Kelli is a woman scorned and running away from the world. On a day that should have been the happiest day of her life, she is hurt, furious and relieved. After her fiancé didn't show up for their wedding, speeding away from the church with her veil sailing in the wind in the middle of street is the end to her torment. Kelli has given up so much and done so much to please him that she barely recognizes herself anymore. She needs to get away and find herself again; going on her honeymoon alone.

Will Robertson is surprised to see Kelli in the neighborhood diner, in a wedding dress. He has loved her for years in silence and the sight of her has him instantly aroused. After hearing of her wedding fiasco, Kelli asks him to come with her and he accepts, with conditions. Will spends the next four days showing her the true meaning of love and watching her confidence return. When events pull them apart, it's up to Kelli to return to him. But, is she strong enough to grasp what she wants, to have and to hold on to it?

To Have and to Hold is an excellent tale of a woman re-learning who she is. We as women are prone to nurturing; it's our nature. But, some women find that they have lost focus of themselves while trying to please others. People, in general, need to learn that if you can't love yourself, respect yourself and feel confident about yourself, you can't please someone else. Pleasure has to start from within first. We all need love, but not at the cost of losing ourselves.

Reviewed by: Pam S.