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Rating: 
Summary: An improbable delight! -- highly recommended
Review: THE STAR-CROSSED BRIDE is the third novel of the Once Upon a Wedding miniseries by Kelly McClymer. The Fensters separate themselves from Victorian society in one distinctive way -- rather than adhering to the grim convention of marrying for wealth or title, they choose to marry for love. Three years ago Valentine Fenster and his beloved Emily Wertherley attempted to elope because her family would not have considered Valentine an acceptable match. Indeed, Emily's mother has her eyes set on becoming a marchioness, at the very least. Valentine, as only a Viscount, did not possess a sufficiently powerful enough title. Unfortunately, when they stopped for a bite to eat, Emily's cousin Simon stood before them. Admitting that he'd rather die before he heart Emily, Valentine allows Simon to lead her away. Emily believes his words indicate that marrying him would hurt her; inferring that her reputation has more value than her heart. Emily's first two betrothals ended when the men died before reaching the altar. Now she's engaged to Lord Granbury, the wedding waiting until her year of mourning for her father has passed. Lady Granbury does not welcome Valentine's arrival at her castle, and resents his intrusion. Further, she does not listen to Valentine's warnings regarding Emily's intended husband. Lady Granbury believes desire for Emily overrides Valentine's concerns, and will not hear the truth of his message because she believes this to be the last chance to restore her daughter's reputation and position in society. Determined to warn Emily himself, Valentine watches the castle and contemplates how to reach her. Not knowing he waits below, Emily makes a rope from her bed sheet, exciting the castle through her window. When she lets go to drop to the ground, she lands in Valentine's arms. He tells her they cannot run away together, however, because it would ruin her reputation. He convinces her to sneak back in through the kitchen, accompanies her to her room for a moment, and eats food she refused earlier. Too bad they didn't know the beverage had been drugged. As the impossible situation goes from bad to worse, the reader cannot possibly refrain from thoroughly enjoying their escapades. While many miniseries are centered around the women that connect the series, Kelly McClymer breaks convention herself by choosing to champion the brother of this family. Further, while the plot is at times entirely improbable, the delight and humor that McClymer brings to her writing makes it thoroughly enjoyable. An absolutely delightful read, I highly recommend THE STAR-CROSSED BRIDE.
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