Brand-New Heartache

I liked this story of two people who misunderstood each other in high school but come to rely on and love each other later in life. Wade is an appealing hero, and Edie is vulnerable without being weak. The story was well paced and kept my interest. Shayne's Brand stories continue to be enjoyable.

Wade Armstrong spends thirteen years proving himself to the small town of Big Falls, Oklahoma. He won't be happy until he's the most successful businessman in town, and owns the biggest house on the highest hill so he can look down on them all. Too bad Wade procrastinated too long before signing the contract for the house of his dreams. When he arranges to meet the real estate again, Edie Brand shows up as well. His efforts to sandbag her purchasing the house backfires, and now she's moving into the house he wanted. Edie left L.A. when her contract as a lingerie model was fulfilled. Speculation abounds, but tabloids failed to trace Edie back to her hometown. She's kept a low profile, but the stalker that drove her out of L.A. finds her, leaving a "gift" of handcuffs in a plain box in her mother's kitchen. She doesn't tell anyone of the numerous "gifts" and letters the stalker sent, or just how threatening they have become. The threats drive her out of her mother's house and into a place of her own so she can protect her family from lurking danger. And now Wade has taken it upon himself to protect her.Book two of The Oklahoma All-Girl Brands miniseries continues the excitement with pizzazz in BRAND-NEW HEARTACHE. Maggie Shayne presents a vividly realized, fast paced novel with extraordinary characterizations and a terrific plot. When opposites clash, Edie and Wade find that have quite a lot in common, beginning with hidden interest stemming all the way back to high school. Secondary characters are likewise believable and enchanting, including a mother who's never wrong and an empathic sister who sense energy flows. A fabulous read, BRAND-NEW HEARTACHE comes very highly recommended.