Love on Assignment

Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James

During the summer of 1900 Charlotte Hale, a native Newporter and secretary for the Rhode Island Reporter, accepts an undercover assignment as temporary governess to Daniel Wilmont's children in order to secretly gather evidence against him. As he helps her rediscover God, Charlotte learns that Daniel is an honorable man.

They unexpectedly fall in love despite their different backgrounds and social positions. Charlotte soon realizes she must defend Daniel against the forces set against him-a willful student with a romantic crush and the newspaper editor determined to destroy his reputation.

My Take: This is a sweet book with Christian overtones. Actually, it is more than overtones. When Charlotte is being interviewed by Daniel, he asks her outright, "Are you a Christian?" Dear, sweet Daniel is a pious and rather stupid man. In today's world Daniel would be looking at a lawsuit. Of course, Charlotte would be looking for an attorney for her part which I can't tell you because then I'd ruin the story.

Although somewhat predictable, the book is different in that the author provides time and space for redemption. When the hearts are changed, the orchestra does not automatically strike up a tune and lovers fall into each others arms declaring their undying love. In fact, Daniel's marriage problems add a good deal of depth to Daniel and I began to appreciate his forgiving heart and recognize that forgiving and forgetting are not the same thing.

The protagonist is interesting and grows a spine, providing the reader with a conflict that is directly opposed to Charlotte's role as breadwinner for her arthritic aunt and disabled sister. I found that I liked Charlotte and could relate to her in many ways.

Writing is solid. Story is engaging. Language and dialogue is clean and the book earns a place on the family bookshelf.

If you want it, all you have to do if fill out the form below.  Love on Assignment is available with a bonus of Love on a Dime.  Coincidentally, although they are independent stories, there is some character crossing which is fun.

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*This book was provided by TLC as part of a book tour in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”