Return of the Runaway Bride [Kindle Edition]

Donna Fasano (Author)

Book Description

"If you enjoy happy endings...you won't be disappointed." ~Chenoa S. Sala
"So what did I think about these characters? Spot-on!" ~Misty Baker, A KindleObsessed Review
"I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet and
realistic love story." ~The Autumn Review

Once upon a time...

There lived a lovely young woman named Savanna who was engaged to Daniel, a handsome law student. Theirs was to be a fairy-tale wedding. But Savanna's second thoughts were too big to be ignored, so the would-be bride ran away.

As the years passed...

Daniel's heart turned to ice. It was this unfeeling man that Savanna faced upon her return. The love of her youth was now a stranger. Could Savanna ever make Daniel understand why she abandoned him? And could she convince the man of her dreams he would always be her Prince Charming?

Find more Sweet Romance Novels for $3.50 or less: smarturl.it/SwtRom
Simply cut and past the URL into your browser! Enjoy!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donna Fasano is a bestselling author of sweet romance novels. Her books have won numerous awards and have hit the Kindle Top 100 List, reaching as high as #17.

Product Details

• File Size: 332 KB
• Print Length: 145 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0054DG3QI
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,218 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Return of the Runaway Bride June 6, 2011

By BigAl TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Kindle Edition

In the author's note, Fasano says this book was inspired by an elevator ride she shared with a bride-to-be and her mother who had just picked up a bridal gown. The daughter told her mother, "I just don't think I can go through with this" and Fasano took it from there. With the pressure of wedding preparations, the commitments implied, and what they might be giving up, getting cold feet on the cusp of the wedding is common.

Although acting on those concerns is rare, Savanna's reasons made sense. She felt going from her parent's care straight to marriage, especially to someone like her fiancé Danny who is on the verge of joining his father's law practice, would preclude her from ever becoming independent. If only she'd thought of this sooner. Of course, had she done that, we wouldn't have much of a story.

What I enjoyed about "Return of the Runaway Bride" was the premise, since it is something many have considered, and an exploration of the potential repercussions. Although it does have the required happily-ever-after ending, getting there is far from easy. It also depicts the advantages of small town life, with their extensive informal support systems, and the disadvantages due to gossip and everyone knowing your business.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog.**

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Feel good romance! June 6, 2011

By Allie-Kat

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love the way Donna Fasano writes and Return of the Runaway Bridedid not disappoint me. Even though the title sounded like something that has been done before, I was pleasantly surprised with a fresh story line. Her characters have this quality of realness to them which allows them to be believable, flaws and all. Ms. Fasano's ability to throw humor into her writing adds richness to the story, and had me laughing many times. I will continue to read any book that Donna Fasano writes and will recommend her books to anybody that is looking for a great read. Fantastic book!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Book January 4, 2012

By Kindle...the fire

Format:Kindle Edition

This is a sweet book. I can't agree this book is a "total snoozer". I'm sorry, L. Mcconner, I just can't agree. Goes to show that the same dress fits every woman differently, and sometimes you just have to try it on for yourself.

26 of 30 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A KindleObsessed Review January 5, 2012

By Misty Baker VINE™ VOICE

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was sitting in the living room watching TV the other day when this ridiculous commercial for Dr. Pepper 10 comes on. "This is a MAN's drink!" it spouted as some slightly less than average looking man jumped a canyon in a dune-buggy. (*eye roll*) Anyways, at the end of this commercial he charges the TV camera, drink in fist and throws out the phrase, "So you can keep your romantic comedies and lady drinks..." because blah ditty blah blah. Now, normally I would pay absolutely no attention to this AT ALL, but when the screen faded to black and something infinitely more ridiculous came on the screen I heard my husband chuckle. (*insert raised eyebrow*)
"What's so funny?" I asked glaring at the man to my right.
"You are soooo not a girl." He says.
"WTH are you talking about?" I spit back. "The last time I checked homey...I had boobs."
"Romantic comedies and lady drinks (chuckle) You...my lovely bride are so not a girl."
"Am so!" Sticks tongue out in true 2-year-old fashion.
"Hand me your phone."
(I have to admit, this is the part where I started to get a little concerned.)
"What do you need my phone for?" I ask.
"I'm going to prove something to you."
(Chuckle.)
(Glare.)
"Look...right here. Look at the movies you have on your phone."

I (of course) took the phone in a huge huff about to disprove my arrogant husband. Yeah...no such luck. As it turns out, I am indeed a dude. (In case you were wonder the movies were "28 Days Later" "Daybreakers" "Legion" "Zombieland" and "Avatar")

Well...all of this got me thinking. I don't read enough romance. Yes...I read my fair share of "I'm a warewolf...aren't I hot" but true unadulterated romance? Not so much.... Then I realized (smacks forehead) that most of my followers are women and (unlike me) they are probably really into the whole "swooning" thing, (aka "romantic comedies and girly drinks.") So...I decided enough was enough. I would read a girl book. It's not like I've never done it before, hell...I used to be addicted to Nora Roberts and (hangs head) Danielle Steele. I would dissect my TBR, I WOULD find a damn lady book, and dag nabbit...I was going to present this damn book to the masses.

Here is what I found, (cue indignant smile) "Return of the Runaway Bride" by Donna Fasano.

Once upon a time...

There lived a lovely young woman named Savanna who was engaged to Daniel, a handsome law student. Theirs was to be a fairy-tale wedding. But Savanna's second thoughts were too big to be ignored, so the would-be bride ran away.

As the years passed...

Daniel's heart turned to ice. It was this unfeeling man that Savanna faced upon her return. The love of her youth was now a stranger. Could Savanna ever make Daniel understand why she abandoned him? And could she convince the man of her dreams he would always be her Prince Charming?

So what did I actually think about my lady-venture when it was all said and done? Not to shabby. I will admit, the whole "I'm running from my perfect life" had me a little baffled at first, but once the concept was fully formed it made perfect sense. This what not a book about a girl who made a mistake and then came back 6 years later to grovel at the feet of her "perfect" Prince Charming, this was about a girl who needed to get her hands dirty to realize what life is really all about. ( <-wow, that was very Yoda like of me. *takes a bow*)

If I'm to break it down further...the story wasn't really about Savanna running away at all, (Ok, that's only partially true) but more about the characters that eventually surround her "new" life and the changes she has made to make amends. So what did I think about these characters? Spot-on!

I don't know about the rest of you but I grew up in a painfully tiny town, and can contest to the amount of nosy-ness they possess. In regards to this particular aspect, I think Fasano captured it perfectly. As for the leads themselves, (Savanna and Daniel) I think their internal turmoil led to some fascinating encounters and their inability to trust one another created fantastic doors for Fasano to navigate their "less than normal" relationship through.

The writing? It was pleasant. There were no major editing issues, there was just enough push and pull to keep you fully engaged in the relationship and there were no obvious plot lulls (which I have to admit..is a nice change of pace.)

So where exactly does this leave me overall?

Well, beside the fact that I need to find a new word for "so" (what was that, like 50 times in 4 paragraphs?) It was a nice pleasant read, with a nice pleasant story, that wasn't too long or too short. Perfect for those of you who like easy reads or beachy type romantic romps.

Was it the best dip into "Girl World" I've ever had? No, but well worth the $1 if you are clean romance fan.

Happy reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Never trust a mother who uses your head as a pin cushion. Read more ›

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Lady June 4, 2011

By Book Lady

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I had the pleasure of reading this book, it was a wonderful romance you get to see the characters fall in love all over again I loved the interaction between them the characters were very real and didnt always do what was right or what we would want them to do if you looking for a good read this is it. I have a book club and I gave this 5 out of 5 stars

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is not Tolstoy but that's OK January 5, 2012

By A. K. COSCARELLO

Format:Kindle Edition

Recently I was homebound and wanted some light reading to pass the time. Return of the Runaway Bride was perfect. It's well-written and I love how Fasano turns a phrase. I found myself giggling out loud. I have to disagree with LMcconner, it was not boring. It's a romance novel not Tolstoy. If you enjoy the genre then I would recommend this book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable romance October 18, 2011

By Debra L. Martin

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

3.5 of 5 stars

Nineteen-year-old Savanna Langford has everything she has ever wanted. Her childhood was perfect. Her parents are perfect; she is set to marry the perfect man. But, is it too much perfection? What has she ever done on her own? An hour before her perfect fairytale wedding, everything feels like a crushing weight. Savanna is suffocating. She feels like she has no choice. She abandons everything and everyone and runs away.

Life is messy and, sometimes, it takes more courage to face what you've run away from, and that's exactly what Savanna has decided to do. She returns to her small hometown of Fulton after six years. In the interim, she has put herself through college and is the owner of a successful marketing/fundraising business. She's not a sheltered teenager anymore, but a confident young woman. That is, until she meets her former flame, Daniel Walsh.

The book explores not only fears, but also, the consequences of ones actions and how they affect everyone around you. The author does a good job of portraying Savanna. I understood her reasons for what she has done and the need to confront her past, but I did not feel the same connection to Daniel. Here is a young man who was jilted at the altar, had some unexpected things thrown his way and struggles to get through one day at a time. Adding Savanna back into the mix certainly should have added some explosive sparks to the book. Unfortunately, that didn't seem to happen. Daniel seemed to have only two emotions throughout the story: defensive or sweet, without much in-between.

The writing is clear and concise and has a nice flow to it. I read the story in two sittings, and I did enjoy it. It is a feel-good story with a satisfying ending that romance fans will love.

More About the Author

Donna Fasano is a three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.

Visit her blog at www.DonnaFasano.com where you can sign up for e-mail updates and be the first to hear about new releases.

Find Donna on facebook at www.Facebook.com/DonnaFasanoAuthor. She loves to chat with readers.

Follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DonnaFaz

What others are saying about Donna's books:

"...complex, funny, and realistic..." ~Wilmington News Journal

"Excellent!" ~Bookreview.com

"Could not help myself from reading excerpts to my husband and friends. This book is well written, the characters are real, everyday folks. It is very easy to identify with them. Donna Fasano is a talented author." ~Elizabeth M. Caldwell on Amazon

"...a fast paced riotous look at family life today. Donna Fasano is right on target!" ~Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com