Review: The Accidental Wedding by Anne Gracie
October 20, 2010 
9 Comments
The Accidental Wedding
by Anne Gracie
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Available: October 5th 2010
Genre: Historical Romance
When Nash Renfrew wakes in the bed of lovely Maddy Woodford, he has no memory. In the days following his accident, he is charmed by her bright outlook on life, but he lives for the nights, when she joins him chastely-more or less-in her bed. When his memory returns, Nash asks for just one more night before he leaves. But it’s one night too many and it creates a scandal that leaves him no choice but to offer her marriage.
With five orphaned half-siblings in her charge, Maddy needs the security Nash offers and can’t resist the promise of passion she’s experienced in his embrace. Well born, but poverty-stricken, Maddy knows she’s not the wife he planned on, but he’s everything she’s ever dreamed of.
But will passion be enough? He’s a diplomat who knows Czars and Princes and Grand-dukes and she’s just a country girl who’s never even been to a ball.
Can their new-found love survive, or will this accidental marriage destroy her dreams and his career?
Reviewed by: Tracy
What girl with a flair for style and romance doesn’t love gazing at wedding dresses, whether in magazines or store windows? So naturally with a beautiful, white dress on the cover, my curiosity to read The Accidental Wedding by Anne Gracie was piqued.
Madeline “Maddy” Woodford lives a simple life in a one bedroom cottage with her five young half-siblings. They may struggle to make ends meet, tending honey bees and maintaining a small garden, but they have the support of their village and do not lack in love. Things change when Nash Renfrew falls, quite literally, into their lives. In a freak accident, Nash falls off his horse, injuring his leg and knocking himself unconscious. Determined to save his life, Maddy rescues Nash and tends his wounds. When he finally awakens, they discover he has complete amnesia.
Nash is intrigued by Maddy whose strength, love and happiness with her provincial life are at odds with his aloof, yet pampered existence. Interested in getting to know Maddy better and concerned about a cloaked stranger who has been vandalizing Maddy’s cottage, Nash asks to stay one more night after his strength (and memory) return. When word of Nash’s latest overnight visit reaches the town folk and Maddy’s reputation is called into question, Nash must choose between his desire to do right by Maddy and his plans to marry a woman of proper breeding and pedigree. And Maddy must decide if she could ever consider being in a loveless marriage when her heart so desperately wants Nash.
The Accidental Wedding was a true pleasure to read. Ms. Gracie crafted a well-written storyline, engaging characters and interesting dialogue. The fact that the story had elements of my all-time favorite Disney movie Cinderella was like a layer of fondant on a wedding cake. While I loved Nash, who followed his heart and sincerely wanted to make Maddy and the children happy, Maddy stole the show a bit in my book. Through her devotion to her family and can-do attitude, Maddy had a great balance of strength and tenderness. Feisty yet feminine, Maddy was quick to stand up for herself and not allow anyone to disrespect or control her. A well-defined supporting cast rounded out the story, providing a nice mix of bravado, sincerity, naïveté and snobbery. Likewise, the added drama of the vandal sub-plot created another dimension and level of uncertainty to the canvas, but didn’t distract from Maddy and Nash’s love story.
The Accidental Wedding is the fourth book in the Dark Riders series, but this classically romantic story stood alone well and has me quite interested to read the first three books.
Favorite Quote:
“Are you cold?” she whispered into the darkness.
“A bit, why?” The question hung in the air.
“You can sleep here if you like. With me.” There, she’d said it.
There was a long pause. She wondered if he’d heard. Then the deep voice came out of the darkness. “If I sleep there with you, I won’t be able to resist.”
Maddy swallowed. “I don’t want you to resist.”
Other books in the series:
- The Stolen Princess
- His Captive Lady
- To Catch a Bride
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Great review. This sounds so sweet. Must get.
Love a strong heroine and a strong love story! Great review Tracy! This looks like an addition to my list.
I love that gorgeous cover.
The fact that the story had elements of my all-time favorite Disney movie Cinderella was like a layer of fondant on a wedding cake.
Love this line in your review.
I need to be in the mood but I love a classic told romance! Nice review Tracy
Sending comments from my blackberry, so apologizes for typos and silliness (being at the airport this early is just cruel). Anyhow…
Tori – Thanks. Nash's friends had me a lil' hot and bothered, so I'll keep you posted as I read the others.
Amy – yes, please add to your (ever-growing, well-loved) to-read list.
Fiction Vixen – Thanks. Cover makes me want to run and get hitched. Vegas anyhow?
Leotine – thank you. Definitely a bit of a classicly told romance, but none of the cheesiness of stereotypical romance. Check it out when your inspired.
Stewardess is giving me the evil eye for using my phone when the cabin doors are closed. Be back later.
Oh yay – this is the first review I have seen for this book. I will have to dig it out of the tbr soon
I didn't realize there were three before this!
Lovely review Tracy – thank you. My favourite Anne Gracie book is (and probably will always be
The Perfect Rake. I loved how the hero saw the heroine…she was beautiful to him and…that made the book for me. I don't need endless descriptions of how beautiful the heroine is to all and sundry, just the hero 
I do like a feisty heroine. Sounds like this book has potential, I always look so very long before buying HR
*gasp* I need this one!