Ian Callaway has the intellect and the heart of a scholar. His mind has proven his greatest asset, but is also his biggest weakness. Reclusive behavior and a busy schedule has given him success but taken him away from the people that really matter. His family. When a favor for a friend lands him on the doorstep of Grace O' Malley, he finds himself thrusts into the middle of a puzzling chain of events that begins with delivering a package and ends with a new appreciation of what love and family means. All while mysterious happenings threaten the people around him. Closer to You is an exciting journey of one man's quest for forgiveness and another man's chance at building a home full of happiness and love. ( )

Grace has been estranged from her father for years. He put his work as a scientist ahead of his family & betrayed them by having an affair. When Graces mother left him & moved her & the girls back to the states, Grace assumed he created a new life with his new daughter. Decades of bitterness, hurt & anger are difficult to break through. Can Ian break through it?

Ian Callaway met Graces father when he was on a trip in Ireland. Weeks later, Ian received his grandfathers journals in the mail along with a request. Could he deliver a package to Grace? That one simple request started a journey that no one expected.

The Callaway's stories always seem to find a way to touch your heart & your emotions. Ian was a workaholic but is trying to change his ways. The twists & turns in the plot enhance the mystery & the journey to each other. Grace is a strong confident sensitive teacher that has tried to forget her feelings for her father for her mothers sake. The chemistry between these two sparks immediately as does Grace's anger when she finds out why Ian is seeking her out. The reminder that there are two sides to every story & one isn't necessarily more right than the other is woven throughout the story. I really enjoyed Ian & Grace & their story. I would recommend this story, like all of Barbara Freethy's, to anyone who likes their romance sweet with a little mystery included. ( )