It can't be a coincidence that the band is playing "Stranger in Paradise," not when that's exactly how Rebecca Barton would describe herself. No matter how beautiful the Hawaiian honeymoon resort is, it's no place for a widow with two children and a brown dachshund waiting for her back home in Texas. Why on earth did she think that this trip would be a good way to decide whether she's ready to open a hotel of her own? It's a mistake, a huge mistake---just like offering first aid to the handsome stranger at the next table was a mistake. Flying all the way from Detroit to Hawaii for what was supposed to be his wedding, he discovered that his fiancé jilted him. And if that wasn't bad enough, he managed to catch his sleeve on fire and then snarl at the beautiful woman who tried to help him. Oddly enough, it's the snarling that bothers him the most, especially when he discovers just how charming Rebecca is. In an uncharacteristically impulsive act, Doug suggests they spend the next week touring the island together. It's a magical week, one that both Rebecca and Doug know will never be repeated, for this is their version of a shipboard romance. They will never see each other again. But fate has other ideas, and a year later Doug arrives at Bluebonnet Spring, Rebecca's newly opened country inn, for a month's stay. It should be a dream come true. Instead, Doug is Rebecca's worst nightmare. There's no hope for a happy ending for them...or is there?
"Isn't it wonderful when dreams come true? I've been very fortunate, because many of my dreams have done just that.
Two of my earliest dreams wound up being inter-related. The first was to become a published author, and the second was to live in Europe. As it turned out, living in France as a college student and then in Germany while my husband was stationed there with the Army provided me with the background for my first historical romance. How's that for what people in the business world would call synergy? I prefer to call it serendipity -- or perhaps Fate.
Fate, chance, luck -- call it what you may -- has played an important role in my life. How else would you explain the fact that one Ides of March when I was still reeling from a major personal disappointment, I wandered into one of the high school classrooms after school and met a man who could make me laugh, the same man who's been my husband for over thirty years? Is it any wonder I believe in happy endings?
No doubt about it, I've been lucky. I had parents who nurtured my love of reading, a sister who shared my dreams and always believed I could make them come true, a husband who's also my best friend and who hasn't lost his sense of humor, even when dinner is late because I have "just one more scene" to write, and loyal readers whose letters make all the hard work of writing books seem worthwhile.
Don't let me mislead you. There have been obstacles along the way, and not all my dreams have come true … yet. But I believe that the power of dreams is that they help us through the tough times and give us a reason to celebrate when they come true.
Bluebonnet Spring was an amazing story which took two individuals from different lives to one. It was amazing how the feelings of the individuals where described in print but could be felt by the reader. I loved how the love was of the heart and not taken into the bedroom.
Harry has written a fine book with characters that terrible reader can relate too. Great story about a widow who meets the love of her life, but has a difficult time letting go of her past life when she meets the perfect man who wants to share his life with her. Great read.