THE MARRIAGE CHARM is the second in The Brides of Bliss County series. Not sure how many will follow but I can guess at least one more. The series revolves around three friends who make a pact that they will ultimately marry the man of their dreams for love. For anyone who understands what it means to settle THE MARRIAGE CHARM will instantly find a place in their heart -- as did the first book -- The Marriage Pact. Linda Lael Miller is such a romantic but she also has great integrity for her characters so she diligently keeps them honest. THE MARRIAGE CHARM has just enough silliness to entertain but it's the warmth of friendship that truly keeps you turning pages. When I look at a Linda Lael Miller booklist it's like revisiting old friends. I've always been a fan of her family based series -- of course westerns complete with cowboys, cowgirls and horses. But Miller is such an animal lover that all kinds of pets have recurring parts. THE MARRIAGE CHARM as others in this series does not revolve around a family instead they star a trio of friends who have the most amazing and enviable friendship.

Chief Spence Hogan initially has his hands full with his friend's wedding. Spence was allergic to anything that even remotely resembled relationships or hinted at love. He had the dubious reputation as a ladies man but that was an unfair label. Spence had his own set of rules -- of course honed by his history with his father. It was rather simple -- he didn't believe in making promises he couldn't or wouldn't keep.

The best thing that ever happened was that Spence wound up in Mustang Creek where he made lifelong good friends and developed into a very responsible man. He considered his limited relationships with women as short term friendships. Melody Nolan was part of the pact trio. She has secretly crushed on Spence for years -- starting when she was just six and he was thirteen. Perhaps you might even call it hero worship. Spence had hung around with a bunch of guys that included Melody's brother.

All and all this tug of hearts between Melody and Spence is what great romance stories are filled with and in THE MARRIAGE CHARM there is lots of that going around. In a small town like Mustang Creek there is usually not much crime -- petty offenses sure -- but crime sprees just don't happen. However Spence is in the middle of an investigation into a series of robberies that have some commonalities that are keeping them in the forefront. After all this is Spence's jurisdiction and he is beginning to take it personally. His reputation as a law enforcer is at stake.

But when it becomes really personal -- well that is an entirely different matter.

Growing up in a small town has its share of problems but also lots of wonderful assets to brag about. The people of Mustang Creek are its biggest and most impressive asset. So welcome back to a great little town that comes with a steady flow of quirky conversations, relationships and warmhearted fun. Be prepared to fall in love and become totally invested in the outcome of the who dun it in this western romance that has it all. After all it's what we expect from a Linda Lael Miller book and once again she serves up a delicious spread.

Book Summary

The women of Bliss County have a pact—to find husbands. The right husbands. 

One already has: Hadleigh Stevens, who married rancher Tripp Galloway a few months ago. Now Melody Nolan thinks it's her turn. Melody has recently found success as a jewelry designer, and her work is the focus of her life. She's not exactly unhappy, but she wants more. She's always been attracted to Spence Hogan, the local chief of police, but she's convinced that Spence, a notorious charmer, isn't what you'd call husband material. 

Spence is a good cop who isn't scared of anything—except love. And he's done everything he can to preserve his reputation as a womanizer—a reputation that keeps marriage-minded women, including Melody, at bay. And yet…there's something about Melody he can't forget. Something his heart can't ignore.