Exchange of Hearts

Engaging, emotional, and even at times exciting, "Exchange of Hearts" is another solid effort from Janet Quin-Harkin. The novel tells the story of British exchange student Fiona Henley, a sheltered London city girl whose world revolves around schoolwork and quiet evenings watching TV with her sweet and equally unambitious boyfriend Simon. Enter Fiona's evil parents, who have cooked up a scheme with their family friend, Professor West, to have Fiona stay with the West family for a year in America, while Sherry West comes to live with the Henleys for a year in London. Poor Fiona is such a wimp she can't even offer more than a half-hearted protestation, and next thing she knows she is off on a plane to the West family's New Mexico cattle ranch. In addition to the expected problems of culture shock and home sicknesses, Fiona soon learns she must contend with Sherry's moody and immature older brother, Gregory "Taco" West, who seems to have it in for Fiona from the moment she arrives and spends a good chunk of the novel playing dirty tricks on her. Of course, it will come as a surprise to precisely no one when Fiona and Taco finally realize that behind their rivalry is a very thinly veiled and very strong attraction - or when Fiona and Simon grow apart and move on - or when Taco's gorgeous former flame Honey rears her metaphorical ugly head. While there aren't many surprises, the plot moves quickly, and the setting and descriptions are vivid and captivating. The only real sour note is the novel's ending, which insists on remaining starkly realistic, even at the expense of romanticism.