The Bachelor and the Bride - (Proper Romance Victorian) by Sarah M Eden (Paperback)

About the Book

"London,1866 - Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by marrying her in secret to protect her from her family, notorious grave robbers who were intent on keeping her working in the trade. But their unconventional relationship is nearly over before it begins when, six months after they exchange vows, Gemma realizes her love for Barnabus is unrequited. To protect her heart, she leaves, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grow beyond a sense of duty. When Gemma finally receives a letter from Barnabus, inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But she quickly learns that he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power. Heartbroken once more, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her again. Yet as the couple follow the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's underground criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus both realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life, might prove the means of saving Barnabus--and his lonely heart--as well. But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they'll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself"--

Book Synopsis

London,1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by marrying her in secret to protect her from her family, notorious grave robbers who were intent on keeping her working in the trade.

But their unconventional relationship is nearly over before it begins when, six months after they exchange vows, Gemma realizes her love for Barnabus is unrequited. To protect her heart, she leaves, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grow beyond a sense of duty.

When Gemma finally receives a letter from Barnabus, inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But she quickly learns that he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken once more, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follow the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's underground criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus both realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life, might prove the means of saving Barnabus--and his lonely heart--as well.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they'll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.

Review Quotes

"Plenty of suspense and drama. This exciting fourth installment in Eden's Dread Penny Society series raises the stakes...building to a thrilling climax that gives some long-awaited and shocking answers."-- "Booklist"

"An estranged wife returns home at the request of her emotionally distant husband in Eden's sweet and suspenseful fourth Dread Penny Society Victorian romance. Physician Barnabus Milligan married his wife, Gemma, to save her from her criminal family. Though Gemma had hoped that a romance might blossom, Barnabus, orphaned at 12 and wary of love, vowed to her that their marriage of convenience would never be anything more. With evil threatening to destroy London, Gemma and Barnabus are forced to work together-but will they live long enough to reach their happy ending? The close-knit members of the Dread Penny Society add some fun, and Gemma's heart of gold is sure to win readers over. A plethora of secrets and a thrilling mystery make this fresh take on arranged marriage a treat."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Eden's fourth gripping Victorian "Dread Penny Society" romance centers on a heroine's unrequited love with lots of twists and turns before the hero recognizes his true feelings."-- "Library Journal"

About the Author

Sarah M. Eden is the author of critically acclaimed Proper Romance series including The Lady and the Highwayman and Ashes on the Moor. Combining her passion for history and an affinity for love stories, Sarah crafts smart, witty characters and heartfelt romances. She happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library and dreams of one day traveling to all the places she reads about.