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The Brides of Wishmore #3
The Groom Says Yes
New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell continues her dazzling series, The Brides of Wishmore...
He had a noose around his neck and a price on his head...
Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she'd secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society—until her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, Earl of Ballin, trained physician, soldier of fortune, and convicted felon.
A prim and proper miss was the last thing he needed...
Mac is determined to clear his name, but first he has to find the man whose testimony sentenced him to a hangman's noose. Of course, Robert Davidson is missing and protecting Mac is Davidson's daughter, the most entrancing, frustrating, beguiling, stubborn woman Mac has ever met.
And it doesn't help that he has already tasted her kisses. Or that he has found in her a passion for life and adventure to rival his own.
Mac has turned Sabrina's world inside out—but what will happen when he leaves?
Or will the Groom Say Yes?
He had a noose around his neck and a price on his head...
Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she'd secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society—until her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, Earl of Ballin, trained physician, soldier of fortune, and convicted felon.
A prim and proper miss was the last thing he needed...
Mac is determined to clear his name, but first he has to find the man whose testimony sentenced him to a hangman's noose. Of course, Robert Davidson is missing and protecting Mac is Davidson's daughter, the most entrancing, frustrating, beguiling, stubborn woman Mac has ever met.
And it doesn't help that he has already tasted her kisses. Or that he has found in her a passion for life and adventure to rival his own.
Mac has turned Sabrina's world inside out—but what will happen when he leaves?
Or will the Groom Say Yes?
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
148 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
71 books2,190 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 6, 2014
Cathy Maxwell has written some miss-and-hit books, but this one really impressed me! It's fantastically plotted and I empathize with the characters so much! Zero complaints!
This has been a wonderful book to bring me back into reading HR...full review to come. :)
This has been a wonderful book to bring me back into reading HR...full review to come. :)
October 28, 2014
3.75 stars. This is a book I should have loved and hadn’t it been for some significant niggles, this would have been a 5 star book for me.
On the eve of his hanging for a crime he didn’t commit Cormac Enright (Mac) is granted a reprieve when Reverend Kinnion, on behalf of Richard Davidson, orchestrates Mac’s escape and takes a bullet for his trouble. Told to leave the country, Mac instead heads to Kenmore to confront Davidson. Though Davidson helped him escape, it was his testimony that convicted Mac of the crime.
Davidson’s daughter Sabrina finds Mac days later overcome with the flu. Sabrina has not had it easy. A spinster at 29, she lost her best courting years taking care of her ill mother then mourning her loss. She feels somewhat unfulfilled by life but all that comes to a head when she finds out her father is taking to wife the most notorious widow in town and said widow has basically told Sabrina she’d be pushed out of the house. Taking care of an ill stranger is a welcome distraction.
Finally, a story where the hero isn’t an ass and the heroine isn’t a doormat.
I adored Mac. He’s an earl, the title sadly earned by the death of his family, but it’s an empty title. No land, no money. He’s not one of those nobles that don’t do anything. He has to work for a living and is a surgeon and war veteran. If he has a shady past, we don’t hear about it and doesn’t have a string of mistresses behind him. He’s also pretty nice guy who adores Sabrina from the get go. He really sees her, her weaknesses and her strengths and he loves her the more for them. He’s not patronizing, doesn’t minimize what she can do, and is thrilled by her fire and independence.
I also adored Sabrina. Locked in a life through little fault of her own, her frustration and anger at her father and his soon to be wife are believable and valid. She’s given everything and expected little in return but even that seems too much. She has no reason to be kind to Mac but is anyway but when she thinks him a threat she doesn’t wring her hands, she attacks with the strength of a wildcat. She’s intelligent, practical, observant, and unafraid to go toe to toe with the worst of them. Her feelings for Mac are understandable muddled and she does the best she can with the complexities he brings to her life. She’s a little more wishy washy than I like in one part of the story but she doesn’t muddle there for long.
I enjoyed Mac and Sabrina as a couple. They complete each other so well and defy everyone to be together.
The mystery of story, why did Sabrina’s father perjure himself, is complex enough without going overboard. The identity of the murderer was easy to guess but how to catch him was the tricky part and though a little simple, I enjoyed how that went.
Though the murderer is the villain, Richard Davidson, the widow, and Sabrina’s uncle the earl are not nice people. They can do nice things but at their heart, they are not ones you wish to be around. They’ve betrayed themselves, each other, Sabrina, you name it and I liked how the author didn’t make them warm and fuzzy at the 11th hour, didn’t make them all a happy family, and allowed Sabrina to cut ties with them and be at peace.
Finally I enjoyed the end, where the author gave Sabrina a purpose that didn’t require her to be a mother.
So where were the niggles? The first, and not as important, are found in the beginning and in a few other places. There are sections that drag on well past where they need to. We get great detail about Mac’s travel to Kenmore, information we didn’t need. And Sabrina’s move of Mac to her cart and later to her house took way too many pages.
The biggest niggle is the sex. Inconvenient and just plain ew.
Overall I loved this story. My frustration at the niggles is probably more acute because of that. It’s the first of this series I have read and I’m more than curious about the rest.
On the eve of his hanging for a crime he didn’t commit Cormac Enright (Mac) is granted a reprieve when Reverend Kinnion, on behalf of Richard Davidson, orchestrates Mac’s escape and takes a bullet for his trouble. Told to leave the country, Mac instead heads to Kenmore to confront Davidson. Though Davidson helped him escape, it was his testimony that convicted Mac of the crime.
Davidson’s daughter Sabrina finds Mac days later overcome with the flu. Sabrina has not had it easy. A spinster at 29, she lost her best courting years taking care of her ill mother then mourning her loss. She feels somewhat unfulfilled by life but all that comes to a head when she finds out her father is taking to wife the most notorious widow in town and said widow has basically told Sabrina she’d be pushed out of the house. Taking care of an ill stranger is a welcome distraction.
Finally, a story where the hero isn’t an ass and the heroine isn’t a doormat.
I adored Mac. He’s an earl, the title sadly earned by the death of his family, but it’s an empty title. No land, no money. He’s not one of those nobles that don’t do anything. He has to work for a living and is a surgeon and war veteran. If he has a shady past, we don’t hear about it and doesn’t have a string of mistresses behind him. He’s also pretty nice guy who adores Sabrina from the get go. He really sees her, her weaknesses and her strengths and he loves her the more for them. He’s not patronizing, doesn’t minimize what she can do, and is thrilled by her fire and independence.
I also adored Sabrina. Locked in a life through little fault of her own, her frustration and anger at her father and his soon to be wife are believable and valid. She’s given everything and expected little in return but even that seems too much. She has no reason to be kind to Mac but is anyway but when she thinks him a threat she doesn’t wring her hands, she attacks with the strength of a wildcat. She’s intelligent, practical, observant, and unafraid to go toe to toe with the worst of them. Her feelings for Mac are understandable muddled and she does the best she can with the complexities he brings to her life. She’s a little more wishy washy than I like in one part of the story but she doesn’t muddle there for long.
I enjoyed Mac and Sabrina as a couple. They complete each other so well and defy everyone to be together.
The mystery of story, why did Sabrina’s father perjure himself, is complex enough without going overboard. The identity of the murderer was easy to guess but how to catch him was the tricky part and though a little simple, I enjoyed how that went.
Though the murderer is the villain, Richard Davidson, the widow, and Sabrina’s uncle the earl are not nice people. They can do nice things but at their heart, they are not ones you wish to be around. They’ve betrayed themselves, each other, Sabrina, you name it and I liked how the author didn’t make them warm and fuzzy at the 11th hour, didn’t make them all a happy family, and allowed Sabrina to cut ties with them and be at peace.
Finally I enjoyed the end, where the author gave Sabrina a purpose that didn’t require her to be a mother.
So where were the niggles? The first, and not as important, are found in the beginning and in a few other places. There are sections that drag on well past where they need to. We get great detail about Mac’s travel to Kenmore, information we didn’t need. And Sabrina’s move of Mac to her cart and later to her house took way too many pages.
The biggest niggle is the sex. Inconvenient and just plain ew.
Overall I loved this story. My frustration at the niggles is probably more acute because of that. It’s the first of this series I have read and I’m more than curious about the rest.
August 6, 2024
Review from 2015
A for narration / C+ for content.
This is the final book in Cathy Maxwell’s Brides of Wishmore trilogy, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have listened to the previous books in order to understand or enjoy this one. The Groom Says Yes boasts a fairly straightforward story with an added touch of mystery concerning the threat to the hero, and both central characters are likeable and well-matched, but I suspect that had I read it rather than listened to it, I’d have found it a little bland. The audiobook, however, benefits from another fine performance from Mary Jane Wells; and while she can’t rework the story, she does infuse it with colour, light and shade by virtue of her skilful characterisations and by injecting both humour and emotional depth into all aspects of her narration.
Soldier, surgeon and impoverished Irish earl Cormac Enright has been imprisoned for a murder he did not commit, his conviction based upon the false testimony offered by local magistrate Robert Davidson. Furious and despairing as he awaits his execution, Mac is astonished when a visiting priest reveals himself to have been sent by Davidson to aid him in his escape. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Mac doesn’t ask questions and grabs his chance, even though it appears that his accomplices may have been captured. He manages to make his way out of Edinburgh and to Aberfeldy, where he plans to confront Davidson as a first step towards clearing his name. But, weakened by his prolonged imprisonment, Mac succumbs to a raging fever and is just able to get himself to an abandoned shepherd’s hut (known as a bothy) before he passes out.
Sabrina Davidson is twenty-nine and on the shelf, most of her marriageable years spent nursing her sick mother. Having accepted her spinster state, and used to the pitying looks cast her way by so many of the women of the village, Sabrina’s position as her father’s hostess at least means her position in society is secure. But her life is turned upside down when, completely out of the blue, the notorious widow Bosley informs her that her father has proposed and they plan to marry very soon. Feeling betrayed and devastated, Sabrina refuses to accept the widow as her stepmother, knowing that she will be relegated to the position of poor relation once the pair is married.
Needing time to come to terms with the news and to organise her thoughts, Sabrina heads off into the countryside where she discovers the seriously ill Cormac in the old bothy. She can’t leave him to die, but before she can inform her father of her intention to bring him into their home so that she can take care of him, Davidson rides out as if the hounds of hell are at his heels, giving Sabrina no explanation.
Left to her own devices, Sabrina manages to get Cormac into the house, where she is able to treat him and eventually see him on the road to recovery. She can’t help but be fascinated by this handsome stranger and once his fever has passed, she can’t resist kissing him, just to see what it feels like. One kiss leads to another and then to much more – and here’s where my credulity was stretched a bit too far, because I really find it difficult to believe that a man who was close to death just a day or so earlier would be interested in or able to have sex so quickly after being so very ill!
Anyway. When Cormac comes to his senses and realises what happened, he is dismayed. He is a decent man however, and makes it clear to Sabrina that their encounter wasn’t meaningless and that he will stand by her should the need arise. He is intrigued by her and attracted to her from the start, although Sabrina finds it difficult to believe that any man could possibly see anything to admire in a plain, uninteresting woman such as she is.
Once he is able to explain his situation, Cormac tells Sabrina that he is looking for Richard Davidson – and is stunned to realise that he has found the man’s daughter. Together, Mac and Sabrina discover the reason behind Davidson’s perjury, reasons which lead to danger and which force Sabrina to make a difficult choice between her family and the man she loves.
I enjoyed the story, but the mystery element is fairly simplistic and while Mac and Sabrina make a great couple, the romance is somewhat underdeveloped. I felt for Sabrina as she was compelled to face some unpleasant truths about the father in whom she had trusted so blindly, and I liked the fact that Ms Maxwell chose not to reconcile them in order to wrap things up neatly at the end.
I continue to be impressed with Mary Jane Wells as a narrator of romance audiobooks, and she delivers another solid and enjoyable performance in The Groom Says Yes. The story is set in Scotland, and although Sabrina doesn’t have a Scottish accent (which is quite believable, given her status as the niece of an earl), when Ms Wells does employ regional accents for the various local people and servants, she does so with accuracy and consistency throughout. Sabrina’s uncle, the Earl of Tay, is almost always slightly inebriated – and sounds it – and the harsh, gravelly tone Ms Wells adopts for Sabrina’s father very quickly alerts the listener to the fact that there is a disparity between the man Sabrina believes him to be and the man he really is. Her interpretation of Mac is particularly satisfying, as she brings out the big Belfast brogue I so enjoyed listening to in Devil's Lady, and the resonance she adds to his tone leaves the listener in no doubt of his masculinity. The narrative is well-paced and expressive, and I really can’t find anything negative to say about her performance, which is terrific all round.
A for narration / C+ for content.
This is the final book in Cathy Maxwell’s Brides of Wishmore trilogy, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have listened to the previous books in order to understand or enjoy this one. The Groom Says Yes boasts a fairly straightforward story with an added touch of mystery concerning the threat to the hero, and both central characters are likeable and well-matched, but I suspect that had I read it rather than listened to it, I’d have found it a little bland. The audiobook, however, benefits from another fine performance from Mary Jane Wells; and while she can’t rework the story, she does infuse it with colour, light and shade by virtue of her skilful characterisations and by injecting both humour and emotional depth into all aspects of her narration.
Soldier, surgeon and impoverished Irish earl Cormac Enright has been imprisoned for a murder he did not commit, his conviction based upon the false testimony offered by local magistrate Robert Davidson. Furious and despairing as he awaits his execution, Mac is astonished when a visiting priest reveals himself to have been sent by Davidson to aid him in his escape. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Mac doesn’t ask questions and grabs his chance, even though it appears that his accomplices may have been captured. He manages to make his way out of Edinburgh and to Aberfeldy, where he plans to confront Davidson as a first step towards clearing his name. But, weakened by his prolonged imprisonment, Mac succumbs to a raging fever and is just able to get himself to an abandoned shepherd’s hut (known as a bothy) before he passes out.
Sabrina Davidson is twenty-nine and on the shelf, most of her marriageable years spent nursing her sick mother. Having accepted her spinster state, and used to the pitying looks cast her way by so many of the women of the village, Sabrina’s position as her father’s hostess at least means her position in society is secure. But her life is turned upside down when, completely out of the blue, the notorious widow Bosley informs her that her father has proposed and they plan to marry very soon. Feeling betrayed and devastated, Sabrina refuses to accept the widow as her stepmother, knowing that she will be relegated to the position of poor relation once the pair is married.
Needing time to come to terms with the news and to organise her thoughts, Sabrina heads off into the countryside where she discovers the seriously ill Cormac in the old bothy. She can’t leave him to die, but before she can inform her father of her intention to bring him into their home so that she can take care of him, Davidson rides out as if the hounds of hell are at his heels, giving Sabrina no explanation.
Left to her own devices, Sabrina manages to get Cormac into the house, where she is able to treat him and eventually see him on the road to recovery. She can’t help but be fascinated by this handsome stranger and once his fever has passed, she can’t resist kissing him, just to see what it feels like. One kiss leads to another and then to much more – and here’s where my credulity was stretched a bit too far, because I really find it difficult to believe that a man who was close to death just a day or so earlier would be interested in or able to have sex so quickly after being so very ill!
Anyway. When Cormac comes to his senses and realises what happened, he is dismayed. He is a decent man however, and makes it clear to Sabrina that their encounter wasn’t meaningless and that he will stand by her should the need arise. He is intrigued by her and attracted to her from the start, although Sabrina finds it difficult to believe that any man could possibly see anything to admire in a plain, uninteresting woman such as she is.
Once he is able to explain his situation, Cormac tells Sabrina that he is looking for Richard Davidson – and is stunned to realise that he has found the man’s daughter. Together, Mac and Sabrina discover the reason behind Davidson’s perjury, reasons which lead to danger and which force Sabrina to make a difficult choice between her family and the man she loves.
I enjoyed the story, but the mystery element is fairly simplistic and while Mac and Sabrina make a great couple, the romance is somewhat underdeveloped. I felt for Sabrina as she was compelled to face some unpleasant truths about the father in whom she had trusted so blindly, and I liked the fact that Ms Maxwell chose not to reconcile them in order to wrap things up neatly at the end.
I continue to be impressed with Mary Jane Wells as a narrator of romance audiobooks, and she delivers another solid and enjoyable performance in The Groom Says Yes. The story is set in Scotland, and although Sabrina doesn’t have a Scottish accent (which is quite believable, given her status as the niece of an earl), when Ms Wells does employ regional accents for the various local people and servants, she does so with accuracy and consistency throughout. Sabrina’s uncle, the Earl of Tay, is almost always slightly inebriated – and sounds it – and the harsh, gravelly tone Ms Wells adopts for Sabrina’s father very quickly alerts the listener to the fact that there is a disparity between the man Sabrina believes him to be and the man he really is. Her interpretation of Mac is particularly satisfying, as she brings out the big Belfast brogue I so enjoyed listening to in Devil's Lady, and the resonance she adds to his tone leaves the listener in no doubt of his masculinity. The narrative is well-paced and expressive, and I really can’t find anything negative to say about her performance, which is terrific all round.
September 11, 2014
Cormac Enright, Earl of Bellin sat in a prison awaiting his execution for a crime he knew he didn’t commit! Cormac had not been a saint, but harm a young woman - never! He wanted to refuse the preacher that came to his cell - a man who was about to help him escape, until he learned the reverend had been sent as an emissary from Robert Davidson, the man who had originally testified to his guilt!
Sabrina Davidson, was a dutiful daughter and avowed spinster until she discovered, her father was about to remarry. Devastated she wanted no more than a quiet place to regain her composure, instead she discovered the half-dead body of Cormac in an abandoned shed.
*** Naturally, as a fan of Ms. Maxwell, I look to her for romance, humor, and a great story - and once again with THE GROOM SAYS YES Maxwell scores perfectly! All the elements are embodied in this luscious tale of a sensual romance, filled with a splendid cast of secondary characters, and chock full of humor, villainy and betrayal!
As always, Maxwell’s protagonists are perfectly matched, and of course, they have that wonderful chemistry that sizzles. Without knowing who the man she discovered was, Sabrina’s can do attitude was to save him, having nursed her mother for years - she was more than capable. However before she could enlighten her father of her new patient, and the connection neither of them were aware of at the time, Sabrina’s father left as if the hounds of hell were on his heels. [Leaving the reader with even more questions of what was truly going on] In trying to hide the existence of Cormac in her house and in actuality, her bed, Maxwell used this device in making for some interesting scenes and mis-communications throughout the story.
Bottom line: Not only does Maxwell give you an enjoyable experience in reading this lovely romance, she keeps the mystery going well into the very last chapters. One simply cannot go wrong in choosing THE GROOM SAYS YES for a marvelous and entertaining read!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
Sabrina Davidson, was a dutiful daughter and avowed spinster until she discovered, her father was about to remarry. Devastated she wanted no more than a quiet place to regain her composure, instead she discovered the half-dead body of Cormac in an abandoned shed.
*** Naturally, as a fan of Ms. Maxwell, I look to her for romance, humor, and a great story - and once again with THE GROOM SAYS YES Maxwell scores perfectly! All the elements are embodied in this luscious tale of a sensual romance, filled with a splendid cast of secondary characters, and chock full of humor, villainy and betrayal!
As always, Maxwell’s protagonists are perfectly matched, and of course, they have that wonderful chemistry that sizzles. Without knowing who the man she discovered was, Sabrina’s can do attitude was to save him, having nursed her mother for years - she was more than capable. However before she could enlighten her father of her new patient, and the connection neither of them were aware of at the time, Sabrina’s father left as if the hounds of hell were on his heels. [Leaving the reader with even more questions of what was truly going on] In trying to hide the existence of Cormac in her house and in actuality, her bed, Maxwell used this device in making for some interesting scenes and mis-communications throughout the story.
Bottom line: Not only does Maxwell give you an enjoyable experience in reading this lovely romance, she keeps the mystery going well into the very last chapters. One simply cannot go wrong in choosing THE GROOM SAYS YES for a marvelous and entertaining read!
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com
September 20, 2014
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 30, 2014.
Every so often a book comes along that I have to remind myself that I promised that I would give my 100% honest feedback. This is one of those stories and unfortunately I was not very fond of it but I must be true to my promise and say so.
It was not the writing that fell short for me, it was fine, but the story that did. The concept of an attraction between an escaped convict and a "proper" lady should have been a good one. A period love story is something I usually enjoy however this story was somewhat lacking from the beginning.
There seemed to lack some character development with the characters of both Mac and Sabrina. I simply could not find myself invested in either one and as a result the entire story. Little was known about Mac aside some brief narrations about his family and past and Sabrina was simply annoying. Instead of a strong personality with conflicting emotions she more seemed to be a snob.
The physical aspect that occurred between Mac and Sabrina in my mind was completely unrealistic. I can't think of a single female out there would be in the situation that Sabrina found herself in without so much as a conversation with Mac. I so want to rant about this however that would require giving spoilers which I do not do. Anyone who reads this will know what I mean. In all honesty this is where the story lost me.
There you go. I gave a truthful review. It is only my opinion however it is what it is. Although it was not for me it could very well be someone else's cup of tea. I almost wish I knew others who read this so I would have the opportunity to discuss.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is September 30, 2014.
Every so often a book comes along that I have to remind myself that I promised that I would give my 100% honest feedback. This is one of those stories and unfortunately I was not very fond of it but I must be true to my promise and say so.
It was not the writing that fell short for me, it was fine, but the story that did. The concept of an attraction between an escaped convict and a "proper" lady should have been a good one. A period love story is something I usually enjoy however this story was somewhat lacking from the beginning.
There seemed to lack some character development with the characters of both Mac and Sabrina. I simply could not find myself invested in either one and as a result the entire story. Little was known about Mac aside some brief narrations about his family and past and Sabrina was simply annoying. Instead of a strong personality with conflicting emotions she more seemed to be a snob.
The physical aspect that occurred between Mac and Sabrina in my mind was completely unrealistic. I can't think of a single female out there would be in the situation that Sabrina found herself in without so much as a conversation with Mac. I so want to rant about this however that would require giving spoilers which I do not do. Anyone who reads this will know what I mean. In all honesty this is where the story lost me.
There you go. I gave a truthful review. It is only my opinion however it is what it is. Although it was not for me it could very well be someone else's cup of tea. I almost wish I knew others who read this so I would have the opportunity to discuss.
October 4, 2014
Sabrina Davidson took a chance by rescuing Cormac Enright and while she may have hesitated at her decision she never regretted it. Mac was near death when she brought him to her father’s home, the place she thought of hers as well until she discovered her father was about to marry a horrid widow who was going to ruin everything in Sabrina’s neatly contained life. When Sabrina decides to take the near unconscious Mac as her lover little did she realize that her attempt to become uncommon would push her into notorious and daring.
Sabrina is tired of trying to prove her worth to everyone and while she has long been placed on the unmarriageable shelf there is a lot of life to be lived inside of her. Now she is sneaking around with this man in her bed and her father nowhere to be found. Yes they argued about his upcoming nuptials but did that mean he had to run to her for comfort? When Sabrina realizes that her father is not only not with the widow but missing she and Mac take off to figure out what is going on and before they set foot out the door he mentions ever so nicely he may be on the hook for a murder. Sabrina does not believe he could do such a thing as he has been all things honorable so having with her reassures her that they will find her father and figure out who really is the murderer.
As they travel the roads under cover of darkness and hide in the shadows fearing discovery Sabrina and Mac learn to trust, understand what a caring person is worth, and start the dance of love to music only they can hear. Sabrina seeks the truth as much as Mac does but when it comes to the possibility of corruption so close to her heart will she make the right decision and choose the life with the most potential or revert to the comfort she has always known.
Whenever a reader wonders what they should be reading for an amazing romance and adventure book, always ask what Cathy Maxwell has written. Then buy, read, and enjoy every work.
Sabrina is tired of trying to prove her worth to everyone and while she has long been placed on the unmarriageable shelf there is a lot of life to be lived inside of her. Now she is sneaking around with this man in her bed and her father nowhere to be found. Yes they argued about his upcoming nuptials but did that mean he had to run to her for comfort? When Sabrina realizes that her father is not only not with the widow but missing she and Mac take off to figure out what is going on and before they set foot out the door he mentions ever so nicely he may be on the hook for a murder. Sabrina does not believe he could do such a thing as he has been all things honorable so having with her reassures her that they will find her father and figure out who really is the murderer.
As they travel the roads under cover of darkness and hide in the shadows fearing discovery Sabrina and Mac learn to trust, understand what a caring person is worth, and start the dance of love to music only they can hear. Sabrina seeks the truth as much as Mac does but when it comes to the possibility of corruption so close to her heart will she make the right decision and choose the life with the most potential or revert to the comfort she has always known.
Whenever a reader wonders what they should be reading for an amazing romance and adventure book, always ask what Cathy Maxwell has written. Then buy, read, and enjoy every work.
October 16, 2014
2.5 out of 5 stars.
In theory this book should have met my tastes more than it did, since it was a historical romance with a murder mystery and adventure. It began strongly as Cormac is rescued from his execution date by a reverend working on behalf of those who wrongfully perjured themselves during Cormac’s trial for murder. The escape from prison does not go as planned, but it does leave him knowledgeable of a few facts about who he must speak to and where he must travel to in order to clear his name and receive information as to why a woman was murdered with him as the scapegoat.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Davidson’s family is somehow tied up within the business of Cormac’s imprisonment, little to her knowledge due to her father’s habit of keeping secrets from her. How can she believe the best of her family when they have left an innocent man to hang for a crime he did not commit? Together, she and Cormac must discover the truth. And fall in love, since it apparently comes with the territory.
This book would have worked better for me had it not been so rushed. There really were no clues to follow, just two confrontations with those involved. There was no suspense either, and since Cormac and Sabrina barely had to travel there was not much adventure. This story could have had more depth in the mystery department and in the romance department. If you want something quick, then this is the book for you -- after all, there was nothing horrendous about it; it was simply standard with the occasional cute. For my part, I have read far better stories that have incorporated all of these elements with a masterpiece to show for the effort.
(Also, I really do not understand the title or cover of this book. Does not fit at all...)
In theory this book should have met my tastes more than it did, since it was a historical romance with a murder mystery and adventure. It began strongly as Cormac is rescued from his execution date by a reverend working on behalf of those who wrongfully perjured themselves during Cormac’s trial for murder. The escape from prison does not go as planned, but it does leave him knowledgeable of a few facts about who he must speak to and where he must travel to in order to clear his name and receive information as to why a woman was murdered with him as the scapegoat.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Davidson’s family is somehow tied up within the business of Cormac’s imprisonment, little to her knowledge due to her father’s habit of keeping secrets from her. How can she believe the best of her family when they have left an innocent man to hang for a crime he did not commit? Together, she and Cormac must discover the truth. And fall in love, since it apparently comes with the territory.
This book would have worked better for me had it not been so rushed. There really were no clues to follow, just two confrontations with those involved. There was no suspense either, and since Cormac and Sabrina barely had to travel there was not much adventure. This story could have had more depth in the mystery department and in the romance department. If you want something quick, then this is the book for you -- after all, there was nothing horrendous about it; it was simply standard with the occasional cute. For my part, I have read far better stories that have incorporated all of these elements with a masterpiece to show for the effort.
(Also, I really do not understand the title or cover of this book. Does not fit at all...)
September 30, 2014
A sensual, suspense-filled historical romance! Actually rated 4.5! Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
The night before he is scheduled to hang for a murder he did not commit, Cormac ‘Mac’ Enright, dubbed the Irish Murderer, is rescued by a reverend. Claiming to be an emissary for Richard Davidson, who originally testified against Mac, the reverend makes him promise that he will leave Scotland and not come back. However, they are betrayed by the guard who has taken coin to help them and Mac’s rescuer is shot during the escape. Despite his promise, Mac cannot leave the country until he squeezes the truth out of the man who is responsible for his conviction, Richard Davidson. Believing that the reverend is from a small town known as Kenmore, Mac makes his way there, hoping to find Davidson. But as Mac enters the town, a sickness overcomes him and he barely makes it to a bothy, or small hut, before he passes out.
At twenty-nine and unwed, Sabrina Davidson, the magistrate’s daughter, is an outsider in her small town of Kenmore. During the years when she had been young enough to seek a husband, she was busy nursing her sick mother. Currently her widowed father’s hostess and the Earl of Tay’s niece, her place in society is secure. However, with her two year period of mourning for her mother now past and with some of her cousins marrying, Sabrina begins to wonder what she is missing. Sabrina is used to the other women’s pitying looks, but when she discovers that her father has asked the promiscuous Widow Bosley to marry him, it is too much. She refuses to accept the widow as her stepmother. To make matters worse, her father has even given the widow her mother’s ring, which was supposed to have passed to her. Needing time to herself before confronting her father, Sabrina escapes to her haven, a bothy, only to discover a disreputable looking, very ill man there.
As she nurses Mac back to health she discovers that her father is missing. As it comes to light that her father is the man whom Mac is looking for, they join forces. But the clock is ticking and the question remains – Can they find Sabrina’s father and clear Mac’s name before he is captured and returned to Tollbooth to hang?
An intriguing tale, THE GROOM SAYS YES, the third and final book in author Cathy Maxwell’s BRIDES OF WISHMORE series, is a witty, yet suspense-filled, historical romance that is sure to keep readers guessing. Although a man convicted of murder and a proper lady seems like a stretch for a romantic couple, Ms. Maxwell pulls it off beautifully. The fact that the chemistry between them is so sizzling hot and they share the same beliefs about the important things in life provides a firm foundation for them and makes this pairing believable.
Villainy, betrayal, perjury, danger, mystery, intrigue, justice, passion and true love all intertwine to give readers a truly delightful story. This novel brings this series to a very satisfying end. Fans of this series will not want to miss this one! Still, although it is part of a series, THE GROOM SAYS YES can be read as a standalone. Treat yourself to a copy today!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
The night before he is scheduled to hang for a murder he did not commit, Cormac ‘Mac’ Enright, dubbed the Irish Murderer, is rescued by a reverend. Claiming to be an emissary for Richard Davidson, who originally testified against Mac, the reverend makes him promise that he will leave Scotland and not come back. However, they are betrayed by the guard who has taken coin to help them and Mac’s rescuer is shot during the escape. Despite his promise, Mac cannot leave the country until he squeezes the truth out of the man who is responsible for his conviction, Richard Davidson. Believing that the reverend is from a small town known as Kenmore, Mac makes his way there, hoping to find Davidson. But as Mac enters the town, a sickness overcomes him and he barely makes it to a bothy, or small hut, before he passes out.
At twenty-nine and unwed, Sabrina Davidson, the magistrate’s daughter, is an outsider in her small town of Kenmore. During the years when she had been young enough to seek a husband, she was busy nursing her sick mother. Currently her widowed father’s hostess and the Earl of Tay’s niece, her place in society is secure. However, with her two year period of mourning for her mother now past and with some of her cousins marrying, Sabrina begins to wonder what she is missing. Sabrina is used to the other women’s pitying looks, but when she discovers that her father has asked the promiscuous Widow Bosley to marry him, it is too much. She refuses to accept the widow as her stepmother. To make matters worse, her father has even given the widow her mother’s ring, which was supposed to have passed to her. Needing time to herself before confronting her father, Sabrina escapes to her haven, a bothy, only to discover a disreputable looking, very ill man there.
As she nurses Mac back to health she discovers that her father is missing. As it comes to light that her father is the man whom Mac is looking for, they join forces. But the clock is ticking and the question remains – Can they find Sabrina’s father and clear Mac’s name before he is captured and returned to Tollbooth to hang?
An intriguing tale, THE GROOM SAYS YES, the third and final book in author Cathy Maxwell’s BRIDES OF WISHMORE series, is a witty, yet suspense-filled, historical romance that is sure to keep readers guessing. Although a man convicted of murder and a proper lady seems like a stretch for a romantic couple, Ms. Maxwell pulls it off beautifully. The fact that the chemistry between them is so sizzling hot and they share the same beliefs about the important things in life provides a firm foundation for them and makes this pairing believable.
Villainy, betrayal, perjury, danger, mystery, intrigue, justice, passion and true love all intertwine to give readers a truly delightful story. This novel brings this series to a very satisfying end. Fans of this series will not want to miss this one! Still, although it is part of a series, THE GROOM SAYS YES can be read as a standalone. Treat yourself to a copy today!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
April 25, 2015
Good conclusion to the series. Mac Enright is in prison awaiting execution for a murder he didn't commit. When he escapes, he's determined to find the man whose false testimony convicted him. He arrives in Aberfeldy but falls ill before he can find the man he's searching for.
Sabrina is the spinster daughter of Mac's quarry. She has spent her life caring for her sick mother, then her widowed father. She's very conscious of doing the right thing, unlike her rather scandalous cousins Aileen (The Bride Says No) and Tara (The Bride Says Maybe). But they have found men to love and marry, leaving Sabrina wondering what she's missing. To make it worse, she has just discovered her father has become engaged to a rather notorious widow, leaving Sabrina to wonder what will happen to her. Searching for a quiet place to think about her future, Sabrina stumbles upon Mac, who is obviously in need of help.
Sabrina takes him home with her and nurses him back to health. The scenes of her trying to get him into the cart and then into the house were pretty funny. She has never met anyone like him before, and something about him has her thinking about everything she has missed in her life. She impulsively kisses the seemingly unconscious Mac, who in his near delirium responds and their encounter turns passionate. I found this part a bit hard to believe, as I'm not sure someone who had been that ill would be up for those kind of antics, but it still made for a good scene.
I really liked seeing the two of them together. Once Mac is well again he is dismayed by what he did, but finding Sabrina fascinating is more than willing to see where things lead. Mac is a man who lives his life on his own terms, and while he is understanding of Sabrina's cautiousness, has no trouble encouraging her to push her boundaries. Sabrina has had a lot of things happen to her all at once and it really shakes up her world. I thought she was rather selfish at the beginning, but dealing with so many changes forces her to grow up. Her cautiousness causes some tension between them as she finds out more about her father, but is also a good balance to his focus on his quest. In the end, Sabrina has to decide between caution and love.
The mystery of the story, of Sabrina's father's involvement and why was very good. It was hard on Sabrina to see her father as something of a villain, but it didn't stop her from helping Mac once she got past the shock. It was an interesting twist to see the connection the real murderer had to the previous two books. The final confrontation was quite intense, and I loved seeing Sabrina really get into it. I felt bad for Sabrina because of the attitudes of her father and uncle at the end, but happy to see that she was able to see to her own happiness.
Sabrina is the spinster daughter of Mac's quarry. She has spent her life caring for her sick mother, then her widowed father. She's very conscious of doing the right thing, unlike her rather scandalous cousins Aileen (The Bride Says No) and Tara (The Bride Says Maybe). But they have found men to love and marry, leaving Sabrina wondering what she's missing. To make it worse, she has just discovered her father has become engaged to a rather notorious widow, leaving Sabrina to wonder what will happen to her. Searching for a quiet place to think about her future, Sabrina stumbles upon Mac, who is obviously in need of help.
Sabrina takes him home with her and nurses him back to health. The scenes of her trying to get him into the cart and then into the house were pretty funny. She has never met anyone like him before, and something about him has her thinking about everything she has missed in her life. She impulsively kisses the seemingly unconscious Mac, who in his near delirium responds and their encounter turns passionate. I found this part a bit hard to believe, as I'm not sure someone who had been that ill would be up for those kind of antics, but it still made for a good scene.
I really liked seeing the two of them together. Once Mac is well again he is dismayed by what he did, but finding Sabrina fascinating is more than willing to see where things lead. Mac is a man who lives his life on his own terms, and while he is understanding of Sabrina's cautiousness, has no trouble encouraging her to push her boundaries. Sabrina has had a lot of things happen to her all at once and it really shakes up her world. I thought she was rather selfish at the beginning, but dealing with so many changes forces her to grow up. Her cautiousness causes some tension between them as she finds out more about her father, but is also a good balance to his focus on his quest. In the end, Sabrina has to decide between caution and love.
The mystery of the story, of Sabrina's father's involvement and why was very good. It was hard on Sabrina to see her father as something of a villain, but it didn't stop her from helping Mac once she got past the shock. It was an interesting twist to see the connection the real murderer had to the previous two books. The final confrontation was quite intense, and I loved seeing Sabrina really get into it. I felt bad for Sabrina because of the attitudes of her father and uncle at the end, but happy to see that she was able to see to her own happiness.
October 22, 2014
One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love. - Sophocles
THE GROOM SAYS YES is Book Three in Maxwell's Wishmore Brides Series. Its heroine, Sabrina Davidson, welcomed home her cousin, Aileen Davidson, after a scandalous divorce in Book 1, THE BRIDE SAYS NO. Sabrina then advised Aileen's sister, Tara Davidson, on proper behavior in Book 2, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE. Now Sabrina faces the same challenges as her cousins as she struggles with a brewing scandal. First her sensible father shocks Sabrina with his engagement to the Widow Bosley ... and then he disappears. His departure coincides with her discovery of a sick man in a shepherd's hut. As she nurses the handsome but rugged man back to health, she learns he is wanted for murder ... and he wants her father to clear his name.
THE GROOM SAYS YES is a fast paced, non stop action adventure in Regency Scotland. Sabrina barely has time to register her shock of her father's engagement when Mac drops into her life. Her structured life is shattered ... and Mac responds with passionate kisses. Maxwell delivers all that readers love about the Regency Era with the majesty of the Scottish Highlands as the backdrop. She enables hero and heroine to find redemption as they face an uncertain future. Maxwell adds an unexpected "Lucy and Ethel" moment between unlikely friends that ultimately brings the fated lovers together. THE GROOM SAYS YES is memorable end to the series, even if I didn't want the series to end.
Recommended read for fans of heartwarming romances with laugh out loud moments.
I received a print copy from Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer.
THE GROOM SAYS YES is Book Three in Maxwell's Wishmore Brides Series. Its heroine, Sabrina Davidson, welcomed home her cousin, Aileen Davidson, after a scandalous divorce in Book 1, THE BRIDE SAYS NO. Sabrina then advised Aileen's sister, Tara Davidson, on proper behavior in Book 2, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE. Now Sabrina faces the same challenges as her cousins as she struggles with a brewing scandal. First her sensible father shocks Sabrina with his engagement to the Widow Bosley ... and then he disappears. His departure coincides with her discovery of a sick man in a shepherd's hut. As she nurses the handsome but rugged man back to health, she learns he is wanted for murder ... and he wants her father to clear his name.
THE GROOM SAYS YES is a fast paced, non stop action adventure in Regency Scotland. Sabrina barely has time to register her shock of her father's engagement when Mac drops into her life. Her structured life is shattered ... and Mac responds with passionate kisses. Maxwell delivers all that readers love about the Regency Era with the majesty of the Scottish Highlands as the backdrop. She enables hero and heroine to find redemption as they face an uncertain future. Maxwell adds an unexpected "Lucy and Ethel" moment between unlikely friends that ultimately brings the fated lovers together. THE GROOM SAYS YES is memorable end to the series, even if I didn't want the series to end.
Recommended read for fans of heartwarming romances with laugh out loud moments.
I received a print copy from Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer.
August 4, 2014
I liked reading this book because of the interesting plot line, characterization of people and of course the romance. If you have read the other two books, this one was my favorite. The hero Mac Enright was held in a prison after he was accused as the culprit by a man named Robert Davidson. So when Mac is broken out of prison, he is free to begin his search for the answers of why him.
Then Mac finds himself in the company of Sabrina Davidson. She doesn't seem to believe Mac because her Father would never compromise his beliefs. Sabrina has always done what is right. She took care of her dying Mother during her illness and ran her father's household. Sabrina chooses to remain a spinster because she's afraid I think to take chances to find love. But Mac brings out the sensual woman in Sabrina and finds that love will change a person for the better. Mac and Sabrina will have to solve the mystery of where her father has gone and do it before the authorities catch him. I thank edelweiss for letting me read this for an honest review.
Then Mac finds himself in the company of Sabrina Davidson. She doesn't seem to believe Mac because her Father would never compromise his beliefs. Sabrina has always done what is right. She took care of her dying Mother during her illness and ran her father's household. Sabrina chooses to remain a spinster because she's afraid I think to take chances to find love. But Mac brings out the sensual woman in Sabrina and finds that love will change a person for the better. Mac and Sabrina will have to solve the mystery of where her father has gone and do it before the authorities catch him. I thank edelweiss for letting me read this for an honest review.
April 16, 2015
The protagonist loses her virginity to a stranger she is nursing back to health because she dared to kiss him... I know I have read flimsier premises to start a relationship but this was almost too much. The fact that she also manage to find her first experience pleasurable is stretching it even more. The book also suffers from some convenient amnesia and lack of intuition by Mac. He had time to think in prison and never realized how he could have been set up. Even I knew who the real murderer was after the mere mention of his name. Lastly, that prologue came out of nowhere. If the author wanted to set up Sabrina with her own interests, she should have given some inkling rather than throw it all together in the end.
My impression of the first two books in the series was much more favorable.
My impression of the first two books in the series was much more favorable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2015
The hero is a convicted felon, sentenced to hang for a murder he didn't commit. At the last minute a minister comes to help him escape but instead of leaving Scotland, he heads off to ask the main witness why he lied. The witness is the heroine's father. She is upset because she has just been informed that her father is on the verge of marrying again and has even given the hussy the ring her mother had promised her. She fights with her father and he runs off, not because of the fight, but because of something else she told him. And then she stumbles across the hero and matters progress. It's a good story and I liked it a lot.
November 2, 2014
Enjoyable Story
The Groom Says Yes is the third book in the Brides of Wishmore series. Sabrina Davidson and Cormac Enright's story is a wonderful, romantic and enjoyable read with interesting plot line. Cathy Maxwell writes fantastic books with humor, romance and adventures. Thank you Cathy Maxwell
The Groom Says Yes is the third book in the Brides of Wishmore series. Sabrina Davidson and Cormac Enright's story is a wonderful, romantic and enjoyable read with interesting plot line. Cathy Maxwell writes fantastic books with humor, romance and adventures. Thank you Cathy Maxwell
November 9, 2014
Not at all what I would expect from Cathy Maxwell. I normally love historical novels with a bit of mystery thrown in but this was not what the reviews would lead you to believe.
The heroine at the beginning was just tstl and it went down from there. Not much of a mystery at all.
The heroine at the beginning was just tstl and it went down from there. Not much of a mystery at all.
October 12, 2025
I love Cathy Maxwell's work, and her humor she uses. The was a different story with the escape, the disappearances, and the looming threat that can't quite be identified. I liked Mac and Sabrina - and Mrs. Bossley except for the ring thing.
January 5, 2019
more of a 3.5, this series is pretty light at times and tends to move a little fast for me at points. But Mary Jane Wells made it super enjoyable.
September 9, 2014
I received a ARC from Avon Book and Edelweiss in return for a honest review.
Mac, finds himself in jail, and sentenced to be hanged for a crime he didnt' commit...murder. But then he is aided to escape and even though he could leave the country and start a new life he just wants to be cleared of all charges and find the real murderer. And he has a name, the name of the man who bore testimony against him in court, Robert Davidson. So Mac goes in searching for Davidson, in wanting justice and a dose of honesty from the man. Sabrina Davidson, has been a loyal daughter, after years of taking care of her mother who was a invalid, and now two years have passed since she has lost her mother. Her father she rarely sees, but she care for dearly. When walking home, she comes upon a man that is close to death, and so she brings him home and helps aid him in healing. When he awakens though, she learns of some startling truths that come revealed, truths that lead back to her father and uncle, and soon Sabrina will have to choose between the duty to her family or the man she loves....
The Groom Says Yes is the third book in the series by Cathy Maxwell. This author has been one of my favorites in the past, but lately her books haven't really stirred me lately. So I was a bit apprehensive upon reading this one, however after reading it, even though it doesn't have the full spark of her past books, I did see parts of it. The story itself has a solid plot that is full of mystery and intrigue and has some twists and turns to keep you guessing. However I felt like there were sections of the story that didn't really feel like I could connect with. The romance between Mac and Sabrina wasn't really there until the last part of the book, which was a bit disappointing. It didn't take me too long to read this story, however I did feel like through some portions of the book I had to force myself to continue. Then there were other sections that I couldn't get through fast enough. So the pacing of the story wasn't steady and constant, there were definitely bumps here and there, but I did enjoy reading this one, especially the later half of the story.
The characters in this one were very interesting. Mac is a Irish nobleman, and is wrongly accused and he is determined to find the real murderer, no matter what happens to him. He is strong and enjoys life, he doesn't hold anything back, but he is also caring and understanding. Sabrina, well I liked her a bit. I feel like she could have had more backbone, she does eventually show it, but I felt like her character was a bit whiny, I liked her in the end, but didn't love her. They do seem like a good pair, and I did find myself enjoying the style of the story and the way they slowly unravel. The mystery in the story is pretty wonderful and really surprised me in the end. It is what really kept me fully invested in the story, and you see how Mac and Sabrina work well and fight well together.
A romantic tale of intrigue, danger, mystery and passion. A story that will tie you up in knots, and keep you going. A SATISFYING ROMANCE!!
Mac, finds himself in jail, and sentenced to be hanged for a crime he didnt' commit...murder. But then he is aided to escape and even though he could leave the country and start a new life he just wants to be cleared of all charges and find the real murderer. And he has a name, the name of the man who bore testimony against him in court, Robert Davidson. So Mac goes in searching for Davidson, in wanting justice and a dose of honesty from the man. Sabrina Davidson, has been a loyal daughter, after years of taking care of her mother who was a invalid, and now two years have passed since she has lost her mother. Her father she rarely sees, but she care for dearly. When walking home, she comes upon a man that is close to death, and so she brings him home and helps aid him in healing. When he awakens though, she learns of some startling truths that come revealed, truths that lead back to her father and uncle, and soon Sabrina will have to choose between the duty to her family or the man she loves....
The Groom Says Yes is the third book in the series by Cathy Maxwell. This author has been one of my favorites in the past, but lately her books haven't really stirred me lately. So I was a bit apprehensive upon reading this one, however after reading it, even though it doesn't have the full spark of her past books, I did see parts of it. The story itself has a solid plot that is full of mystery and intrigue and has some twists and turns to keep you guessing. However I felt like there were sections of the story that didn't really feel like I could connect with. The romance between Mac and Sabrina wasn't really there until the last part of the book, which was a bit disappointing. It didn't take me too long to read this story, however I did feel like through some portions of the book I had to force myself to continue. Then there were other sections that I couldn't get through fast enough. So the pacing of the story wasn't steady and constant, there were definitely bumps here and there, but I did enjoy reading this one, especially the later half of the story.
The characters in this one were very interesting. Mac is a Irish nobleman, and is wrongly accused and he is determined to find the real murderer, no matter what happens to him. He is strong and enjoys life, he doesn't hold anything back, but he is also caring and understanding. Sabrina, well I liked her a bit. I feel like she could have had more backbone, she does eventually show it, but I felt like her character was a bit whiny, I liked her in the end, but didn't love her. They do seem like a good pair, and I did find myself enjoying the style of the story and the way they slowly unravel. The mystery in the story is pretty wonderful and really surprised me in the end. It is what really kept me fully invested in the story, and you see how Mac and Sabrina work well and fight well together.
A romantic tale of intrigue, danger, mystery and passion. A story that will tie you up in knots, and keep you going. A SATISFYING ROMANCE!!
October 26, 2014
Originally post on Smitten by Books Blog
Mac Enright has been framed for a murder he didn’t commit, and is about to be executed. He has no use for the clergyman visiting him, as he has no intention of confessing when he’s an innocent man. The clergyman, however, has come to help him escape. It seems that the man whose false testimony convicted him , Mr. Davidson, is feeling guilty, and has paid some bribes so Mac can get away. After he is free, instead of leaving the country as he’s advised to do, Mac decides to track down Mr. Davidson to find out the whole story, and to clear his name.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Davidson, (the daughter of Mr. Davidson) has just received some news that has devastated her. A notorious widow tells her that she will be marrying Sabrina’s widowed father, and that she has full intentions of running the household. Sabrina is now twenty nine years old, and has never married. She nursed her sick mother, and then ran her father’s household for years. The thought that she will now be treated as nothing more than a poor relation grates on her. She escapes to her sanctuary, a little hut, to be alone and dwell on her situation. She finds that the hut is inhabited by Mac, who has taken very ill, and sought shelter there. She manages to rouse him enough so that he is able to get back to the house with her help. Once they get there, Sabrina calls to her father for help only to find that he has disappeared. She gets Mac settled, and begins to take care of him. Because of her fragile state of mind, she begins to think of all she has missed in her life, how she’s never known a man’s love. She impulsively kisses sleeping Mac, who wakes up, and returns her kisses, and then the encounter turns passionate. Now lovers, although virtual strangers, Mac and Sabrina are both willing to see where their relationship leads.
I adored Mac right from the get-go. Even when he was facing death, he was courageous and strong. His treatment of Sabrina was honorable and caring. He realized that their affair may have consequences, and didn’t run away from them. He also didn’t let the fact that Sabrina’s father was the man who almost cost him his life color his feelings and treatment of her. True hero material!
At first, I found Sabrina to be a bit spoiled and full of herself. When her comfortable world is shaken, her reaction appears somewhat pouty. As she falls in love, and works with Mac to solve the mystery, she matures into a loving and caring woman, and is very likeable.
This is my favorite book of the Brides of Wishmore trilogy. (It can be read as a standalone.) The romance and mystery were both well developed, and I cared about the characters. I enjoyed this well written story, and highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Rose
Heat Level: Sensual/Hot
Mac Enright has been framed for a murder he didn’t commit, and is about to be executed. He has no use for the clergyman visiting him, as he has no intention of confessing when he’s an innocent man. The clergyman, however, has come to help him escape. It seems that the man whose false testimony convicted him , Mr. Davidson, is feeling guilty, and has paid some bribes so Mac can get away. After he is free, instead of leaving the country as he’s advised to do, Mac decides to track down Mr. Davidson to find out the whole story, and to clear his name.
Meanwhile, Sabrina Davidson, (the daughter of Mr. Davidson) has just received some news that has devastated her. A notorious widow tells her that she will be marrying Sabrina’s widowed father, and that she has full intentions of running the household. Sabrina is now twenty nine years old, and has never married. She nursed her sick mother, and then ran her father’s household for years. The thought that she will now be treated as nothing more than a poor relation grates on her. She escapes to her sanctuary, a little hut, to be alone and dwell on her situation. She finds that the hut is inhabited by Mac, who has taken very ill, and sought shelter there. She manages to rouse him enough so that he is able to get back to the house with her help. Once they get there, Sabrina calls to her father for help only to find that he has disappeared. She gets Mac settled, and begins to take care of him. Because of her fragile state of mind, she begins to think of all she has missed in her life, how she’s never known a man’s love. She impulsively kisses sleeping Mac, who wakes up, and returns her kisses, and then the encounter turns passionate. Now lovers, although virtual strangers, Mac and Sabrina are both willing to see where their relationship leads.
I adored Mac right from the get-go. Even when he was facing death, he was courageous and strong. His treatment of Sabrina was honorable and caring. He realized that their affair may have consequences, and didn’t run away from them. He also didn’t let the fact that Sabrina’s father was the man who almost cost him his life color his feelings and treatment of her. True hero material!
At first, I found Sabrina to be a bit spoiled and full of herself. When her comfortable world is shaken, her reaction appears somewhat pouty. As she falls in love, and works with Mac to solve the mystery, she matures into a loving and caring woman, and is very likeable.
This is my favorite book of the Brides of Wishmore trilogy. (It can be read as a standalone.) The romance and mystery were both well developed, and I cared about the characters. I enjoyed this well written story, and highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Rose
Heat Level: Sensual/Hot
March 5, 2017
Meh. Another I picked up because of the narrator (Mary Jane Wells); I knew nothing else of it, and it's the third in a series. It had a promising premise (falsely accused escaped convict seeks to clear his name; the heroine is the daughter of one of those involved in framing him), but the heroine makes a lot of nonsensical decisions and is loyal to her horrible father and uncle to a gigantic fault with absolutely no motivation. Her uncle was a constant drunk and I'm not sure if he was meant to be funny or not, but he came off as disgusting and terrible and it added to why I was so baffled that she trusted him. Her father treated her poorly, not trusting her and dismissing her concerns about his surprise town bicycle fiancee, but then she was shocked over any alleged shady dealings. Huh. The hero seemed somewhat likable. The heroine was slow and confusing. Again, a more intelligent, less naive heroine would have made for a better story. Also, the last chapter/epilogue is a huge departure from the rest of the plot and seems like a tacked on idea that the author didn't get to develop earlier in the story.
And my biggest pet peeve of all: the hero has influenza and is close to death when the heroine finds him. She takes her sweet time getting him to safety and even getting him water (which was his first gasping request; he's a physician and knew he was dehydrated). Within one day of his rescue, he's up and running around and beating up the baddies with no mention of his illness, and all she did was shave his face, feed him broth, and have sex with him (magical healing lust?). Holy abandoned plot device, Batman!
It was nice to listen to Ms. Wells's voice, but this story contained zero charm. I only got through it because I was passively digesting it while crocheting and cleaning the house. Also, I'm with other reviewers who question the title -- the groom didn't "say yes," because he did the proposing, and marriage between the two is only discussed in one scene near the end. Maybe this story is in the wrong series?
And my biggest pet peeve of all: the hero has influenza and is close to death when the heroine finds him. She takes her sweet time getting him to safety and even getting him water (which was his first gasping request; he's a physician and knew he was dehydrated). Within one day of his rescue, he's up and running around and beating up the baddies with no mention of his illness, and all she did was shave his face, feed him broth, and have sex with him (magical healing lust?). Holy abandoned plot device, Batman!
It was nice to listen to Ms. Wells's voice, but this story contained zero charm. I only got through it because I was passively digesting it while crocheting and cleaning the house. Also, I'm with other reviewers who question the title -- the groom didn't "say yes," because he did the proposing, and marriage between the two is only discussed in one scene near the end. Maybe this story is in the wrong series?
October 8, 2014
#3in "The Brides of Wishmore", but can be read as a stand alone set in 1817 Scotland. A penniless Irish Earl, Cormac Enright, the Earl of Ballin was accused of a murder he did not commit. Someone helps him escape the hangman's noose. Now he is on the run to find the truth and clear his name. Enter.. Sabrina Davidson, the spinster daughter of the only name he knows, her father, Richard Davidson, who testified in Cormac's trial, in which he lied. Slow at moments, but otherwise, very intriguing, if you know what I am saying. Witty banter, danger, passion, mystery,suspense and romance makes this an interesting story. While, this is a humorous story, it has a very serious tale as well. A murder of passion turns very dangerous for everyone involved. I see a spin-off in Sabrina and Cormac's future, or I hope so anyway. An enjoyable and satisfying read.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher through Edelweiss*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
*Received for an honest review from the publisher through Edelweiss*
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: April R, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
December 10, 2014
The final book in the colorful and very entertaining and fun Brides of Wishmore series by Cathy Maxwell concludes with this mystery romance. The mystery, at times, threatens to override the budding romance between Sabrina and Cormac and I found myself a bit bogged down with it in the middle before it got back on track.
Sabrina Davidson has been content with her life as a respectable single woman in the small Scottish village of Aberfeldy. Her beautiful and scandalous cousins Aileen and Tara have married happily but her life is upended when the bold and brash Widow Bosley announces her engagement to Sabrina’s widowed father. Suddenly, Sabrina is tired of her sedate and boring life. Her situation as a respectable daughter of a magistrate threatens to become pitiful and she can’t bear that dismal prospect.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1IzrT8p
Sabrina Davidson has been content with her life as a respectable single woman in the small Scottish village of Aberfeldy. Her beautiful and scandalous cousins Aileen and Tara have married happily but her life is upended when the bold and brash Widow Bosley announces her engagement to Sabrina’s widowed father. Suddenly, Sabrina is tired of her sedate and boring life. Her situation as a respectable daughter of a magistrate threatens to become pitiful and she can’t bear that dismal prospect.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1IzrT8p
October 14, 2014
Although this is #3 it can be read as a standalone. I was waiting for Sabrina's story and really enjoyed it. Sabrina's sacrificed years as her mother's caretaker and was always the "good girl" When she finds out her father is going to marry her Uncle.s ex mistress she is furious and appalled, then upset that her father has not told her and apparently does not value her. She is 29 and has lived in her small village all her life. Meanwhile,Cormac, unjustly accused of murder, is making his way to her village. He falls ill and she drags him into her house and helps him survive. Then the whole plot comes clear. My only issue (not just with this book) but the heroine kisses an unconscious man who has been ill with a raging fever to see what it feels like, and he of course responds and they really kiss and more, and all I keep thinking is eew, what must he taste like. Cannot suspend belief for that one!! But other than that, terrific story.
October 5, 2014
I thought this was a great book. And while parts of it force you suspend reality - it was still one of the best books in this series.
As I said, some parts of the book were almost unbelievable. But I never doubted that Mac and Sabrina were meant to be. I think you have to believe in soul mates and love at first sight to appreciate this book.
Mac is a great hero and while his experiences have left him scarred - they didn't break him. Sabrina also has issues, she feels used and unimportant. She feels like life has passed her by and doesn't know where she belongs.
Together, these two are amazing. But the path to true love is never smooth. And these two are no exception.
This book has a bit of everything. Mystery, humor, betrayal, some steamy love scenes and finally a very happy ending.
I really enjoyed this series and would happily recommend it.
As I said, some parts of the book were almost unbelievable. But I never doubted that Mac and Sabrina were meant to be. I think you have to believe in soul mates and love at first sight to appreciate this book.
Mac is a great hero and while his experiences have left him scarred - they didn't break him. Sabrina also has issues, she feels used and unimportant. She feels like life has passed her by and doesn't know where she belongs.
Together, these two are amazing. But the path to true love is never smooth. And these two are no exception.
This book has a bit of everything. Mystery, humor, betrayal, some steamy love scenes and finally a very happy ending.
I really enjoyed this series and would happily recommend it.
April 22, 2015
This is the third book the series and was very enjoyable, I could hardly put down.
Cormac "Mac" Enright, Earl of Ballin is on the run after being helped to escape from the Hangmans noose for murder. He needs to find the one man that can clear his name. Sabrina Davidson finds Mac hiding in a shepherds hut sick and burning up with fever. Sabrina takes him home determined to nurse him back to health. These characters have so much in common. They are both strong, loving people who do what they think is right for their family. Even if it means giving up on their own hopes and dreams for the future. In each other they find a kindred soul. It was refreshing to read a romance that the hero knew he loved the heroine and had to convince her they were meant to be together.
I highly recommend thine series.
Cormac "Mac" Enright, Earl of Ballin is on the run after being helped to escape from the Hangmans noose for murder. He needs to find the one man that can clear his name. Sabrina Davidson finds Mac hiding in a shepherds hut sick and burning up with fever. Sabrina takes him home determined to nurse him back to health. These characters have so much in common. They are both strong, loving people who do what they think is right for their family. Even if it means giving up on their own hopes and dreams for the future. In each other they find a kindred soul. It was refreshing to read a romance that the hero knew he loved the heroine and had to convince her they were meant to be together.
I highly recommend thine series.
January 8, 2015
I have given this book 5 stars..why? Cathy Maxwells The Groom Says Yes is a romp of romance and adventure. Cormac Enright is accused of murdering a young woman and is sentenced to hang. The reverend who has come to hear him confess is breaking him out of prison and Mac( who is really the penniless Earl of Ballin) jumps at the opportunity. He escapes only to fall dreadfully ill and collapse in an abandoned brothy. There Sabrina Davidson finds him,brings him home and nurses him back to health. All this happens in the first few chapters and doesn't stop there! Cathy Maxwell sucked me into her characters lives and wouldn't let me go. It is everything I want in a book..hot love scenes, believable and engaging characters, intrigue and of course an HEA!! Read this book!
September 2, 2014
This is the third book in the Brides of Wishmore series. This story follows Sabrina, cousin to Tara and Aileen. Sabrina finds a sick man in a little shack nearby and brings him home. There's a bit of a complication because this man came looking for Sabrina's father who supposedly witnessed Mac murder a young woman. Bit of a mystery in finding her father and figuring out if Mac is truely a murderer. Cute story and just as enjoyable as the previous books.
October 30, 2017
I don't usually read historical romance...I think I came across this book while I was looking for a book set in Scotland. I'm glad I did because this was a nice love story with some depth and well-developed, likeable lead characters. There's one especially sweet scene where Sabrina is talking to Mac through a door, and really able to express her feelings in a way she couldn't before. The narration is excellent. I would recommend it.
June 8, 2015
Five stars doesn't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. I've been reading romance for several decades and 'The Groom Says Yes' has to be the most truly romantic book I've ever read. I adored the characters and found both Sabrina and Mac to be endearing. Their love story touched my heart...thank you Cathy Maxwell!
July 26, 2015
This was a lovely story set in Scotland in the 1800s. It has a funny heroine who is a 'bluestocking' and discovers love from an irishman on the run from the gallows. Of course, he is falsely accused. But, the twist is that her father and uncle are the ones who did the accusing, and are somehow still the semi-good guys.
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