This is not a typical Catherine Cookson, not least as the heroine isn't the strong woman we're used to.

Alison lives with her ward after being orphaned. Paul is an antique dealer and when he asks her to value items in a local house things will never be the same again for either of them.

Although a readable enough story it just doesn't feel real at times. She simpers over Paul and seems to believe whatever she is told.

I found the scene with the fire at the end of the book difficult as something similar with tragic consequences happened in my family. I always notice mirrors above fires. ( )

I found the heroine's fixation on her 'ward' more disturbing than romantic, in fact even a little squicky. This man had been her FATHER since she was twelve...ick. ( )