Carolyn Davidson - The Bride

Praise for Carolyn Davidson

“Carolyn Davidson creates such vivid images, you’d think she was using paints instead of words.”—Bestselling author Pamela Morsi

“Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges.”

—Publishers Weekly

Redemption

“[An] unflinching inquiry into the serious issues of the day.”

—Booklist

Oklahoma Sweetheart

“Like Dorothy Garlock, Davidson does not stint on the gritty side of romance, but keeps the tender, heart-tugging aspects of her story in the forefront. This novel is filled with compassion and understanding for characters facing hardship and hatred and still finding joy in love and life.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

A Marriage by Chance

“This deftly written novel about loss and recovery is a skilful handling of the traditional Western, with the added elements of family conflict and a moving love story.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

The task of winning her heart would not be without difficulty, but he would use kindness as a tool, tender touches…and then he would claim her, know her in the most intimate sense, and she would be his.

Rafael bent closer to her and his whisper was soft, coaxing in her ear.

“You will be mine, Isabella. My bride. My wife.”

The words resounded within her and the movement of her head was a rebuttal of his words. He laughed aloud.

“You have no choice, sweetheart. Once you’re mine, once I’ve taken you to my bed, the fine señor will no longer be interested in you. He bargained for a young girl, a virgin. And you will no longer be able to claim that title.”

“I’ve known no man,” she said quietly. “My virtue is to be given only to the man I marry, the man I choose.”

“You chose me when you walked out of the convent.”

“Would you take a woman to your bed who is not willing?” she asked, daring a look into mysterious eyes that seemed to search her secrets out.

He smiled darkly, and yet she caught a glimpse of warmth glittering in those black eyes that met hers.

“You will be willing. I guarantee it.”

Reading, writing and research— Carolyn Davidson’s life in three simple words. At least that area of her life having to do with her career as a historical romance author. The rest of her time is divided among husband, family and travel—her husband, of course, holding top priority in her busy schedule. Then there is their church and the church choir in which they participate. Their sons and daughters, along with assorted spouses, are spread across the eastern half of America, together with numerous grandchildren. Carolyn welcomes mail at her post office box, PO Box 2757, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Cover Page

Praise Praise for Carolyn Davidson “Carolyn Davidson creates such vivid images, you’d think she was using paints instead of words.”—Bestselling author Pamela Morsi “Davidson wonderfully captures gentleness in the midst of heart-wrenching challenges.” —Publishers Weekly Redemption “[An] unflinching inquiry into the serious issues of the day.” —Booklist Oklahoma Sweetheart “Like Dorothy Garlock, Davidson does not stint on the gritty side of romance, but keeps the tender, heart-tugging aspects of her story in the forefront. This novel is filled with compassion and understanding for characters facing hardship and hatred and still finding joy in love and life.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews A Marriage by Chance “This deftly written novel about loss and recovery is a skilful handling of the traditional Western, with the added elements of family conflict and a moving love story.” —Romantic Times BOOKreviews

Excerpt The task of winning her heart would not be without difficulty, but he would use kindness as a tool, tender touches…and then he would claim her, know her in the most intimate sense, and she would be his. Rafael bent closer to her and his whisper was soft, coaxing in her ear. “You will be mine, Isabella. My bride. My wife.” The words resounded within her and the movement of her head was a rebuttal of his words. He laughed aloud. “You have no choice, sweetheart. Once you’re mine, once I’ve taken you to my bed, the fine señor will no longer be interested in you. He bargained for a young girl, a virgin. And you will no longer be able to claim that title.” “I’ve known no man,” she said quietly. “My virtue is to be given only to the man I marry, the man I choose.” “You chose me when you walked out of the convent.” “Would you take a woman to your bed who is not willing?” she asked, daring a look into mysterious eyes that seemed to search her secrets out. He smiled darkly, and yet she caught a glimpse of warmth glittering in those black eyes that met hers. “You will be willing. I guarantee it.”

About The Author Reading, writing and research— Carolyn Davidson ’s life in three simple words. At least that area of her life having to do with her career as a historical romance author. The rest of her time is divided among husband, family and travel—her husband, of course, holding top priority in her busy schedule. Then there is their church and the church choir in which they participate. Their sons and daughters, along with assorted spouses, are spread across the eastern half of America, together with numerous grandchildren. Carolyn welcomes mail at her post office box, PO Box 2757, Goose Creek, SC 29445, USA.

Title Page The Bride Carolyn Davidson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedication This book is dedicated to those who married in earlier times, back when life was perilous and every day was an adventure. It is, more important, dedicated to the memory of my parents’ marriage. They were born very near the time this story takes place. Theirs was a wedding between two strong, independent individuals who sought the joys of wedded bliss and found not only that, but the trials and tribulations of two very different, stubborn people in the midst of a changing world. The life they lived gave to the children they raised a legacy. It was one that inspired their offspring to seek and find marriages containing love and fidelity, enough to last for a lifetime. So to Mother and Daddy, whose memories will be alive in the thoughts of those who loved them, this book is dedicated. And, as always, my words are given with love to Mr Ed, who loves me.

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Copyright