Emily Porter feels that she is an average woman, and that there is truly nothing special about her. She has never aspired to find love since she does not consider herself worthy of such an ideal. Her ex-husband is reminder enough of her failures at finding love; however, a chance encounter with Ethan Douglas, a retired actor turned photographer, tilts Emily's whole world. They have a whirlwind romance that ultimately ends in marriage. Ethan is the husband that Emily never dreamed she could have; however, their deep-seated love is short lived when Ethan dies unexpectedly. When Emily finds out that she is pregnant, she refuses to move from the isolated seaside cottage that she shared with Ethan. She senses a presence in the cottage that comforts her. Is the presence only a memory or is it something much more tangible? Will her child bring her the consolation she needs to cope with Ethan's death? Will she ever have the courage to move on with her life?

Josh Lundgren has had his share of hard times. His wife was killed, and he was in a car accident that left him in a coma. Now that he has recovered enough to get back to work as a carpenter, he comes across an old business dealing with Ethan Douglas. His trip out to the cottage finds Emily living in the boathouse with a child, and the cottage in ruins from a fire. He finds himself drawn to this obstinate woman. When she offers him a job to rebuild the destroyed cottage, he tells her it is not worth it. Will they be able to come to some compromise? Will he be able to break through the walls she has built around her heart?

Judith Raxten has penned a heart-warming romance as her debut novel. Since the story is told as a remembrance, the end is no surprise, but the journey Emily takes is worth traveling. Her strength is inspiring in that she finally realizes there are some things worth fighting for. Emily learns that life is what you make it, and that you need to live it to its fullest. Ms. Raxten has written a timeless love story that keeps the reader enthralled to the end. THE SECRET DREAMS OF EMILY PORTER renews the spirit and reaffirms the heart's capacity to heal and to love again.