This is a thoughtful "boomer" romance, based on the health problems the author has. She has created two very likable adults who are struggling to get healthier. One protagonist, Cassie, is widowed and has just been diagnosed with fungal related arthritis. The other, a divorcé named Jack, has COPD which is aggravated by mold and fungus as well. The two meet at the office of their new specialist. They both are stunned by the high cost of the healthcare, medications, and supplements the doctor orders, but they both feel that this is a last resort so they remediate the mold in their houses and begin a new regimen. Cassie realizes that her late husband's health insurance is running out and she decides that she needs to remarry if for nothing else the insurance. So begins an unlikely relationship which buds over the course of the story. The characters are interesting and and story is very readable. Note that there is a strong Christian message in this story as both of the characters speak often of their faith and utter prayers throughout. ( )

The basic premise of this book is amusing enough -- after experiencing astronomical expenses for an unusual health condition, a relatively newly widowed Cassie teams up with an equally ill Jack to fight insurance companies in the health care equivalent of a green card: finding a new husband with healthy insurance benefits to have and to hold and cover her health care expenses.

It may sound a little mercenary, but it was all handled in a humorous, tasteful manner. Cassie and Jack's relationship and understanding of each other was a nice plot element to watch. This was a nice gentle, read, that was perfect for my back porch in the summer. The thing that pushed this novel from a three to a four was Haywood Smith's descriptions of what life is like when you have a serious, but relatively unknown illness. Smith gave Cassie the illness that she, herself, has: a congenital degenerative arthritis, compounded by systemic fungal infection. In my case, it's an allergy to natural rubber/latex and resultant airway disease. Both illnesses are not commonplace, and often cause blank stares when mentioned to others. Both necessitate huge lifestyle changes, both in terms of what can be in your home, how to clean, what to eat, etc.

So, because I thought Smith presented a glimpse into a world I know very well, and for the character, Jack, for having a heroine who is physically flawed, and for fun shout outs to the Atlanta area (which I am familiar with), I added an extra star. ( )

A fun read about a fifty something widow with failing health who finds a cure for her symptoms through costly doctor's visits, a strict diet and "mould remediation" in her home. The bills for maintaining her health are absorbitant, so she decides to seek a partner who has good health insurance. A fellow patient, who is a university professor becomes the ideal partner. This amusing novel is about their journey towards each other. ( )