For those who like their romance short and sweet, A Special English Rose will be a pleasure.
This short story gives just the simplest of stories: love at first sight, circumstances that keep the lovers apart, and how true love conquers all. The details are carefully chosen, though, from the rain on the roof to the scented love note.
James is an American pilot who has joined the British forces (via Canada) before the U.S. entry into World War I. Christina is the daughter of a duke. They know that the odds are against their love, but hope to overcome those odds.
Downs sets the scene with lush descriptions of the scenery and clothing of the era, and the characters are drawn with deft, spare strokes.