Book Synopsis
A lady desperately seeking freedom. A prosperous younger man. An unexpected connection.
Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.
David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting David in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing David’s deepest secrets.
In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.
Book Details
- Publisher : Shadow Mountain Publishing
- Publication date : February 3, 2026
- Language : English
- Print length : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1639934561
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
This is the perfect novel to review on Valentine's Day. The love story sticks with you long after. David and Anna face huge roadblocks to real joy. His painful history keeps him from opening up to her. She starts as a friend but craves more. I loved how David and Anna's caring relationship started when they were young. Years pass, and Anna and her mom face many problems. David steps in to save them without any thought of his own welfare. Many things happen quickly. Soon, they fake an engagement, with some humor, odd moments, and deep feelings that can't be denied.
David's secrets loom large in their relationship, along with a cruel father's shadowed presence. Anna would do anything to help David. They want to make one another happy, but barriers get in the way. This love story is one of hope and healing from their past. So much happens, but no spoilers will show up here.
I loved this book, and all of Author Esther Hatch's novels. She has a beautiful way with words. This was my favorite quote,
"My love earlier had been selfish. I'd loved him before, what I felt now was deeper. I'd wanted David in my life for the happiness he brought me. Now, more than anything, I wanted to fill his world with joy. "
Read this amazing story of sacrifice, healing, hope, and love. If You'll Have Me takes its place as one of my top Proper Romance books.
****Meet Author Esther Hatch****
Esther Hatch grew up on a cherry orchard in rural Utah. After high school, she alternated living in Russia to teach children English and attending Brigham Young University in order to get a degree in archaeology. She began writing when one of her favorite authors invited her to join a critique group. The only catch was she had to be a writer. Not one to be left out of an opportunity to socialize and try something new; she started on her first novel that week. Visit her at estherhatch.com.
~*~*~*~*Purchase If You'll Have Me ~*~*~*~*
HERE:
Paperback-https://a.co/d/0anXFlhi
Kindle-https://a.co/d/03Wp2CPR
