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Bride in Sables
Her blissfully carefree life comes to an abrupt end when delectable Mercina Lang is found frolicking in a woodland pool by a handsome Finnish baron, lo avert her family’s shocked disapproval, the baron proposes marriage and Mercina, who has already lost her heart to him, willingly consents.To her dismay, when she arrives at her husband s estate, Mercina discovers that a bewitching young beauty awaits his return. Filled with hurt pride she flees into the alien snowy wastelands.In a strange land, Mercina struggles against danger and despair, striving to build a new life. But she knows that first she must bury the fevered memories of a love she believes she has lost forever.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 10, 2026
Read: 4/20/26 -late review
Setting: 1808 Finland, England
Trope: forced marriage, cultural differences, H in love with OW
Hardback
I loved that Finland was the setting!
Plot: On a hot summer day, Mercina decides to go skinny dipping to cool off. She didn't count on her new neighbor discovering her, nor did she expect one of the men to join her in the water. Her father catches her at that moment and forces the Finnish Baron to wed her. Mercina naively thinks that once the Baron's anger cools down, he'll return to the laughing man she met at the pond. Unbeknownst to Mercina, the Baron is already in love with another woman.
Arvid is in England as a spy for Finland. He just finished his last mission and is now ready to return to his beloved Christine. Now, thanks to a cultural misunderstanding, he has lost the love of his life. Arvid doesn't take his pain out on Mercina, instead he's indifferent to her. Occasionally, Mercina is able to bring a smile to his face, but he won't let her in! He can't.
It's not until they return to his home that reality hits Mercina and she meets Christine. What can she do? She is still his wife and she's determined to prove to him that she's the one for him!
So, will Arvid realize the jewel he has married before it's too late?
Liked:
1. Mercina was fantastic h! I enjoyed her journey from a lively, but naive girl to a strong woman worthy of great respect. Her strength and humor slowly wins over her husband and his family.
2. Arvid was hard to get to know. He's in pain, but still treats his wife well. He tries to hold on to his indifference, but Mercina seems to find the cracks in his armor.
3. The romance was more subtle. Their love evolves over time.
4. Arvid buys Mercina a beautiful sable coat that she wears nonstop. It was sweet how much Mercina cherished it. The coat evens plays a small role in the plot.
5. The Finnish history was fascinating! The story takes place right before Russia took Finland from Swedish control. Not knowing any of Finland 's history, I was Googling through the whole book. I love to learn new history and this book provided it!
6. The writing and the pacing were so well done! I can see why so many of my friends recommended this book and author.
Dislike:
1. I would have liked more romantic moments, but I'm just nitpicking.
2. I wish the OW drama had been stronger. I didn't feel she was much of a threat.
Conclusion: I'm glad I finally tracked down a copy of this book because it was very entertaining! Though, I might have loved this book more for the setting than the romance in the story. I'm not completely sure 🤷♀️
Setting: 1808 Finland, England
Trope: forced marriage, cultural differences, H in love with OW
Hardback
I loved that Finland was the setting!
Plot: On a hot summer day, Mercina decides to go skinny dipping to cool off. She didn't count on her new neighbor discovering her, nor did she expect one of the men to join her in the water. Her father catches her at that moment and forces the Finnish Baron to wed her. Mercina naively thinks that once the Baron's anger cools down, he'll return to the laughing man she met at the pond. Unbeknownst to Mercina, the Baron is already in love with another woman.
Arvid is in England as a spy for Finland. He just finished his last mission and is now ready to return to his beloved Christine. Now, thanks to a cultural misunderstanding, he has lost the love of his life. Arvid doesn't take his pain out on Mercina, instead he's indifferent to her. Occasionally, Mercina is able to bring a smile to his face, but he won't let her in! He can't.
It's not until they return to his home that reality hits Mercina and she meets Christine. What can she do? She is still his wife and she's determined to prove to him that she's the one for him!
So, will Arvid realize the jewel he has married before it's too late?
Liked:
1. Mercina was fantastic h! I enjoyed her journey from a lively, but naive girl to a strong woman worthy of great respect. Her strength and humor slowly wins over her husband and his family.
2. Arvid was hard to get to know. He's in pain, but still treats his wife well. He tries to hold on to his indifference, but Mercina seems to find the cracks in his armor.
3. The romance was more subtle. Their love evolves over time.
4. Arvid buys Mercina a beautiful sable coat that she wears nonstop. It was sweet how much Mercina cherished it. The coat evens plays a small role in the plot.
5. The Finnish history was fascinating! The story takes place right before Russia took Finland from Swedish control. Not knowing any of Finland 's history, I was Googling through the whole book. I love to learn new history and this book provided it!
6. The writing and the pacing were so well done! I can see why so many of my friends recommended this book and author.
Dislike:
1. I would have liked more romantic moments, but I'm just nitpicking.
2. I wish the OW drama had been stronger. I didn't feel she was much of a threat.
Conclusion: I'm glad I finally tracked down a copy of this book because it was very entertaining! Though, I might have loved this book more for the setting than the romance in the story. I'm not completely sure 🤷♀️
Displaying 1 of 1 review