A GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS – Karen Templeton
Miniseries: Summer Sisters
Harlequin Special Edition, #2223
ISBN: 978-0-373-65705-6
November 2012
Contemporary Romance

St. Mary's Cove – Present Day

When April Ross is first introduced to Patrick Shaughnessy, she wonders why he stays in the shadow with his side toward her.  When she sees his poor face, she realizes that he had been badly burned and scarred on one side of his face in the war.  She can't help but grimace at the sight, much to her embarrassment.  She later apologizes profusely.

Patrick isn't surprised when April looks so shocked when she sees him.  After all, didn't his wife walk out when he came home?  She left him with their little daughter, Lili, who is the most important person in his life.  He knows that he is fortunate to have such a loving supportive family who all live in St. Mary's Cove.  He can't help but be attracted to April, but figures that part of his life is over.

April and her cousins, Melanie and Blythe, are working on the old house that April just purchased.  She hires Patrick, a landscaper, to do the work on the large property.  She inherited a large amount of money when her husband died and looks forward to becoming an inn keeper in the beautiful old house by the sea, even though her mother does not approve of the plan.

April and Patrick are attracted to each other.  April hardly notices his scars any longer; she looks past them to the man beneath.  April's cousins cheer her on, and Patrick's family wants him to have a normal life.  Is there any chance of the attraction developing into something more?

Patrick has a lot to overcome after his wife left him, all the pain he has endured, and the stares that follow him.  He has a wonderful large family who are always there for him and a precocious little daughter who loves her daddy.  This makes it all worthwhile for him.  April's past is also a bit unusual, and she isn't concerned about Patrick's scars; she is attracted to the man.  April is feisty and a fun character.  She is very close to her cousins as they give her advice and help her get ready to open the inn.  If April and Patrick can get together, it would be A GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS.

An intriguing story with good pacing, A GIFT FOR ALL SEASONS has a heart-felt premise with war veterans returning home these days with various injuries.  Readers are sure to enjoy this emotional and loving tale.

Marilyn Heyman