This is a well-written, short, engaging story that was an enjoyable read. Isobel is determined to break away from her family life and make her own way in the world, while Ash is living a life of penance for something he believes is his fault. When the two meet there is an immediate connection, but circumstances tear them apart, only to be reunited when Fate finally steps in.
Isobel is 20-years old, but her parents believe she is nothing but a child who cannot cope on her own. Fed up with all the constant arguing, Isobel is determined to prove her parents wrong; she is an adult and looking forward to moving into her new home. What she doesn’t want is to deal with the ongoing pleading messages from her parents to change her mind; they want her to come back home, to put their minds at rest. But Isobel has no idea just how much trouble she is about to walk into when she makes a stop in Cropton forest; she only sees the beauty and not the danger that is fast approaching. With no sound at all, Isobel is at peace, but then the snow starts to fall and matters take a dangerous turn. Isobel is determined to make it on her own; all she has to do is find her way out of the forest first. Isobel only wanted a walk in the woods; now she is at the bottom of a cliff, looking up at the sky through the trees, unable to breathe, thinking that her parents were right after all. Losing his wife and daughter in a car crash was a blow Ash has never recovered from and the chance at a new life is crushed by the overwhelming guilt of knowing it was his fault. Used to living on his own in the forest, Ash cuts himself off from society, so he can repent through the solitary life he leads. Ash didn’t come to the forest looking for a woman; he came here to be alone, to try and overcome his urges. He vowed to live alone, that he didn’t need anyone in his life; that he was happiest alone, but it was a never ending penance. It worked until Isobel, but something is different about her; has she come to taunt him? Finding Isobel lost and hurt in the woods, Ash takes her back to his cabin and there is an obvious attraction and connection between the two. Ash could have let Fate decide Isobel’s future, but he didn’t, and protects her just like he does the other injured animals in the woods. When the storm is over, Isobel continues on her journey; if she had asked Ash if she could stay with him, he would have said yes without a moment’s hesitation, but she doesn’t ask. It is only when Isobel finds out that she has been duped that she knows what she has to do next: she needs someone to look after her and she knows just the right person. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.