A Bride of Honor

A lady of rank and distinction is no match for an impoverished preacher. Yet Damian Hathaway is entrance from the moment he spies Miss Lindsay Phillips entering his church. She doesn't appear any different from the other pampered society ladies, and she's betrothed to a gentleman f the ton. But Damien is determined to find the pure heart he's sure exists underneath the exterior. Torn between two worlds, the pair must trust that that their love can bridge the divide- and conquer all. Young Lindsay is just having her first coming of age season and due to her family's wealth she is a desirable `catch' for members of the ton. Her father already has someone picked out for her, but while the young man may be wealthy, he is in all other ways not a good catch. Damian Hathaway is the new Pastor of the church Lindsay's family attends. He lives in the rectory with his sister Florence. Due to an accident early in his life, he has a peg-leg. When Lindsay and Damien meet, an immediate attraction is felt, but everyone from her father to other parishioners do whatever they can to keep the two apart. It's only when an innocent thing happens, that these two are caught in a trap that everyone seems bent on exploiting. One thing leads to another and soon we're wondering if either will ever be in love again. Lovely regency with delightful settings and real characters that draw us into the story and turning the pages. Ruth does not disappoint in her latest offering. Highly recommended (288 pp., Steeple Hill Books ISBN-13: 978-0-373-78650-3

I very much enjoyed this book! I've read all of Ruth's books and enjoyed every one! I highly recommended her books!

Impeccable research brings you a personal birds-eye-view of London centuries ago. The young curate Damian Hathaway who considers his wooden leg a disqualification for relationships meets Lindsay Phillips, an attractive seeker of the ton who does not realize her father has arranged a marriage of convenience with a scoundrel. Public outrage is already against Damian, however, because he broke the law by harboring a convict slated for execution in the parsonage. Unaware of his own appeal, Damien's case for dismissal gets fueled by members of the church when he marries his sister to the former convict, and their lack of support for Lindsay gets heightened due to her desperate move to avoid the planned marriage. Damien meanwhile is understandably dismayed when his superior, the rector, whom he'd counted a friend and counselor has turned on him, and moves to have him disciplined by the church. Is it because Damien housed a law-breaker or other secret reasons? I especially enjoyed the breadth of Lindsay's character, and the multiple treasures (resolutions/morals/ethical decisions) running through the story. I like a good sigh ending, but I also like a lasting takeaway that could change my life or at least my attitude. One of the best I've read in a while!

Okay, I know I write more than my share of reviews on Ruth Axtell Morren books, but I just can't get enough of them. This is her latest and it's more than good, and sooooo romantic. I'm not sure I can do it justice, but here's my review. Damian Hathaway is a dignified, kind, quiet, none-too-rich pastor of a church in Regency England and Lindsay Phillips is the beautiful only child of an extremely wealthy man. Lindsay is just having her first "season," coming of age as a highly desirable heiress among the ton. Damian lives a quiet existence doing good works among the poor, the orphans, and the prisoners. But if this isn't enough to ensure that they will never mingle socially, Damian, through an accident suffered as a boy, only has one leg and the other is a wooden peg leg. But these two get together anyway, thanks to our intrepid author! They're both good-hearted, kind, and interested in letting God have his way in their lives, so why shouldn't they enjoy each other's company? Well, maybe because her father will have a conniption fit when he learns why his daughter cannot marry the odious, extremely immoral and distasteful young member of the ton that he has picked out for her. Who would have ever thought the chaste Damian Hathaway would ... no, you'll just have to read it for yourself! This story is really sweet and not to be missed--that is, if you like romance at all! I was glued to the pages and even had to stay up late to see what was going to happen next. I highly recommend it.

I have read Regency romances for years and this book does not disappoint. Ruth brings the propriety of the times against the friendship and love of two people who defy their difference in rank and station in life. Lindsay Phillips is a beautful young woman, whose heart is on a spiritual quest. Damien Hathaway is the perfect godly man to teach her and lead her in her spiritual journey. When circumstances throw them together, both try to sacrifice their love and happiness to set the other free. Each must learn to see God's plan for them instead of trying to figure it out their own way. I enjoyed seeing both their journeys of self-discovery. The romance was engaging, with enough tension to keep me turning pages to see their love finally realized. I love a good "sigh" moment!