Another really well-written book from Carla Kelly. This is a classic Marriage of Convenience story. She is a 30 year old widow, very down on her luck and he is a 45 year old retired naval officer. Poor Admiral Sir Charles Bright is beset by his two older sisters, who feel that it is their job to take him in hand, find him a bride, decorate his house, etc. He wants none of it! He's going to find his own bride, thank you very much! Sally Paul lost her son and her husband 5 years previously, and her last job (as a companion to old ladies) has just fallen through. Looks like the workhouse is her next stop. So it is no surprise that she accepts his proposal.
Of course, Sally has a secret, which she is reluctant to divulge to her new husband. Oops. But Kelly handles this standard plot device quite well. When the big reveal comes, it is devastating to all--making the final resolution just that much sweeter.
Sally and Sir Charles are marvelously fleshed out characters. Kelly is a master at fitting everything necessary for a good story into the shorter Harlequin Historical word limits. Every scene means something and advances the story. The dialog is bright, and they sound like real people of the era.

Note to the soft-hearted--keep the tissues handy! This one really tugged at my heart-strings.