This is a well-written romance that describes a couple’s efforts to rekindle their relationship a year after they walked away from each other. Major Grayson, “Gray” Clark has the rare distinction of serving as both a pilot and flight surgeon in the Air Force. He thinks he has a great life, everything he wants…except for the one woman he can’t seem to forget, Lori Rutledge.

When a mission to rescue orphans from a war-torn Eastern European village brings Gray and Lori together, their response to each other and the tense dialogue between them clearly show they haven’t closed the door for good on their relationship. Their different ideas of what a future together would entail created a chasm that eventually tore them apart. Lori wants marriage and a family, but the most Gray is willing to offer is living together. Now, even though their reunion is awkward and unsettling, and Gray knows he will be moving away soon, he sees an opportunity to have closure with Lori so they can part on amicable terms. Gray sees the special relationship blossoming between Lori and Magda, one of the orphaned girls rescued, and implements a plan to make all three of them happy. By supporting and encouraging the growing bond between this woman and child, Gray thinks he is giving Lori the family he can’t provide, so he can walk away with no regrets. Unfortunately, Gray doesn’t count on his heart getting involved, which causes his plan to backfire. As Gray begins spending more time with Lori and Magda, he realizes that doing so is only making it harder to walk away from them.

This story is full of ironic situations, like this. The more Gray’s plans fall into place, the less happy he is about the outcome. Furthermore, one of the major reasons Gray refuses to settle down is because of his parents’ marriage. Ironically, Gray’s parents play a significant role in bridging the gap between the couple. His mother is amazingly intuitive and persistent in gently nudging her son toward the happiness that awaits him if he’ll only step up and embrace it. Although a man of few words and generally distant, Gray’s father provides the wisdom that leads Gray to question his choices.

Although the plot is fairly predictable the dynamic characters are what make this story so enjoyable. The rescue mission itself is one of my favorite scenes because it really shows the characters’ moral fiber when you see them in action, handling each crisis that arises with skill and finesse. Another favorite scene is the climax which will easily sweep the romantics-at-heart off their feet. Be forewarned, you may find yourself swooning. ( )

Adorable. Lovely story, nice romance, good drama backing the characters. Exactly what you want in a lazy Saturday read. ( )

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