This Side of Heaven [Large Print] (Hardcover)

These were unusual background to develop a romantic story. It was refreshing from those rich and powerful hero, smart and brave but helpless heroine. This was no fairytale. But the author managed to weave a story with strong character development. It was more than a love story, more a family story.

Sometime I found the story a tart too slow but the unfolding events were necessary to develop the story and characters: Matt's injury and subsequent recovery under Caroline's care helped to dispell distrust, ignite passions and reveal secrets; Daniel's kiss awakened the feelings, Caroline's kidnap and rescue provided the much needed solitude and privacy for them; and the rescue of Caroline from the fire. Almost all characters emerged stronger and closer from these events.

First we meet the brother Daniel [are these really Puritans?] and then through the entanglement of Millicent and Raleigh [cat and dog would you believe]and the threatening presence of Jacob [the bull] Ephraim "Matt" Mathiason, his two sons John and David and the nasty dominie. His brothers Thomas, Robert and James and his wife Mary and daughter Hope.

[Listen to this description of Matt] ** He was a tall man, taller even than Daniel, with broad shoulders and a wide chest that tapered down to narrow hips and long, powerful legs. ** He was hatless, and his hair was so black that it glinted blue in the bright sunlight. * * He limped, his left leg, apparently unable to bend at the knee, swung ackwardly as he moved. **
His features could have graced a classical statue; his jaw and cheekbones had been chiseled by a master hand.** His eyes were deep set beneath straight, thick black brows. The irises were a brilliant celestial blue, their lightness almost shocking against the sun-weathered swarthiness of his skin. The only note of disharmony was the scar, white and jagged, that sliced across his left cheek. ****
Caroline's description is just as tantalizing. Both have been scarred by life and must make a strong emotional journey to each other to complete their family.
Caroline being Matt's sister-in-law and Matt being soured on marriage cause many problems as Matt tries to control his growing lust for her. [His one besetting sin]

We fell in love with his family and his interaction with his sons, appreciating his deep love for his brothers and his healing brought about by the sass and impishness of Caroline.
And his handling of the villians of the community with tact? and strength of character.

Highly Recommended and rates a rare 5 plus for excellence and is definitely a keeper for our library.