Review: A sweet short story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 29, 2011
Even though Brash is a short novella, it takes the reader on a believable journey of newfound love between a shy lady and a naval officer looking to begin a new life beyond the sea.Lieutenant James Norris loses his best friend in a freakish accident on shore leave which has him reevaluating his life, James decides to settle down and begin a shipping business.  He travels to Barrington Manor to ask the lovely Virginia Barrington to marry him.  She is away from the estate with her parents but this proves to be fortuitous for not only James but Virginia's younger sister Stella.Stella is a charming girl, she has been overly protected by her family because of a limp and she has missed out on many playtime activities as a child and even horseback riding.  Stella has always had a tender spot for James, she's been secretly in love with him for years.James is startled to realize Stella has matured and even more she has become an interesting selfless lady with an abundance of grace.  He is genuine in his affection for her and in just a couple of days he realizes her heartache at being left behind for so long.This is a darling of a romance, sweet and unaffected, much like the heroine whose longing for her hero has been kept under wraps so long that she just cannot contain her joy at being in his company.  These leads are thoughtful, considerate and above all kind to each other.