Phantom Waltz by Catherine Anderson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
418 pages

The first book in the Coulter Family series, Phantom Waltz, was released in July 2001 and is based on Bethany Coulter’s love story with Ryan Kendrick. Bethany Coulter is a young woman working for her father’s company The Works who was paralyzed from the waist down as a teenager. Confined to a wheelchair, and not expecting to date any man, she is taken by complete surprise when the handsome rancher from the Rocking K ranch asks her out to dinner. Although she is initially distrusting, and Ryan himself is wary about handling Bethany, the two reach a mutual point of attraction and feelings that enable them to overcome many obstacles throughout their courtship.

Towards the end of the book there is a big surprise that threatens to tear Ryan and Bethany apart for good, but Catherine Anderson once again proves that love can conquer all. The chemistry between these two characters is electric, the emotions they feel are raw and heartwarming, and their journey to a lifetime of happiness is far from easy as they grapple with the reality of Bethany’s disability and the depth of their love for each other. Phantom Waltz is the perfect romance book for all those who strongly believe in true love and would even make the most cynical person have a change of heart and begin to have hope. The writing and the plot is excellent and the first book in the series is not only the best book of them all, but arguably Catherine Anderson’s best love story to date.