Larken by Suzanne G. Rogers

Synopsis:

The sole survivor of a train accident, young Larken Burke is dubbed the Miracle Orphan. Four years later, however, her life is far from fortunate. Because of her emotional and physical scars, she believes she’s un-marriageable. With little hope for the future, she agrees to wed a gentleman she’s never met. Unfortunately, his aloof manner proves difficult to take.

Marked by romantic tragedy and the loss of his brother, Brandon King has forsworn marriage. Obliged to take in a ward, he advertises for a mail-order bride to raise the boy. Since the union is to be a marriage in name only, his criteria are youthful age, a certain level of intellect, good breeding, and that the girl shouldn’t be so ill-favored she would embarrass him in society. To his dismay, he gets more than he’d bargained for.

Will it take a miracle for Mr. and Mrs. King to fall in love, or is their marriage another accident waiting to happen?

My Review: 4 Stars

Larken lost her parents in a train accident when she was 14 years old. She was the sole survivor and was dubbed the Miracle Orphan. Once released from the hospital, she was placed in an orphanage for a short period of time before she was sent to live with the Howleys who were an evil, abusive couple. They filled her head with horrible things and made her think that she was ugly and disfigured. After living with them for 4 years, they signed her up to be a mail-order bride and shipped her off the next day to be married. 

Brandon has been jilted by love and has sworn off women for good. When he is forced to take in young Myles and become his guardian, he is in need of a wife. He advertises for a mail-order bride and makes it perfectly clear that the marriage will be in name only. Her soul responsibility would be to take care of Myles. He really does not want to have anything to do with either one of them.

Once Larken and Myles meet, they become instant friends. Larken was such a sweet, fun person! I loved her! Her life had been filled with so much tragedy but she did not let it get her down. She looked for happiness no matter what was thrown in her path. And let's not forget about Myles! He is adorable! And quite the little matchmaker! ;) Brandon never stood a chance against these two. 

Take Larken, Brandon and Myles, throw in a secret or two and a little adventure and you have a very enjoyable afternoon read! This was my very first book by Ms. Rogers and I will definitely be picking up more by her. Starting with Lord Apollo and the Colleen... ;) 

And of course I can't forget my casting... ;) Enjoy!