Bride by Surprise (By Request 3's)

Rating:
Summary: :)
Review: Three stories of women who find love when they least expect it by Muriel Jensen.

1. The Unexpected Groom-Charlotte Morreaux was having a bad day. Her dads partners daughter (Kendra) is marrying Charlottes ex-fiancee (Trey). To make matters worse Kendra has asked Charlotte to help save her wedding. Charlotte owns a bridal shop, but wants nothing to do with this wedding. Charlotte's back is against the wall because the press will be there and her business does not need any negative publicity. On her way to the wedding shower Charlotte has an accident caused by none other than Derek Cabot, her nemesis. Once at the shower, Kendra's mother tries humiliate Charlotte by asking about her personal life. Remember, Kendra is marrying the man that left Charlotte and the alter, literally. Charlotte's stepmother Caroline tries to 'help' by implying that Charlotte told her family the big news-that she was married. Right when it looks like Caroline's lie will be exposed to all of the shower guests, including the press, Derek jumps in as the 'role' of her husband. Now that Charlotte and Derek have announced to all that they are 'married' it seems they have no choice, but to keep pretending for a while. The only problem comes when they can no longer tell the difference between real life and the fictional one that they have created. This was a short delightful story. It was a little slow and laid back. The whole story took place over a span of about a week. I did not feel like I really got to know the characters, but it was still a good read.

2. Make-Believe Mom-Barbara Ryan was completely embarrassed when her boss, ad executive John Cheney walked into his bathroom to find her half-naked. He seemed to understand and accept her excuse when she told him that his secretary/her friend let her into his office and private bathroom so that she could try on a dress. Of course, neither of them expected the company's biggest potential client to walk in the door, the church cooperative made up of, yes, clergymen. Caught in a compromising and potentially disastrous position-John introduces Barbara to the clergy as his wife. If that's not bad enough, to land the account that could give the ad company national publicity, the clergy want John and Barbara to pose as the American Family. So, Barbara now has a make-believe husband and children, but her feelings for John are anything but make-believe. This was an interesting twist to a romance story. It was fun to watch as the lie builds so does John and Barbara's love for one another and the family that they have created. But, what happens if that lie is exposed? John and Barbara cannot really expect to get away with telling a lie to clergy, can they? Soon John and Barbara have to ask themselves if the family they have created is really a lie. John's twin children also add fun and excitement to the story.

3. Middle of the Rainbow-Regina Raleigh is always in trouble. This time, however, it is more than she can handle. A black car has been stalking her. Regina is sure that it has something to do with her former business partner that ran off with all of the company's property, some of the clients property, and all the money. Regina's rich father, who is about to run for Congress and does not need a scandalous daughter, suggests to her that she marry Patrick Gallagher and move to Oregon. Regina immediately says yes, she is sure that an ex-military man could protect her from the men stalking her. Patrick Gallagher only wanted to ask Regina's father for a loan to save his families hotel. Patrick's first response to marrying a stranger was no, but gave in when Regina suggested they divorce in a year. So, they get married and head for Oregon. The trip turns into an adventure that neither of them will ever forget. This was a story of adventure and romance. Patrick is honest from the beginning of the story, but Gina wasn't. I thought that Patrick swallowed everything that was thrown at him a little too easy, but I guess the money for the hotel made it worth it to him. In the end, they both get more than they bargain for.