RANSOM'S BRIDE
by Ginger Hanson
RT Rating: * * *
Category: HISTORICAL
Setting: Post-Civil War South
Publisher: Zebra
Published: April 2004
The war is over and Confederate officer Ransom Champion comes home to find his fiancée, Sabrina, dead, his dreams ruined and life in tatters. In his grief, he finds comfort in the arms of Angela, Sabrina's sister.
Angela can hardly believe that Ransom is alive. How can she tell him the circumstances of Sabrina's betrayal and death—how can she hide the love she has felt for him for so long? When Angela is accused of being a Confederate spy, Ransom marries her and they leave for Texas before she can be arrested. The supposed marriage of convenience erupts into passion.
As the newlyweds stand side by side on a trail drive and survive a stampede and a vicious enemy's schemes, they forge a love strong enough to surmount anything.
With a strong plot, plenty of action and a well-drawn backdrop, Hanson's latest is a find for readers who like their romances fast-paced and sensual but not heavy on character development or deep emotions. A light, fast, entertaining read. SENSUAL (Apr., 300 pp., $5.99)
—Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Bookclub
www.romantictimes.com/books_review.php?book=22037
When her deceased sister's fiancé returns from the war, Angela Stapleton is shocked. They had assumed that Ransom Champion was dead. His smoldering kiss is enough to knock her off her feet; after all, Angela has loved Ransom for what seems an eternity. He doesn't know that her sister lost interest long ago and that the letters he did receive from his fiancée were actually written by Angela.
Caught up in his joyous return, Ransom doesn't realize he has kissed the wrong sister at first. After a quick apology, Ransom learns that the woman he loves is dead. Ransom stays that night with Angela and her family, and awakens the next morning in Angela's arms.
Angela knew making love to Ransom in his state was wrong, but she didn't have the strength to walk away. Now she finds herself forced to marry Ransom, not only because their union could have resulted in pregnancy, but also because an old enemy is nearing and has no intentions on leaving without Angela as a prize. Ransom and Angela set off to Texas hoping to find a safe haven where they can start a new life.
RANSOM'S BRIDE is a fast paced, tender romance. I enjoyed Angela and Ransom's characters, though the kiss that started their fiery romance off seemed unusual. As Angela had straight, black hair and her sister's was blonde and curly, I found it hard to believe that Ransom didn't know who he was kissing from the very start. I was able to overlook this, however, as I watched them come to terms with their burgeoning love.
I did want to thank the author for her honesty about Angela's virginal state. I can't name how many books I have read where the woman's "maidenhood" is torn during her first sexual encounter, though we all know that most women's hymen can be broken much earlier just by heavy activity. Ginger Hanson goes against the norm by mentioning how horse riding was responsible. I found myself cheering for this honest approach! One can only hope that more authors start to break away from the age old misconception! Thanks, Ginger!
Tracy Farnsworth of Roundtable Reviews
Economic times have pressured Tracy into
discontinuing Roundtable Reviews. She will
be missed.
