Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?
Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.
My thoughts....
Another great story by Karen Witemeyer! This story, for me, is special because of the great contrasts that are throughout the novel, but is made even better by the common desires of our two main characters.
The cover has a whimsical feel to it, like several other covers of Witemeyer's books, and there are some fun moments in the story. But I took away even more from the more serious aspects of the novel. Charlotte and Stone have suffered in their past, which causes them both to have emotional walls built up. Although both have been wounded, they are also resilient, showing courage in different ways. Charlotte isn't afraid to stand up to Stone, even though he could physically overpower her. Stone is taken back by this prim, yet strong little woman who doesn't seem to be afraid of him.
Stone shows up in Charlotte's life as basically a bounty hunter, believing he's serving justice and doing right by bringing her in. But as he gets to know her, sees how she loves the young children she's basically adopted, he realizes there is more to the story than he was told. Stone is hard and tough, Charlotte is prim and proper, but these two opposites find common ground in their mutual desire to have true justice served. I loved watching the progression of their firmly constructed emotional walls being torn down. Stone lives up to his name as he is a rock for Charlotte physically and emotionally, but Charlotte was able to break through and get to the soft parts of Stone's hardened heart. Good stuff!
And last, but not least, I loved the children in the story! They were each given amazing talents and gifts and those gifts each played a part in the story. Charlotte loved each child for who they were but she also encouraged their giftedness and helped develop it. As a gifted person herself, Charlotte was able to rediscover her own love of her special gift through the people she loved in the story. I appreciated that aspect of the novel just as much as the romantic parts.
I always recommend Karen Witemeyer's books because they are all excellent! I have written several reviews of her books and Karen was also the first author I interviewed on my blog! Go here to read it and even find out what one of Karen's favorite recipes is! : )
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to give an unbiased review, which I did.*
Another great story by Karen Witemeyer! This story, for me, is special because of the great contrasts that are throughout the novel, but is made even better by the common desires of our two main characters.
The cover has a whimsical feel to it, like several other covers of Witemeyer's books, and there are some fun moments in the story. But I took away even more from the more serious aspects of the novel. Charlotte and Stone have suffered in their past, which causes them both to have emotional walls built up. Although both have been wounded, they are also resilient, showing courage in different ways. Charlotte isn't afraid to stand up to Stone, even though he could physically overpower her. Stone is taken back by this prim, yet strong little woman who doesn't seem to be afraid of him.
Stone shows up in Charlotte's life as basically a bounty hunter, believing he's serving justice and doing right by bringing her in. But as he gets to know her, sees how she loves the young children she's basically adopted, he realizes there is more to the story than he was told. Stone is hard and tough, Charlotte is prim and proper, but these two opposites find common ground in their mutual desire to have true justice served. I loved watching the progression of their firmly constructed emotional walls being torn down. Stone lives up to his name as he is a rock for Charlotte physically and emotionally, but Charlotte was able to break through and get to the soft parts of Stone's hardened heart. Good stuff!
And last, but not least, I loved the children in the story! They were each given amazing talents and gifts and those gifts each played a part in the story. Charlotte loved each child for who they were but she also encouraged their giftedness and helped develop it. As a gifted person herself, Charlotte was able to rediscover her own love of her special gift through the people she loved in the story. I appreciated that aspect of the novel just as much as the romantic parts.
I always recommend Karen Witemeyer's books because they are all excellent! I have written several reviews of her books and Karen was also the first author I interviewed on my blog! Go here to read it and even find out what one of Karen's favorite recipes is! : )
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to give an unbiased review, which I did.*
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