317 Beulah Street

It takes two years for the news of his brother Craig's death to catch up to photographer Nick Proffit and another month to regain his health from a debilitating jungle virus before he finally makes it back to the one place he never wanted to be again - Harmony Hills, Georgia. Nick was the town's sexy bad-boy when he left home sixteen years ago; Craig was the golden boy and his father's favorite, but Craig was still a very good big brother to Nick. Nick only had one close friend growing up and that was Jenna; and then Jenna married Craig and they should have lived happily ever after. Jenna Profit and her two young sons have not had an easy life since Craig died and the ensuing scandal. Craig's father died a month later after rewriting his will; he set aside a portion for his grandsons' educations and gave the rest of his money and property to charity. Jenna has been shunned by the "good" people of Harmony Hills, and supplements her teaching salary by taking in roomers in the big, old rundown mansion she and Craig had bought before his death. Jenna and her tenants all have one thing in common - heartbreak and betrayal. Having Nick staying with her and her ladies can only add more fodder for the gossips to feed on, but it feels so right having him in her life again. 317 Beulah Street is a rich and emotional story, which captivates the reader from page one. Nick is a troubled, tortured hero who only wants to make everything right for the only woman he has ever loved, Jenna. Jenna, however, is strong enough to overcome almost everything except Nick's doubts about his own brother's honesty. There is never any doubt to anyone that these two people have a future together. Sandra Steffen has created exemplary secondary characters giving each of them importance in this fantastic story. This is an easy reading, reader-pleasing romance as steamy and sultry as a Georgia summer.

0821771329As he lay in an El Salvador hospital in critical condition, photographer Nick Proffit receives the letter that informs him his brother Craig died. The letter from his sister-in-law Jenna traveled around the world taking two years to catch up to Nick. He plans to come home to learn what happened to his beloved sibling.Nick arrives in Harmony Hills, Georgia to learn how far his brother's widow and his preadolescent boys have fallen by their current address. He is shocked to also find out Jenna rents rooms to two borders needing a place to start fresh. Nick revises his charter as he must know why his brother's family have been ostracized and where did his now deceased father's wealth go, a task made easier because he is falling in love with Craig's widow and two sons.This is an interesting character study and contemporary romance that focuses on the key cast members' actions to the death of a loved one. The heroine keeps on moving in spite of the condemnation of the community because she knows she must provide a nurturing environment for her two children. Nick is more enigmatic because he never seemed concerned with life back home even when he didn't receive letters from Craig, but that still doesn't lessen his need to know now. Fans of small town dramas will enjoy a visit to 317 BEULAH STREET.Harriet Klausner

The relationships between Nick and Jenna, and Suzanne and her accountant--and the friendship between Jenna, Suzanne, Faith and Twyla Mae grabbed on the first page. The laughter in this story, the heartstrings it tugged, the hint of mystery and the surprises kept me reading when I should have been sleeping. I didn't want this story to end!

A little mystery, great friendships, and steamy romance... 317 Beulah Street intrigued me on the first page and it never let me go. Nick Proffit, a world renowned photographer is famous everywhere except in his own hometown in Georgia. Back home, his sister-in-law Jenna has taken a baffling fall from grace. Together they try to restore Jenna's late husband's reputation. It isn't without risks...The story unfolded, drawing me deeper and deeper into the characters. I mean it! I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end! And the friendship between Jenna, Suzanne, Faith and Twyla Mae lifted this book to a level few books achieve. I can't wait for Sandra Steffen's next book...