Belle's Secret

I loved Belle’s Secret by Victoria Purman, book two in the Outback Brides series, a wonderful second chance and secret wedding story. Isabella Martenson was a Marriage Officiant who moved to Wirra Station to help her friend Maggie and work at the new wedding venue. After all the men in her mother’s life she never planned that she would get married, let alone be a runaway bride. One night in Vegas, meeting a handsome winemaker changes all of her plans. A year after being deserted following his marrying to a stranger, Harry Harrison still hasn’t located his runaway brief. Flying to Australia for his best friend's wedding, he unexpectedly runs right into the one woman he’s never been able to forget. Harry asks Isabella for a divorce while all she wants in return is that he keeps it a secret so as to not affect her business. As these two strangers spend time together exploring the area of Australia where Isabella lives and the Australian wine making country as well as getting to know one another, they discover the attraction that led them to marry in haste was not a fluke. Hopefully these two soul mates can find a solution to save their marriage rather than lose the best thing that happened to them. This was a wonderful and emotional book to read while easy to visualize the story as it occurred. I totally loved these characters and didn’t want to put this book down. Ms. Purman did a fantastic job creating her characters, making them realistic, keeping the story interesting, making me forget the world around me and not letting me go until I turned the last page, wanting more. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Sometimes it ends up on the other side of the world in the Outback of Australia. Izzy or Isabella is the marriage celebrant (wedding minister) at the wedding venue, Wirra Station that was created by Maggie and Max. If you have read Maggie's Way you will have met her in that book. If not no worry you will quickly get to know her in this book and all her ins and outs. Izzy went to Vegas to a convention on wedding things and met a guy named Harry Harrison. One thing led to another and soon they were in front of Elvis and then in a bedroom. She wakes up panics and leaves soon for home. Thinks she can do what they saying says "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." BUT we know weddings are not like that right. Harry searches for Belle (which is the name she gives ) for a year and only once he gives up does the universe decide it will help him out. This is another well written book that takes us on a trip to Australia with words beyond belief. I love this series and can't wait to jump into the next book to explore more of this beautiful country with these lovely authors.

When I read the cover description on this book, I wasn't sure, it could go one way or another. I am happy to say I really enjoyed it. Some parts seemed a little unbelievable, until you got into the story and learned a little more about the characters. Ms. Purman does an excellent job of developing likable and interesting people. I also found the descriptions of the location intriguing. I have never been to Australia but have always wanted to go. Belle, Isabella Martenson and Harry Harrison were meant to be together. They can fight it all they want, but the chemistry is too strong. I would give this book a PG rating due to language and sexual content. But if that is not a problem for you, you will find it a very enjoyable read. I received this book from Tule Publishing through Net Galleys. The opinion expressed in this review is completely my own.