I went through a great deal of trouble to get my hands on this book after reading an excerpt in another book. I was so drawn by the glimpse I had of the main characters that I set out to find a copy, even though it was listed as 'out of print'/'out of stock' in most bookstores, and online. I was finally able to get a copy from a used bookstore (online via Amazon), and was rewarded for my tenacity with a beautiful, funny, and moving story! I absolutely loved 'Dark Shines My Love' - it's not every day one has the good fortune to read such an excellent story of a blind hero and a spunky, loving, and patient heroine. Blinded as a result of an accident when he was a child, Padric LeClerc has been locked in darkness and emotional pain for years; he held the world at arms length, and fed the local rumour that he was a dark, dangerous, and bitter man. Fleeing an abusive marriage, along came Callie and her small son, and their little kitten, looking for work & a safe place to heal, and finding this beautiful but wounded soul living in darkness, with only his memories for company. Afraid of being hurt again, he lashes out at all who comes near - but Callie, herself a survivor and recognizing his inner pain, sees the true man behind the mask, and sets out to 'show him the light' so to speak. Between Callie, her son, and the kitten, Padric does not stand a chance! Slowly oh so slowly the man comes out to play...and finds the unexpected! What a beautiful, moving, elegant story. Even the villain, the hated ex-husband, bent on destruction of Callie's new found independence and growing happiness, is memorable, for he is not your typical abusive husband, no 'beer gut' & stained clothing here - he comes, in fact, from the 'right' side of the tracks ($$$$)! If you can, get a copy of this book and prepare for it to make its way into your heart and on to your 'keeper shelf' - it's on mine! Thank you Ms. Hart!
