Friday, 15 January 2016

Starlight On Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs Romance, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

Kindle version September 2015, 352 pages, Ebook, Review copy from NetGalley 

Content: humour, light romance, tissues needed

Summary from Harlequin 
When caregiver Faith McCallum arrives at the enchanted lakeside estate of Avalon's renowned Bellamy family, she's intent on rebuilding her shattered life and giving her two daughters a chance at a better future. But she faces a formidable challenge in the form of her stubborn and difficult new employer, Alice Bellamy. While Faith proves a worthy match for her sharp-tongued client, she often finds herself at a loss for words in the presence of Mason Bellamy—Alice's charismatic son, who clearly longs to escape the family mansion and return to his fast-paced, exciting life in Manhattan…and his beautiful, jet-setting fiancée. 

The last place Mason wants to be is a remote town in the Catskills, far from his life in the city, and Faith McCallum is supposed to be the key to his escape. Hiring the gentle-hearted yet strong-willed caregiver as a live-in nurse gives his mother companionship and Mason the freedom to return to his no-attachments routine. For Faith, it means stability for her daughters and a much-needed new home. When Faith makes a chilling discovery about Alice's accident, Mason is forced to reconsider his desire to keep everyone, including his mother, at a distance. Now he finds himself wondering if the supercharged life he's created for himself is what he truly wants…and whether exploring his past might lead to a new life—and lasting love—on the tranquil shores of Willow Lake.


Nayu's thoughts 
You definitely need some tissues for this story. I was instantly feeling sorry for Faith for her husband's death causes a lot of trouble. I was whooping as she got ready for the interview at the lake, just because I knew she'd pass. She cares so much for her daughters who struggle to cope with the upheaval the new job brings, but who bring joy to all the staff in the big house as well as to Alice.

Alice is so crotchety it isn't true. While I do understand her frustrations at having so little control over what her body does from personal experience of energy issues and malfunctioning body parts, she is supremely stubborn and won't leave her pride at the door. By that I mean she doesn't try to make the best of the situation and focus on what she can do rather than what she can't. Faith manages to form a relationship with Alice, one that is very rocky but over time develops into true friendship. Faith's level of compassion is high, which serves her well in her new job. The issues which occur during her stay at Willow Lake help each character learn something about themselves and each other, and pave the way for a bright future.

Find out more on Susan's website.

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