Ellie Sommers is twenty years old, beautiful, lively and intelligent. She has finally returned to her family home after another long London season. She wants nothing more than to stay in her beloved country town and ride her horses. Enter Robert Blakely, a widower and a true gentleman. He has come to spend Christmas with his long-time friend William, Ellie’s father. Robert has no wish to marry again and is shocked to discover his own interest in the beautiful daughter of his friend. The only problem is that he is twice her age and a widower who has convinced himself he will never marry again.

Ellie is excited to be home from London. She hates London and after three Seasons she’s happy to be in the country once again. She’s positive now that she really doesn’t want to marry a man from London, or one who will spend any time there. The smell, the materialistic people, the hours they keep – she can do without all of it.

Her father tells her that he has an old friend visiting and when Ellie meets Robert Blakely she’s almost immediately smitten. They get along famously and have much to talk about. They both love the country and soon Ellie is determined to get Robert to propose marriage – even if he is 22 years her senior.

Robert is captivated by Ellie and humor and liveliness but as much as he likes her he won’t be asking for her hand in marriage. After his wife died in childbirth, he decided that he could never care for someone again who might end up dying. Understandable, but he wasn’t prepared for Ellie’s charm.

This was a charming short story. I really liked Ellie’s openness with Robert as well as her determination. It certainly didn’t take her long to decide he was the man for her but as it was a short story I forgave that – it didn’t feel rushed at all even though it all took place within a matter of days.

Robert was wonderful as well. I can just see him getting so flustered by his feelings toward a much younger woman and trying to fight them – especially his friend’s daughter. He was such a nice man and was nothing but kind to Ellie.

Overall a sweet book and one that it was nice to pass a bit of time with.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This book is available from Steam eReads. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher for an honest review.