Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good story about two people who must learn to trust again before they can find happiness together. Julia was awkward, clumsy, shy, and introverted as a child. This made her a prime target for teasing. Taking the lead was Samuel, the boy Julia had a slight crush on. Other kids followed his example but were much meaner, making her life miserable. Her mother was manipulative and condescending rather than supportive until Julia visited Italy with her aunt and returned a changed woman. Now, her mama was determined to snag the best possible match for Julia, while she wanted nothing to do with those who tormented her as a child.
Samuel returned to England after spending time in Italy. He fell in love with a woman there who later betrayed him. Though he knows he will eventually need to marry, he is wary of risking his heart again.
The first time they see each other again, Samuel doesn't recognize Julia. Her beauty bowls him over, but he doesn't understand why she is so cold to him. Meanwhile, Julia thinks he's just another person who believes she's worth his time now that she's beautiful. But when Samuel rescues Julia from an icy stream, it puts them into a compromising situation. Never one to waste an opportunity, Julia's mother insists they marry to prevent a scandal. Neither is happy about it. Julia wanted a man who would love and appreciate her for who she is and is stuck with a loveless marriage. Samuel wasn't ready to marry at all, especially a beautiful woman.
I liked watching the development of their relationship. Once Samuel discovered why Julia disliked him, he sincerely apologized and took pains to treat her with caring and respect. He begins to see glimpses of the girl he remembers beneath the façade she has developed and is attracted to the softer Julia. At the same time, Julia starts to notice that Samuel has grown into a kind and caring man. Unfortunately, she still lacks confidence in her appeal and has trouble believing he could care for her. There are some sweet scenes between the two as they get to know each other, and the sparks of attraction build. Neither is ready to admit to their growing feelings.
But just as things look promising between them, Samuel's past comes back to bite him. Instead of dealing with the matter immediately, he puts it off, complicating matters when Julia finds it. I ached for Julia and the hit to her self-confidence. Her feelings of betrayal were devastating. I hurt for Samuel also, as he realized the depth of his feelings for Julia. I liked how he supported her right to her feelings and gave her the space she needed. I loved seeing his examination of his past, his mistakes, and what he learned from them. I loved Samuel's big moment at the end and his emotional demonstration of his love for Julia. I also liked that she had her own "aha" moment regarding who she is.
Samuel returned to England after spending time in Italy. He fell in love with a woman there who later betrayed him. Though he knows he will eventually need to marry, he is wary of risking his heart again.
The first time they see each other again, Samuel doesn't recognize Julia. Her beauty bowls him over, but he doesn't understand why she is so cold to him. Meanwhile, Julia thinks he's just another person who believes she's worth his time now that she's beautiful. But when Samuel rescues Julia from an icy stream, it puts them into a compromising situation. Never one to waste an opportunity, Julia's mother insists they marry to prevent a scandal. Neither is happy about it. Julia wanted a man who would love and appreciate her for who she is and is stuck with a loveless marriage. Samuel wasn't ready to marry at all, especially a beautiful woman.
I liked watching the development of their relationship. Once Samuel discovered why Julia disliked him, he sincerely apologized and took pains to treat her with caring and respect. He begins to see glimpses of the girl he remembers beneath the façade she has developed and is attracted to the softer Julia. At the same time, Julia starts to notice that Samuel has grown into a kind and caring man. Unfortunately, she still lacks confidence in her appeal and has trouble believing he could care for her. There are some sweet scenes between the two as they get to know each other, and the sparks of attraction build. Neither is ready to admit to their growing feelings.
But just as things look promising between them, Samuel's past comes back to bite him. Instead of dealing with the matter immediately, he puts it off, complicating matters when Julia finds it. I ached for Julia and the hit to her self-confidence. Her feelings of betrayal were devastating. I hurt for Samuel also, as he realized the depth of his feelings for Julia. I liked how he supported her right to her feelings and gave her the space she needed. I loved seeing his examination of his past, his mistakes, and what he learned from them. I loved Samuel's big moment at the end and his emotional demonstration of his love for Julia. I also liked that she had her own "aha" moment regarding who she is.
