Rose Hatfield always liked Samuel Walker. He valued their budding friendship in school. But his gaze fell upon Ginny, and he married the traditionally beautiful, vivacious girl no one could compare to. Rose moved on in her life, established a teaching career, and adjusted to the fact she would always remain single.
Until Samuel loses Ginny in an awful accident. When Rose offers to assist with his home and children, he realizes she is still a good friend. While still not over Ginny, he comprehends he and his children need more than a few hours of housekeeping assistance each day.
He proposes a marriage of convenience. She accepts, assuming over time, he will grow to love her the way she has always loved him.
But time doesn’t heal all wounds. Rose is left with the reality that she will probably never be the wife he desires, nor will she ever find the true love she has always dreamed of.
Devastated, she leaves home in search of a new life to bandage her battered heart. Will Samuel realize his own wounds and work at healing them? Will he finally see Rose’s true worth before she is gone forever?
Sandra Melville Hart pens a cozy read. Her characters are vivid, and I found myself wanting to sit down and have a cup of coffee with Rose. The plot was a fresh take on unexpected romance, and while I like to read stories like these before bed, I found myself repeatedly saying, “just one more chapter.”
This story is a wonderful read and a poignant reminder to never take love for granted. I highly recommend this book!