The Goodbye Groom: To Wed or Not to Wed

In New Mexico, Jamie Williams is at the altar waiting to say I do but the groom, Shawn Sinclair fails to show up. Her mother insists that he is like all men worthless, but Jamie cannot accept her explanation. Her answering machine has a simple apology from Shawn. Jamie demands an explanation so she travels to Shawn's hometown, Saint Anne Island, a Washington State barrier island. However, her groom is not there; instead she meets his brother Eric and his daughter seven years old daughter Kaitlin. Eric has no idea where his sibling has gone to hide, but has no interest in helping him this time as he has done too many times in the past. Jamie wants to wait a while assuming Shawn will show up here so Eric offers her a deal. He will assist her and even lodge her if she in turn brings smiles to his solemn little girl. Eric realizes he was a terrible father until Leah divorced him and left him with their offspring, but though he tries Kaitlin can cut him up with little things like making an appointment to see him. Though a distraction for him, he hopes Jamie can help him reach his believed little girl. Soon Jamie is thankful that Shawn jilted her as she has fallen in love with Eric and Kaitlin. Readers hearts will go out to the solemn little girl who steals the show with her reactions to the as "big as" theories on life and love. The story line is character driven as Jamie is sort of like a Mary Poppins with the magic of love as her enchantment. Ellen James writes a delightful tale in which three believable individuals begin to develop strong relationships that touch the hearts of the audience. Harriet Klausner