SUMMER BREEZE

Author: Catherine Anderson ISBN: 0451217101 1/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL/Signet Eclipse
Time Period: 1899

The year is 1889, and Rachel Hollister hasn't set foot outside her house in five years. Ever since a savage attack left her family dead, she's cordoned herself off from the outside world, afraid to let anyone into her home—or into her heart. But now trouble has appeared on her doorstep—and suddenly she has no choice but to let a handsome rancher invade her well-guarded existence... Confirmed bachelor Joseph Paxton grudgingly offers to take up temporary residence at the Hollister ranch—even though it's obvious that Rachel doesn't want his protection. But once he catches a glimpse of his beautiful young ward and her remarkable spirit, he'll do anything to break through the dark spell that's walled off her heart. It may take a miracle, but he's determined to make her see the refuge he's offering in his embrace—and the splendor that exists beyond her front door. Otherwise he'll just have to build a safe haven big enough for the both of them...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Catherine Anderson has crafted a unique, emotional and heartwarming story of just what the power of love can accomplish, in her latest release, SUMMER BREEZE. The story of a young agoraphobic woman, Rachel Hollister, and the determined, yet sensitive rancher who befriends her, is told through the young woman's diary, first in her words and then through the narration of her husband, Joseph.

While the search for Rachel's family's unknown assailant is an interesting part of the plot, it's Joseph's sensitivity to Rachel's illness and his determination to ease her pain that truly stands out in this turn-of-the-century romance. He doesn't try to change or cure her, but accepts her illness for what it is, figuring that if he can't bring her to the outside world, he'll bring that world in to her. Using some pretty ingenious ideas to achieve that goal, Joseph changes not just how Rachel views the world, but how he comes to see it, too.

And, if you have any doubts that love ever lasts beyond the shimmering glow of the early years, reading Joseph's last letter to his wife that Catherine Anderson has so beautifully penned in the last chapter of SUMMER BREEZE will erase all doubt. It's one love letter you'll not soon forget.

Nancy Davis