"Superb Historical"

Third in the nineteenth century trilogy of THE WILD CHILD and THE CHINA BRIDE, Ms. Putney's latest introduces readers to her most resilient heroine yet. Newly widowed, Alexandra Warren and her daughter Katie were returning to England from Australia when pirates attacked their ship. Sold into slavery and separated from her daughter, Alex endures unthinkable abuses at the hands of her captors.

American Gavin Elliott, trader and ship's captain, encounters Alex on the island of Maduri near Indonesia. He must endure several tests of hardships in order to secure Alex's freedom from Sultan Kasan. The author's portrayal of Alex and Gavin gives the reader a crystal clear view into their souls-Gavin's honorable fight against his attraction to Alex and Alex's reluctance to recognize her feelings of desire for Gavin.

Returning to England as a married couple, Alex and Gavin must adapt to their new circumstances and a dramatic change in Gavin's life. As Gavin is welcomed into the bosom of Alex's rather influential family, he and Alex need to come to terms with the intimacy issues of their marriage. When tragedy causes their lives to spin out of control, Alex becomes the only person capable of saving Gavin's life.

One of the most renowned authors of historical romance, Ms. Putney once again shines in this latest historical. With superb romance and an element of mystery, the novel also introduces the issues of rape and slavery and their impact on the sufferer, both societal and emotional. Ms. Putney's extensive historical research shines through giving depth and realism to this superb read.

Reviewed by Sheri Melnick
Posted March 22, 2002

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Summary

Sweeping from the exotic temptations of the Orient to the ruthless grandeur of 19th century London, The Bartered Bride is a compelling romantic adventure that begins with a daring act of courage. After building a fortune amid the splendor and dangers of the China seas, American adventurer and merchant prince Gavin Elliott is sailing for London, where he intends to establish himself in the society that forced his family to leave in disgrace when Gavin was only a child. But fate intervenes on an infamous island in the East Indies when he tries to save a European woman being sold at a slave auction.

Alexandra Warren ventures to Australia as a young bride eager for adventure. A dozen years later she is returning home as widow and mother when a pirate attack separates her from her beloved daughter and condemns Alex to a life of servitude. Then a miracle arrives in the form of a steely- eyed Yankee captain willing to risk everything to set her free.

A shocking turn of events brings an unexpected alliance with her rescuer, and Gavin and Alex arrive in London as intimate strangers joined by too many painful secrets. Yet attraction and affection soon overcome the trial of their first meeting. Until the past reaches out to change Gavin's life—and threatens the passionate love he has found with his irresistible bartered bride.