Ellen James, The Goodbye Groom

The Goodbye Groom

Ellen James

Harlequin American, October 2006, $4.99

ISBN: 0373751400

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 year old Kaitlin. Eric has no idea where his sibling has gone to hide, but he 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 although 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 storyline 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.