Review: The Runaway Bridesmaid by Daisy James

Title: The Runaway Bridesmaid

Author: Daisy James

Publisher: Carina UK

Published: September 28th, 2015

Rating: 5/5

If you like your romance written by a master of vibrant, descriptive and emotive writing, look no further! This is one of the finest written romances I have ever read, filled with highly evocative language, bringing vividly to life every scenario, emotion and dilemma dramatically in the readers’ imagination.

It is a lighthearted romance with an idyllic main setting of a “cosy countryside cottage” in Devon which was left to Rosie Hamilton by her late Aunt Bernice. The descriptions of this location – especially the garden – were superlative, making me think I could actually smell the herbs growing there. It is to this fantastic location that Rosie runs after finding her bride-to-be spoilt younger sister having sex with Rosie’s boss and date for the wedding. Here in the UK Rosie meets two suitors – the solicitor dealing with her Aunt’s estate and someone who works at the local five star spa, hotel and restaurant. The contrast between her corporate existence in New York and village life, the people, events, attitudes and life are fundamental to changing Rosie’s outlook and self determination. Nothing, however, is straightforward and there is plenty of angst and turmoil before she can achieve her HEA.

Aunt Bernice was a published illustrator and has left a specially written and illustrated book full of recipes for Rosie. Each one is lavishly illustrated and has a message regarding the purpose of the herbs used in the recipe. What’s even better is, after you’ve finished reading the story, you’ll find the recipes to have a go at for yourself – I certainly intend trying some of them for myself!

This is an outstandingly well written novel. I have to say how great it is to read such a superb story where the author is capable of portraying so much without once having to resort to having her heroine go bed hopping! The reconnecting of the sisters and the ending are both magnificent bringing this outstanding novel to a heartwarming conclusion. This is a true romance that I cannot recommend too highly. I will certainly be looking out for any future stories by this exceptionally talented author.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk           amazon.com          barnes and noble