Fate is Remarkable

Fate is Remarkable by Betty Neels; (4*)

No longer considered a young woman at 28, Sarah is jilted by her boyfriend, Steven. Both work at the same hospital. Steven as a resident doctor and Sarah as a nurse in the clinics. They'd been dating seriously for three years when Steven suddenly announces that he's going to marry his boss' daughter, thus improving his position both professionally as a doctor and financially. Sarah feels heartbroken but is she really? Still and all she is determined to show a brave face.
Hugo is a well respected doctor who works at the clinic several afternoons a week with Sarah as his nurse. He too was once jilted and the hospital rumor has it that he's never gotten over the woman. They work together very well and show more when an elderly woman needs extra care as her financial situation is poor Sarah discovers a soft and generous side to Hugo as he goes beyond his duty to see to the woman's comfort. Hugo, now 40, proposes that he and Sarah marry. He requires a wife to assist him in his social life as a doctor, and she will have a caring and secure home. Their marriage is one of convenience and as the days pass into weeks, Sarah learns more and more about her husband. Slowly Steven no longer seems to matter. Just as she realizes how much she's come to love her husband, Janet, the woman who had jilted him, returns to the scene.
I love Neels heroes. They always wait patiently for their heroine to fall in love with them and they always seem to have a sense of humor about life. Neels allows the time her heroines need to struggle through their confused emotions while her heroes quietly watch and bide their time. Usually we discover that her heroes are first to fall in love, and we see the gleam in his eye or his thoughtful looks while the heroine is completely oblivious.
Sarah is a beautiful woman and Hugo often compliments her appearance. He appears to be in control of his emotions though at the ending we see he's far from certain that Sarah loves him. The ending is sigh worthy as most of Neels endings are; so satisfying. I love reading these light, romantic, cosy books. show less

These are some of my favorite things about Betty Neels books:
1. The settings – usually in England and Denmark. There are typically some descriptions about the area when the characters travel as well as descriptions of the weather.
2. The comforting feel – sometimes a little angst but never too much
3. I know what to expect – they follow the same formula. Some people may find that boring, but I find it reassuring.
4. There will be a happy ending.

Fate is Remarkable followed the same formula as all her novels which I really like, however, I did think this one dragged on a bit. I really liked the characters of Sarah and Hugo (a nurse and doctor – of course!) but they did start to frustrate me. The descriptions of clothes, food, and show more home décor are always enjoyable and there was a wonderful ending. Overall, a satisfying Betty Neel’s read, but not my favorite. show less

Betty Neels Collection - Book 6