"A compelling story"

At the First Church of Tobias in Tobias, Wisconsin, Steve Corbett and Annette Trevetti are at the altar getting married when a pregnant Lily Wilbanks interrupts the ceremony. The intruder claims that Steve is the father of her unborn child. When Steve fails to respond, a stunned Annette leaves the church, the town, and her beloved behind.

Seven and a half years later, Annette returns home to help her beloved brother who broke his wrist though she has no plan to remain in her hometown once her sibling heals. When Annette and Steve see each other, sparks still fly, but she nevertheless feels betrayed and he furthermore credits her lack of trust to their break up. His elderly relative "arranges" for Annette and his seven-year-old daughter Nell to meet; the incident first panics then stuns Steve as he observes the two important women in his life behaving like buddies. As Annette and Steve realize they remain in love, he wonders if he should risk all by telling "Every Detail" about Nell.

The second chance at love theme of WEDDING OF THE CENTURY showcases Patricia McLinn's ability to tell a compelling story starring a strong cast of characters. The delightful lead protagonists belong together and the mostly charming (except for his snobbish mother) secondary cast provides deep insight into the respective personalities of Annette and Steve. Though a final twist seems inane especially when the hero remained stoically silent at the church and subsequently blames Annette for their break up, fans will enjoy this novel and want sequels starring a friend and a brother or two.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 15, 2003