"Heart warming"

In Crystal Falls, Oregon Carly Adams feels like a new born ever since she had the operation that gave her the gift of sight especially now that she can see males. In high school she always wondered what the big deal was, but seeing Hank Coulter at a country and western bar explains everything. That night Hanbk and Carly make love, but though he is drunk he is shocked that she was a virgin.

Six months later, Carly is pregnant from her only sexual encounter, which could destroy the good that the operation did for her eyes. When Hank learns she is pregnant with his child and her vision is threatened, he coaxes her into a marriage of convenience. Rather soon, Hank changes his mind on the state of matrimony as he wants Carly to wake up with the sight of him everyday. He also wants their child, but fears the cost to his beloved. Adding to his woes is that Carly does not believe her hedonistic husband has found love.

Though one wonders why shy virgin Carly accepts a one night stand with Hank that seems out of character for her even if she is doing the town for the first time, fans will appreciate this angst-laden contemporary romance due to the dilemma confronting the heroine. Though Hank is a solid good time Charlie male, clearly the courageous Carly, acting brave in the face of personal disaster knowing that most likely either her child or her sight must go, makes the tale into a page turner. The audience will admire her inner strength and each one of us will wonder what we would do with this choice.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 15, 2003

Known for her amazing talent, the New York Times bestselling author of Only by Your Touch and Always in My Heart delivers an extraordinary new tale of two people who, in the most unexpected of circumstances, discover the healing power of love...

Summary

Determined to give her son, Jeremy, the childhood he deserves, Chloe Evans has left a tough past behind and is starting fresh in the charming resort town of Jack Pine, Oregon. But protecting Jeremy becomes a dicey proposition when he seeks out the most dangerous man in town, Ben Longtree, to heal his sick puppy. Chloe has been warned to stay away from Ben. But there's something about him, at once gentle and untamed, that intrigues her . . . .

Long ago, Ben accepted his role as the town outcast. Rumored to have once killed a man, he lives in splendid isolation with his forgetful mother, secretly employing his skills as a veterinarian to heal the wounded wild animals that mysteriously come to him. Now Chloe's sunny warmth and brave tenacity arouse desire he has long denied. And although Ben is notorious for his healing touch, it is Chloe's hands . . .and heart . . . that have the power to save his battered soul.