As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man–just to avoid spinsterhood?

     Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul–and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love–and a passion that can’t be denied…

Shikha’s Opinion:

     What a book!! Presently I love the writings of Lisa Kleypas and Eloisa James. Once I start a book by either of these fine authors I just cant keep it down till I’m done. I had ordered this book from Infibeam.com and finished it within hours of receiving it :D. Lisa Kleypas has written contemporary/modern romances as well and these are fabulous too. Her characters are “real” and inspite of their flaws so beautiful and heart melting (*sigh). This is the 5th book of the Hathway family series.

     This is such a touching romance of mistaken identities and soul-mate searching. The strength and innocence of Beatrix and the depth and courage of Christopher will leave you smiling like a fool and crying like a baby (it made me cry in some parts I tell ya :p). The treatment and explanation of the life of a soldier after a war will leave your heart sad but at the same time filled with more compassion for all the brave soldiers as well as their families. All in all a book that will touch your romantic soul. A must read!! 

Ranking – 4/5

Would I ever re-read it? – Absolutely

Would I recommend it to a friend? – No doubt about it 😉