Beck and Call (Pianos & Promises)

Edith Call put her dreams of a music career on the shelf to take care of her sick mother and raise her younger brother and she has been struggling financially ever since. When a dog-sitting job opportunity comes along, she leaps at the chance to make some extra money. She discovers the dog's owner is a man she has been secretly fantasizing about, however when they meet he destroys that precious illusion. After some time the snobbish Charles Beckett proves to be a gentleman after all and might even live up to that dream man she's imagined. And who knows perhaps a happily ever after is still in the cards for her.

With a down-to-earth approach and the right amount of cheek, Charles Beckett and Edith Call resemble nothing more than an irresistible ping pong match to follow. The reader's loyalty changes sides time and time again yet their heart is won by both all along the way. Although the overall plot is somewhat predictable there is no easy way to win over Edith's heart and that gives her both complexity and integrity while also enriching the story. Charles has his moments, switching between annoying and downright irresistible, still making him quite a catch. The romance is sweet and honest with a dose of charm and warm-hearted appeal.

Margaret Faria