The Wedding Journey (Signet Regency Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

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.

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---