1969– Set on the shores of the Albemarle Sound, April Harrington has fond memories of summers at her family home, Bliss. After her fairytale wedding disintegrates, it becomes her refuge—the one place where she can attempt to pull the unraveling threads of her life back together. Unbeknownst to April, the stately house has been neglected in recent years. The once-sturdy roof is leaking in a few dozen places, and the wharf is rotting. Nothing is the same as she remembers. Nothing except for Hale, a Viet Nam pilot who is haunted by a dreadful secret, and who is also her brother’s best friend, a brother killed in the conflict that is tearing the country apart.

In Hale’s presence, April finds familiarity and solace. They share grief for a lost loved one, and from the comfort of Hale’s arms, passion blooms. Yet, April’s future is unresolved. Her wealthy, arrogant almost-bridegroom wants her back and the ghosts of Viet Nam are whispering to Hale. Can they find new love in an old treasured home, the kind of affection and trust that lasts forever?

My Thoughts:

The first time I read Hale’s name, I knew I was going to fall in love with him.

And I did.

This was a quick read (literally only took me a couple of hours). Aside from the fact that it really isn’t that long, I didn’t want to put it down.

I kept forgetting it was set back in a different time where women weren’t “allowed” the independence we have now, but hot dang, if a man such as Hale wanted to do things for me and protect me and take care of me, so be it!

This was a fabulous romance story that I absolutely fell in love with. I loved April, I fell madly in love with Hale, and I would love a place like Bliss.

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About the Author

A Language Arts Coach with a Ph.D. in Reading Education, Kathleen lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.

Kathleen has also written Love and Other Subjects, award winning After the Fog and her debut novel, The Last Letter, garnered multiple awards in 2011.  The author’s stories have also appeared in several of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.

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