To Bed the Bride

Politics and puppies bring together the convincing couple at the center of the charming conclusion to Ranney’s Victorian-set All for Love trilogy (after To Wed an Heiress). For the past three years, orphaned Scottish heiress Eleanor Craig has lived with her uncle’s widow in London, where she’s expected to hide her interests in current events and horses and behave like a proper lady, especially once she gets engaged to Michael, the Earl of Herridge, and finds herself thrust into society’s spotlight. While visiting her family’s home in Scotland, Eleanor meets Logan McKnight, a member of parliament, as he’s wandering his family’s nearby estate. Logan is instantly attracted to Eleanor’s spark but also senses her loneliness, leading him to give her a puppy named Bruce. Both back in London, Logan is disappointed to learn that Eleanor’s engaged to his political rival. But as Logan and Eleanor continue to meet under the guise of dog training, Eleanor wonders if she’s promised her heart to the wrong man. The slow build of trust between Eleanor and Logan is believable and sweet, and Bruce steals every scene he’s in. Readers will be sad to see this sparkling series end. (Dec.)