The Unexpected Bride

Title: THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE
Author: Debra Ullrick
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-373-82870-8
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance

Rainelle Devonwood has been raised by a British father and a southern mother, so she is refined and cultured. When her parents are killed, signing up to be a mail-order bride to the wilderness of the Idaho Territories is preferable to staying with her abusive brother.

Haydon Bower has no intentions of marrying again. His first marriage was an absolute disaster, and he has decided that marrying isn’t worth it. Unfortunately, his brother has plans of his own, so he answers a “groom wanted” ad, in Haydon’s name, and then sends Haydon to meet his new bride.

When Rainee discovers that she’s been a *mistakenly* ordered bride, she is still determined to not let Haydon drive her away. She may not be wanted as a bride, but she is definitely up to the challenge of living on the difficult, demanding frontier…and maybe to opening Haydon’s heart?

THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE is the first Love Inspired Historical by Ms. Ullrick but I am certain it won’t be the last. Rainee is a delightful heroine, strong and courageous, definitely willing to take on challenges that are outside her realm of experiences. Haydon has been deeply hurt, but he is still more than willing to jump in to rescue Rainee when a drunken man attempts to accost her, even though this man threatens to make him pay for interrupting his pleasures…

I enjoyed reading THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE and am looking forward to reading more by this author. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.50. 280 pages.