"charming, often humorous, romantic romp"

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE is a major surprise for this reviewer as the queen of governess romances Christina Dodd easily switches into a delightful contemporary tale that, as far as I know, is her first modern day story.

When their parents were declared dead after vanishing, the three Prescott sisters were separated by the Texas foster care system as each went to a different home. Seven years later, Hope lives up to her first name as she optimistically searches for her two siblings and somewhat pessimistically her parents.

Hope works for a telephone service in Boston, but knows she needs a better paying job to finance the expensive search that is her obsession. When CEO Zach Givens calls for his messages, he acts so cold and aloof, Hope concludes he has to be the business mogul's butler. He continues the masquerade and when they finally meet, the attraction lights up New England. However, neither trusts in love so anything permanent seems out of the question.

Though a kidnapping sidebar slows down the tale, this is a charming, often humorous, romantic romp with moral and social questions to serve as a strong base. The lead couple is a fine pair needing each other in every way one can imagine yet unable to put faith in love or their beloved. Fans of the contemporary sub-genre will welcome Ms. Dodd's sequel(s) starring a lost sister or two.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 20, 2003

New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd, one of the most acclaimed authors of historical romance, makes a dazzling foray into contemporary fiction in this intriguing and sensuous novel about a hard-working young woman who mistakenly falls in love with Boston's wealthiest bachelor.

Summary

When Hope Prescott's parents disappeared, her carefree teenage life vanished forever. She and her three siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes around the country. Now, seven years later, Hope is still searching for them. To support herself, she works for an answering service, and cares for her clients as if they were family. When wealthy businessman Zachariah Givens hires Hope's service, Hope initially mistakes Zack for his butler. Tired of being coddled and ?attered because of his money, Zack is charmed by Hope's candor, not to mention her sexy voice, and keeps up the charade. As their friendship turns into passion, Zack is determined to have her, even if that means the unthinkable -- marriage. But when Hope discovers his deception, Zack knows he must solve the mystery that haunts Hope's past in order to convince her that their futures lie together....