Fate Takes a Hand

I've read almost all of Betty Neel's books and this is now one of my favorites.Eulalia Warburton is working in a flower shop and struggling to make a life with her old friend, Trottie and her deceased cousin's eight year old son, Peter. Fenno van Linssen is a wealthy doctor who walks into her flower shop and much to her dismay, keeps showing up in her life. Fenno is engaged to a beautiful but selfish woman who is only marrying him for the prestige of being a doctor's wife. Fortunately, he realizes this before he marries her and works things out satisfactorily between him and Eulalia. The characters are great, Peter and Trottie are especially well-written. There's even a second love story that will make readers smile.Reading Betty Neels is like drinking hot chocolate on a cold winter's night, her books makes you feel warm and cozy.

Cover: When Eulalia (Warburton) first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?This is another of Betty Neels' wonderful stories about a strong, loving, selfless heroine who takes in her orphaned little cousin without hesitation, and raises him with the help of yet another devoted, charming family retainer who completes the new family circle. The little family group has, as usual, fallen on hard times through no fault of their own and are cheerfully carving the best life possible in their new situation.This story is made even more fun by an outspoken heroine, a hero slow to recognize his attraction, and - best of all - a very witchy snooty fiancee who unwittingly spoils her own chances by being truly rude and spiteful to the heroine, orchestrating the heroine's certain unjustified employment termination, thereby throwing her right under the compassionate wings of the Hero !! What fun !Thank heaven also for cute little nephews who know how to look out for their beloved Aunts!

Cover: When Eulalia Warburton first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?This is a delightful story about a courageous heroine with a limitless capacity for caring. The hero takes a little while to realize the depth of his feelings, but he has a helping hand from the charming little orphan cousin that Eulalia raises as her own. There are the requisite Neels devoted servants that give fate a hand, and the snooty fiancee that through her own bad behaviour places Eulalia more firmly under Fenno's wing! It is a fun book with characters you will fall in love with.As usual, the heroine AND hero are both what the other needs!