RITA Award Finalist

Katie Schmidt runs The Bowen Bride, a wedding dress shop in charming Bowen, Nebraska. Rumors abound that a woman who wears a Bowen Bride creation stays married forever, drawing hopeful brides to the heart of farm country in search of a dream dress.

Katie plays into the rumor because it's good for business, keeping the real magic behind her custom gowns a secret. However, when sexy single father Jared Porter enters the shop, looking for a wedding gown for his engaged—but far too young to be married—daughter, Katie wonders if a little rumor control might be in order.

Or will she and Jared give the residents of Bowen something to talk about?

*** Originally published in 2004. Updated and republished in 2018 ***