The class assignment was to write a paper after observing children that struggled to meet their basic needs.  Colin's project took him to Marston House where children had special needs.  Even through there was great reservation for Colin to participate, he did.

Colin was different from any other man Holly had ever met.  He never seemed to be on time for any of their meetings and became dubbed "Mr. Late" by Holly.  He seemed irresponsible when it came to certain matters, but then when you learned why he was late, it was always a good reason.  The first time he had rescued kittens that had been left to die in a dumpster. Then, Molly learned that Colin wanted to be a Navy chaplain and this stymied her.  There was a huge capacity within him but there was also the fear of being hurt.  When he expressed that he never wanted children, Holly was taken back.  This had been a dream of hers to have a home filled with children.

Holly and Colin had something in common in their fathers.  Each of them struggled to understand and interpret the relationship.  Each of them had past baggage and secrets; this frightened them.  Making sense of the past is sometimes achieved by embracing the present.  When Colin tackled the challenges with his young autistic friend, Jared, some surprising events took place.  Colin wanted to make a difference in the life of this child.

What happened next is something I will not share in this review.  I want you to completely enjoy it on your own.  There is a combination, just the right amount, of spirituality, romance, family and good story telling in this book.  In reading this book with pleasure and enjoyment, it gave this reader pause to think about the help needed and the work to be done with children's issues.  A major theme in this story was the question of how we can best utilize our skills and faith.

Recommended as a good read, especially for a cold December night.