Thursday, June 9, 2011

Sister, Sister- Family Relationships

One of God's most precious gifts is a sister. Maybe it is an acccident of birth-sometimes great; sometimes not. Maybe it is one of life's blessings, friends of the heart. What a joy to have sisters, special women who are on the same page, who share your hopes and dreams, and who reach out to offer love and support. Here's someone who accepts you as you are, with all your faults and imperfections. Someone who seeks your higher good. Someone you can tell your inner thoughts and share your most intimate secrets.

Sisterhood does not always mean everything is smooth sailing. Some of your liveliest arguments, most forceful debates, and bitter disagreements will be with your sisters. When all is said and done, there's still love, caring, and commitment.

Romance authors successfully showcase the special relationship between sisters and between sisters of the heart. Nora Roberts explores interaction between these women in the O'Hurleys Triplets, the Concannon Sisters, and Mac Gregor Brides. Other authors with novels about filial relations include Jude Deveraux, Barbara Delinsky, and Judith McNaught. Join me and take a peek at romance's sisters and friends of the heart.



THE MACGREGOR BRIDES

Nora Roberts introduces her readers to the next generation of MacGregors, one of her most popular and celebrated families, as cousins Laura, Gwendolyn and Julia discover what their parents already know--that their busybody grandfather has an unerring instinct for love. Daniel MacGregor's three single granddaughters all have busy lives in Boston, building careers for themselves. But to Daniel, their lives could be more complete. Over three Christmases spent at his mansion in Hyannis Port, the patriarch and matchmaker of the MacGregor clan plans to find each granddaughter a special gift that money can't buy--the gift of a perfect man!

God! I am so in love with the MacGregor clan! In THE MACGREGOR BRIDES, meet Laura, Gwendolyn, and Julia. Their grandfather Daniel, "the MacGregor", has decided it's time they should wed. He has found the perfect man for each them, Royce Cameron, Branson Macguire, and Cullum Murdoch. He manages to have their paths cross and waits for the sparks to fly. And they do fly! You just can't help but fall in love with these gorgeous men and cheer them on throughout the book. They are the perfect matches to these three incredibly stubborn women, a MacGregor trait. Visit with Daniel's children and their spouses, Serena and Justin Blade, Caine and Diana MacGregor, Alan and Shelby MacGregor, Ian MacGregor, and of course, Daniel and Anna MacGregor. You'll just fall in love with this family.

Although the novels don't explore sisterly relations, read THE WINNING HAND. Richard "Mac"(the oldest MacGregor grandson) and Darcy Wallace's story, and THE MACGREGOR GROOMS, where "The MacGregor" targets his other grandsons D.C., Duncan, and Ian. Trust me, you'll love them all!



THE O'HURLEY TRIPLETS




LAST HONEST WOMAN IN AMERICA


When journalist Dylan Crosby starts digging up the past for the book he's writing about her infamous late husband, Abigail O'Hurley Rockwell is determined that she will do everything possible to keep the family's secrets under lock and key. She desparately wants to escape the emotional turmoil associated with the past. Dylan is dedicated to finding out the truth for a biography on Chuck Rockwell, a notorious racecar driver who was killed in a crash during a race. Crosby is ready to "dish the dirt" on everyone, including Rockwell's widow. Dylan expects that Abby is as conniving and selfish as his ex-wife, and anticipates that Abby will tell lies for her financial advantage. Little does he know that Abby is a strong, practical woman who has raised her two sons as a single mom for most of their lives, with little or no financial or emotional support, especially from her mother-in-law.

Since Abby lives in a rural area of Virginia, she has invited Dylan to stay in a guest room of her farmhouse while he conducts his in-depth interviews with her. Abby had led a sheltered life before she married at eighteen and realized early on in her marriage to Chuck, that she had only her own inner strength and innate practicality to rely upon, because Chuck just wasn't there for her or her children. Dylan can't believe that Abby is really as she appears. He knows that she is hiding something, but before he discovers information that is potentially harmful, he grows to appreciate Abby's sons Ben and Chris as well as Abby herself. He learns that sometimes the truth can be destructive if used irresponsibly, which is a whole new experience and realization for him. Dylan was considered to be "hard nosed" and compassionless before he met Abby. Both Dylan and Abby are healed by the the truth that they uncover and the love they share.




DANCE TO THE PIPER

Fans of Nora Roberts will be delighted with her tale of a woman who dared to dream and a man who had forgotten how. She moved in perfect harmony to the music that ruled her life both onstage and off. He dealt with ruthless expertise. Music was his business and he was all business--until she lit up the stage. Pursuing a daring dream of musical stardom, this young performer meets the high player in the industry whose professional dealings have made him a ruthless businessman, and whose fear of getting too close makes him resist their uncontrollable attraction.

This is one of Nora's best. It's a love story featuring Maddy O'Hurley, a talented Broadway actress, and Reed Valentine, high-powered executive, whose company is backing the musical Maddy is starring in. The attraction between them is immediate and strong, but there are risks. Reed's past throws shadows over any possibilities of happiness for them. The plot is well-crafted with realistic contemporary characters. You won't want to put it down. I didn't!




SKIN DEEP

The high price of fame meant learning to deal with eager, aggressive fans. But this one was different. He was watching, waiting, and obsessive-Chantel O'Hurley was afraid. She needed help and it came with a $500-a-day price tag--Quinn Doran, a P.I. with the kind of tough, go-to-hell looks that made a woman's pulse race. Chantel didn't need his arrogant insinuations. She needed to stay alive!




WITHOUT A TRACE

Gillian Fitzpatrick was frightened and desperate--her brother had disappeared. Trace O'Hurley was her only hope. He had the connections, the expertise and the guts. But, Trace turned his back on responsibility and commitment long ago. Gillian takes on the difficult task of convincing Trace to help her. Willing to do almost anything to find her lost brother, can she risk falling in love? Just what will she have to do to get Trace's help?

No comments:

Post a Comment