, blissfully unaware of his existence. Five o’clock in the morning...
What a desperately lonely hour to discover that he had lied.
But no. He was only Anatole, rough, scarred, and unrefined."
-----------
That’s what he’d told Fitzleger. That it would be enough for Anatole if Madeline learned not to fear him.
I have no desire to be loved, he’d insisted.
“And I still don’t,” Anatole told himself fiercely. But the words rang strangely hollow, as the predawn darkness hung like a gray curtain outside the window, as Madeline slept on, blissfully unaware of his existence. Five o’clock in the morning...
What a desperately lonely hour to discover that he had lied.
January 2, 2009
This beautiful story gets 4 1/2 stars from me, it pushed all the right buttons. I was caught up in the vivid tale of ghosts, mysticism, love, family tradition, legend & vendettas.
The men of the St Ledger family must accept the partner chosen for them by the Bride Finder, to do otherwise risks disaster. Practical Madeline Breton arrives in Cornwall to meet her husband, the tormented Anatole St Ledger and the story that follows became a page turner for me (which pleasantly surprised me.)
The story unfolded at a believable pace and Carroll's writing made for an effortless emotional connection with the characters and the gothic setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance with a spellbinding dose of supernatural.
The men of the St Ledger family must accept the partner chosen for them by the Bride Finder, to do otherwise risks disaster. Practical Madeline Breton arrives in Cornwall to meet her husband, the tormented Anatole St Ledger and the story that follows became a page turner for me (which pleasantly surprised me.)
The story unfolded at a believable pace and Carroll's writing made for an effortless emotional connection with the characters and the gothic setting. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance with a spellbinding dose of supernatural.
February 26, 2008
I enjoyed this book very much. To me one of the ones that was very hard to put down. Matter of fact stayed up till 5 in the morning reading it. This is actually the first paranormal I have read.
November 26, 2009
I really liked this story a lot. I thought the ending was really good and because of this I would give it 4 1/2 stsrs.
March 24, 2018
This is my first book by this author and a little different from my usual cup of coffee, as it brings a supernatural aspect to the historical romance.
I have to say I love the way Mrs. Carroll writes. It flows so smoothly and you feel taken into the story effortlessly.
Anatole St. Leger is the master of Castle Leger and the current head of the Leger family, a family plagued with supernatural powers and visions.
Amidst other powers, Anatole can sense any person approaching him, can move objects with the power of his mind and have visions of dire happenings in peoples futures.
The last one of his powers is the most painful for him to bare as there is nothing he can do to avoid the terrible things he predicts to take place.
After a terrible childhood and years of adulthood loneliness, he finally decides to send the “bride finder”, a person related to his family with special powers to find each St. Leger their forever bride, to bring him a woman to claim as his own.
But things go bad and the woman the Bride Finder brings does not believe in his family legacy and does not respond with passion as previous St. Leger brides.
Beautifully written, interesting story, lovely hero.
I have to say I love the way Mrs. Carroll writes. It flows so smoothly and you feel taken into the story effortlessly.
Anatole St. Leger is the master of Castle Leger and the current head of the Leger family, a family plagued with supernatural powers and visions.
Amidst other powers, Anatole can sense any person approaching him, can move objects with the power of his mind and have visions of dire happenings in peoples futures.
The last one of his powers is the most painful for him to bare as there is nothing he can do to avoid the terrible things he predicts to take place.
After a terrible childhood and years of adulthood loneliness, he finally decides to send the “bride finder”, a person related to his family with special powers to find each St. Leger their forever bride, to bring him a woman to claim as his own.
But things go bad and the woman the Bride Finder brings does not believe in his family legacy and does not respond with passion as previous St. Leger brides.
Beautifully written, interesting story, lovely hero.
May 24, 2023
3.5/5*
September 15, 2025
I didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. For me it tends to be risky to read books nearly as old as I am but this one was genuinely lovely.
January 29, 2020
This story contained all the elements of a sweeping Gothic novel--castle at the edge of the land, brooding hero, naive heroine, legends, curses, revenge, suspicions, prophesies. Engaging and enthralling,
April 1, 2025
In a bid to rescue her family from debtor’s prison, the heroine accepts the offer of marriage from the total stranger who’s exiled himself in the country. A bit torn with the indecision whether she made the right choice or not, she meets her new husband in less than stellar circumstances. First off, his butler refuses her and her companion entrance to the house, then the hero stomps up to her companion, thinking she’s the new bride, and smacks a kiss on her. The hero, who’s embarrassed over his mistake sinks deeper into his shell and turns grumpier in his demeanor. He often compensated for his insecurities by lashing out at those around him. He’d always longed for his mother’s love but his powers made her hate him and as such, he’s always loathed his abilities. The heroine had secretly longed for the opportunity to find love or even companionship with her new husband and she’d already developed a tiny crush on him after receiving a portrait. But her hopes are dashed when the man turns out to be nothing like her dream man. Despite her initial dashed hopes, the heroine is stubborn and refuses to be cowed or bullied by the big man. Slowly she begins to break down his walls and comes to know the vulnerable sweet man inside the gruff exterior. I really loved this story as it had everything I look for in a romance. A gruff misunderstood hero and an innocent, kind yet brave heroine. There were many times when the heroine mistook the hero’s words or actions for attacks and in turn she hurt his feelings by her reaction. It took time for them to come to understand each other but their love had developed into a great tale by the end.
August 5, 2012
Oh, Anatole St. Leger. You are so emo. It is so very hard to take you seriously, but I love you anyway.
This book has the feel of a Gothic. Young innocent girl moves from the big city to a mysterious castle. There are servants who don't like her much, and the master of the castle, our hero, kind of reminds me of the Beast in the Disney movie. Only more emo.
Basically, Anatole had a terrible childhood, which, combined with his being a St. Leger *thunder boom* means that he feels he is just too unsafe for any woman. When he sends the ancient Bride Finder to find is destined mate, he gives the man a list of qualities, none of which Madeline Bretton fits. In fact, she is the polar opposite of what he thinks his ideal mate should be. But Madeline isn't intimidated by the whole St. Leger *lightning flash* legend, and she's inherently cheerful and practical, exactly the sort of woman our hero needs. Watching these two come together is great fun. I especially loved watching them struggle through their marital relations, especially given that Grandpa St. Leger *thunder crash* kept *his* destined bride in the bedchamber for three days. Anatole cannot hope to compete with that.
At times, I found the writing a bit overwrought, but it fit the Gothic theme, so I really didn't mind. The characters were such fun, and I enjoyed watching Madeline discover what it means to be wed to a St. Leger *rain pelts* man.
September 16, 2013
The St. Ledgers are all possessed of strange magical powers. Anatole moves things with his mind and sees visions of the future -- visions that warn him against a red-haired woman. But when he sends the family bride finder for his intended bride, with a detailed list of what he needed, he is presented with a red-haired woman who seems to be the opposite of everything he wants. Yet this, the bride finder assures him, is the woman he is destined to marry.
I loved the magic of this story, seamlessly interwoven with historical England. The myths and legends came to life as Anatole and Madeleine came together -- from curses to visions to ghosts to family enemies who should have been dead.
Anatole was angsty -- a bit too angsty for my tastes at the beginning although as the story unfolded we saw the reasons. His mother never should have married his father -- she was the wrong woman, not chosen by a bride finder, and in the end she rejected her own son. Anatole sought the love he never received from his parents in Madeleine, but he had idea how to love and ended up keeping her at arm's length by keeping secrets from her.
My only real complaint here is that I felt Madeleine was a flat character. She came across more as an idea than a real woman, and it hurt the romance here.
Still, I intend to look for more books by this author. I recommend to paranormal romance lovers.
I loved the magic of this story, seamlessly interwoven with historical England. The myths and legends came to life as Anatole and Madeleine came together -- from curses to visions to ghosts to family enemies who should have been dead.
Anatole was angsty -- a bit too angsty for my tastes at the beginning although as the story unfolded we saw the reasons. His mother never should have married his father -- she was the wrong woman, not chosen by a bride finder, and in the end she rejected her own son. Anatole sought the love he never received from his parents in Madeleine, but he had idea how to love and ended up keeping her at arm's length by keeping secrets from her.
My only real complaint here is that I felt Madeleine was a flat character. She came across more as an idea than a real woman, and it hurt the romance here.
Still, I intend to look for more books by this author. I recommend to paranormal romance lovers.
November 24, 2008
In parts quite a fun paranormal read. Historical romance with a beauty and the beast flavour. The wife, Madeline Breton goes to Cornwall to meet with her new husband (they were married by proxy); Anatole St. Leger. A man who has been hiding out from his abilities and from the world. There are mysterious forces at work who want him dead and misunderstandings that keep them apart.
The paranormal in this story falls into the Psionic end of the scale and it's quite well dealt with, not only the power but also the problems. There were times however where it faltered and it didn't quite gel properly. Still quite an enjoyable read and I look forward to the others in the series.
The paranormal in this story falls into the Psionic end of the scale and it's quite well dealt with, not only the power but also the problems. There were times however where it faltered and it didn't quite gel properly. Still quite an enjoyable read and I look forward to the others in the series.
May 19, 2016
Este libro me gustó tanto, la pluma de Susan Carroll me dejó atrapada entre sus páginas. Debo decir que no lo terminé en un dos por tres porque #vacaciones :3
También quiero decir que no conocía nada acerca de este libro y que inicié con su lectura ya que un día pasando por una librería encontré un libro que me llamó la atención y estaba en oferta, así que lo compré. La cosa fue que era la tercera parte de una trilogía.
Así fue como descubrí la trilogía St. Leger y me enamore de la historia de Madeleine y Anatole St. Leger, que sin dudas debe ser leída.
Si pudiera le hubiera dado 10 estrellas. Estoy segura de que he descubierto mi nuevo género literario favorito gracias a esta historia. (Y eso que no me gusta andar de cursi por ahí)
Pronto habrá reseña en el blog.
También quiero decir que no conocía nada acerca de este libro y que inicié con su lectura ya que un día pasando por una librería encontré un libro que me llamó la atención y estaba en oferta, así que lo compré. La cosa fue que era la tercera parte de una trilogía.
Así fue como descubrí la trilogía St. Leger y me enamore de la historia de Madeleine y Anatole St. Leger, que sin dudas debe ser leída.
Si pudiera le hubiera dado 10 estrellas. Estoy segura de que he descubierto mi nuevo género literario favorito gracias a esta historia. (Y eso que no me gusta andar de cursi por ahí)
Pronto habrá reseña en el blog.
June 13, 2013
I gave up on this book the first time I tried to read it, but I'm glad I persevered the second time because I found it compelling. It would be a rather typical 'nice heroine heals scarred, brooding hero,' except for the danger, the magic, and the emotional impact. Occasionally, I got a little annoyed that the H&H didn't try to communicate things better, but then, really, how short do we actually want our novels to be? The relationship developed rather well, the villain actually managed to surprise me, and the sex was rather briefly described. Long story short, I liked it and I'll probably read the next two in the series soon.
July 27, 2017
I read this trilogy several years ago, but didn't want to do a review unless I re-read the books. I have just finished the first one and recall now why they stayed with me! This is a wonderful story, and I enjoyed every second of it! Filled with paranormalcy and romance it held my attention from the get-go and kept it through the entire length of the book. I cannot say much more without giving some of the story away and there is enough info in the Goodreads blurb anyway, so I will simply say that I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a good paranormal historical romance...definitely a keeper, and I know I am going to read it again!
December 23, 2008
After wedding Anatole St. Leger by proxy, Madeline Breton finds her new home haunted and her new husband possessing supernatural powers.
Spellbinding. Creative. Clever. A quick and fun read. Likeable characters. Well-paced. Similar to the Beauty and the Beast tales. Very satisfying. Has a paranormal feel. You might also like The Ground She Walks Upon by Megan McKinney.
Spellbinding. Creative. Clever. A quick and fun read. Likeable characters. Well-paced. Similar to the Beauty and the Beast tales. Very satisfying. Has a paranormal feel. You might also like The Ground She Walks Upon by Megan McKinney.
January 8, 2020
The Bride Finder has the feel of a romance classic that will continue to wear well—no surprise, considering its many awards and accolades. Imagine what would happen if Heathcliff, haunted, scarred, violent tempered, and wounded by past rejection, married practical, determined, nurturing Jane Eyre, and you have a sense of Anatole and Madeline’s story.
Anatole St. Leger sits brooding in the ancient Castle Leger, a wind-blown heap atop a craggy cliff in Cornwall, compelled by family legend to trust the Bride Finder to find the woman who will be his companion through this life and into the next. St. Legers enjoy legendary passion with their brides, but only if their true mate is found for them. If they select for themselves—as did Anatole’s father—the consequences are tragic.
Thus, though he feels hostile toward his entire family--all, since their founder Prospero, cursed with magical gifts--Anatole is compelled by loneliness, desire, and a desperate hope he won’t even acknowledge to himself to summon the Bride Finder. It’s his meek, angelic-looking cousin Reverend Fitzleger, and to him Anatole presents his list of requirements: She must be tall and sturdy. Must love horses. No frills or frivolities. And most definitely must not have red hair, as he’s been haunted by visions of a red-headed woman of flame coming into his life and wreaking destruction.
Imagine Anatole’s horror, then, when he finds Madeline Breton in his doorstep. She is small, slight, and dressed in high Georgian fashion with sweeping skirts and a powdered wig. She is terrified of horses. Her trunks are packed with books. And her hair is utterly, truly red. Madeline, practical, determined, and with a bit of a salvific bent to her nature, agreed to marry sight unseen based on a very generous bride price which has saved her genteel but improvident family and a tiny portrait of a gentle, sweet-faced, poetic-looking man whom she is sure she can love and raise sweet-tempered scholarly children with.
Imagine her horror, then, when Anatole St. Leger turns out to be huge, fierce, scarred, built like a warrior, and as domesticated as a black bear. Not only does he drive her cousin Harriet into fits, send her entire entourage fleeing back to London, and snarl at her in a most unpoetic fashion, but he uses books to prop up his furniture. The brute!
Anatole’s resistance to his bride will not be easily overcome. He has several things to hide from her, fearing that his match will end as did that of his parents, in tragedy and despair. Chief among them are his powers of telekinesis. Madeline, though, can’t very well go home and ask for her bride price back; her family has already spent it. Stranded in a crumbling castle with a temperamental stranger who has pledged his life, heart, and soul to her, on the ancient family sword that holds a visionary crystal, Madeline decides to try to make the best of things. Even though her husband is too guarded to trust her. Even though his family is mad. Even though he, for all his passionate tendencies, doesn’t seem to know how to please a woman in bed.
Carroll’s tale is well-constructed, deepening Anatole’s character layer by layer in reveals of his hurtful past and tormented present. Madeline has fewer layers and little to no torment in her past, but one has to admire her continued efforts to understand her brooding, temperamental husband. Anatole’s insistent stubbornness, which may make readers who tend toward Madeline’s sunny disposition and active nature want to slap him, drive a real emotional investment in the characters, something that can be rare in a book you know guarantees a HEA, and which made me keep reading far after I properly ought to have shut the lights off and gone to bed.
Part of the appeal of the terrific writing is that all of the elements, including the magic, are woven in elegantly and have a real impact on the story, from the crystal in the family sword and Prospero’s unruly ghost to cousin Marius’ tragic history and Fitzleger’s adorable granddaughter Effie. While it can feel like there’s a lot else going on, with Mortmains, that dratted woman of flame, and just what cousin Roman is up to on the Lost Land, the core of the book remains the way that trust, love, affection, and intimacy develop between Anatole and Madeline—and that, because hard-earned, is very, very satisfying.
Sign me up for the rest of the Bride Finder books (Midnight Bride and The Night Drifter) and any more from Carroll coming down the chute, including her anti-Cinderella retelling in Disenchanted: Not Your Typical Fairy Tale Romance and Charmless: Not Your Typical Fairy Tale Romance.
Anatole St. Leger sits brooding in the ancient Castle Leger, a wind-blown heap atop a craggy cliff in Cornwall, compelled by family legend to trust the Bride Finder to find the woman who will be his companion through this life and into the next. St. Legers enjoy legendary passion with their brides, but only if their true mate is found for them. If they select for themselves—as did Anatole’s father—the consequences are tragic.
Thus, though he feels hostile toward his entire family--all, since their founder Prospero, cursed with magical gifts--Anatole is compelled by loneliness, desire, and a desperate hope he won’t even acknowledge to himself to summon the Bride Finder. It’s his meek, angelic-looking cousin Reverend Fitzleger, and to him Anatole presents his list of requirements: She must be tall and sturdy. Must love horses. No frills or frivolities. And most definitely must not have red hair, as he’s been haunted by visions of a red-headed woman of flame coming into his life and wreaking destruction.
Imagine Anatole’s horror, then, when he finds Madeline Breton in his doorstep. She is small, slight, and dressed in high Georgian fashion with sweeping skirts and a powdered wig. She is terrified of horses. Her trunks are packed with books. And her hair is utterly, truly red. Madeline, practical, determined, and with a bit of a salvific bent to her nature, agreed to marry sight unseen based on a very generous bride price which has saved her genteel but improvident family and a tiny portrait of a gentle, sweet-faced, poetic-looking man whom she is sure she can love and raise sweet-tempered scholarly children with.
Imagine her horror, then, when Anatole St. Leger turns out to be huge, fierce, scarred, built like a warrior, and as domesticated as a black bear. Not only does he drive her cousin Harriet into fits, send her entire entourage fleeing back to London, and snarl at her in a most unpoetic fashion, but he uses books to prop up his furniture. The brute!
Anatole’s resistance to his bride will not be easily overcome. He has several things to hide from her, fearing that his match will end as did that of his parents, in tragedy and despair. Chief among them are his powers of telekinesis. Madeline, though, can’t very well go home and ask for her bride price back; her family has already spent it. Stranded in a crumbling castle with a temperamental stranger who has pledged his life, heart, and soul to her, on the ancient family sword that holds a visionary crystal, Madeline decides to try to make the best of things. Even though her husband is too guarded to trust her. Even though his family is mad. Even though he, for all his passionate tendencies, doesn’t seem to know how to please a woman in bed.
Carroll’s tale is well-constructed, deepening Anatole’s character layer by layer in reveals of his hurtful past and tormented present. Madeline has fewer layers and little to no torment in her past, but one has to admire her continued efforts to understand her brooding, temperamental husband. Anatole’s insistent stubbornness, which may make readers who tend toward Madeline’s sunny disposition and active nature want to slap him, drive a real emotional investment in the characters, something that can be rare in a book you know guarantees a HEA, and which made me keep reading far after I properly ought to have shut the lights off and gone to bed.
Part of the appeal of the terrific writing is that all of the elements, including the magic, are woven in elegantly and have a real impact on the story, from the crystal in the family sword and Prospero’s unruly ghost to cousin Marius’ tragic history and Fitzleger’s adorable granddaughter Effie. While it can feel like there’s a lot else going on, with Mortmains, that dratted woman of flame, and just what cousin Roman is up to on the Lost Land, the core of the book remains the way that trust, love, affection, and intimacy develop between Anatole and Madeline—and that, because hard-earned, is very, very satisfying.
Sign me up for the rest of the Bride Finder books (Midnight Bride and The Night Drifter) and any more from Carroll coming down the chute, including her anti-Cinderella retelling in Disenchanted: Not Your Typical Fairy Tale Romance and Charmless: Not Your Typical Fairy Tale Romance.
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