She had no husband—he decided he wanted another woman who did not want children—after their third one was born. How she hated men! There had been no other since her ex-husband and there would not be. Somehow, her Mother, Denise, and her three children would just have to be left in the dark about her cancer. She could not put them through the terror. Her children, Morgan (15), Melissa (13), and Ryan (11), were strong kids and would be busy enough that they would not notice anything was bothering her. She could do her work at home.

Weeks of chemotherapy and radiation began to change her life. She was one whose veins were small and it was hard to insert the needle for the chemo, so the top “sticker” was called. Josh Miller became her friend and confidant. He could not get her out of his mind and, since she had discussed her family with him, he saw in them the family he wished he had! One day he dropped by her home; the kids instantly approved and made him feel part of the group. Vickie was a little more skeptical!

Ms. Linda Lattimer has written a marvelous book about what can happen when an independent woman is stricken with a debilitating disease. The characters are each an in-depth study of need and desires while facing horrendous challenges concerning health issues. The desires Josh feels for a family and the love he has for Vickie continues to grow despite her fear of commitment.

Grab a box of tissues! I wish I could adequately portray this beautiful story…you will just have to read it for yourself. It is an emotionally charged look at finding beauty in ugly circumstances. It is a superbly written story which I recommend.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
April 24, 2007