The child is the result of a one-night stand Gabe and Lynne shared before he was shipped out to serve in the Pacific. As soon as he is able, Gabe returns to New Orleans to do the honorable thing and marry Lynne. For Gabe, it will be a marriage in name only. He wants a family for his child and nothing more.

When Angel Boucher looks into the eyes of the stranger standing outside her door, she is certain that he is her niece's father. Angel had been caring for Christy ever since Lynne, Angel's identical twin, was diagnosed with tuberculosis several months before. Feeling that young Christy and her father deserved to know each other, Angel had written the letter to Gabe pretending to be Lynne.

Angel hadn't expected the handsome soldier to show up at her door, or that he would mistake her for Lynne. Angel lets Gabe continue believing she is Lynne but turns down his marriage proposal. Angel must confess to Lynne that she has written to Gabe without Lynne's permission and get Lynne to help Angel out of the mess she has created.

Fearing Gabe will take her child, Lynne makes Angel promise to continue the charade and marry Gabe. Angel agrees to take Lynne's place until she gets better, never believing Lynne won't recover.

To honor her sister's request, Angel must leave everything and everyone she has ever known and start a life as Gabe's wife in California. Angel finds keeping up her masquerade without losing her heart to the handsome, determined Gabe more difficult than she ever imagined. The marriage of convenience that she had agreed to leaves her wanting so much more.

Gabe also has some problems with the arrangement. He likes the changes he sees in Lynne, thinking they are a result of motherhood. He wants her more than before and not just physically. But how could such a beautiful woman love half a man?

Ms. Peters has written a beautiful, touching love story. It's not only about the love between Gabe and Angel, but about the love of family. Angel's faith and love for her sister is so moving. I don't want to give too much away, but the scene where Lynne finds peace is a real tear-jerker. It was one of the best scenes in the book.

The characters seem so natural and real. The main characters learn to handle life's difficulties with not only determination, but by adapting when the need arises. This is a great story for those who like a story that is light on sex but big on love.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Renee Burnette
October 3, 2003