Readers first met Dr. Rider in The Executor as Bessie Christian’s not-quite suitor whose hopes were dashed when the Christians did not inherit their wealthy relative’s estate. The young doctor’s unwillingness to marry a young woman from a poor family doesn’t make a good first impression on modern readers. The young doctor’s back story may soften readers’ attitudes toward him. Dr. Rider is supporting an elder brother who is either unwilling or unable to work. Fred Rider had lived in Australia for a while, where he married and had children. Dr. Rider is dismayed when his sister-in-law, her sister, and his niece and nephews show up unannounced. When the doctor makes it clear he is unable to support his brother’s entire family, his sister-in-law’s sister, Nettie, takes their support upon herself. Dr. Rider’s admiration for Nettie soon grows into love. Will their duty to their needy siblings keep them apart?

It’s refreshing to read a romance about imperfect characters. Dr. Rider is easily annoyed and ill suited for martyrdom, and Nettie has an exaggerated sense of duty. As troubles mount, the two must wrestle with their own natures and find a compromise that will lead to happiness. ( )

This second in the Chronicles of Carlingford introduces some fascinating characters who will grow even more dear as the Chronicles continue. Dr. Edward Rider "was not a hero nor a martyr, men made of that stuff will have large compensations. He was an ordinary individual, with no sublimity in him..." and one of those "people... compelled to take the prose concerns of life into full consideration even when they are in love..." Then Carlingford becomes home to a little Australian, Nettie, who takes the town and the doctor's heart by storm. Favorite quotes: "Do you think it's quite the best thing to other people's duties for them..." "I never was half the good in the world that you are, but I am nearly twice as old--and one does pick up some little hints on the way." ( )