The Wrong Bride

September 28, 2015
Callen’s first Highland Weddings 18th-century historical begins with the kidnapping of a woman who has been mistaken for her abductor’s fiancée. Riona Duff is taken from her bed by Hugh McCallum to fulfill the betrothal contract agreed upon by their fathers. As they travel from York to Scotland, Riona tries to convince Hugh that his intended bride is really her cousin, Cat, but Hugh doesn’t believe her. Riona refuses to succumb to Hugh’s allure or acquiesce to the marriage, despite his attempts to woo her. Her determination begins to falter when they reach Scotland and she realizes the depths of the man claiming to be her betrothed. Without forcing her, he seeks to show her how good marriage between them would be, even as he is working to earn respect from his clan as their laird. As Riona gradually realizes her feelings for Hugh, she knows that her heart will be shattered when he learns that he truly has stolen the wrong bride. Callen’s unusual and moving story is enhanced by the realism of her characters, whose humanity is revealed through their imperfections. Agency: Fallon Literary Agency.