In New York, 1855 Father O'Rourke saved a small Irish immigrant girl from horrific circumstances. The things she survived were so unspeakable that he changed her name and found a guardian for her whom he swore to secrecy. With her new name and new life Margaret Hamilton was given the best education and was brought up in society as an American girl. Margaret grew up to be a polite society woman and was now about to be married to an Irish immigrant who had become a railroad tycoon. Margaret wasn't in love with Doyle, but she found him amiable and he would provide safety and security.

Just before her wedding, Margaret over hears a disturbing conversation about Doyle. Disgusted and terrified she begins to balk and thinks of running away. Unfortunately for Margaret Doyle's business partner and friend Tait Rylander spots her and escorts her to the ceremony. After Margaret has exchanged her wedding vows she is given an opportunity that she grabs with both hands. Margaret flees the reception, changes her name and heads west to begin her life anew, again.

Kaki Warner's BRIDE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY, part of the Runaway Brides series is fresh and new, with a different take on the tried and true romance novel. Although the story involves romance and there is a love interest, the story's main focus is the heroine. The journey Kathleen/Margaret/Lucinda endures and struggles to overcome grabs readers from the first page and holds them there until the end. I was personally charmed by Margaret's strength and witty character. I was cheering and praying for her success through each obstacle that was thrown in her path. Warner's third Runaway Brides novel, BRIDE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY was one of the most enchanting stories I have come across in some time. Now I must go back and read the first two books in the series, oh such a hard life reading extraordinary tales.

Book Summary

Kaki Warner’s newest novel in the series about unlikely brides who make their way west—and find love where they least expect it…

Margaret Hamilton escaped the Irish slums of Five Points as the ward of a wealthy Manhattan widow, but only marriage can make her future secure. Railroad mogul Doyle Kerrigan needs a well-connected wife. It seems a perfect match...until a shocking revelation sends her fleeing from the wedding reception.

Desperate to make a fresh start, Margaret takes on a new identity and heads West, finally stopping in Heartbreak Creek, Colorado, a dying mining town of little interest to anyone. Here, she finds new purpose, beloved friends to replace the family she’s lost, and a home at last.

But two men from Margaret’s past are on her trail. One is seeking vengeance, the other truth. When they both arrive in Heartbreak Creek, she must choose between the town she has come to love, and the man who might finally capture her heart….