Isabella Montgomery's fate had been pretty much sealed by a domineering father who promised her in marriage at the tender age of 14. Since there was no way to counter this agreement between her father and Juan Garcia, a man generally regarded as cruel, Isabella convinced her father that she was too young to know wifely tasks and his solution was to send her off to a convent to learn. It was while at the convent she learned what it meant to be cared for and realized that her relationship with her father had never been one of love and respect. As the unwanted daughter she was expected to obey and follow the rules. All she really wanted was a choice. Upon the death of her father her future was cast into doubt. Would she have to honor the arranged marriage or could she spend the rest of her life here in the convent where life wasn't easy but peaceful and safe. As Isabella contemplated her future a new person enters the picture -- Rafael McKenzie. Rafael is in need of a bride to stand by his side as he continues the legacy of the Diamond Ranch. He is intent on honoring his promise to his father Simon who is in failing health and seems to be holding on just until Rafael can assure the continuation of the McKenzie line.

Rafael went in search of Isabella and the moment he laid his eyes on her he knew this was the woman who would be his wife. Problem was now to convince Isabella to leave the safety of the convent and take a chance on a future with Rafael. But instead of courting her, Rafael manages to entice her to come away with him -- in effect steal away in the night. Isabella fears her fate with Juan Garcia and reluctantly allows herself to be captured by this younger, handsome gentleman who she finds herself attracted to. Rafael has his work cut out for him with this young, quite innocent and yet strong minded woman. But as his feeling towards Isabella grow into love he feels certain they have a bright future but there is someone out there with other intentions for her.

Carolyn Davidson's book brings us back to a time where woman were not in control of their future's. It wasn't unusual for marriages to be arranged between very young woman and older men. She doesn't look to take the easy way out. Her story revolves around the development of trust and love in a relationship that didn't start out in the best of ways. This is a tale of passion and romance growing with time and a sense that it will all turn out just fine. Kind of a fairy tale ending.

Book Summary

She thought her fate was sealed…

Isabella Montgomery's future looked bleak.

Before her father died, he betrothed her to Juan Garcia, an old ranchero infamous for cruelty. Now, shut away in a convent, she dreaded the day he would come to claim her.

Until a dark horse revealed her true destiny…

Rafael McKenzie needed a bride before he came into his inheritance. The moment he laid eyes on Isabella, he knew she was the one. Breaking into the convent and capturing her was easy enough, but stealing her heart was another story.…