My Brother's Keeper by Candace Sams

ISBN: 1-59836-039-6

Romance/Paranormal

Venus Press

Electronic

Ben Murphy's life has changed rapidly in the last couple of years. He is a fireman which is no mystery considering it’s a generational family occupation. Past couple of years it has been filled with sorrow, anger and guilt. He lost both his father and younger brother Chris to tragic deaths while on the job. Ben begins to grow reckless, taking too many chances while fighting fires. It comes to the point where his boss has to step in. He cleverly blackmails him into taking some time off even going to the point of renting a rundown Victorian house for him to take in for several months. Ben tries to drown his sorrow in alcohol. It is then he begins seeing the spirit of his brother Chris. This is impossible because he’s dead.

Spirits don't really exist or do they? While trying to deal with the fact that his brother is back and trying to help him get on with life, a woman has to complicate his life. That woman is the lovely Kate Donohue. She is part of a program called Beautification and Urban Transformation Team. The goal is to gather teenagers together to clean up people's yards in exchange for that person either paying them or helping out in various projects. They don't exactly hit if off, but there is an underlying attraction between them. Kate is a bit leery about getting involved with him, but senses that he might just need her and vice versa.

This is from the sweeter category at Venus Press. There is no sex and the type of story you don't have to hide from your children. It is a real love story, with true emotions. Ben has a lot of hang-ups about his brother's death since it happened in front of him. This draws the reader deeper into great empathy for him. Kate is perfect for him for she balances out his negativity with her eternal goodness. I usually read more "erotic" type stories but this one was quite a nice change. I did not need to know what happens between their closed doors, because their relationship was intriguing enough without it. If you must have detailed sex in your books, you'll have to pass on this one. If you like me, desire a good ole fashion romance sometimes, please take a chance on this wonderful book on love.

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