Sandra Chastain - Chloe Cheshire - Maureen Child
Chastain, Sandra - RUNAWAY BRIDE, THE (Bantam - 7/99 (4)
In 1868, Annalise Sinclair is determined to practice medicine despite being turned down at every clinic and hospital in New York City. When her Wall Street tycoon father appeals to her to marry in order to help him out financially, Annie agrees to attend a New Year's Eve masked ball and look for a prospective husband, but only to pacify her father for a while. Actually, she intends to reject every man in attendance, then return home and continue to pursue her dream of practicing
medicine.
At the masked ball, Annie meets the man her father really intends for her marry, Daniel Miller, and they are instantly and strongly attracted to each other. Since Daniel has been abroad in France serving as a diplomat, he isn't aware that the lovely lady is the daughter of his father's business partner. Annie recognizes Daniel, however, and she is shocked at her reaction to him after only a dance and a kiss. Panic sets in as she knows her feelings could interfere with her goal to practice medicine, and she leaves the ball abruptly, her identity still unknown to Daniel.
Annie decides to travel west with her maid and friend, Ginny, to locate the father of Ginny's unborn child and to find a community more accepting of a woman doctor. Meanwhile, Daniel's father seems to be in the same situation as Annie's father—he wants his son to marry in order to help him out of a financial bind. Rather than take the easy way out, Daniel looks into his father's business matters concerning the Union Pacific Railroad and decides he can build the railroad spur in Wyoming that will solve his family's money problems. Our hero heads west, and he and Annie end up on the same train to Laramie, Wyoming; along with Ginny, the railroad workers, and an unexpected addition, a ten-year-old pickpocket.
Sparks fly between Annie and Daniel as they get to know each other amid the danger of the West. They encounter sabotage, medical emergencies, harsh weather, and Indians, along with their growing desire for one another. Rich in detail and characterization, THE RUNAWAY BRIDE is a captivating and sensual page-turner. ~Debora Hosey for Bookbug on the Web
Chastain, Sandra - SHOTGUN GROOM (Bantam - 1998) (3+)
SHOTGUN GROOM is a mail-order-bride story with a twist.
The groom isn't aware he has ordered a bride, nor is he happy about the prospect. However, the bride is bound and determined to be wed...and carries a shotgun just in case the groom proves to be stubborn!
Lily was orphaned as a child and taken in by Matt's Aunt Dolly. On her twelfth birthday, she asked Matt to marry her, but he laughed and told her to ask again when she's all grown up. Years later, Aunt Dolly receives a letter from her nephew in Texas. Matt is in need of a wife, so Lily eagerly packs up her belongings (shotgun included) and sets out for Texas. But Matt hadn't written the letter. His brother Jim, a widower in failing health who was determined to see his two small children and brother "settled" before he died, had sent the letter on Matt's behalf. Our reluctant hero decides that if he must marry, he needs a wife who is able to withstand the harsh Texas life. Lily doesn't fit the bill and he is determined to send her back. But Lily is just as determined to stay!
SHOTGUN GROOM is a quick, enjoyable read, which is wrapped up neatly but believably in a very touching epilogue. ~Joanne Bartling for Bookbug on the Web
Cheshire, Chloe - GYPSY AT ALMACK'S, A (4+)
A remarkable debut novel, which might serve as a model for writers who want to learn how to create romantic sexual tension without any real sex. What happened to Chloe Cheshire after this book was published? I never saw another Regency by her. ~Elena P.
Child, Maureen - OLDEST LIVING MARRIED VIRGIN, THE
(Silhouette Desire 1180) (5)
Funny slant to marriage of convenience. Donna, the daughter of a Marine Colonel, and Jack, his 1st Sargeant, marry to protect the Colonel's reputation (she woke up with a nasty hangover in Jack's room the morning after). They plan to go their separate ways after a few months together, but...there is one hitch. Donna is tired of being a virgin and wants to know what it is all about, especially with her sexy groom. The groom, however, is unwilling to test the marital bed.
A very funny read, and the repartee between Donna and Jack is excellent. She is never at a loss for words, and as for Jack, when asked to kiss the bride, he says "I'll pass." For a short read, I was surprised at how well the characters flowed together, and I definitely did not move from my reading spot until I finished the book in one gulp! A very enjoyable romance—sexy, as well. ~Josie M. (jmartinez@salud.unm.edu)
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