Book excerpt: RITA Award Finalist Is there such a thing as a magical wedding dress? 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?