The Marriage Bed

Laura Lee Guhrke's The Marriage Bed is a book that seems to elicit strong emotions from readers. In the reviews and blog entries I've seen, readers either like or hate it. I was planning to buy it before I heard all of the talk about it since Guhrke is one of my autobuy authors. This is yet another book I bought at the literacy signing. As for what I thought about the book, I fall firmly in the liking category: 4 out of 5.

Viola and her husband John have been estranged for eight years. The separation began when Viola learned that John had kept a mistress while they were courting, even after he told Viola that he loved her. After a month of waiting for Viola's anger to abate, John turned to another woman and continued to do so. Now they live apart; they don't even attend the same society parties.

Things change when John's cousin and cousin's son die. John had been resigned to the fact that his cousin would inherit his estate. Now, however, the only remaining heir is an unthinkable choice. Now John must convince Viola to reconcile so they can conceive a son who would inherit. After an eight-year separation, this is no easy feat.

The first part of the book is the biggest challenge. The pragmatic matter of needing an heir forces quick action on John's part, but it still seems rather cold, especially when he continually mentions that, as her husband, he can force her to return to him. I definitely sympathized with Viola, who was confronted with her husband's infidelity on several occasions.

The book got better as it continued. I enjoyed reading about the way the couple got to know each other. I almost said "again," but they are really getting to know each other the first time. Guhrke is to be applauded for making two imperfect people and making them interesting characters. And for creating a unique love story.

The Marriage Bed is my least favorite of the three latest books (His Every Kiss is my favorite, followed by Guilty Pleasures), but it's still a worthwhile read.