Description
Widowed World War I nurse Audra Donaldson returns from France planning to devote her life to helping those suffering the lingering effects of war—effects she knows all too well, as she suffers from them herself. When, staying at the Harwood House Inn on a Christmas visit to her brother, she hears a man in the throes of a violent nightmare, she goes to him without question—and is stunned by a physical attraction as strong as her desire to help.
About to embrace the beautiful angel come to save him from the horrors of the battlefield, former soldier Drew Harwood recoils when he realizes Audra is real—and has seen his “weakness.” Brusquely rejecting her offer of help, he intends to avoid her. But more than just her beauty continues to draw him back. Though this compassionate, kind, and giving soul has seen more of war than he has, somehow, talking with her brings him peace—and seems to comfort her, too. If he can just resist acting on the desire she’s ignited in him since his first glimpse of her . . .
But someone else was watching, too. After tragedy denied Felicity a future with Drew, her dying wish was that he live his life and be happy for them both. To her sorrow, a year later, her former fiancé is still struggling. Deciding Audra is the perfect lady to heal the wounds of her beloved, this determined ghost resolves to bring Drew and Audra together. Who can resist a love that lasts beyond time?
This story is about second chances at love with a little help from the spirit world. My heart hurt for both Audra and Drew as they dealt with their PTSD in their own ways, in a time when the idea of PTSD was unheard of. Audra had the strength to recognize her weakness and worked toward a future of healing herself and others. Drew felt a need to keep it to himself, and I felt sorry for him as he struggled with loneliness, anger, and shame. When they decide that the other is more important, I had tears in my eyes. The story moved me and entertained me. I look forward to reading the other Whiskey River Christmas stories.
This is my unsolicited review.