Susanna Osbourne, whose mother died in childbirth, was orphaned at the age of 12 when her father committed suicide. The young girl ran away from the estate where she and her father lived, believing she was now considered a burden by the adults. She never learned what led her father to such a drastic action, other than that it had something to do with the Edgeworths at a neighboring estate -- Viscount and Viscountess Whitleaf. Susanna ended up as a "charity girl" at Miss Martin's School for Girls in Bath and later became a teacher there, with a group of close female friends as her new family. She's managed to build a satisfying, if not exciting, life from the ruins of her past.

Susanna accepts an invitation to go to Somerset with one of her recently married friends and is enjoying the change of scenery and a rare holiday when she's introduced to Peter Edgeworth, a handsome young man who also happens to be the newest Viscount Whitleaf. He appears shallow, full of silly flattery, and too charming for his own good, and even if he had a different name, Susanna is sure she would not like him.

Peter Edgeworth is liked by just about everyone who knows him, particularly young ladies. Thus he's intrigued by the beautiful Miss Osbourne's apparent disdain not only for flirtation, but for his flirtation in particular. Of course, this only makes him more determined to bring a smile to her solemn face. As he gets to know Susanna and sees her humor, intelligence, and spirit, he's surprised by the depth of his feelings for her. And after learning of Susanna's past, he's determined to help her find answers to questions and face some of her demons -- even if it means he might lose her forever.

Another sparkling entry in the Simply series, this book introduces two people who believe their paths have been long since laid out for them, but who eventually discover that they are in control of their own destinies. Peter and Susanna's love grows slowly and tenderly, and Peter's laid back exterior hides a kind and generous heart. Susanna's courage is inspirational as she searches for the answers to questions that have haunted her for years.