Since she was a little girl, Jennifer Adaire, daughter of
the Earl of Burfield, has loved Gordon McDonnell even though his station as the
gardener's son made him strictly forbidden to her. After Gordon was forced from
Adaire Hall, taking Jennifer's heart with him, he headed for London, intent on
making a better life for himself. Though they've kept in touch through letters
and Jennifer has waited patiently for him, it's taken Gordon five years to
return to Scotland. Now Jennifer doesn't know if she can manage seeing again the man she loves -- but can never have.
In the time since his departure, Gordon has achieved the
success he's always sought. When he learns that his father is dying, he returns
home and discovers much to his surprise that the feelings he's always had for
Jennifer burn ever stronger.
But when a family secret surfaces, Jennifer and Gordon's
chance at a future together could be threatened…
Good second chance romance. Jennifer and Gordon grew up
together on her father's estate in Scotland. First, they were friends, and their
feelings changed to love as they grew older. Jennifer didn't care that Gordon
was the gardener's son. The forces of disapproval were strong, with Jennifer's
mother Gordon's only advocate. When she died, she left Gordon a sum of money.
With his only (adult) supporter gone, others on the estate forced him to leave,
filling his head with lies about Jennifer wanting him gone. Broken-hearted, he
headed for London. Meanwhile, Jennifer has no idea where or why Gordon has gone.
She remains on the estate, running things for her useless, profligate brother,
Harrison.
Five years later, Gordon has become a successful
businessman. He buries his feelings for Jennifer in his work. When he receives
a letter from Jennifer telling him that his father is dying, he reluctantly
returns to Scotland. The first meeting between Jennifer and Gordon is awkward,
as each believes the other is responsible for their separation. There are some
difficult moments until the blow-up exposes the truth of what happened that
day. With the air cleared, Jennifer and Gordon again find themselves growing
closer. There are some terrific scenes of them together, catching up on what
they've done while apart and fighting to keep their attraction under control.
Things aren't easy. Jennifer's brother Harrison is forced
back to the estate from his carousing in London to witness the birth of his
first child. His hatred of Gordon and disdain for Jennifer are apparent, and he
takes every opportunity to make their lives difficult. Instead of driving them
apart, the tension pulls Jennifer and Gordon closer until they can no longer
deny their love. Meanwhile, Gordon spends time with his dying father, with whom
he's never gotten along. Sean was always hypercritical of Gordon, constantly
harping on the class difference between him and Jennifer. In an unexpected
twist, shortly before his death, Sean drops a bombshell confession on Gordon
that sends him into a tailspin. He pushes Jennifer away and flees back to
London.
The news is devastating, and Jennifer reels from the
implications. Heartbroken, Jennifer can't stand to stay on the estate where
memories of Gordon are around every corner. She goes to Edinburgh to stay with
her godmother, Ellen, who was instrumental in forcing Harrison back to the
estate. I ached for Jennifer and her misery over the loss of Gordon. I loved
Ellen's determination to get to the truth of Jennifer's unhappiness. Once she
did, another twist turned Jennifer's problem on its head. There were some
interesting developments as Gordon and Jennifer dealt with all of the
ramifications. I liked the ending and how it worked out for them.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, a few things bugged
me. I thought that Gordon and Jennifer were far too accepting of their separation.
As deep as their love was, I didn't understand why Gordon believed the people
who told him the lies about Jennifer. Even after making his fortune, he never
bothered to contact her. That lack of trust didn't say much for his belief in
their love. Jennifer doesn't get off scot-free either. Once she had his address,
she could have gone to London to find him and demand answers. I also thought
Harrison needed more consequences than he seemed to get. 
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