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The Runaway Bride
Beautiful Consuela Vasquez has always been dutiful to her Spanish grandfather--until she arrives at the English Covington Estate. There, the ravishing Lady Verena Covington shows Consuela how independent a woman can be. And there, the handsome Viscount Henry Linto introduces her to the intoxication of first love--and the peril of ruinous scandal. Regency Romance reissue.
223 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1983
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About the author
Sheila Walsh
28 books11 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Born Sheila O'Nions in 1928 in Birmingham, England, UK. During the Second World War, her family moved to Southport, Lancashire, where she met Des Walsh, son of the Thomas Walsh, who had a jewelry store at 39 Chapel Street since 1926. In 1950, Sheila married with Des Walsh, and they had two daughters, Fran Walsh and Tess Walsh. Sheila worked during years in her husband's familiar jewelry store, with her husband, her husband elder brother Gerard and his wife Dorothy[2].
In 1971, Sheila joined the Southport Writers' Circle, and years later, in 1986 was elected life president. In 1980 she became the vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and later elected Chairman (1985-1987).
Her debut novel, The Golden Songbird, won the Netta Muskett award for new writers from the Romantic Novelists' Association, and in 1984, her novel, A Highly Respectable Marriage won the Elizabeth Goudge award.
Sheila Walsh died on 20 January 2009, at 80.
Born Sheila O'Nions in 1928 in Birmingham, England, UK. During the Second World War, her family moved to Southport, Lancashire, where she met Des Walsh, son of the Thomas Walsh, who had a jewelry store at 39 Chapel Street since 1926. In 1950, Sheila married with Des Walsh, and they had two daughters, Fran Walsh and Tess Walsh. Sheila worked during years in her husband's familiar jewelry store, with her husband, her husband elder brother Gerard and his wife Dorothy[2].
In 1971, Sheila joined the Southport Writers' Circle, and years later, in 1986 was elected life president. In 1980 she became the vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and later elected Chairman (1985-1987).
Her debut novel, The Golden Songbird, won the Netta Muskett award for new writers from the Romantic Novelists' Association, and in 1984, her novel, A Highly Respectable Marriage won the Elizabeth Goudge award.
Sheila Walsh died on 20 January 2009, at 80.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 5, 2025
This is one of the most enchanting Eighties Regencies I have ever read. Sheila Walsh does a wonderful job creating a Spanish heroine who is hot-tempered and sweet, impulsive and thoughtful, innocent, and sensual, and romantic. Consuela is an unusual heroine because she is actually excited by the freedom of Regency England. Compared to her sheltered existence in Spain her stay in England is most liberating, as she is allowed to function as an independent adult.
The hero in this story is not a duke or a rake, but a rugged sea-captain who has been hired to take Consuela (unwillingly) back to Spain. Captain Bannion is a lot like Lucky Jack Aubrey, the guy Russell Crowe played in MASTER AND COMMANDER. He's got saltwater in his blood and he has no time for the silliness of falling in love -- until he meets Consuela.
Sheila Walsh makes this story seem as innocent as a fairy tale, yet it's full of sultry sensuality as well. Consuela's "guardian," Lady Verena Covington, is a villainous schemer but she is deliciously honest about her own desires. The rarest thing in romance is a three-dimensional villain, and this lady definitely qualifies. Somehow even her naughty plans and wicked lies add heat and intrigue to the story. You get the feeling that Verena's selfishness and cruelty are bad, but that her quick wits, cunning and boldness are traits Consuela can learn from. And after all, in a society that denies women both freedom and power, it's only natural for someone like Lady Verena Covington to relish her secret strengths and take power in her own way!
The hero in this story is not a duke or a rake, but a rugged sea-captain who has been hired to take Consuela (unwillingly) back to Spain. Captain Bannion is a lot like Lucky Jack Aubrey, the guy Russell Crowe played in MASTER AND COMMANDER. He's got saltwater in his blood and he has no time for the silliness of falling in love -- until he meets Consuela.
Sheila Walsh makes this story seem as innocent as a fairy tale, yet it's full of sultry sensuality as well. Consuela's "guardian," Lady Verena Covington, is a villainous schemer but she is deliciously honest about her own desires. The rarest thing in romance is a three-dimensional villain, and this lady definitely qualifies. Somehow even her naughty plans and wicked lies add heat and intrigue to the story. You get the feeling that Verena's selfishness and cruelty are bad, but that her quick wits, cunning and boldness are traits Consuela can learn from. And after all, in a society that denies women both freedom and power, it's only natural for someone like Lady Verena Covington to relish her secret strengths and take power in her own way!
August 21, 2023
So dramatic!
Went from one silly drama to the next. The heroine is a silly, childish,drama queen diva. So stubborn and headstrong. Unreadable at points. Then she would be contrite and then do something ridiculous again. The plot was not well developed nor was the character development done well. Off course take immature heroine was suddenly aware of her shortcomings and was so sorry for all the trouble she caused. Yikes. Don’t waste your time.
Went from one silly drama to the next. The heroine is a silly, childish,drama queen diva. So stubborn and headstrong. Unreadable at points. Then she would be contrite and then do something ridiculous again. The plot was not well developed nor was the character development done well. Off course take immature heroine was suddenly aware of her shortcomings and was so sorry for all the trouble she caused. Yikes. Don’t waste your time.
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April 23, 2021DNF at 11% - the heroine is extremely childish and I have no patience for her now. Maybe I'll pick it up later.
October 11, 2022
Maybe not quite 4 stars.
April 1, 2017
A good read
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews