A CANDLE FOR NICK

Author: Lorna Michaels ISBN: 037324794X 11/2006 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: HARLEQUIN SILHOUETTE

Mallory Brenner's life was in a tailspin. Her son, Nick, had been diagnosed with a fatal disease and his best hope of survival was Dr. Kent Berger, the one man Mallory never expected—or wanted—to see again. For more than ten years Mallory had kept Nick's paternity a secret and now, to save her son, Mallory would continue to keep it. Still, the more time the two males spent together, the harder Nick fell for his newfound hero—and the more Mallory realized how much she'd missed him. Kent deserved to know the truth, but while her son's life hung in the balance could she risk telling him? Could she risk not telling him? Note: Partial royalties from this book will be dontated to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society of America.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

A CANDLE FOR NICK is one of the most poignant stories of love found, love lost, and love found again that I have ever read. It is a powerful message of love and courage that the author echoed quite profoundly throughout the story.

Being a mother myself, it was easy to understand the hard choices Mallory Brenner had to make in order to ensure the best possible care for her ailing son. Even after she realizes Dr. Kent Berger (Nick's biological father), didn't lie years ago about his love for her and that he had every intention of being with her forever, she still can't tell him the truth about Nick because he won't be able to continue with Nick's medical care. When they both realize the love and passion they once shared is still burning within them both, Mallory must risk lying to him, even though she knows he may never forgive her when the truth is finally told.

The emotions run the gamut in this book. It is a true testament to a mother's love, courage, and sacrifice endured for the safety and welfare of her child. Dr. Kent Berger is the perfect hero—hot, handsome and strong on the outside, tender and caring underneath. The love story between the two is hot and tender by turns, and the love story of a family in crisis is just as heartwarming and heartwrenching. For a historical gal at heart, this contemporary masterpiece has won me over and has found a spot on my keeper shelf.

I must take the liberty and add the forward written by Lorna Michaels, because in reading it I got goose bumps and I knew immediately that I wanted to read and review this book. So here it is...

"Eerily, soon after I began this book, my husband, Ralph, was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, the same illness Nick has. I completed this story as Ralph waged a courageous battle for his life, and I promised him I'd finish it on time. I dedicate this book to his memory and I plan to donate part of my royalties to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society as a memorial to him."

Deana Monteleone