Long Distance Love [Paperback]

Fleur Stanthorpe is a native Australian. Having survived a brush with cancer, she's indulging in one last adventure before returning home and settling down. Her idea of the perfect venture is setting up a small shop for the summer in England so that she could experience life as her ancestors once lived. Falling in love wasn't part of the plan.

Patrick Donnelly is the owner of the classiest restaurant in Whitby. Originally from Ireland, he moved to England after his divorce. He'd once dreamed of opening a chain or restaurants, but given up on that ambition when his ex-wife demanded half of his business in the divorce settlement.

Fleur's traveled to many destinations all over the world, her family should be used to her wanderlust. Her entire family had all been very supportive of her during her two year-long fight against cancer. None of them understand Fleur's need to travel to England and set up a bookshop/café, but they support her in this endeavor. Once Fleur's arrived at the building she leased through the internet, she's faced with a lot of cleaning, redecorating, buying furnishings, as well as stocking the shelves. All daunting prospects, but she looks forward to the challenge. Before she's even finished moving her stuff into the flat above the shop, a sinfully sexy man introduces himself as Patrick, the owner of a restaurant just up the hill. Fleur hasn't been this attracted to a man in a very long time, but she isn't looking for a summer romance. Patrick isn't looking for romance either. He's considered the area's most eligible bachelor, but he's drawn to Fleur and has no intention of resisting the allure. Fleur says she's only in England for the summer, would a summertime fling be enough to satisfy Patrick's craving for Fleur? Will Fleur really be able to leave the man of her dreams in England and return to Australia at the end of summer?

Anne Whitfield's LONG DISTANCE LOVE is a very sweet romance that is truly a pleasure to read. Patrick and Fleur make a perfect couple. I loved watching their relationship develop. They both know that Fleur will be returning to Australia once the summer's over but that doesn't stop them from indulging in their mutual desire for each other or the heartache that comes from knowing that their time together is limited. You also meet single mom, Rachel, early in the story. She befriends Fleur and is soon helping her in the shop. She's a charmingly upbeat character and everything one could hope for in a friend. I love that Ms. Whitfield uses the local dialect throughout the story, it adds to the authenticity of the tale and gives it an old world feel. This is the perfect feel good story and I'd definitely recommend it.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

Fleur Stanhope is an Australian woman and a cancer survivor. She travels to England, home of her ancestors, to open a shop for the summer. This is to be her last adventure before returning home in Australia and settling down. There she meets Patrick Donnelly. The attraction is mutual and immediate.
Before I read this novel, I wondered what was the big deal? One or the other would have to give in if they wanted to remain a couple. Having read this author's other works, I figured the story would engage me, and it did.
Anne Whitfield's talent is evident as she tells her tale, and convinces you that although Fleur and Patrick share a deep love for the other, there is no way they can remain together. Long distance doesn't cut it. Neither can make the sacrifice of leaving their family and moving to the other side of the world, and be happy. Or can they?
I loved this story. The characters ring true, and you root for them to get together and remain together. Another plus, the author writes so well about Australia and England, you'd think you've been there while reading the story. I highly recommend Long Distance Love.