Growing up Dr. Janice Thornton had only one Christmas worth remembering. The one she spent as a child with her grandparents in Angel Ridge. Janice longs for a place to call home, but is reluctant to risk her heart to find one. When an offer to take over her Uncle's private practice in Angel Ridge comes along, she is tempted to take it. But can she leave her thriving big city practice for the slower pace of a country doctor who still makes house calls?
Blake Ferguson has always felt like an outsider in his own family. It's not that they don't love him, but rather the battling of his own demons which has made him so. The day Janice shows up outside his house he knows he has found the place where his heart belongs... with her. Now all her has to do is convince her.
The prologue for this book threw me for a loop. It sounded like a narrative by a crotchety 80-year old grandma. Imagine my surprise to find out that it was a sassy 30 year old who is more apt to change her hair color weekly than to gum her porridge. In my opinion it is entirely unnecessary and adds nothing to the story line. It is rather distracting and distracts from the story. It would be better left out in it's entirety.
Once you get past the prologue the story is a delight. Watching Janice open her heart to the people of Angel Ridge is a sight to behold. The romance between her and Blake is tender yet tempting. You want so very badly for this couple to heal their old wounds and finally find some happiness. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Ms. Grace-Staley manages to convey their passion with tender actions and the warmth of feeling, all without clothes flying in every direction.
Although you may be tempted to skip the epilogue, as it is done in the same annoying narrative as the prologue, don't. This time it actually has some information to part with that relates to the story.
The town of Angel Ridge is a delightful backdrop to this story. There are many characters like Miss Estelee who you make you smile with their antics. The town offers a dearth of stories just waiting to be told. Hopefully Ms. Grace-Staley will take us back to the Ridge and show us wonderful magic of love once again. Just as long as she leaves Dixie baking pies instead of trying to narrate.
