When I Fall in Love - Hardcover

Even worse, however, is Charlie's new interest in Bryan. Determined to give Bryan and herself appropriate time to grieve, the last thing Lily wants is to have Charlie storming into the hospital and confronting them with his warped opinions on cartoon cripples. But as Bryan reacts to Charlie's offbeat humor, Lily slowly realizes that Charlie connects with Bryan in a way no one else can. Through Charlie's guidance, humor, and love, both Lily and Bryan gain a new perspective on life. As Lily reflects on her feelings for Bryan, Charlie, and her fiancé, Mark, she struggles to learn that, "It is only with the heart that one can see. What is essential is invisible to the eye."

Tackling the sensitive issues of disability and self-image, Dart's mixture of down-to-earth dialogue and realistic character development keeps the After-School-Special-Syndrome at arm's length. Our heroes have human flaws, and--with the exception of a minor wife-beating character--our villains are sympathetic. The evolution of Lily's own attitudes and outlook is genuine, and readers will enjoy strong secondary characters as well as some heartfelt humor in this unexpected love story.--Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Iris Rainer Dart is the author of eight novels, including the much-beloved New York Times bestseller Beaches. The mother of two children, she lives in California with her husband.