Review: Brilliant!  Perfect blend of humor and poignancy in an uplifting story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2014
Each chapter begins with a random note from Lady Emmaline written to her betrothed while he's serving in the war. She wrote him a note every day from age 13 to 17 but never sent them.  Lord Drake returns to England when she's 17 and spends the next three years completely ignoring her!  Now at age 20, Lady Emmaline is getting tired of waiting for a betrothal that was agreed upon 15 years ago, when she was five and he was thirteen.The notes provide a clever way for the reader to get to know Emmaline, her likes, dislikes and her nature. She's forthright, a little mischievous and extremely caring about other people, especially those who are less fortunate.  The story opens with a chance meeting between Emmaline and Drake when she's protecting an old woman pushing a vegetable cart from the threats of a popinjay Lord.  Drake is impressed and intrigued by her and begins to take notice of Emmaline for the first time.  With the help of Drake's friend Sinclair, she continues to put herself in his path over the next month and their relationship takes on many new developments.This is a moving story as we see Drake struggling with PTSD and his attempts to find normalcy in his life.  On the outside, he's handsome, strong and confident so nobody would ever guess the battle within himself. The author seems to handle this with great sensitivity, but always with a great level of optimism too.  My eyes might tear up on one page, and the very next page I was laughing at one of Emmaline's escapades or a witty repartee with her brother or Drake.  The secondary characters of Sinclair, Emmaline's brother Sebastien and her best friend all add additional interest to this story.  How will Drake react to another suitor courting Emmaline? Will Drake find the comfort he desperately needs in Emmaline's arms? How will Emmaline help him overcome his struggle? Overall this book is very uplifting and I thoroughly enjoyed it!Did you find this review helpful?  If so, please vote "yes."