"Solid contemporary romance"

After being away from her hometown of Wharton, Kentucky for eighteen years except for short visits to her parents, veterinarian Dr. Joy Hudson moves back. The only people who could make her return are her parents. Her septuagenarian mother suffers from glaucoma and cannot care for her dying octogenarian spouse by herself. Surprising everyone, Joy buys the house in which her deceased best friend Jenny Carver once lived.

Joy still blames Jenny's boyfriend Jeffrey Bradford for the car accident that took her friend's life as she believes he drove under the influence. Still when they meet when she hit his dog Bear they both feel an attraction. As Joy and Jeffrey fall in love, her blaming him stands in their way. If Joy can move past her anger, perhaps she and Jeffrey can help her father meet his prime goal of holding a grandchild and also allow Jenny to rest in peace.

This contemporary romance engages the audience in several ways. Readers will wonder if the lead female character's love for Jeffrey can overcome her animosity towards him as she blames him for Jenny's death. The audience will also speculate whether the ghost of Jenny is pushing together the two people who meant so much to her when she lived. Fans will cherish this charming tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 16, 2003