Carrie Erickson was finished with men after finding her fiance in bed with her best friend. With college graduation at hand, Carrie's parents gifted her with four glorious weeks in Italy where she could see first hand the beloved artworks and architecture that inspired her love of art history. She had no problem avoiding the multitudes of adoring, hot Italian men who applied for her favor throughout the first three weeks. The fourth week, on the island of Capri, in a small cafe under a canopy of wisteria, Carrie met Paolo Reggio.

Paolo was sure that Carrie was the girl he had searched for all of his life. It was an instant attraction that drew his breath away. His boldness frightened her from the cafe, although she had to return to claim her bag that she left behind. By the time she collected herself and re-entered the cafe, Paolo held the sketch Carrie had drawn of him complete with a laurel wreath around his brow.

Thus began a whirlwind week of perpetual togetherness that neither expected to ever end. Their love and their lovemaking were passionate and all consuming. Too soon, it came to a shattering halt as Paolo was called away to the mainland, for "family business." Carrie, sitting in their cafe alone, was confronted by an acquaintance of Paolo's family who pointed out to Carrie in the newspaper the charity ball where Paolo's long awaited engagement would be announced the next evening. He further implied that Carrie would be only Paolo's mistress. Carrie fled from Capri, leaving nothing behind to tell Paolo where or why she had gone. What she took with her was a shattered heart and, unknown to her, Paolo's child.

Five years later, after the birth of Paul and the loss of both of her parents, an older, more mature Carrie Erickson returned to Rome to work cataloging ancient works of art at the Vatican. Carrie found work with an advertising agency to supplement the grant she was awarded, having the need to support herself, her younger sister and her four-year-old son. Her first attempt at attracting business was to send a file, new logo and website prototype to the Paradiso Communications firm whom had turned Progettazione Perfetta down before. Her fresh approach awarded her an interview with the owner, one Signor Reggio.

Carrie and Paolo were made for each other, as is evident from their first meeting. The lack of clear communication and understanding between the two keep this story moving from moment to moment, causing soul-stirring highs and heart-rending lows along the sharp curves on the road to fulfilled dreams. Caitlin Conway has a unique way of keeping the reader holding her breath until the next page, or two, sometimes three. This book left me literally breathless in several instances. The love scenes are particularly well written. With a minimum of graphic description, Ms. Conway brings to life all of the emotion, tenderness, love and passion of Carrie and Paolo's encounters. This was a truly enjoyable read and is highly recommended.

Reviewed by: Marge Conrad
© August 2004