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Outback Brides #2
Belle's Secret
Isabella Martenson never expected to be a runaway bride. She never expected to be a bride, period. She simply has the wrong DNA to do the whole happily married thing. Until one night in Vegas with a handsome winemaker changes everything...
A year later, Harry Harrison’s bride is still a mystery. Who was she? Where was she? And why did she run? When Harry flies to Australia for his best friend's wedding, he runs straight into the woman he’s never been able to forget.
All she asks is for their marriage to be kept a secret. All he asks is for a divorce. But after a week together, Harry and Isabella are forced to face what they really want.
A year later, Harry Harrison’s bride is still a mystery. Who was she? Where was she? And why did she run? When Harry flies to Australia for his best friend's wedding, he runs straight into the woman he’s never been able to forget.
All she asks is for their marriage to be kept a secret. All he asks is for a divorce. But after a week together, Harry and Isabella are forced to face what they really want.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2018
766 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Purman
39 books430 followersVictoria Purman is an Australian bestselling author.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
If you want to know more about her and her books, visit www.victoriapurman.com or follow her on facebook at Victoria Purman Author or on twitter @VictoriaPurman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 4, 2019
Isabella Martenson couldn’t believe how happy she’d been in the twelve months since moving from Melbourne to help her best friend Maggie in her new venture. Maggie’s property of Wirra Station was now a wedding venue and Isabella was the marriage celebrant. That day she was officiating over her 100th wedding in that year.
But when she saw an American guest - the groom Simon’s best friend – her shock was immense. She hadn’t thought she would ever see Harry Harrison, Napa Valley winemaker, ever again. Isabella’s past was about to catch up with her in an explosive and not pleasant way. What was she to do? No one knew about her past – the biggest mistake she’d ever made – not even Maggie…
Belle’s Secret is the 2nd in the rural Outback Brides series by Aussie author Victoria Purman and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve read #1 and #3 and this one was like catching up with old friends once again. A quick, easy-to-read rural romance which I have no hesitation in recommending.
But when she saw an American guest - the groom Simon’s best friend – her shock was immense. She hadn’t thought she would ever see Harry Harrison, Napa Valley winemaker, ever again. Isabella’s past was about to catch up with her in an explosive and not pleasant way. What was she to do? No one knew about her past – the biggest mistake she’d ever made – not even Maggie…
Belle’s Secret is the 2nd in the rural Outback Brides series by Aussie author Victoria Purman and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve read #1 and #3 and this one was like catching up with old friends once again. A quick, easy-to-read rural romance which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 15, 2018
It’s been a while since I’ve dipped into one of Tule’s multi-author series’, something they do well, and after reading the blurb for this one, decided a visit to the Aussie outback was in order.
Call me old-fashioned, but when you marry someone you kinda expect them to be there the next day. And the day after that and, you know, until death or annoying personal habits do us part.”
The premise of Belle’s Secret sounded great and the opportunity for romance in a beautiful setting is there for the taking as Harry unexpectedly finds his missing wife, Isabella when he attends his friend’s nuptials. In practice though, what I found was a story that for that didn’t really deliver much, particularly in the first 60% when very little happened.
For better or for worse.”
In terms of the romance, it definitely kicks up a gear once we hit that 60% mark and you can understand why this couple were impulsive when it came to tying the knot as their steamy moments are of the same nature. On the whole though this was what I’d term unremarkable and whilst I didn’t dislike Belle and Harry, I’d have preferred a story with more showing rather than telling.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Call me old-fashioned, but when you marry someone you kinda expect them to be there the next day. And the day after that and, you know, until death or annoying personal habits do us part.”
The premise of Belle’s Secret sounded great and the opportunity for romance in a beautiful setting is there for the taking as Harry unexpectedly finds his missing wife, Isabella when he attends his friend’s nuptials. In practice though, what I found was a story that for that didn’t really deliver much, particularly in the first 60% when very little happened.
For better or for worse.”
In terms of the romance, it definitely kicks up a gear once we hit that 60% mark and you can understand why this couple were impulsive when it came to tying the knot as their steamy moments are of the same nature. On the whole though this was what I’d term unremarkable and whilst I didn’t dislike Belle and Harry, I’d have preferred a story with more showing rather than telling.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
January 23, 2019
Isabella lives in Australia and works with friend Maggie, organising and conductOMG marriages.
When Isabella ( Belle) officiates the wedding for the happy and very loved up couple Amanda and Simon it’s like any normal wedding for her, well apart from the theme of the wedding is Sci-Fi including costumes!! one of the wedding guests approaches her and its Harry Henderson her estranged Husband who she married in Las Vegas a year ago!!
Harry has been searching for Belle for a year, only by coincidence he accepted his friends wedding invitation and comes upon Belle his runaway bride.
Belle was in Los Vegas for 3 days of training when she met Harry at the hotel bar, there was an instant attraction but was it love or lust?
When they meet again the attraction is still strong. But have they got a future together?
A very enjoyable read. I haven’t read the first book In the series but will definitely look for it now.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Merged review:
Isabella lives in Australia and works with friend Maggie, organising and conductOMG marriages.
When Isabella ( Belle) officiates the wedding for the happy and very loved up couple Amanda and Simon it’s like any normal wedding for her, well apart from the theme of the wedding is Sci-Fi including costumes!! one of the wedding guests approaches her and its Harry Henderson her estranged Husband who she married in Las Vegas a year ago!!
Harry has been searching for Belle for a year, only by coincidence he accepted his friends wedding invitation and comes upon Belle his runaway bride.
Belle was in Los Vegas for 3 days of training when she met Harry at the hotel bar, there was an instant attraction but was it love or lust?
When they meet again the attraction is still strong. But have they got a future together?
A very enjoyable read. I haven’t read the first book In the series but will definitely look for it now.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
When Isabella ( Belle) officiates the wedding for the happy and very loved up couple Amanda and Simon it’s like any normal wedding for her, well apart from the theme of the wedding is Sci-Fi including costumes!! one of the wedding guests approaches her and its Harry Henderson her estranged Husband who she married in Las Vegas a year ago!!
Harry has been searching for Belle for a year, only by coincidence he accepted his friends wedding invitation and comes upon Belle his runaway bride.
Belle was in Los Vegas for 3 days of training when she met Harry at the hotel bar, there was an instant attraction but was it love or lust?
When they meet again the attraction is still strong. But have they got a future together?
A very enjoyable read. I haven’t read the first book In the series but will definitely look for it now.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Merged review:
Isabella lives in Australia and works with friend Maggie, organising and conductOMG marriages.
When Isabella ( Belle) officiates the wedding for the happy and very loved up couple Amanda and Simon it’s like any normal wedding for her, well apart from the theme of the wedding is Sci-Fi including costumes!! one of the wedding guests approaches her and its Harry Henderson her estranged Husband who she married in Las Vegas a year ago!!
Harry has been searching for Belle for a year, only by coincidence he accepted his friends wedding invitation and comes upon Belle his runaway bride.
Belle was in Los Vegas for 3 days of training when she met Harry at the hotel bar, there was an instant attraction but was it love or lust?
When they meet again the attraction is still strong. But have they got a future together?
A very enjoyable read. I haven’t read the first book In the series but will definitely look for it now.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 15, 2021
I was reading this off and on for a month or more--it's fine. I like the premise, but the way the relationship developed was oddly paced.
July 16, 2018
2.5 - "We all make mistakes… You were mine." Stars!
Belle’s Secret is the first book I have read by Victoria Purman, and the second book in the Outback Brides series.
She believed in marriage and happy ever afters. For other people… Not for herself.
Bearing in mind the premise for this one is a celebrant getting jiggy with a guy on a long weekend trip to Las Vegas, marrying and spending one night of sexual bliss with him, then upping and leaving him without a by your leave the morning after, I was expecting a little more emotion to the reconnection between Isabella and Harry.
"I need to get you out of my system… And then it will be over."
The man has spent almost twelve months searching for her, and having pretty much given up, stumbles across her in the back-of-beyond Australian outback at his best friend’s wedding. The first half of the book, although easy to read trundles along with very little happening between the pair of them, I was expecting recriminations, emotional outbursts and a couple working through the issues of Belle’s abandonment, Harry’s anger over their separation and the working towards some sort of future together, but it was all just a bit superficial and lacking in much of anything.
There wasn’t a wine in the world that tasted as good as her lips.
Although easy enough to read, and with a couple likeable enough in characteristics, I found myself finishing this book massively underwhelmed with the story-line overall, the sexy times when they occurred were decent, and I saw enough of the authors writing to know I’d absolutely read more from her, I just didn’t really believe that this was a couple who loved each other and were reconnecting after almost a year apart. Easy-going enough but wholly forgettable I’m afraid.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Belle’s Secret is the first book I have read by Victoria Purman, and the second book in the Outback Brides series.
She believed in marriage and happy ever afters. For other people… Not for herself.
Bearing in mind the premise for this one is a celebrant getting jiggy with a guy on a long weekend trip to Las Vegas, marrying and spending one night of sexual bliss with him, then upping and leaving him without a by your leave the morning after, I was expecting a little more emotion to the reconnection between Isabella and Harry.
"I need to get you out of my system… And then it will be over."
The man has spent almost twelve months searching for her, and having pretty much given up, stumbles across her in the back-of-beyond Australian outback at his best friend’s wedding. The first half of the book, although easy to read trundles along with very little happening between the pair of them, I was expecting recriminations, emotional outbursts and a couple working through the issues of Belle’s abandonment, Harry’s anger over their separation and the working towards some sort of future together, but it was all just a bit superficial and lacking in much of anything.
There wasn’t a wine in the world that tasted as good as her lips.
Although easy enough to read, and with a couple likeable enough in characteristics, I found myself finishing this book massively underwhelmed with the story-line overall, the sexy times when they occurred were decent, and I saw enough of the authors writing to know I’d absolutely read more from her, I just didn’t really believe that this was a couple who loved each other and were reconnecting after almost a year apart. Easy-going enough but wholly forgettable I’m afraid.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
June 12, 2018
Isabella Martenson had been keeping a secret for the last year. Not even her best friend knew it. Isabella married a man when she was in Las Vegas for a convention and then panicked and ran. She went back to Australia and moved hoping Harry would never find her. Things are going good for Isabella now. She is running her own business, Wedding Belles, and officiating weddings at her best friend Maggie’s wedding venue. But when one of her wedding guests turns out to be her husband, Isabella doesn’t know how to react.
Harry Harrison, a well-known wine maker from San Francisco, is a guest at his friend’s weddings when he spots Belle, the woman who disappeared after they were married. Since then he has been searching for her. He just wants a divorce so he can move on with his life. But when circumstances put the two of them together, they both might decide they want a second chance.
This was a sweet story. The situation was a bit unbelievable, but it made for a fun read. I cheered on Isabella and Harry the entire time. I wanted them to stay together. The author kept the story interesting and enjoyable.
Harry Harrison, a well-known wine maker from San Francisco, is a guest at his friend’s weddings when he spots Belle, the woman who disappeared after they were married. Since then he has been searching for her. He just wants a divorce so he can move on with his life. But when circumstances put the two of them together, they both might decide they want a second chance.
This was a sweet story. The situation was a bit unbelievable, but it made for a fun read. I cheered on Isabella and Harry the entire time. I wanted them to stay together. The author kept the story interesting and enjoyable.
June 30, 2018
I am loving this series, this is the second one and we have already met Isabella, Isabella is the marriage celebrant and is now working and living at Wirra Station, but she has a secret that she has kept for one year and now after marrying a couple that secret maybe about to come to life in the form of Harry Harrison gorgeous American a guest at the wedding, love at first sight, Vegas, a runaway bride and true love, a sensual pull that cannot be denied, this is a must read.
Isabella Martenson is an only child her mother flitted from one relationship to another, and eventually Isabella went out on her own in Melbourne met Maggie her best friend and is now doing wedding ceremonies on Wirra Station, but after a trip to Vegas one year before she has become the runaway bride meeting Harry in a bar was love at first sight but Bella is scared and runs before morning leaving Harry in the lurch. Her life is turned upside down but she gets on with it until Harry turns up at a wedding.
Harry Harrison winemaker from California meets the beautiful Bella in a bar in Vegas and he ends up marrying her in an Elvis wedding he has never felt so close and attracted to a woman before not only do they get on so well the sensual pull is amazing and the sex the best of his life, but morning she is gone with no clues to who she is, until he runs into her at a wedding, fate maybe and he wants a divorce, or does he.
MS Purman has ticked all of the boxes for this story wow it is so good, fabulous characters, so much emotion, a sensual pull that is off the charts as these two pulled back together as they should be, I mean who can fight love at first sight like this. I loved it. I am loving this town Wiralong and the people in it, I highly recommend this story and am really looking forward to the next one in the series woohoo.
Isabella Martenson is an only child her mother flitted from one relationship to another, and eventually Isabella went out on her own in Melbourne met Maggie her best friend and is now doing wedding ceremonies on Wirra Station, but after a trip to Vegas one year before she has become the runaway bride meeting Harry in a bar was love at first sight but Bella is scared and runs before morning leaving Harry in the lurch. Her life is turned upside down but she gets on with it until Harry turns up at a wedding.
Harry Harrison winemaker from California meets the beautiful Bella in a bar in Vegas and he ends up marrying her in an Elvis wedding he has never felt so close and attracted to a woman before not only do they get on so well the sensual pull is amazing and the sex the best of his life, but morning she is gone with no clues to who she is, until he runs into her at a wedding, fate maybe and he wants a divorce, or does he.
MS Purman has ticked all of the boxes for this story wow it is so good, fabulous characters, so much emotion, a sensual pull that is off the charts as these two pulled back together as they should be, I mean who can fight love at first sight like this. I loved it. I am loving this town Wiralong and the people in it, I highly recommend this story and am really looking forward to the next one in the series woohoo.
June 18, 2018
This is a wonderful, well written book, I absolutely loved it. This is the first time I have read Victoria Purman’s work and I will definitely read more. This author makes the characters and setting come to life. The descriptions are vivid enough that you actually feel you have visited Australia and experienced one of Belle’s weddings!
July 12, 2018
Belle’s Secret by Victoria Purman is a very different second chance romance and a great addition to the series. The heroine is a wedding celebrant who was secretly married whilst on a conference in Las Vegas but she told her husband her name is Belle rather than Isabella and she left before he woke up after their wedding night, returning home to Australia without leaving him a note or message. He searched for her but couldn’t discover where she’d gone. Eleven months later her husband, Harry, is attending a wedding where she’s the celebrant. . . . This is a heartwarming story filled with angst, turmoil, pain, hope and dreams. Many of the characters from the first story are involved in this story but I still think it would work well as a standalone. I certainly thoroughly enjoyed escaping back to this outback community and have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
Tule authors have done it again! They’ve created a community - Wirralong - populated it with great characters and have written entertaining romances based there, each by a different author and involving different main characters but sharing many of the secondary ones and events. Each story can be read as a standalone but this is a superb series and I highly recommend reading them all, I’ve loved escaping into this Australian Outback town, getting to know the characters, places and events whilst reading all four books. I hope there will be more books based in this small town in future.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
Tule authors have done it again! They’ve created a community - Wirralong - populated it with great characters and have written entertaining romances based there, each by a different author and involving different main characters but sharing many of the secondary ones and events. Each story can be read as a standalone but this is a superb series and I highly recommend reading them all, I’ve loved escaping into this Australian Outback town, getting to know the characters, places and events whilst reading all four books. I hope there will be more books based in this small town in future.
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
June 28, 2018
Marriage celebrant Isabella has a secret… a secret husband, to be exact. One she married and left in Vegas without so much as a goodbye. Only now Harry's found her, and he's furious, demanding a divorce.
Except Isabella’s starting to think marrying Harry wasn't such a mistake after all…
The setting of the book in the northern Victoria wineries was charming, and beautifully realistic. There was some lovely, evocative prose which really helped transport the reader into the story, and all the characters felt both likeable and natural; there were no villains to overcome, all the conflict coming from Harry and Isabella's decisions.
However, there were also a few inconsistencies in the story which bothered me, most notably Isabella's insistence that she couldn't function in the small town as a marriage celebrant if word got out she was divorced. This struck me as irrational, since she'd been wearing Harry's ring since their quickie marriage in Vegas, I figured everyone assumed she was both married and separated, since there was no husband in residence. What difference would a divorce make anyway?
I'm also pretty sure Harry didn't need her signature on any papers to effect a divorce, since she abandoned him the day after the wedding and hadn't been in touch since.
Inconsistencies such as these aside, this was a charming and well written story. I'm giving it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Except Isabella’s starting to think marrying Harry wasn't such a mistake after all…
The setting of the book in the northern Victoria wineries was charming, and beautifully realistic. There was some lovely, evocative prose which really helped transport the reader into the story, and all the characters felt both likeable and natural; there were no villains to overcome, all the conflict coming from Harry and Isabella's decisions.
However, there were also a few inconsistencies in the story which bothered me, most notably Isabella's insistence that she couldn't function in the small town as a marriage celebrant if word got out she was divorced. This struck me as irrational, since she'd been wearing Harry's ring since their quickie marriage in Vegas, I figured everyone assumed she was both married and separated, since there was no husband in residence. What difference would a divorce make anyway?
I'm also pretty sure Harry didn't need her signature on any papers to effect a divorce, since she abandoned him the day after the wedding and hadn't been in touch since.
Inconsistencies such as these aside, this was a charming and well written story. I'm giving it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
June 11, 2018
Isabella and Harry met and married on year ago, but Isabella disappeared the next day. When he shows up as a guest at a wedding where she is the officiant, they are both shocked. While he starts off saying he wants to get a divorce, they start to rekindle the romance the more time they spend together. I enjoyed this book and the romance.
June 14, 2018
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas? Not always and not for Isabella. Isabella is a celebrant in Australia, something of a justice of a peace. She marries couples on a beautiful station belonging to one of her friends. During one wedding, she meets a piece of her past. Harry from Vegas. He wants a divorce and she wants him to keep the wedding a secret. Secrets never stay that way if feelings are involved. This is another lovely book of the Outback Brides series. Can't wait til the next one. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.
July 1, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
If a crazy in love romance, the good kind, tops your enjoyable Romance reads list then Belle’s Secret is perfect for you. Fall in love, have a whirlwind wedding, and a panic attack the next day which prompts you to run home hoping to never have to face that crazy impulse again. Except you cannot simply forget, no, the memory, the ‘what if I’d only thoughts’ just won’t stop. Now one year later, at the opposite side of the world you run into your spouse. Shocked much? Yeah, Belle is frantic and Harry is furious. Somehow this crazy love has come home to roost… and the happy ever after is completely up in the air.
I completely feel in my own kind of crazy love with Belle’s Secret. This couple was made for each other yet somehow they managed to toss everything up in the air and now they have to fix it… one way or the other. It’s the kind of story where you’re desperately hoping that each one will realize just what a good thing they have together and start working toward each other, not away. On the surface this is a crazy love story, but read on, go a bit deeper and you’ll find a lovely, emotional romance. I love the descriptions of the locations we’re at during this romance. When an author can make me feel as if I’m right there, then I pay attention to all of their small details. Sometimes love can be absolutely crazy, but when it’s with the right person then it’s completely worth it all. Belle and Harry are worth it, and I’d recommend their story and this complete series to any Contemporary Romance reader who loves a great romance, crazy or sane or anywhere in-between.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
If a crazy in love romance, the good kind, tops your enjoyable Romance reads list then Belle’s Secret is perfect for you. Fall in love, have a whirlwind wedding, and a panic attack the next day which prompts you to run home hoping to never have to face that crazy impulse again. Except you cannot simply forget, no, the memory, the ‘what if I’d only thoughts’ just won’t stop. Now one year later, at the opposite side of the world you run into your spouse. Shocked much? Yeah, Belle is frantic and Harry is furious. Somehow this crazy love has come home to roost… and the happy ever after is completely up in the air.
I completely feel in my own kind of crazy love with Belle’s Secret. This couple was made for each other yet somehow they managed to toss everything up in the air and now they have to fix it… one way or the other. It’s the kind of story where you’re desperately hoping that each one will realize just what a good thing they have together and start working toward each other, not away. On the surface this is a crazy love story, but read on, go a bit deeper and you’ll find a lovely, emotional romance. I love the descriptions of the locations we’re at during this romance. When an author can make me feel as if I’m right there, then I pay attention to all of their small details. Sometimes love can be absolutely crazy, but when it’s with the right person then it’s completely worth it all. Belle and Harry are worth it, and I’d recommend their story and this complete series to any Contemporary Romance reader who loves a great romance, crazy or sane or anywhere in-between.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
June 25, 2018
Wedding officiant Isabella Martenson has attended all types of weddings. Never did she expect hers to be in a Las Vegas chapel to a man she just met. Panic sets in and Bella runs to Australia without a word. Now she's living a quiet life in Wirra Station. She never expected to come face to face with her husband at one of the weddings she presiding over. Harry Harrison has been looking for Bella for almost a year. After she left him in their hotel room he was determined to find her. After all this time he's ready to give up when he unexpectedly finds her in the Australian Outback at a friends wedding. He originally wants her to sign divorce papers but after spending a week with her what he wants doesn't include a divorce.
I would definitely recommend this book!
I would definitely recommend this book!
July 18, 2018
Cute story about a couple who don't know each other but spontaneously decide to marry while in Vegas. The next morning the bride runs, flying back to her homeland without as much of a note for her husband. Her husband searches for her, but since he can't read her signature on the marriage paperwork he doesn't know her full name.
So here's a detail that fell apart for me especially given the amount of money this man had access to. Wouldn't the place that married them have to, by law, have record of her full name? Why not go back to the chapel and ask to see their records? Why not hire a PI and have him look into it? Too many holes in the story to believe that he couldn't find her until nearly a year later.
The first half of the book was slow, but it picked up eventually.
So here's a detail that fell apart for me especially given the amount of money this man had access to. Wouldn't the place that married them have to, by law, have record of her full name? Why not go back to the chapel and ask to see their records? Why not hire a PI and have him look into it? Too many holes in the story to believe that he couldn't find her until nearly a year later.
The first half of the book was slow, but it picked up eventually.
June 30, 2018
Belle's Secret by Victoria Purman is another good read in the Outback Brides Romance series. Isabelle's character is likeable from the start. Harry's character is a bit prickly, but does grow on you as his moods shift in the narrative ;). Likeable moments and flourishing friendships make this story another great addition to the series.
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
Review copy received from Tule Publishing via Netgalley
January 3, 2020
I enjoyed it
An Australian runaway bride. Isabella never really felt close to anyone until she met Maggie. Isabella became a wedding officiant, which helps Maggie's business. She decided to hit a wedding venue in Las Vegas where she met and married Harry, but then ran. He show up at the station for his friend's wedding and finds her.
An Australian runaway bride. Isabella never really felt close to anyone until she met Maggie. Isabella became a wedding officiant, which helps Maggie's business. She decided to hit a wedding venue in Las Vegas where she met and married Harry, but then ran. He show up at the station for his friend's wedding and finds her.
February 15, 2025
Beautiful story beautifully written
This was simple, touching, sexy and very romantic and easily suspended the disbelief for the reader. You had to go with the flow because connecting with the characters was smooth, enjoyable and a delightful experience.
This was simple, touching, sexy and very romantic and easily suspended the disbelief for the reader. You had to go with the flow because connecting with the characters was smooth, enjoyable and a delightful experience.
June 29, 2018
Another great rural romance in this series.
August 5, 2018
Belle´s Secret by Victoria Purman is book two in the "Outback Brides" series. It´s such a great series. You get a little more out of the series if you read the books in the correct order since it makes a lot more sense how the whole thing started then.
Love the characters, the setting and how everything comes together. Not a dull moment in this book.
Love the characters, the setting and how everything comes together. Not a dull moment in this book.
August 3, 2018
A great quick read full of love and laughs. Belle is quite the character, she is loveable and fun. Harry sounds like he is just as loveable and fun too, they are made for each other. Thanks Victoria for writing another great book and for the signed copy of your book too. 😊
June 28, 2018
You've done it again Victoria Purman, a total delight!
Read
October 9, 2018Having enjoyed Book 1 in the Outback Brides series, I snapped up this one too, and Victoria Purman is an author I admire.
I have to admit I didn't get into this story as much as I did Book 1 (Maggie's Run). I think I had trouble accepting the premise of an insta-Vegas marriage, with the groom (Harry) then showing up almost a year later at Wirra Station to pursue a divorce.
Because Isabella felt a bit hit and miss to me as a character, I couldn't identify with her, or get my head into what made her tick, and this ultimately meant I struggled to care whether things worked out for her, or not.
Victoria Purman is a wonderful Australian writer, and my thoughts on this short contemporary romance won't influence my views about the quality of her work and her stories to come.
I have to admit I didn't get into this story as much as I did Book 1 (Maggie's Run). I think I had trouble accepting the premise of an insta-Vegas marriage, with the groom (Harry) then showing up almost a year later at Wirra Station to pursue a divorce.
Because Isabella felt a bit hit and miss to me as a character, I couldn't identify with her, or get my head into what made her tick, and this ultimately meant I struggled to care whether things worked out for her, or not.
Victoria Purman is a wonderful Australian writer, and my thoughts on this short contemporary romance won't influence my views about the quality of her work and her stories to come.
June 17, 2018
A big thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. This is I believe the 2nd in A series. It reads well as a stand alone. I thought the premise was silly. I couldn't, relate to Isabella at all. She ran away instead of facing reality. I am sure that many romance readers will enjoy. I rated this a 3.5.
March 18, 2019
I just loved this book! Belle flees a rushed marriage in Vegas and returns home to Australia to work with her friend Maggie at a small country wedding venue as a celebrant. Imagine her surprise as Harry is a guest at a wedding she was just performed. This was a wonderful story and I am loving this series. Victoria’s storytelling is spot on as usual, onwards to book 3!
June 25, 2018
Belle’s Secret by Victoria Purman
Isabella Martenson never expected to be a runaway bride. She never expected to be a bride, period. She simply has the wrong DNA to do the whole happily married thing. Until one night in Vegas with a handsome winemaker changes everything…
A year later, Harry Harrison’s bride is still a mystery. Who was she? Where was she? And why did she run? When Harry flies to a Australia for his best friend’s wedding, he runs straight into the woman he’s never been able to forget.
All she asks is for their marriage to be kept a secret. All he asks is for a divorce. But after a week together, Harry and Isabella are forced to face what they really want.
This is Isabella Martenson and Harry Harrison's story.
“By the powers vested in me by the Commonwealth of Australia, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
And so, with those simple, fanfic-inspired words, marriage celebrant Isabella Martenson officiated over her one hundredth wedding.
As the newlyweds kissed and hugged, wiped away their tears and erupted in joyous laughter, Isabella stepped back. She closed her leather-bound folder, in which she had placed two printed copies of the vows the couple had written, and looked on as family, friends, and a couple of people dressed as small furry animals, crowded around the happy couple, offering embraces and congratulations. The late-January sun shone down on the native garden. Lemon-scented gums perfumed the air and the dappled shade offered some respite from the heat. Off in the distance, the apple-green leaves of nearby vineyards shimmered, and a kookaburra called as if to herald the newlyweds.
Isabella sighed and allowed herself a self-satisfied smile. Who said romance was dead?
“I think I’ve found who I’m looking for.” He chuckled but there was an edge to it, a mean edge. “Mrs Harrison. As I live and breathe.”
A shiver scratched at the base of Isabella’s neck. Sweat beaded on her top lip even though she suddenly felt cold. Something clenched at her insides and she swallowed a wave of nausea.
“What did you say your name was again?” she stammered, trying to buy a few seconds to think, to stop herself from going into shock.
I highly recommend reading.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
will sparks fly between them Isabella and Harry or will they go their separate ways?
Belle’s Secret by Victoria Purman is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Victoria Purman.
Victoria's Books with Tule:
The Millionaire
Hot Aussie Heroes
The Millionaire Malones
The CEO
The Millionaire Malones
The Rebel
The Millionaire Malones
Flame
Firefighters of Montana
Long Hot Summer
Hot Aussie Knights
Belle’s Secret
Outback Brides
Outback Brides
Book 1
Maggie’s Run
by Kelly Hunter
Book 2
Belle’s Secret
by Victoria Purman
Book 3
Elsa’s Stand
by Cathryn Hein
Book 4
Holly’s Heart
by Fiona McArthur
October 9, 2018
Book 2 in Tule Publishing’s Outback Brides series.
This is a first for me, reading a book series with different authors. It’s interesting because all authors have their own style and to cohesively combine them into the same literary world with established characters can’t be easy.
But the world of Warrawong is vibrant and realistic, full of quirky characters and a fleshed out back story.
What do you do if the man you married on impulse in Vegas one year ago turns up unexpectedly asking for a divorce?
Realise you might have a thing for him of course.
This is the dilemma Isabella (Belle) finds herself in after he surprises her as she finished officiating a wedding in the picturesque wedding destination Wirra Station, located in Warrawong, a vibrant, realistic, full of quirky characters fictional location in wine country Victoria, Australia.
Harry hasn’t been able to get Belle off his mind since their wedding night a year ago. After fruitlessly searching for her, a fortuitous wedding of his best friend brings him face to face with his runaway bride.
They begin a courtship of sorts, Belle thinking she will get him out of her system and Harry, thinking the opposite after spotting a short note on her computer.
The interactions with surrounding characters are good and give extra body to the fictional world these authors have created.
One thing I did notice was Serenity says Belle moved her business just up the road from Hair Affair but Elsa said she would pop across the road rather than texting. Small error but affects continuity if you have an eye for details.
The pace moves slower in the two thirds of the book, with areas of telling more than showing and there some sentences and paragraphs throughout with filler words, these could easily be re-written to move alone faster.
For example: [His lips were pulled together in a worried line and he hadn’t shaved in what looked like a couple of days.]
Would read better as: {He worried his lips and looked like he hadn’t shaved in days}
Isabella and Harry are good characters, if a little one dimensional. It is like we only see the surface of them, what they want us to see. Their romance is enjoyable and what would a bride series be without a wedding, or second wedding for the heroine?
This is a sweet story of what happens in Vegas doesn’t always have to stay in Vegas.
This is a first for me, reading a book series with different authors. It’s interesting because all authors have their own style and to cohesively combine them into the same literary world with established characters can’t be easy.
But the world of Warrawong is vibrant and realistic, full of quirky characters and a fleshed out back story.
What do you do if the man you married on impulse in Vegas one year ago turns up unexpectedly asking for a divorce?
Realise you might have a thing for him of course.
This is the dilemma Isabella (Belle) finds herself in after he surprises her as she finished officiating a wedding in the picturesque wedding destination Wirra Station, located in Warrawong, a vibrant, realistic, full of quirky characters fictional location in wine country Victoria, Australia.
Harry hasn’t been able to get Belle off his mind since their wedding night a year ago. After fruitlessly searching for her, a fortuitous wedding of his best friend brings him face to face with his runaway bride.
They begin a courtship of sorts, Belle thinking she will get him out of her system and Harry, thinking the opposite after spotting a short note on her computer.
The interactions with surrounding characters are good and give extra body to the fictional world these authors have created.
One thing I did notice was Serenity says Belle moved her business just up the road from Hair Affair but Elsa said she would pop across the road rather than texting. Small error but affects continuity if you have an eye for details.
The pace moves slower in the two thirds of the book, with areas of telling more than showing and there some sentences and paragraphs throughout with filler words, these could easily be re-written to move alone faster.
For example: [His lips were pulled together in a worried line and he hadn’t shaved in what looked like a couple of days.]
Would read better as: {He worried his lips and looked like he hadn’t shaved in days}
Isabella and Harry are good characters, if a little one dimensional. It is like we only see the surface of them, what they want us to see. Their romance is enjoyable and what would a bride series be without a wedding, or second wedding for the heroine?
This is a sweet story of what happens in Vegas doesn’t always have to stay in Vegas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2018
Belle’s Secret is the second book in new multi-author Outback Brides series.
In this book we have story of Isabella Martenson. She entered the series in Maggie’s Run as the marriage celebrant and Maggie's best friend. She now lives and works at Wirra Station with Maggie.
Marriage celebrant Isabella has a secret that she has kept for the past year. She went to Vegas for a conference and married Harry Harrison. But she left him without saying goodbye the next morning. She is married and no one knows.
Harry Harrison is a winemaker from California, he has spent the year looking for his Belle and wondered why she just disappeared. All he knew was she was from Australia. A chance meeting or is it fate has brought the two back together at his mate’s wedding at Wirra Station. Now that he has found her, he wants some answers and a divorce. Isabella agreed to the divorce as long as he keeps their marriage a secret.
Now that they are spending time together Isabella is realising her feeling for Harry are still there and just maybe she does not want that divorce after all.
Victoria Purman has continued with the fantastic characters of Wirralong and brought her own to it. I did really enjoy reading about Bella and Harry and the rest of the community. I am really falling in love with all of the wonderful characters and their lives.
There were some inconsistencies but it did not take away from the overall story and it was a well written and definitely left me wanting more from Wirralong and The Outback Brides. As the saying goes ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’.
This book and the others in this series could be read as standalone.
I would recommend this book. I am looking forward to continuing reading in this series.
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In this book we have story of Isabella Martenson. She entered the series in Maggie’s Run as the marriage celebrant and Maggie's best friend. She now lives and works at Wirra Station with Maggie.
Marriage celebrant Isabella has a secret that she has kept for the past year. She went to Vegas for a conference and married Harry Harrison. But she left him without saying goodbye the next morning. She is married and no one knows.
Harry Harrison is a winemaker from California, he has spent the year looking for his Belle and wondered why she just disappeared. All he knew was she was from Australia. A chance meeting or is it fate has brought the two back together at his mate’s wedding at Wirra Station. Now that he has found her, he wants some answers and a divorce. Isabella agreed to the divorce as long as he keeps their marriage a secret.
Now that they are spending time together Isabella is realising her feeling for Harry are still there and just maybe she does not want that divorce after all.
Victoria Purman has continued with the fantastic characters of Wirralong and brought her own to it. I did really enjoy reading about Bella and Harry and the rest of the community. I am really falling in love with all of the wonderful characters and their lives.
There were some inconsistencies but it did not take away from the overall story and it was a well written and definitely left me wanting more from Wirralong and The Outback Brides. As the saying goes ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’.
This book and the others in this series could be read as standalone.
I would recommend this book. I am looking forward to continuing reading in this series.
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July 10, 2018
When your young and you're made to feel unwanted it has a lasting effect and on the shaky ground, you seem to forever be. Not to mention when love is not something real when your parents are divorced before your two.
Then when your mom is trying to keep up with Elizabeth Taylor in the marriage the most club and is keep up quite well. So, moving and men were always coming and going so after a while she just stopped trying to keep up with their names. By nineteen Isabella Mastenson had enough and she didn’t move with her mother. She went one way and her mother the other.
This is where she finds and meets Maggie who takes her in and she finds the sister she never had. She got a job and learned how to be a friend, worked and a member of the community. When Feb. comes around there was a conference in Vegas for four days that she wanted to attend that to learn more about new practices and coming trends in weddings.
Being a marriage celebrant, she expected to come home to Australia with tips and knowledge about the celebration of marriage. Not a new husband of her own. The problem being she kinda lied to him by saying her name is Belle. Then worse of all she bailed before he woke up leaving no note or anything. Not anything for him to be able to contact her.
Now eleven months later she is marrying a couple who met over the internet Simon from America and Amanda from right there in Wirralong. Now that Maggie and Max have Wirra Station Wedding Destination up and running she is, the-in-house celebrant.
Guess who is Simons best college friend is attending the wedding? Yes, you got it, Harry Harrison. Guess how she is surprised when he greets her after the wedding as Mrs. Harrison.
This is a very cute story. Filled with pain, regrets, joy, happiness, and so much more. I did so enjoy this fast read. Being that this was part of a series some old friends from book one appears. But it can stand alone. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
Then when your mom is trying to keep up with Elizabeth Taylor in the marriage the most club and is keep up quite well. So, moving and men were always coming and going so after a while she just stopped trying to keep up with their names. By nineteen Isabella Mastenson had enough and she didn’t move with her mother. She went one way and her mother the other.
This is where she finds and meets Maggie who takes her in and she finds the sister she never had. She got a job and learned how to be a friend, worked and a member of the community. When Feb. comes around there was a conference in Vegas for four days that she wanted to attend that to learn more about new practices and coming trends in weddings.
Being a marriage celebrant, she expected to come home to Australia with tips and knowledge about the celebration of marriage. Not a new husband of her own. The problem being she kinda lied to him by saying her name is Belle. Then worse of all she bailed before he woke up leaving no note or anything. Not anything for him to be able to contact her.
Now eleven months later she is marrying a couple who met over the internet Simon from America and Amanda from right there in Wirralong. Now that Maggie and Max have Wirra Station Wedding Destination up and running she is, the-in-house celebrant.
Guess who is Simons best college friend is attending the wedding? Yes, you got it, Harry Harrison. Guess how she is surprised when he greets her after the wedding as Mrs. Harrison.
This is a very cute story. Filled with pain, regrets, joy, happiness, and so much more. I did so enjoy this fast read. Being that this was part of a series some old friends from book one appears. But it can stand alone. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
June 25, 2018
Second in the Outback Brides series, Belle’s Secret by Victoria Purman is the story I wanted to read when I was finishing Maggie’s Run. Little did I know that Izzy from the first book was actually Belle, or Isabella in the second. I should add at this point that you don’t need to have read Maggie’s Run in order to enjoy Belle’s Secret, though that first story is just as engrossing and entertaining as this one.
Set in the fictitious northern Victorian town of Wirralong, Belle’s Secret is the story of Wirra Station marriage celebrant Isabella Martensen and Harry Harrison, the Napa Valley winemaker she married a year earlier in a very out of character for her ceremony in Los Vegas. Having fled her new husband the morning after their spur of the moment wedding, Isabella has carried the weight of her guilt over the marriage for the past year and is utterly shocked when Harry appears as a guest at one of the weddings she’s officiating. Harry, on the other hand, has spent the year looking for his Belle both to get some answers and, since she apparently isn’t as taken with him as he was with her, to get a divorce.
I always enjoy Victoria Purman’s stories and this one is no exception. The characters are like fine wine - perfectly matched to their setting and with a warmth and believability that makes them the sort of people you want to get to know. I loved the variety of weddings Isabella performed throughout the story. I loved the deep friendship between Isabella and Maggie. I loved Harry. Who couldn’t? And then there was the increasingly apparent love between Harry and Belle as the story progressed. Perfectly balanced it made this a truly delightful story to read. I really can’t wait to read the third in this series as the first two have been so good.
Set in the fictitious northern Victorian town of Wirralong, Belle’s Secret is the story of Wirra Station marriage celebrant Isabella Martensen and Harry Harrison, the Napa Valley winemaker she married a year earlier in a very out of character for her ceremony in Los Vegas. Having fled her new husband the morning after their spur of the moment wedding, Isabella has carried the weight of her guilt over the marriage for the past year and is utterly shocked when Harry appears as a guest at one of the weddings she’s officiating. Harry, on the other hand, has spent the year looking for his Belle both to get some answers and, since she apparently isn’t as taken with him as he was with her, to get a divorce.
I always enjoy Victoria Purman’s stories and this one is no exception. The characters are like fine wine - perfectly matched to their setting and with a warmth and believability that makes them the sort of people you want to get to know. I loved the variety of weddings Isabella performed throughout the story. I loved the deep friendship between Isabella and Maggie. I loved Harry. Who couldn’t? And then there was the increasingly apparent love between Harry and Belle as the story progressed. Perfectly balanced it made this a truly delightful story to read. I really can’t wait to read the third in this series as the first two have been so good.
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