The Italian's Convenient Wife

This is a wonderful story. But let me tell you, have a box of kleenex handy, you'll need it. Very strong characters, expecially Caroline who had to walk away and gave up so much only to return to Italy and not only face the loss of her sister but be subjected to judgement by a family who didn't understand the situation. Paulo is a strong and proud Italian but his father takes the word proud to a new level. However, Catherine Spencer has outdone herself with her character Caroline! Bravo!

What I like about this romance is that the characters don't fit into the usual cliche. The hero is not compeltely arrogant and controlling and the herione actually has a backbone. I love how the characters are able to work past many obstacles and lies to form a solid and happy future together. The reason that I gave this story four stars instead of five is because of the arrogant and backwards father of the hero. This man is so stuck in the past he is likely to irritate even the most mild mannered woman. I hate romances where the men are overbearing and arrogant, those are not endearing qualities. Since the father has such a small roll in the story he can't completely ruin it and the rest is a solid love story.

Another great book from Catherine Spencer, The Italian's Convenient Wife is an emotionally involving story that never falls into romance novel cliches. The main characters, as well as the supporting cast of secondary characters, are fully realised people with whom the reader can identify. Callie and Paolo meet again after a family tragedy has orphaned their niece and nephew. Paolo quickly realises that Callie is no longer the naive young girl he met nine years before, but he is also no longer the careless playboy who broke her heart. The story has dimensions not always seen in short romances. There is no pointless bickering masquerading as conflict. Paolo and Callie are two mature adults who work through their grief for their dead brother and sister, and try to establish a stable home for the two children, as well as caring for Paolo's aging parents. The ending is logical, satisfying, and heartwarming. A great summer read.