Present Day Walnut River, Massachusetts

Walnut River General Hospital is under threat of a takeover by the Northeastern HealthCare conglomerate. That would shift primary focus from patient care to financial gain, and the board and staff are against the change. Coincidentally -- or is it? -- allegations of fraud against Walnut River Hospital have been anonymously sent to the Massachusetts Attorney General. The AG sends investigator Neil Kane to look into the matter.

While interviewing hospital social worker Isobel Suarez, Kane can't help being intrigued by the woman who seems to have no idea of her attractions. It isn't long before he believes her innocent of any wrongdoing, but he plans to question her further. In fact, the interest is mutual, and Isobel's feelings for Neil grow. She likes him, and he's comfortable with her family, something that means a great deal to her, but he's reticent about his own private life. Besides, he'll be going back to Boston in a few weeks, and Isobel is leery of chancing her heart once again.

Isobel cares for people; that shows in her dealings with her family, the patients she counsels, and her friends at Walnut River General. Neil wants some of that warmth for himself, but a situation arises where he must choose between Isobel and duty. Is there a right choice?

Readers of HER MR. RIGHT? will surely love Isobel and Neil and sympathize with their plight. The investigation naturally involves a conflict of interest for both, yet they are so right for each other. Neil needs someone like Isobel in his life; she needs someone who accepts both her and her closeness to her family. Outside circumstances provide a rocky soil for the seeds of love to flourish.

The character development reflects real life and works together with an intriguing plot to tell an enjoyable story. Minor characters, especially Isobel's father and nephew, add to the sweet ambience of the story. Others will be familiar from earlier books in the Wilder Family Continuity Series. The present generation of Wilders consists of Doctors Ella, Peter, and David Wilder, and Anna Wilder, their adopted sister, whose story has yet to be told.

Ms. Smith keeps producing consistently high quality romances. Though she takes a short detour here from the stories featuring babies that she does so well, she continues to warm her readers with both romantic and family love. Put HER MR. RIGHT? at the top of your May reading list.

Jane Bowers