This is a short story by Carla Kelly, which was originally published in the Wedding Belles anthology from 2004. It seems to be a precursor to some of her more recent books featuring sea captains.
A Hasty Marriage by Carla Kelly
(2004, Regency)
Grade: 3.5
When Ann Utley, a 32 year old spinster, faces an unwanted marriage proposal, she runs off to her former governess, now the wife of a warehouse owner. It’s there that she meets Hiram Titus, an American sea captain who is completely outside her social sphere. But the attraction between them is immediate and mutual. Will Ann throw it all away for love?
As always for Carla Kelly, this was an extremely well written story, with an interesting plot. The author does a great job (surprisingly) at depicting the instant attraction between the hero and heroine as well as pointing out their differences. Unfortunately,the story is marred slightly by a somewhat contrived ending that cuts off a real discussion of what their marriage will mean for both of them- particularly for Ann. I felt like her legitimate concerns were dismissed too quickly by the other characters and then brushed away by the end of the story. Still, the story was interesting and well written, and left me wondering about the history behind it.
I think I missed this anthology when it first came out, so it was nice to read this story, even if it wasn’t one of Kelly’s best.
Karen Wheless
Latest posts by Karen Wheless (see all)
- Love Irresistibly by Julie James - June 18, 2013
- Vacation Reading - June 17, 2013
- The Way Home by Megan Chance - June 1, 2013