Suddenly One Summer

I had never read this author before and now I am trying to find every book I can by her. It is a refreshing change from what I normally read (best-selling murder mysteries).

I have stumbled upon Barbara Freethy and I love this book. I normally read Susan Wiggs, Nora Roberts, Mary Alice Monroe, Luanne Rice, Heather Graham, Fern Michaels. I will now add this author to my favorites list.

If you like your summer reading to be full of unforgettable characters and lots of great emotion you should definitely get hold of SUDDENLY ONE SUMMER, Barbara Freethy's latest book. Actually it's the first in a series that takes place in a California town called Angel's Bay. It's a real page-turner and I can't wait for the next book in the series. This one is full of suspense, romance and a hint of magic. You'll love it!

What makes Angel's Bay different than the rest of California is a belief that angels exist. There is proof as a video of sightings has gotten around, but reporter Reid Tanner assumes a clever fraud by the townsfolk. He plans to prove the whole thing is a fake. Tanner meets another newcomer Jenna Davies who saved a pregnant girl from suicide. He is attracted to her because she avoids the publicity her rescue warrants. Meanwhile, enigmatic etchings appear on a cliff that is nearly impossible to climb let alone stop to carve symbols. Soon Tanner begins to wonder if the legends are true as someone unseen seems to help people there and glimpses of what appears to be previous lives occur. Either that or someone is pulling off quite a fraud with no obvious motive. The premise is intriguing as the townsfolk fully believe angels reside with them leading to a fun paranormal romance between the ultimate skeptic seeking the scam and the somewhat doubting but hopeful other newcomer. They are a solid lead couple as each separately and together struggle to navigate the nuances of Angel's Bay although the numerous appearances of the zillion townsfolk at times overwhelms their prime plot. Still this is a warm lighthearted romp that fans will enjoy and look forward to apparently future angelic sagas. Harriet Klausner