|
A FAMILY AFFAIR Shirley Hailstock BET/Arabesque August 2002 (3+) Jeanette Cogdell |
Contemporary Romance |
|
PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
|
|
In the second book of the Johnson family reunion, Brenda Reid, the beautiful bookworm of the cousins, is involved in a passionate romance with Dr. Wesley Cooper. But a misunderstanding soon convinces Brenda that trusting Wes was the biggest mistake of her life. Now it will take faith, forgiveness, and a little help from her loved ones to join her heart with his again. |
|
|
REVIEW: |
|
|
“Find a wife while you’re in college,” his sister told him, but he was too engrossed in his studies to take her advice. Now at age 32, geneticist, Dr. Wesley Cooper is only partially living the American dream he craves. He has the house, but the wife, 2.3 kids and mini-van are still out of reach. He’s been on blind dates, computer dates, chat rooms and single bars, but still he hasn’t been able to make that love connection. So what’s a brainiac to do? Find the perfect woman who is “beautiful, highly intelligent, logical thinking, yet with a fiery passion, accomplished in more than her own field of expertise” and get her to have his baby with no strings attached. Wes even bets his research grant that he can do it. Enters the new instructor at Myers University, astronomer Brenda Reid. Having recently ended a relationship in which she was being used for her intelligence, the last thing Brenda wants is to get involved with another colleague. Besides, everyone on campus knows about the bet, only they think it’s about a date. The attraction is immediate with these two, and Brenda fights it with everything in her. Wes is so enamored with Brenda that he follows her on a train ride across the country to the place of her family reunion, Orlando. Along the way they get to know each other, but Brenda is determined to keep her distance and Wes is just as determined to wait her out. A FAMILY AFFAIR was an enjoyable story albeit somewhat confusing when it assumes the reader hasn’t read the previous book in this trilogy. Ms. Hailstock used the trip to strengthen the potent magnetism between Wes and Brenda, hence gearing the reader up for that ultimate sensual encounter. Brenda’s constant struggle with her head and heart was true to form and added depth to this already rich character. A significant amount of time was spent developing both characters, which gave us a comprehensive look into their psychic. A FAMILY AFFAIR is the second book in the Arabesque trilogy, FAMILY REUNION, and Wes’ light banter makes this a very easy read. The Johnson clan makes you feel right at home as if it was your own family you’re reading about. I would recommend this book, but Ms. Hailstock’s talent is showcased better in her earlier novels.
|
|
|
jeanette@romanceincolor.net (2nd JULY 2002) |
|
