The Bounty Hunter and the Bride
by Vickie McDonough
Published by Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing imprint
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Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Vickie McDonough keeps the action flowing in this historical romance. From beginning to satisfying ending, this book was chock full of conflict, strong characters and snappy dialogue. The setting, Oklahoma in the early 1900s, was realistically depicted.
Katie Hoffman couldn't imagine a worse day. First, a man breaks into her house during her wedding, claiming that her fiance, Ed Sloane, is a murderer. A scuffle ensues and Katie's home is burned down. Now the only thing left for Katie is the baby that she carries--her only memory of her first husband.
Dusty McIntyre is a bounty hunter who has pursued only one goal for the last eighteen months: catch the man who killed his wife. After capturing Ed Sloane, Dusty doesn't know what to do with his life. He has no home to return to and no family waiting for him. Plus, he feels guilty about burning down the house of that pregnant woman.
Still upset, Katie allows Dusty to escort her to her aunt and uncle's home in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Though she hates being a burden to her family, at eight-and-a-half months pregnant, she has no other choice. To her surprise, Dusty helps her regain some of her independence by hiring her to sew him some new clothes.
As Katie and Dusty begin to grow closer, they fight an attraction that they can't seem to ignore. After almost making a huge mistake with Sloane, Katie doesn't want to get involved with anyone else. The loss of his first wife still weighs heavy on Dusty, as does his anger with God. Both characters wonder why a loving God could let things go so wrong in their lives.
When Katie is kidnapped by Sloane, Dusty realizes the full force of his feelings for her. But can he rescue her in time? And will she return his affections, or reject his love?
Although the inspirational message can be seen in almost every chapter, it was delivered simply and without being preachy.
Armchair Interviews says: McDonough has written a wonderful novel that is highly recommended.
Author's Web site: http://www.VickieMcDonough.com