This is a typical Neels romance wherein both the hero and heroine fall in love early on, but never give any hint about how they feel to the other. They "strike sparks off each other," as he describes it, and both fall in love with the other. However, neither will let on in any way. He wants her to come to love him on her own, you see. So, he maintains an impersonal relationship with her. A simple "I find you interesting and attractive, Julia, and I would very much like to get to know you better" would have sorted everything out. But, we wouldn't have this lovely story, now would we?
Gerard, a wealthy doctor from Holland who drives a Rolls, and Julia, a young woman struggling to find her place in life, each think the other does not like them- not unbelievable since they got off to a rather rocky start. She has a temper and a tart tongue, at times, and is rather rude to Gerard. Gerard meets Julia as she is cutting up curtains for a new dress (shades of Gone With the Wind!) and then rescues her when her jerk of a date ditches her at a party at a hotel where he is attending an event. Gerard, brilliant in many ways but apparently not in the ways of women, asks her if she makes all her dresses from curtains. That's pretty low and you'd think he would have more sense to not say such a thing, if not simple common courtesy.
The story takes place in both England and Holland, and there's the usual cast of extras: loving family, faithful retainers, dogs, cat, and a cad of a boyfriend. There is the prerequisite visit to Holland, but we aren't treated to much as a 'tourist.' That is, there's not a great deal of descriptions and Julia doesn't wander about the city checking out the famous places. He is a doctor, but since Julia is not a nurse, there isn't any talk of operations, instruments, or medical terms. And, there's no other woman/plotting socialite clinging to his arm!
Despite the story being formulaic, it is one of my favorite Neels books and I've enjoyed rereading it. Julia is, well, independent, and she sets goals and then works to achieve them. She doesn't whine about her problems. Gerard, not an alpha-male hero, is nice (despite his unfortunate remarks about her curtain dress) and is neither high-handed nor controlling. He loves her and is content (too content, IMO) to sit back and wait for her to come to love him. Meanwhile, he is there for her, always seeming to show up or somehow be involved in her life when she needs help.
So, I liked this one very much. There's excitement, cozy moments, and good characterizations. I like that we get to see what is going on in the minds of not only Julia, but also Gerard. Frankly, I rarely enjoy books where the hero is totally silent as to what is going on in his heart or head. And, the story skims along quite nicely, with a variety of action, problems, and locations. My only complaint is that the ending is quite abrupt. Otherwise, it is an enjoyable, sweet romance definitely worth reading more than once.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
Kindle Customer bodge
Not to be missed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2017Sandra Hayward
An independent woman
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2016