Books & Spoons Review THE RELUCTANT BRIDEGROOM by Shannon Farrington

Conveniently Wed 

Marriage for any reason but love was once unthinkable to Maryland councilman Henry Nash. But when an innocent encounter with a criminal puts Henry's reputation in jeopardy, he'll make any sacrifice to maintain custody of his orphaned nieces. And an alliance with a powerful politician's daughter could secure the little girls' futures. As long as gentle Rebekah Van der Geld never hears the rumors surrounding her new groom.

Refusing her father's choice of husband wasn't an option for dutiful Rebekah. But Henry's kindness is a happy revelation, and she's quickly falling for his adorable nieces. so she allows herself to hope this unconventional arrangement could become much more. But can it survive a shattering revelation that puts their new family in danger?

---

---

Can an arranged, political marriage turn out to be a blessing from God?
In war-torn Baltimore, the emotions are high, everyone still in the survival mode, even though the war had declared ended, the battles are ongoing on the emotional and political level. Rebekah has grown up in a loveless home, with no affection, but harsh punishments. She is struggling not to see her husband the same as her father. It seems that the events make it impossible for her to trust Henry, fear and resentment uppermost in her mind. 
Henry admires his new wife, even finds her attractive. But it does take drastic measures, before Henry and Rebekah learn to communicate, to hear each other, instead of fear the possible consequences of their actions. 
The story has a heavy focus on the political turmoil the country, and Baltimore is in, and how it could reflect on Henry and Rebekah. I personally enjoy more the side of the  development of the characters and the relationship, and found the beginning of the story little on the heavy side. 
But as the events unfold, and the focus at the last quarter of the book turns into the personal and spiritual growth, as well as the development of the relationship and the feelings Henry and Rebekah have for each other, and the little family unit they have formed, the tale is moving, triumphant, and adoringly tender. 
From the hands of an abusing father, to an arranged marriage, Rebekah has to learn to trust, to have faith, and find her own voice, and place, to be able to learn to have  hope, and to love, to build the kind of life, and future, she always dreamed of.
~ Three Spoons

---