Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 6/2/2022 + 2626 more book reviews

Good second chance romance. Jennifer and Gordon grew up together on her father's estate in Scotland. First, they were friends, and their feelings changed to love as they grew older. Jennifer didn't care that Gordon was the gardener's son. The forces of disapproval were strong, with Jennifer's mother Gordon's only advocate. When she died, she left Gordon a sum of money. With his only (adult) supporter gone, others on the estate forced him to leave, filling his head with lies about Jennifer wanting him gone. Broken-hearted, he headed for London. Meanwhile, Jennifer has no idea where or why Gordon has gone. She remains on the estate, running things for her useless, profligate brother, Harrison.

Five years later, Gordon has become a successful businessman. He buries his feelings for Jennifer in his work. When he receives a letter from Jennifer telling him that his father is dying, he reluctantly returns to Scotland. The first meeting between Jennifer and Gordon is awkward, as each believes the other is responsible for their separation. There are some difficult moments until the blow-up exposes the truth of what happened that day. With the air cleared, Jennifer and Gordon again find themselves growing closer. There are some terrific scenes of them together, catching up on what they've done while apart and fighting to keep their attraction under control.

Things aren't easy. Jennifer's brother Harrison is forced back to the estate from his carousing in London to witness the birth of his first child. His hatred of Gordon and disdain for Jennifer are apparent, and he takes every opportunity to make their lives difficult. Instead of driving them apart, the tension pulls Jennifer and Gordon closer until they can no longer deny their love. Meanwhile, Gordon spends time with his dying father, with whom he's never gotten along. Sean was always hypercritical of Gordon, constantly harping on the class difference between him and Jennifer. In an unexpected twist, shortly before his death, Sean drops a bombshell confession on Gordon that sends him into a tailspin. He pushes Jennifer away and flees back to London.

The news is devastating, and Jennifer reels from the implications. Heartbroken, Jennifer can't stand to stay on the estate where memories of Gordon are around every corner. She goes to Edinburgh to stay with her godmother, Ellen, who was instrumental in forcing Harrison back to the estate. I ached for Jennifer and her misery over the loss of Gordon. I loved Ellen's determination to get to the truth of Jennifer's unhappiness. Once she did, another twist turned Jennifer's problem on its head. There were some interesting developments as Gordon and Jennifer dealt with all of the ramifications. I liked the ending and how it worked out for them.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, a few things bugged me. I thought that Gordon and Jennifer were far too accepting of their separation. As deep as their love was, I didn't understand why Gordon believed the people who told him the lies about Jennifer. Even after making his fortune, he never bothered to contact her. That lack of trust didn't say much for his belief in their love. Jennifer doesn't get off scot-free either. Once she had his address, she could have gone to London to find him and demand answers. I also thought Harrison needed more consequences than he seemed to get.

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