Romance Book Reviews

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An Accidental Woman by Barbara Delinsky
Simon and Schuster, July, 2002
Hardcover, 371 pages
ISBN: 0743204700
Subgenre: Women's Fiction
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

An Accidental Woman
by Barbara Delinsky

For fourteen years, Heather Malone has lived with Micah Smith, a widower with two little girls, in the beautiful town of Lake Henry. One morning, the FBI shows up at their home, tells Micah that Heather is a fugitive wanted for murder, and take her into custody. Devastated, Micah doesn't want to believe that the charges are true, but he can get no straight answer from Heather. Heather's best friend, Poppy Blake, is a paraplegic as a result of a snowmobile accident which claimed the life of her male companion. Poppy has made a new life for herself, yet guilt over the past keeps her from opening up to people, especially to Griffin Hughes, the reporter who unwittingly led the FBI straight to Heather. Griffin is determined to find out the truth about Heather's past, and break through Poppy's shell to find the loving woman underneath.

Barbara Delinsky returns to the town of Lake Henry, New Hampshire, the setting for Lake News, in this heartwarming story of love, lies and second chances. It's maple syrup harvesting season in New England, and the story benefits greatly from this interesting backdrop. The entire town is involved in racing to process the sap before the spring thaw sets in. As the winter turns to spring, Heather, Micah, Poppy and Griffin's stories unfold. With her trademark vivid characterization and heartfelt emotion, Ms. Delinsky delivers another moving story of family, friendship, love and the hope for a second chance at a new life.

Don't Look Back by Amanda Quick
Bantam, June, 2002
Hardcover, 323 pages
ISBN: 0553802003
Subgenre: Historical
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Don't Look Back
by Amanda Quick

Private investigators to the wealthy and titled, Lavinia Lake and Tobias March were introduced in Slightly Shady, and the charming couple is back with another wonderful adventure. An old family friend and talented mesmerist, Dr. Howard Hudson, comes to visit Lavinia, and introduces her and Tobias to his beautiful young bride, Celeste. When Celeste is found brutally murdered, Dr. Hudson begs Lavinia to find the murderer. But Tobias feels that Hudson is more interested in finding the Blue Medusa bracelet that went missing around the time of Celeste's death. The bracelet is reputed to have mysterious powers, and any number of collectors are after the rare relic. Lavinia and Tobias are joined in the investigation by Emmeline, Lavinia's neice who is enjoying a London season being introduced to society, and by Anthony, the young brother of Tobias' late wife. As the search for a killer and the mysterious bracelet heat up, Lavinia and Tobias find themselves in danger from a ruthless killer who doesn't intend to be caught.

Don't Look Back is a funny, witty and romantic Regency-era romp. Lavinia and Tobias are a passionate and stubborn pair; their interchanges are spirited and very funny -- especially when Tobias is trying to convince Lavinia not to rush into danger alone (a lost cause). The dialogue is flawless and the Regency-era background is especially well done. Both mystery fans and romance fans will find this story an absolute delight. Highly recommended.

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An Accidental Woman by Barbara Delinsky

Don't Look Back by Amanda Quick