Veena’s review of Brandon’s Bride (Family Secrets, Book 3) by Lisa Gardner
Romantic Suspense published by Signet 03 Dec 13
This is the concluding book in a series about three siblings as they search for the truth behind their father’s disappearance, and it also marks another new author to add to my growing count. Ms. Gardner does a terrific job of describing what a “Hotshot” does during these wild fires, and, of course, how she weaves an actual wild fire occurrence in the story totally captures my imagination and contributes to the rating that I gave this book. I thoroughly appreciate what these brave men and women do to keep us safe in the face of a wild fire, and, as this book so aptly illustrates, it takes equal parts of courage, physical fitness, and brains to be successful.
Brandon Ferringer is obsessed with finding the truth behind his father’s disappearance when he was still a young man. He was able to give his obsession a rest during the time he was married, but then after his wife’s death at the hands of a mugger while she was researching his family history, that obsession is back and stronger than ever. Brandon’s siblings have finally put it behind them, but he’s determined to find the truth. In fact, he suspects that since his father’s body was never found in the plane crash that supposedly killed him, it’s possible that his father faked his own death and is still alive.
He’s also become a thrill seeker. Still determined to find the truth and to indulge in his thrill seeking, he’s on a path to become a “hotshot” and fight wild fires on the ground. He arrives in the small town in Oregon where he’s been selected for training and finds modest accommodation at a horse ranch run by attractive divorcee Victoria Meese. He’s befriended by Victoria’s young son as well as her brother and fellow hotshot teammate Charlie.
It appears that his arrival is a catalyst for things that have long been hidden and forgotten in the town. Either he’s suddenly become very accident prone or someone is out to kill him and make it look like an accident. Is he coming too close to the truth? For the first time in his life after his wife’s death, he’s vulnerable because he cares for Victoria and her young son and his hotshot teammates.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and discovering the truth as it emerges. The softer side of the story is sweet – Brandon’s relationship with Victoria’s son, her brothers, parents and of course with Victoria herself. Brandon’s siblings have honorable mentions and I really do not feel that I missed anything by not having read the earlier two books in the series. This is definitely Brandon’s story and, of course, the conclusion in his search for the truth.
Grade: A
Summary:
For years Brandon Ferringer has sought to untangle the mystery surrounding his father’s disappearance. Now training as a hotshot—a seasonal wildland fire fighter—Brandon feels he’s on the verge of finally discovering the truth. In need of temporary lodging, Brandon rents a room at a local farm, and is surprised when his attraction to the ranch’s alluring owner threatens to distract him from his mission.
Single mother Victoria Meese struggles to find time for herself in between raising her son, Randy, and running the Lady Luck Ranch. When she meets Brandon, she suddenly finds something to believe in again. But Brandon’s search for answers is about to turn dangerous, threatening their growing connection—and their very lives.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
