Desert Willow - by Patricia Beal

About the book:

After a failed engagement, Captain Andrew Lee James has focused on building a career in the Army he loves. That commitment includes helping a feisty, out-of-work ballerina whose devotion to her grandmother’s dying wish immediately grabs his heart. She’s the one, but will he be able to win the heart of a woman who has vowed to never be involved with a soldier?

College graduate Clara Malone swore to never love anyone in the military again but when her dying grandmother asks her to deliver a love letter to the general who broke her heart decades ago, she agrees and finds herself escorted by a handsome Army captain whose kindness challenges her beliefs. Surrounded by desert willows that shower her path with pretty pink flowers and sing with the buzzing of hummingbirds, Clara enjoys the wild beauty of El Paso—and her time with Andrew—more than expected.

Can she deliver her grandmother’s last love letter without losing her heart to a man who represents everything she fears?

My review:

This was an interesting story, if a bit slow, for my taste.  I liked Andrew and how he had such a strong faith in God, yet I question why he almost married a woman who doesn't sound like she was a Christian.  I also felt like he got involved too quickly with Clara as she had turned away from her faith years ago.  I was annoyed that Andrew and Clara both were considering their exes again, especially after what they each had done to them.  I also felt like Clara somewhat excuses herself for the situation with her ex before even though she knew it was wrong.  I did like the discussions about their faith and that they prayed and attended church.  I thought the mystery of the letter was intriguing and also what she ended up finding out.  There was some sweet romance.  There's a strong theme of not judging and forgiving yourself and others.  The narrator was fine as I listened to it on Audible though I did have to listen at 1.5 - 2.5 speed, otherwise way too slow.  You might like it if you like stories about second chances, military or ballerinas.

I received a free Audible version of this story from the author.  I was not compensated for this review.  All opinions are my own.