A wedding they can't escape
A Christmas they'll never forget!
The last person that Samuel Beresford expected to fish
out of a freezing, perilous river was Julia Livingston. The girl who was once
an outcast in his village is now a woman and the talk of the ton for her
beauty. When his daring rescue compromises them into marriage, but Julia is
hesitant to trust anyone from her childhood, can Samuel prove he's no longer
the boy she knew?
Good story about two people who must learn to trust again
before they can find happiness together. Julia was awkward, clumsy, shy, and
introverted as a child. This made her a prime target for teasing. Taking the
lead was Samuel, the boy Julia had a slight crush on. Other kids followed his
example but were much meaner, making her life miserable. Her mother was
manipulative and condescending rather than supportive until Julia visited Italy
with her aunt and returned a changed woman. Now, her mama was determined to
snag the best possible match for Julia, while she wanted nothing to do with
those who tormented her as a child.
Samuel returned to England after spending time in Italy.
He fell in love with a woman there who later betrayed him. Though he knows he
will eventually need to marry, he is wary of risking his heart again.
The first time they see each other again, Samuel doesn't
recognize Julia. Her beauty bowls him over, but he doesn't understand why she is
so cold to him. Meanwhile, Julia thinks he's just another person who believes she's
worth his time now that she's beautiful. But when Samuel rescues Julia from an
icy stream, it puts them into a compromising situation. Never one to waste an
opportunity, Julia's mother insists they marry to prevent a scandal. Neither is
happy about it. Julia wanted a man who would love and appreciate her for who
she is and is stuck with a loveless marriage. Samuel wasn't ready to marry at
all, especially a beautiful woman.
I liked watching the development of their relationship.
Once Samuel discovered why Julia disliked him, he sincerely apologized and took
pains to treat her with caring and respect. He begins to see glimpses of the
girl he remembers beneath the façade she has developed and is attracted to the
softer Julia. At the same time, Julia starts to notice that Samuel has grown
into a kind and caring man. Unfortunately, she still lacks confidence in her
appeal and has trouble believing he could care for her. There are some sweet
scenes between the two as they get to know each other, and the sparks of
attraction build. Neither is ready to admit to their growing feelings.
But just as things look promising between them, Samuel's
past comes back to bite him. Instead of dealing with the matter immediately, he
puts it off, complicating matters when Julia finds it. I ached for Julia and
the hit to her self-confidence. Her feelings of betrayal were devastating. I
hurt for Samuel also, as he realized the depth of his feelings for Julia. I
liked how he supported her right to her feelings and gave her the space she
needed. I loved seeing his examination of his past, his mistakes, and what he
learned from them. I loved Samuel's big moment at the end and his emotional
demonstration of his love for Julia. I also liked that she had her own
"aha" moment regarding who she is.
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