Firmly on the shelf at age 32, Lady Eleanor Durbane is flabbergasted when her father presents plans for eligible men to attend a house party. What's even more astounding is that her father has issued an invitation to Braham Ryland. Ten years ago, Eleanor caught Braham (her then fiancé) drunk and in bed with her younger sister. After tossing him out on his ear, Eleanor turned away other suitors, preferring a quiet life. At Braham's appearance in her home, old feelings revisit Eleanor; from the pain of his betrayal to the giddiness and excitement she feels when she sees him.

The eldest of the Ryland brothers, Braham most resembled his father, especially his love for the bottle. It took his father's accidental death for Braham to take stock of his disgustingly notorious deeds. Acknowledging the fact that he's an alcoholic, Braham struggles every day not to take a drink. As he slowly recovers, he seeks to make amends and seek forgiveness for past behavior. The one woman he has yet to confront is Eleanor. At her father's invitation, Braham jumps at the chance to see her.

Eleanor and Braham's confrontation leaves them with mixed emotions. Eleanor can't trust him, but she still loves him. Braham battles his desire to turn to the bottle when life gets hard. Together, they explore their evolving feelings to see if they can have a second chance.

Ms. Smith tackles the reality of alcoholism in this absorbing love story. Readers will feel Eleanor's pain of family betrayal and Braham's pain as the bottle constantly beckons him. Ms. Smith's fans expect powerful stories from her and she does not disappoint with this tale.