"Rich characterization and intense passion!"

Isabelle Valeri King values family and roots. The heritage and property of a family must be cherished, nurtured and passed on from generation to generation. Therefore, marriage is necessary and marrying well even more so.

Isabelle's eldest grandson, Alessandro understands his duty to the family and is already engaged. However, instead of pleasing Isabelle, this news has distressed her for in her opinion, Alex's fiancée is not at all suited to being his wife. Isabelle worries how a glamor girl like Michelle Banks could possibly be willing to raise a large family with Alex - at the cost of her svelte figure - or go out into the sugar cane fields and attend to business by her husband's side.

A discussion with her niece by marriage, Elizabeth, leads Isabelle to decide the only possible solution to her dilemma is to find the right woman for Alessandro herself, put said woman in his path and then sit back to watch the sparks fly.

Enter recently widowed single mom, Gina Terlizzi and her young son, Marco. Gina works as a florist in her Aunt's flower shop, trying to make a reasonably good living for Marco and herself. In her private time, she sings at weddings and private gatherings. Her voice attracts the attention of Isabelle, who is looking for someone to sing at the weddings hosted at her villa. Gina is thrilled with the chance to sing at the villa and the many other opportunities that follow, but she also finds herself battling a serious attraction for Alex King. How can she possibly compete for his attention against a glamour girl like Michelle Banks?

Emma Darcy's June release is a highly entertaining romance readers of Harlequin Presents are sure to enjoy. Rich characterization and crisp dialogue will keep those pages turning rapidly.

I loved Isabelle. She came across to me as so delightfully real. I can't wait to meet her again when Ms. Darcy tells us the stories of Alex's brothers, Antonio and Matteo. It will be interesting to see what role Isabelle plays in helping each of them find their lady loves.

I found Alex King to be a surprising hero for he left me guessing his next move throughout the story. Little Marco was adorable -- especially in the 'cane toad' episode! My favorite character was Gina. Her quiet dignity, grace and stunning charm was beautifully portrayed. Her personality was very refreshing and of course the passion that bloomed between Alex and her was quite intense.

For those who love romances with warm vibrant characters and a plot full of surprises, Emma Darcy's THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE is a story that's got to be read!

Reviewed by Leena Hyat
Posted October 13, 2002