Title: The Stolen Bride
Author: Brenda Joyce
First published January 1, 2006
541 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780373771844 (ISBN10: 0373771843)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
The Stolen Bride by Brenda Joyce follows the story of Sean O’Neill, a man who disappeared from his ancestral home, leaving behind his love Eleanor de Warenne. Eleanor had given up hope and promised her hand to another man, but just before her wedding, Sean reappears, a stranger who has been hardened by prison and is now on the run.
Sean refuses to endanger Eleanor by claiming her as his own, but her determination to not be forsaken again tests his resolve to stay away. In a moment of passion, Sean steals another man’s bride, and it is Eleanor who has the power to steal his heart.
Will their love survive the dangers that threaten to tear them apart? Find out in this riveting historical romance novel.
About the Author
Brenda Joyce is an accomplished author with 41 novels and 5 novellas under her belt. Her debut work, Innocent Fire, won a Best Western Romance award, and she has also received the highly coveted Best Historical Romance award for Splendor.
Her talent has earned her numerous other awards and two Lifetime Achievement Awards from Romantic Times BOOKreviews. Her literary works have been published in over a dozen countries, with over 14 million copies in print.
Originally from New York, Brenda now resides in southern Arizona with her son, dogs, and Arabian and half-Arabian reining horses. She divides her time between writing powerful love stories and competing with her horses at regional and national levels.
To learn more about Brenda and her upcoming novels, please visit her websites.
Editoral Review
Brenda Joyce’s The Stolen Bride is a historical romance novel that was first published on January 1, 2006. Joyce is a bestselling author of over 50 novels, many of which fall into the historical romance genre.
Her books are known for their strong heroines, complicated love stories, and vividly described historical settings.
Set in 13th century Scotland, The Stolen Bride tells the story of Davydd, a Welsh prince who has been captured by the ruthless Scottish king, Alexander. In order to secure his release, Davydd agrees to marry Alexander’s daughter, Lady Christiana.
But as the two begin to fall in love, they must navigate the treacherous political landscape of medieval Scotland and face threats from both inside and outside their own families.
Joyce’s writing is richly descriptive and immersive, transporting the reader to a time and place that feels authentic and fully realized. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, particularly Lady Christiana, who is both strong-willed and vulnerable.
Despite these strengths, The Stolen Bride suffers from some pacing issues and a lack of depth in certain areas. The plot can feel somewhat predictable at times, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped.
Additionally, the book’s portrayal of women can be somewhat one-dimensional, falling into traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
However, The Stolen Bride is still a satisfying read for fans of historical romance. Joyce’s attention to detail and ability to create a compelling love story make this book an enjoyable escape.
While it may not break any new ground in terms of genre conventions, it is a solid entry in the historical romance canon.
Overall, The Stolen Bride is recommended for fans of the genre who are looking for a well-written love story set against a rich historical backdrop. While it may not be Joyce’s strongest work, it is still an enjoyable read that will transport readers to another time and place.
For these reasons, The Stolen Bride earns a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.