New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd, one of the most acclaimed authors of historical romance, makes a dazzling foray into contemporary fiction in this intriguing and sensuous novel about a hard-working young woman who mistakenly falls in love with Boston's wealthiest bachelor.

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

When Hope Prescott's parents disappeared, her carefree teenage life vanished forever. She and her three siblings were separated and sent to different foster homes around the country. Now, seven years later, Hope is still searching for them. To support herself, she works for an answering service, and cares for her clients as if they were family. When wealthy businessman Zachariah Givens hires Hope's service, Hope initially mistakes Zack for his butler. Tired of being coddled and þattered because of his money, Zack is charmed by Hope's candor, not to mention her sexy voice, and keeps up the charade. As their friendship turns into passion, Zack is determined to have her, even if that means the unthinkable -- marriage. But when Hope discovers his deception, Zack knows he must solve the mystery that haunts Hope's past in order to convince her that their futures lie together....

Customer Reviews Average rating - 3.5

Rating - 4 Date: 2008-05-26
Content: "Just the Way You Are"by Christina Dodd is truly a masterpiece!!!! The characters are truly lively and the development of the plot make you want to read throughout with no thought of putting the book down until finish!!! It lives up to the character of her other writings from The Prescott trilogy and Tongue and chic. (I had read the others before) You dont want to miss this one. ENJOY!!!!!! I look forward to Thigh High and others!!!!
Summary: A must read!!!!!!

Rating - 4 Date: 2008-04-29
Content: This book was very good. It is about a family of 3 sisters and a foster brother who get split up by corrupt church member. The story keeps you interested through out the entire book. However, I didn't like the way it ended. The first child, Hope, found her foster brother. But there is only one chapter about them together. Besides that, I would recommend reading this book.
Summary: Very Good. Highly Recommend.

Rating - 3 Date: 2007-11-04
Content: Hope Prescott and her 3 siblings were separated after their parents where killed in an automobile accident while leaving town with the church funds. This is the story that was given to the children and the town, but it becomes clear that there is some sort of cover-up. The children are scattered throughout the US, which is another reason to question the actions of some of the town's people who allowed a family to be separated even under the questionable circumstances of the parents death.

Seven years later Hope, a caring and socially conscious adult, is working at an answering service contracted to take message for the cold hearted, untrusting and very wealthy Zack Givens. Zack calls in to get his messages and is mistaken as the butler, Mr. Griswald, by Hope. Zack is so taken by their telephone conversations that he continues to mislead Hope by not telling her that he is really Mr. Givens. Because of Hope's dislike for the wealthy Zack is sure that she wouldn't be so open and caring if she knew that he is the wealthy Mr. Givens. The two meet and Zack continues to pose as his butler, always delaying when he will inform her of his true identity.

Their relationship develops into something beyond friendship and Zack is afraid of losing the one person who isn't after his money and out to use him. Throughout all of this Hope's main focus is to finish school, so she can earn enough money to fund the search for her brother and sisters.

This is a good read the characters are likeable, throughout the book you are introduced to Hope's sometimes odd friends, Zack's eccentric Aunt and likeable parents. There are several odd characters in this book, which sometimes makes for funny exchanges. I gave this book 3 stars and not 4 because I did feel that the middle seemed to have dragged, which slowed the story, but in all an enjoyable read. This book definitely made me want to know what happens next in the series as the search for the Prescott children continues.

Summary: Enjoyable Read

Rating - 2 Date: 2007-08-06
Content: The premise of this book, poor girl falls for man she doesn't know is rich was fine...but....

A. There was no real depth to the story
B. Couldn't connect to any of the characters
C. To the point too fast (not descriptive enough), you couldn't get a good feel of the surroundings.
D. Did not engross the reader and was VERY predictable.

Honestly I only finished the book because I spent the money buying it.
Summary: Lacked depth

Rating - 3 Date: 2007-05-09
Content: I read Close to You and loved it! so I decided to go backwards and read the other two prescott sisters stories. I never should have bothered. The interesting characters and well thought out plot line found in Tonue in chic was glaringly missing in this book. The herione was complete milktoast...and I really really hate the whole relationship built on a lie storyline. Come on, really...does any relationship like that really work. NO. I did the speed read version of this book. Sighing in relief when it was over. Too bad there is not a satisfaction guarantee on some of these books. $7 is a lot to waste on nonsense like this one. Skip the first two prescott books...go straight to Tongue in chic and read Christina Dodd from there. It is obvious her writing has greatly improved over the years. Her new stuff is great.
Summary: Terrible. I skipped around and then ended up reading the end.