I wasn't really sure what to expect from this novel, since I'd read July Thunder by the same author and found it only so-so. But this book impressed me. If you're looking for a light "fluff" feel-good romance, this is definitely not the book for you. If you like emotional roller-coaster reads, then you will enjoy this one.
Rachel Lee leaves no family relationship unexplored in this novel. Mother and daughter, husband and wife, widow and best friend, even grandmother and granddaughter; all are studied in depth, and some of the scenes will tear your heart out. I was close to tears several times reading this book. And that's the mark of a good novel--if the story can engage my emotions, then the author has done her job well.
My one gripe is that the romance aspect of the book is pretty back burner for the first third of the novel. Which is understandable, given that the heroine's daughter is missing when the story begins; the heroine would hardly be in a romantic frame of mind at such a time. However, I read almost exclusively romance because I love to read about the developing relationship between hero and heroine. I had to wait a while for it, but I will say that it was worth it.
I do think this book would be better classifed as contemporary fiction, rather than romance. There is romance in it, but not as much as a typical romance novel. However, it was an absorbing and moving read, and I do recommend it.