This was my first experience with Garlock and although I did find some enjoyment through this novel, it fell short for me somewhere along the way. We follow Christina as she starts a new life in a small Wisconsin town.

Since Christina grew up in a rural Minnesota town, life in Longstock, Wisconsin is not too much of a shock to her. She sees many similarities that range from the area business, the townspeople, and even the people that have been affected by the war. The last thing that Christina expects is to fall in love while she is helping a war veteran conquer his fears.

Holden Tucker is the man that served in the war who Christina helps to face his demons. When Christina is not spending time with Holden she usually can be found with his brother Tyler. While she develops a protective affection towards Holden, a deeper emotion is sparked with Tyler. This, of course, will create an unsavory love triangle.

Many events are brought to Christina's attention within this novel. An obsessed woman sets Christina as a target, while a town drunk is finally ready to fulfill his act of revenge. One of the most endearing storylines involved the doctor that had a morphine addiction. Christina helped him deal with his addiction as she helped Holden confront his fears.

This book caught my eye because I liked the cover and noticed it was a post WWII novel. I enjoy books from this time period, but this one didn't hit home for me. I did enjoy most of the story, but I have to warn you that there is a sex scene towards the end that made me feel that I was listening to an erotic novel. I did not enjoy that part at all. While I didn't find much enjoyment from this book, I do think that those of you that enjoy romance novels would want to give this one a try. ( )

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* ( )