Pennies from Heaven (To Have and to Hold 46)

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful romance set in Venice
Review: Clark and Maddy Whelan married practically out of high school, and have spent most of their marriage paying off his late father's business debts. Clark runs a struggling greenhouse, while Maddy sells a line of natural cosmetics and housecleaners. They also have twin daughters to support, but their family life is happy. Maddy's hobby of entering contests is an interesting sideline.

Then, Maddy wins a contest by writing a slogan for an aluminum foil product --and the first prize is half a million dollars and a trip to Venice. Suddenly, the Whelans are freed from debt, and all their dreams become possible. They fly to Venice, and meet fascinating and glamorous people. But the worry that their new lifestyle will corrupt their wholesome values begins to surface. Will they overcome this fear?

I thought this story was enjoyable. The Venice background is beautiful and opulent. Clark and Maddy discover that you can meet good people in the most unexpected of places. This leads into a surprise for their family -- something Maddy had not seriously considered before-- and a heartwarming conclusion. Recommended.