Cornwall England - 1840

Elizabeth (Bess) White has been doing her best to care for her father, Jonas, since her mother’s death eight years earlier. Jonas is the village doctor but nothing she does seems to please him. His inability to save his wife seems to have made him a bitter man. Bess goes with her father on his calls on patients and assists him with many procedures. Yet he is oblivious to the work to help him, clean his instruments, cook, and clean the house.

When Jonas is called to attend Hugh Buxton at Astoria Abbey. he and Bess are intrigued. Hugh was born with a heart problem and he has lived longer than the doctors predicted. Hugh has chosen to return to the Abbey from his London home to spend his last days there. Lady Buxton wants Jonas to be Hugh’s doctor now.

Since Lady Buxton knows Bess’s talents, she proposes that Bess live at the Abbey to watch over Hugh medically, as well as be a companion to him since she and Hugh are close in age. Bess is agreeable to do so even though her father is not happy about it. But Bess arranges for someone to assist her father and someone to take over the household chores and she moves into the Abbey.

Bess settles in well at the Abbey. She is thorough in her exams of Hugh and she finds she is able to massage his neck muscles which enables him to sleep well. They share reading and discussion of his passion for outer space. Hugh’s mother, Agatha, and Bess become very close and share their private thoughts with one another. Before long, Bess and Hugh realize they are falling in love. They decide to marry right away to share as much time together as they can.

I don’t want to reveal anymore about the story than I already have. Suffice to say that this is a sweet, clean, insightful, beautiful novel that will tugs at your heartstrings. Hugh is a courageous character with a huge heart, damaged though it may be. Readers will witness deep, true love. I was so impressed with the author’s ability to convey so many emotions into words. Fabulous writing! I loved this book and hope many others will read and savor it as well.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.