I liked the premise of this story very much, but I found the main character hard to empathize with. Sometimes she could be wise and others she would behave like a misguided teenager. This was a story that needed many more layers because all the issues touched upon are complex. For example, post traumatic stress disorder is profound for those who suffer from it and the author seems to have simplified it to develop the love interest.There was too much repetition of plantive thoughts on the part of the heroine. I would not reccommend this book to a friend, but did finish it. I have been reading Dorothy Garlock books for years, and I can always count on them to not only transport me to whatever setting she is writing about be she also allows me to connect with the characters she is portraying. In "Come A Little Closer" we get the character of Christina Tucker and the year is 1946. WW11 has just come to an end and instead of heading back to her hometown of Carlson MN she decides to accept a nursing position in the small town of Longstock, Wisconsin where she will be working with Dr. Barlow the town doctor. When she arrives she is invited to supper with the doctor's sister and her two sons Holden and Tyler. Holden is dealing with issues from the war and has locked himself in his room, not even taking meals with his family. When Christina volunteers to take his supper to him, they connect and becomes determined to help him. Meanwhile Tyler comes off as a bad boy but he has his own issues as well, and while Christina tries to help Holden she can't help but be drawn to Tyler, but someone in town is determined to do whatever it takes to keep her from Tyler. The historical aspect of this story is what drew me in, but the characters and plot really kept me reading. While there is a romance, the author gives the reader so much more. Holden was suffering from PTSD, something that many soldiers deal with. It was nice to see him slowly learn how to handle his problems and realize that he could have a future. I enjoyed how the romance between Christina and Tyler progressed. I thought the secondary story of Luther and the blame he placed on the doctor for his brother Donnie's death added to the story. There were several secondary characters to round out this story and one of my favorites had to be the feisty Eunice Hester,and the impact she had on the doctor. If your a fan of Dorothy Garlock your going to love this story, and if your not then what are you waiting for, pick up a copy of "Come A Little Closer" and see why she is one of today's best selling authors! rating 5/5 *A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
