Gossamer

Setting - San Francisco, 1837 --- Elizabeth Sadler, a bankers daughter, had been brought up in a genteel society. Disowned by her grandmother she had come to San Francisco to join her brother only to find that he had died and been buried two months earlier. Near destitute, and having nowhere to turn to she was sobbing her eyes out. Hearing the heart wrenching cries coming from the room next to his, wealthy businessman James Craig felt impelled to offer whatever comfort he could. The cries were to him a nightmare and a burden he carried within his heart. Opening the door to a stranger was not something she would normally do but Elizabeth couldn't help herself when his kind eyes offered a comfort she desperately needed. He held her like a child throughout the night though the next morning, she ran away never thinking to see the kind stranger again. James, later returns home to find that he has lost another governess, and gained another `Treasure'. Deciding that Elizabeth, who claimed to have lost her last teaching post would make a splendid governess - notwithstanding the fact that she was the first woman he'd met that he'd like to spend time with --- set the local police out to find her using the theft of his handkerchief as an excuse to lodge a charge of petty larceny. Warned that the police were looking for her, Elizabeth (you got to love her!) figured if she were going to be arrested it would be for more than petty larceny! The police located her when she went to the opium den of Lo Peng that her brother died in and proceeded to tear it apart!Alerted by the police, James, bails her out and convinces her to accept the governess post, which was fine until she discovered that his `treasures' were Chinese. Orientals, just like Lo Peng, the hated crime lord who provided the opium that killed her brother. James convinces her to stay and within a short time falls desperately in love with the children and James. In spite of one of James' daughters, Ruby (spoiled brat) the love blossoms between the two, until a tragic accident threatens to tear their love apart. Absolutely beautiful --- THIS is why I love ROMANCE novels! Absolutely divine character development, from the lead to the secondary characters. The children were darling - even Ruby who truly was a spoiled brat! The author touches upon a horrid Chinese practice of treating female children as garbage and one man's attempt to save as many of these treasures in order to give them life and love. This was such an enchanting tale, I hated to see it end and it will stay with you long after you've finished. This is a fabulous read by a very gifted author - very poignant yet joyful. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---

James Craig is a hero more ahead of his time than Rhett Butler. Who could not fall in love with a man who defies society's pressures and prejudices to love and cherish unwanted baby girls? Elizabeth Sadler is heroine enough for the job of helping him heal from his painful past. A celebration of love, family, and social tolerance, this is a book for all lovers of romance and history.

Magnificent! If I could have given it more than 5 stars, I would have. A beautiful, tender, romantic keeper. You'll love James from the very first chapter. He is what every wife hopes her husband will be as a father. He IS the perfect father. Elizabeth is a lovely character as well but it is James' story more than hers. The storyline is so original and different and the Treasures are a true delight (Except that Ruby needed a good spanking!) I can't say enough good things about this book. I read it in a day and a half but it will remain in my memory for a VERY long time.

This book is wonderfully written and the characters are very special people. I love the way the author depicts the treasures and uses them to bring Elizabeth together with James.It is great to read a book that you can't put down. I can't wait for her next book.

I had the pleasure of reviewing this book for a quote and must say that it was truly a delight from start to finish! I fell in love with James and Elizabeth and with the precious "treasures" entrusted to their care. Rebecca Hagan Lee has a lyrical writing style and a heartwarming voice. I can't wait for her next book!