Review: Absolutely, positively couldn't put down
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 28, 2012
Wow.  I loved this author's "Bad Luck Wedding Dress" series, so I decided to try "The Scoundrel's Bride."  It was even better!  What a gripping, fascinating, romantic, funny, never-saw-it-coming read :)To say Zach Burkett's life had a hard beginning is putting it mildly.  Born a bastard, he and his mother face the wrath of a small Texas town, Cottonwood Creek.  His "father" was part of a powerful family with the connections and means to make their problems disappear--and that's exactly what they tried to do.  Fleeing the town when Zach was only 10 or so, they are met by gunmen who first wound Zach and then kill his mother.  Before they could kill him, Zach was able to kill the two gunmen.  Thus he took his first steps towards the life of a scoundrel---by commiting murder.  After a long winding path, along which he manages to amass a fortune in the gold rush, he ends up back in Cottonwood Creek with a carefully laid plan of both bringing down his father's family and ruining the entire town.Abandoned by her mother at an early age, Miss Morality Brown travels in her uncle's revival wagon, spreading word of her "miracle" cure.  She had been blind when very young but was "healed" by the reverend's holy touch.  Or so she believes.  In truth, she is but his biggest attraction and best source of collections from the believers in the small towns they frequent.  She has been raised in the most rigid, religious way possible.  At this point in her life, what she wants most is to settle down with a husband and build a home.  For some reason, though, no one seems to meet her uncle's approval.Then one night Zach walks into the revival tent--and Morality's world is turned upside down.  A murder, a storm, a politician, a long-lost relative:  they all add something to the story and make it a true page-turner.I really enjoyed this book.  There are moments of dialogue that truly made me crack up laughing.  There are moments of such darkness that you cringe and read with only one eye open.  There are passages so beautiful that you can't help but put your hand over your heart and sigh.  It has it all.5 stars.  Worth every one.  :)