"An unforgettable romance by an exceptionally talented author!"

Hurt, abused and distrustful, ten-year old Lee Savage, an orphan, found care and warmth at the Shiloh Ranch when he came to live with Will and Clare Shiloh. Although Will and his wife treated him as one of their own, giving him plenty of love, Lee always felt he was on the outside, looking in. Leaving home at the first opportunity, he concentrated on trying to live without getting too attached to anyone. Now, years later, with the death of Will Shiloh, Lee finds himself returning to the home he grew up in to fulfill the old man's last wish ~ to marry Will's daughter, Ellie and take over Shiloh Ranch.

Despite the fourteen-year age difference between them, Ellie has always been in love with Lee. Sweet, innocent and courageous, Ellie realizes Lee is only marrying her out of a sense of duty but she hopes with time, he will come to care for her as deeply as she does for him - even after he realizes her deepest, darkest flaw.

Cindy Gerard is an exceptionally talented author and she proves it yet again with her latest Silhouette Desire release, THE BRIDAL ARRANGEMENT. I found this story brimming with gut-wrenching emotions and realistic situations that, in certain instances, had me reaching for a tissue and also smiling broadly. THE BRIDAL ARRANGEMENT is ample proof of why critics and fans alike simply cherish each and every one of Ms. Gerard's novels.

The story boasts a well-conceived, believable plot that tugs readers right into the heart of the story from the word GO. Ms. Gerard enchants us further by providing a deep and insightful portrait of each main character. Ellie's quiet courage and simple determination to win Lee's love is outstandingly depicted, marking her a remarkable woman. Ellie stole my heart right at the beginning of the story when she fought so hard to 'be perfect' for her wedding day. Another really touching scene from this novel is when Lee arrives home to find Ellie sitting in the middle of her garden, seeds strewn all around, water everywhere, and Ellie... an emotional mess. That scene is so well written, so beautifully depicted, I felt each second as if I'd witnessed it personally. It made me fall in love with Ellie all over again.

Lee's vulnerability in the face of Ellie's blind faith and devotion for him just melted my heart. Ellie's unconditional love is exactly what he needed in his life. This man doesn't feel he is capable of love. Although Will and his wife gave him plenty of love, Lee refused to open up to them totally, always holding a part of himself back. When he marries Ellie, he doesn't realize the extent to which she will be dependent on him. He is ready to give his name and lend his shoulder for support to this beautifully fragile woman, but he isn't prepared for the strong emotions she evokes within his being or the ways he dominates his senses, every waking thought. Without uttering a word, Ellie demands the one thing Lee cannot give her - his soul.

THE BRIDAL ARRANGEMENT is a definite winner. It provides everything romance readers want in a love story - passion, gut-wrenching emotion, intriguing characters and a captivating plot. Cindy Gerard, storyteller extraordinaire, delivers all of this and much more in THE BRIDAL ARRANGEMENT. Don't miss it!

Leena Hyat

Reviewed by Leena Hyat
Courtesy Romance Reviews Today
Posted October 8, 2001