Twins Under His Tree
Karen Rose Smith
Silhouette Special Edition, Dec 1 2010, $4.99
ISBN: 9780373655694

At the Family Tree Health Center in Lubbock, Texas pregnant Dr. Lily Wescott who lost her husband Troy in Afghanistan and combat surgeon Dr. Mitch Cortega who injured his arm in theater are best friends. Each is also attracted to the other and would not mind exploring a different type of relationship though both do not want to risk their friendship and Troy's ghost hovers over them in spirit and in the twin girls she just birthed.

Still they begin casual dating. Their attraction grows, but Lily feels guilty as she still grieves the death of Troy and Mitch is hesitant to take a chance with his heart having been hurt once before. Knowing each needs time to heal, Mitch decides to end their dating for now and Lily agrees. The BFFs stop seeing each other for several months but when they do, each knows they want more not less as absence proves the heart grows fonder.

The lead pair makes for a strong Baby Experts medical romance (see from Doctor to Daddy). Lily and Mitch have issues to overcome which both understands must be resolved individually if they are to have any chance as a couple. The support cast which includes family members, the clinic staff and the late Troy (through fond memories) enhance the wonderful contemporary tale of people in the home front falling in love but struggling with what the war has done to them.

Harriet Klausner