Title: Dear to my heart
Description: Newly assigned to the Netherlands, Annie discovers Brian is still sheltering her and withholding a part of his tangled past from her. After a difficult encounter, things are resolved. They find a stunning restored, historical home and take up residency in a quaint medieval village. They are the only Americans and become somewhat of a novelty. When Annie finds their delightful schoonmaaker (cleaning lady) speaks no English, she's inspired to enroll in Dutch classes. Adjustments to a new culture and language become ongoing challenges that the whole family takes in stride. Where else could you celebrate a birthday one year dining in a castle and the next in a windmill?
Brian's dad, Jon, comes to visit the glorious splendor of springtime in Holland and takes in the uniqueness that only it can bring--windmills, canals, tulips, cheeses, wooden shoes, and the friendliness of Dutch people. Later, after Jon returns to the States, he surprises himself when he finds a love interest.