The Bride of Black Douglas

Once again this author captures me with her delightful characters. One thing I like about Elaine Coffman's books is that she isn't afraid to tackle a big story with lots of characters. Her books don't follow the typical "I love you, I hate you" storyline. Her characters grow. The women are always strong but they are also believable. I can't imagine anyone putting this book down before they finish it. Like another reviewer said, "this book made me cry at the end and not many books can do that".

I don't usually write comments about books I read, but this book was so touching and beautifully written I couldn't resist passing my comments on to others looking for an exceptional, intelligently written book. I can't stop thinking about ith, which means I'll probably read it again before the year is out. It is definitely a book I'll keep to curl up with again and again. I've bought every book by this writer that I can get my hands on.

The ghost was a nice touch to this beautiful romance novel. The dialogue is very detailed. I felt like I really got to know the heroine. And, as another reviewer said, the descriptions of the land are enchanting. While the plot may have a few illogical turns, the book was a good read and fun. I recommend it. I cried at the end for the beauty of the story (and not many books can do this to me). My only complaint, a small one, is that I wish the love scenes, although fairly good, had the same detailed descriptions -- like Stephanie Laurens does. I plan to read all of Ms. Coffman's books. :)

Betrothed at birth to Philip Ashton, Marquess of Waverly, Lady Meleri Weatherby now would do anything...absolutely anything to get out of her engagement. Meleri does not love Philip and knows he is unspeakably cruel, which leaves her to figure out how to break things off with him. Does she follow her rebellious devotion to her plans for the future or her steadfast loyalty to her upbringing? In confusion she flees her home and vows to marry the first man she meets. Robert Douglas, the Earl of Douglas, was born into a life of strife, but now his back is up against the wall; he needs money quickly to save his family home. Faith in the ghost of Black Douglas is not enough to lead them to the family fortune. With orders from the King to marry within three weeks, or have the King choose his bride, Robert begins to search for a wealthy bride of his choice. From Meleri and Robert's first meeting the sparks begin to fly but Robert believes since she is English she is not to be trusted. After the two learn of their individual plights they agree to a marriage of convenience.THE BRIDE OF BLACK DOUGLAS is brimming with adventure, humor, likable characters and just the right touch of suspense. Meleri is spirited, stubborn, strong and outspoken and a genuinely lovable character. Robert is seductive, mysterious and captivating and could literally sweep any woman off her feet. The secondary characters add dimension and humor to the story. Robert's Uncle Iain's reliving the time he didn't make love to his wife for two months after the wedding particularly struck my funny bone. Ms. Coffman has brought the Scottish countryside vividly to life. Though this starts as a marriage of convenience it soon turns into a beautiful love story. If you are looking for a fast-paced, entertaining read THE BRIDE OF BLACK DOUGLAS is not to be missed. Ms. Coffman shows us why she is a New York bestselling author with this gem of historical fiction. I highly recommend THE BRIDE OF BLACK DOUGLAS!Carol Durfee Romance Reviews Today

I'm not usually a big fan of historicals, but I loved this book, especially the wonderful drama of proud Scot vs. British maid in a marriage of convenience, the ghostly legend and the moody Scottish castle. For all of us who believe in Presbyterian predestination, this is one book we were all meant to read! It's terrific!