Short, sweet and sassy: three words that can describe a memorable story or an unforgettable heroine. In the case of Sable Grey's Hired Hands novella from Venus Press, short, sweet and sassy describe both.

Tessa Marks might be blind and married to a worthless man who leaves for days at a time without reason but she is by no means helpless. Blinded by scarlet fever as a child, Tessa has figured out how to get around her North Dakota farm and do what needs done – without anyone's help.

Instead of the old spinster he'd expected to meet when he came to the Marks home, Will Ashton is pleasantly, and intimately, surprised by the beautiful Tessa. He's come to deliver a message, but when he finds the barn and house in disrepair, his desire to help this pretty lady gets in the way of his mission.

While Will spends time with Tessa doing odd jobs, not only does his respect for her grow but his interest in her as well. He knows how to fix more than a broken roof and, in a heated moment of passion between the two of them, proves it to her.

But when Tessa lets herself believe this could be more than a passing love affair will Will's secret tear them apart?

Thanks to Ms. Grey's strong writing, Tessa is a strong character capable of holding her own. While she may dislike sympathy from others regarding her blindness, she doesn't wallow in pity. Will is a hero worthy of any romance novel plot, and the perfect match for Tessa. Due to Tessa's blindness, Ms. Grey is limited in her ability to describe details from Tessa's point of view – and unlike many authors who have main characters with the benefit of sight – she does it very well. We come to understand, sympathize and root for Tessa to get more than what she's been given in Henry – to get a man she wants, needs and deserves, and we aren't let down. The story was well written and solid. While the book had only a few love scenes, they were intense and perfectly suited for the characters. The only place I felt the story could have been expanded was when Will revealed his secret. The climax and resolution seemed a bit abrupt but were satisfying.

If you don't have a lot of time and need a romance to keep you going, I recommend Sable Grey's Hired Hands. Print it off, take it to the beach or the pool and let the summer sunshine – and excellent romantic storytelling – warm your body and soul.

Reviewed By: Sashi Ketsel
© June 2005