Miss Truelove Beckons by Donna Lea Simpson

When Truelove Becket’s betrothed went missing in a naval battle, she vowed never to marry unless she found someone she loved as much. In the seven years since then, the quiet vicar’s daughter has lived a simple and contented life helping the poor people of her village. But now another man has asked for her hand in marriage and, unsure if she is ready to commit to him, she agrees to accompany her beautiful cousin Arabella on a trip to visit friends so she can take time to think it over.

Viscount Drake cut a dashing figure when he returned from war to a hero’s welcome, but the Battle of Waterloo left him a shattered and haunted man. As his dreams are invaded by the terrors of war he becomes a sleepless shell of a man, and as his torment grows he begins to wonder if marriage to the lovely Arabella will help restore him again. But as Arabella coquettishly flirts to secure Drake’s hand and his riches, it is the pretty and practical True he turns to for solace.

With the weight of her marriage proposal bearing down on her, True finds herself irresistibly attracted to Drake’s quiet dignity and genuine distress, just as he finds himself drawn to her honest nature and soothing compassion. When a spark of passion ignites between these two who have both lost so much to war, they will have to confront their biggest fears—and everyone else’s plans for their futures—to discover if love can truly cure all ills.

REVIEW:
This lovely romance follows the troubled return to peacetime of a war hero, trying desperately to reintegrate, and the efforts of a determined family and an unexpected friend to help him heal. Truelove is a great character, sympathetic and kind throughout despite the efforts of her family to sabotage her chance to find a happy ending. Drake is a wonderful hero, troubled by his experiences in the war but still dedicated to the ideals for which he fought. His efforts to rediscover his internal peace which dealing with the marital dreams of a determined mother and her best friend make for an excellent story. This is a quiet story, one that is particularly apt for today's audience with so many returning veterans handling similar issues. Well-written with realistic characters and a heartwarming story, this book makes for a great read.