Small-Town Family

Journalist Dylan Smith has come to Sturgeon Falls, Wisconsin looking for the father he never knew. He has one clue - his father used to work in the cherry orchards. Based on this one clue, he thinks his father was the now dead Stuart Van Allen and he wants to talk with Gus Macauley who used to work with Stuart. But Gus has been sick lately and charter boat captain Charlotte Burns is determined to protect the man she loves like a father. The more he sees of Charlotte, the more Dylan is determined to break through her defenses, much to the dismay of his young daughter Haley. Charlotte is attracted to Dylan but wary because of a failed marriage. But just as Charlotte draws closer to Dylan, she discovers a secret that threatens to come between her and the two men she cares about - Gus and Dylan. "Small Town Family' is an enjoyable romance novel. Charlotte is a strong, likable heroine, working hard to succeed in a job usually done by men. Her family problems as a child and her continuing struggles in her relationship with her mother are well written. Dylan is also well written, struggling to understand his daughter as she grows older and determined to find out who his father is. The romance between Dylan and Charlotte is well done and I love the way they meet. The conflict that develops when Charlotte discovers something about Dylan's father and has to decide whether or not to share what she knows is also well done and readers will emphasize with her while she struggles to do the right thing. The secondary characters are well developed including Gus; his wife Frances; their daughter Kat; Dylan's daughter Haley; and Charlotte's coworker Steve. Margaret Watson is a talented writer and Sturgeon Falls comes to life under her pen. There is a nicely written subplot about developers wanting Gus's boat that will keep readers turning the pages. There are a few flaws in the book - readers will quickly realize who Dylan's father is and far too many people in the book have father issues including Charlotte, Dylan, and Steve. Still, these are minor flaws in an otherwise nicely done book. Romance novel fans will enjoy "Small Town Family".

Charlotte Burns is a fishing boat captain in a world where men dominate her world. The one man in her life, Gus helped her to become where she is today and is like a father to her - and she will do anything to keep him happy and safe while he recovers from pneumonia. When Dylan Smith comes snooping around, she decides to keep Gus's home address a secret. Dylan Smith is a reporter who has come to Sturgeon Falls for one story. The story of who his father is. Dylan may find himself wanting to help Charlotte keep her boat in its rightful home when developers try to come into their area, but his real reason for being there, is to track down who his mother was involved with when she got pregnant. Charlotte is a woman with many dimensions. She may have a dirty smelly job, but she cleans up into a feminine creature that pulls at Dylan's heart strings even when he does not want to get involved. When Charlotte realizes who Dylan is looking for, she must make choices - does she help the man who stole her heart, or the friends who have been with her for her entire life. Dylan may not know his father, but he knows a good woman when he sees one. He finds himself falling in love with more than the area he knows his father comes from, and finds himself debating pushing Charlotte to let him question Gus about his past and the men he used to work with. When he realizes Charlotte has figured out his parentage he has to decide if her secrets are enough to keep them apart. Margaret Wilson is a talented writer who brings her stories alive and leaves readers breathless with wanting to know the truth. Dylan becomes more than a character; he becomes a living breathing soul who has a right to know his heritage. When Charlotte retreats into herself to decide who has a right to know the truth, reader's hearts will break. This is a true tale of love and an emotional ride, read with caution; it will keep you awake until you turn the last page and sigh with relief that all will be well in Sturgeon Falls. Review Courtesy of LoveRomancesandmore.com