
Although the initial premise of the story - how Rocco and Mallory came together did seem to stretch the limits of believability just a tad, it didn't detract from the story at all. When Rocco, a paramedic, receives a letter from the hospital to tell him that his non-existent wife may have breast cancer, rather than bin it as a silly mistake, Rocco is determined to find Mallory and ensure she gets the follow-up treatment she clearly needs.
Mallory, an investigative journalist is at the height of her professional powers, well-respected in the industry and determined to make a difference. The possibility of cancer at her young age is a body blow for her, but fortunately the circumstances that bring Rocco and her together will also be her greatest support for the future.
What I love about Crawford's novels are she never shies away from the raw emotion, pain and suffering of her characters, but instead infuses the tale with love, concern, caring and responsibility that softens the hard edges of whatever disability(ies) the characters may have.
The Letter is another triumph for Crawford and I can not only recommend this book, but her entire series of Hidden Beauty, as well as her other series Hidden Hearts. The characters are frighteningly real and serve to remind us always that our health or lack thereof is just a fleeting moment from changing but that it is not the determinant factor in finding love and happiness. I am a Crawford fan, for sure.
