This is one of the last books published by Essie Summers. It is linked with Not by Appointment as Magnus and Jocelyn are neighbours of the hero Guthrie Chisholm. He and Brodie Nicols knew each other as children and when they met in London two years ago they fell in love and became engaged.

Unfortunately Brodie overheard something that cast doubt on Guthrie's moral's and integrity and she flees without explaining why she was breaking up with him.

Now they are thrown together again and nothing has changed. When they let down their guard they are just as much kindred spirits as before but the dark secret Brodie believed Guthrie carries is still between them.

In spite of the years between this and the linked books from the sixties and seventies it is still very much in the traditional style with a charming cast of characters and star-crossed lovers. The addition of mobile phones and word processors was amusing but otherwise it was Essieland at its most pleasant. ( )