Love In The Valley

Love in the Valley by Susan Napier Harlequin Romance # 2711 - August 1985 The Marlows - Book # 1 The Marlows are a theatrical family. Michael Marlow is a world famous director and his wife, Connie an award-winning actress. They have six children, all artists of a type, except for their adopted son who is a high powered corporate lawyer. Hugh Walton is a loner; keeping his emotions tightly in check and his private life strictly private. He's often out of his depth with the fun loving exuberance of his adoptive family, and now an adult, he tends to steer away from the large family get-togethers. Because of everyone's hectic schedules, Connie Marlow decides to have a month long family reunion at their lovely home in the Valley. Hugh had planned to use the house as his getaway to write a book, so Connie purposely kept the family reunion a secret from him in fear he would bolt. Julia Fry is a rising star as a personal chef to the rich. Her employer is going to be away, so Julia jumps at the chance to be the Marlow's chef for their month in the country. From the moment of meeting, Hugh and Julia clash. Hugh's stuffy, aloof attitude only challenges Julia to make him smile. And when he finally smiles, Julia is dazzled and she loses her heart. But Hugh pushes her away, as he's certain that a free spirit like Julia would only be pure torture for his tightly reined control. This book is filled to the brim with all sorts of emotions; from the fun of pranks to the depths of horror at Hugh's early childhood. Julia is a character that was so fun to get to know. She's feisty and though fearful, follows her instincts and jumps right in anyway. Hugh is often brooding, but Ms. Napier gave him moments to show how amazing tender he could be. The fact that Julia is a mere five-foot to Hugh's six and half foot, adds to the strength of Hugh's fear of his own physical power. This was incredibly well written and a page turner from the very first page. I'm very much looking to reading more about the Marlows. :D