It’s 1914 at White Sulphur Springs in West Virginia. That unique setting is enough to pique my interest. It’s not a book about war, which for me is a refreshing thing. I’ve enjoyed a lot of WWII novels and a few WWI novels but I’m always ready for something different.

Marilla works at the Greenbrier Resort, helping guests enjoy the benefits of the hot springs baths. She’s there for two reasons. Her widowed mother and her disabled little sister depend on her income. And her sister needs the benefit of the baths.

This is a romance so of course there is a love interest. They both have little sisters who need healing. Their mothers become friends. But (there’s always a but) Marilla and Wes are from two different classes.The time period marked a crosswords between the old ways and the modern ways. Class distinctions were still followed but the younger generation at this point was beginning to move away from them. Wes isn’t as concerned, although the question of “is she after my money” lingered at the back of his mind. Marilla, however, believes these distinctions still exist and she doesn’t want to lose her job where employees are not allowed to mingle with resort guests. There is a boundary that the characters debate throughout the book.

I don’t normally read romances. Just not my cup of tea. But Sandra Merville Hart does a wonderful job with her historical details (my favorite part) so it is certainly worth the read.

If historical romances are your cup of tea, check hers out!

Review by Cindy Thomson, www.cindyswriting.com