The Wedding Journey

Setting - Spain Napoleonic War circa 1816 --- Set during the siege as English troops retreated to the Portugal border is this most alluring, sensitive and evocative regency that I've read in quite some time. The story begins with a prelude and introduces us to a sprightly 10 year old daughter of a career soldier and his sickly wife. Elinore `Nell' Mason at the age of 10 is more the caretaker of the family than her father, the irresponsible sergeant Bertie Mason and his long suffering wife. She is taken in hand by the kindly Chief of the medical unit, Captain Sheffield, who gives her chores that she tackles with remarkable determination and perseverance of one so young. Captain Jesse Randall, is a young intern who admires the young child then goes off, assigned to Canada for 8 years, returning battle hardened and then finding that Nell, the child, has grown into a beautiful young lady. Jesse, who is as renowned for his medical skill and dedication to his patients, is also renowned as well for his unassuming manner and intense shyness towards the girl he has come to love. Upon the death of Nell's mother, her father is compelled to barter her off to the despicable Major Bones, if he cannot produce the monies that Bones advanced to him. In trying to save Nell from this fate, Jesse is somewhat (even though he's been in love with her for two years) coerced into a quickie marriage so that her father cannot trade her off to pay his debts. In response to Jesse upsetting his plans, the odious Major makes sure that Jesse and Nell's medical unit gets left behind, and on there own as the French advanced and the main English army retreated. The `journey' then, was a remarkably written tale of the rag tag bunch of, physically and emotionally wounded men that made the journey, their various adventures and their individual growth so very outstanding. Not your usual bit of fluff regency but one with full body and fully developed characters whose lives all changed during the `journey'. Elinore "Nell" is a heroine who will certainly claim a piece of your heart as she claimed Jesse's. Jesse's shyness over the love he felt for Nell, that he couldn't believe would ever be returned was so sweet, you'll just want to cry. Harper and Wilkie, Jesse and Nell's self-appointed bodyguards were also a delight and you will cheer as I did, that the comeuppance for the odious Major Bones came to such a wonderful conclusion. Again, this was a very provocative and compelling read that I HIGHLY suggest be placed at the top of your reading lists! -- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com---

I just literally finished reading this book and am ashamed that I allowed it to sit for weeks on end on my bookshelf before forcing myself to make time and read it. This was literally THE BEST signet regency book I've ever read and I truly loved and adored the characters that were fully developed and unique and every possible way. Despite the summary located on the back of the book that is NOTHING to what the book has in store. The story all begins with Captain Jesse Randall, surgeon to the English army serving in northern Spain against the dreaded French. He has always loved the young Elinore Mason, a poor beauty with heart and soul. He is not your typical war hero with no fear and all about guts and glory. He is a new type of protagonist I've been waiting to read about. He's kind, shy and always thinking of others before himself. Ms. Kelly delves deep into his feelings and really brings readers to love him and want him to survive ALL that he goes through. I cannot help but think to myself that this book would make the best movie of all time. It is a great war epic that has (of course) all the things that many love to read about: Romance (naturally), intrigue, drama, and action. There was not one character that didn't stop the even flow of the book and every point and detail given in the narratives only helped you understand situations more. I've never read a more "feeling" book than this and this is number one on my recommend list.

Captain Jesse Randall, surgeon for the Number Eight Army Hospital, knew Elinore Mason when she was just a little girl. Even as a little girl, she possessed a strong will and an admirable spirit. Now she's a young woman, and he has no doubt in his mind that he's in love with her. But Captain Randall has a problem: he's painfully shy. He's so shy that some of his fellow soldiers have teased him about it. Captain Mason, Elinore's father, owes major debts to a man named Major Bones (one of the most despicable villains to grace the pages of a Regency). In exchange for Elinore, all debts would be paid. In order to protect her, Jesse weds Elinore just before a retreat. And so begins Major Bones' revenge. Jesse, Elinore, and a few others (including some of the sick patients) are left behind, hoping to beat their enemies to the Portugeuse border. Hence, the title: "The Wedding Journey." There are no words strong enough to describe how strongly I feel about this book. Jesse Randall was a welcome change from all the typical romance heroes. He's not arrogant, he's humble. He's not sure of himself. He's not nobility, and he's not incredibly attractive. He's sweet, but not saccarhine. Elinore Mason has more courage than 100 London ladies put together. The supporting characters are fleshed-out and memorable: Wilkie, Harper, Sheffield, Leger, "the count." The book wouldn't have been the same without them. There is so much adventure and power packed into such a small book. It's quite astounding. You feel the pain of the characters, you cheer for them, you share in their tragic laughter. It is SO much more than a romance novel. I don't know how Carla Kelly does it!If you prefer a light-hearted book, this book may not be for you. Most of the time, it's quite depressing. If you're looking for fun & laughter, pick up a Barbara Metzger book. If you're looking for a deeply moving piece with complex characters, read this. You won't regret it.

Never have I read such a book. I adore Mary Balogh and Joan Wolf, nothing can top their characterizations and plot development. I was wrong. I have read this book three times and I will read it again, and again. Like the reader in England, I was deeply moved and humbled as well. His shyness, and quite manner, his steadfast loyalty and love made him a believable and wonderful hero. The inner strength and integrity of the heroine was refreshing. I started crying right from the beginning of the book, and continued crying right down to the last page. The unassuming cover and title does not do justice to the powerful and moving love story that is written and unfolds between the covers of this book. Please, please, buy this book and read it! You will never regret it!

This is an excellent story-- once again the author has taken a realistic historic context and added a plausible romance. The events are dramatic but quite believable (although the final twist at the end is a little over the top). This author consistently writes traditional Regencies with a compelling plot and serious themes and memorable characters.