Review: This Bride's Secret Threatens to Tear Them Apart
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 5, 2013
THE BRIDE'S SECRET is yet another truly captivating, beautiful tale from Cheryl Bolen, one of my favorite historical romance writers.  Although it is the third book in the Brides of Bath series, it could stand nicely on its own--but reading the preceeding books first will greatly enhance the overall story.I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far and could not wait to read the story that gave the beautiful and scandelous widow Carlotta her long-overdue chance at finding true love.Her love for her husband barely had had time to grow when he was killed in the Pennisula because of another's negligence.  Then years later, true love was exactly what Mrs. Carlotta Ennis had thought she found in the handsome and rakish Gregory Blankenship.  But time passed with no offer of marriage and it became clear to everyone in the ton that she was simply his mistress and nothing more.  When he left her to wed another, Carlotta was devestated.  With her widow's settlement long gone and the loss of Gregory's protection, she soon found herself in dire financial straights.Then, just as the storm clouds were darkest, a rainbow appeared (as the author so beautifully puts it) in the form of James Moore, who served with her late husband and had recently become an earl and gained the title of Lord Rutledge.Compelled by guilt and duty, James had traveled to Bath to do what he could to see that Captain Ennis' widow and young son were properly taken care of.  After all, it was the least he could do for the woman he had deprived of a husband, and for the young boy that would now grow up fatherless.  For you see, it was his mistake that had caused the brave soldier his life.Carlotta knows exactly who James Moore is and wants nothing to do with him.  Had he not disobeyed an order, her Stephen would still be alive and her life would be very different than the bleak one she now faced, alone.  The last thing she wants is help from him, no matter how sincere and heartfelt his intentions.But Carlotta's situation is quickly becoming desperate and she realizes that the earl may be the key to having the means to be reuinited with her young son, and she did need money, after all.  And it WAS his fault her husband was dead.  So why not take him up on his offer?But feelings never seem to work the way one plans, and Carlotta finds herself drawn to the man she should despise.  But if he ever learned her dark secret, he would want nothing to do with her.This is a beautiful story, full of lovely lines from poetry of the times.  At times it is sad (I'd give it a 3-tissue rating), at other times joyful, but always wonderful.  I think this is my favorite of the series so far.  Most definately this book is recommended for anyone who believes in the healing power of forgiveness and love.