"A story of forgiveness and hope"

Willow Marsden's life comes to an abrupt halt when, after a near-fatal car accident, she has a form of amnesia that prevents her from recognizing faces and affects her short term memory. In just five weeks, she's supposed to start medical school, her lifelong dream. But how can she when she can't even remember the faces of family and friends? Willow is embarrassed by this shortcoming and makes her Nana swear not to tell anyone. She devises a way to recognize people... by the color of the shirt they are wearing, a spectacular dress or even a carnation in a lapel. which is exactly what Cal Chandler has in his. That is until someone at the wedding takes it out. So, when he asks Willow to dance she says yes, much to his amazement. High school sweethearts, they spent four years together. But, one night of passion got in the way. Willow's parents never forgave her or Cal for making love in their house. From that moment on, Cal was out of Willow's life.

Willow's life was never easy, and she never forgot how much she loved Cal. But, they were clumsy kids just fooling around and testing their sexuality when things got out of hand. Her parents made her life a living hell from that day forward. She had to fight everyday so that she could realize her dream of one day being a doctor while Cal's life seemed perfect. Something she greatly resented.

Now, the two share a kiss and Willow can't believe the way she is feeling about a man whose name she doesn't even know. Worse yet, she lets him make love to her. For Cal, it's a dream come true. He never stopped wanting Willow. But when Willow finally figures out who her mystery man is... well, let's just say that things get pretty interesting.

Kara Lennox has created a hero so masculine yet so sensitive it makes even the strongest of women go weak. His gentle nature and natural affinity with animals and children make him the perfect husband. And the fact that he's also a cowboy who can hold his own and is gorgeous to boot makes this hero impossible not to love. Willow is different, and I'm sure Ms. Lennox found it challenging to create a heroine who could be so angry and unforgiving yet loving and caring at the same time. Willow is a confused heroine, but she manages to stay strong and stay a heroine without being dysfunctional. I loved this sweet yet simple tale of two people who have to come to terms with forgiveness and the hope for second chances. Ms. Lennox proves a storyline can be simple yet filled with a character's complexities all at the same time. Bravo to her! I look forward to reading more of her books.

Reviewed by Kelly McDonough
Posted March 11, 2005