Rosemary Laurey - Susan Kay Law
Laurey, Rosemary - SOUTHERN SONG
(Hard Shell Word Factory; E-book - 1/99) (3)
The high school in the southern town of Seven Oaks has a terrible
academic reputation, and Mike Hartman is hired by an old college
friend to be the new principal. Mike is a Chicagoan, not used
to the ways of the South, but the last thing he expects is to
be robbed in his hotel room during his first night in town.
Not stopping to consider that he was sleeping in the nude, he
madly pursues the thief through the hotel. A female security
guard joins the chase and manages to apprehend the criminal;
and much to Mike's embarrassment, points out that he might want
to return to his room and put some clothes on.
Hoping to never meet this woman again, Mike is shocked to discover that Sarah McAllister not only moonlights at the hotel—she is also a member of the town's leading family, as well as the learning disabled teacher at Seven Oaks High School! Sarah is guardian to a rebellious seventeen-year-old and is well aware of the problems facing the new principal. She has her doubts as to whether or not he is the right man for the job, and the fact that he is from the North doesn't help. But in the midst of academic chaos, Mike and Sarah manage to form a bond that soon develops into feelings much stronger than friendship. The brief romantic relationship is doomed from the beginning, however, because Mike harbors a secret that makes any lasting relationship impossible, and Sarah is facing family commitments that require any man involved with her to give his all.
SOUTHERN SONG is a seldom traveled road into the educational environment and the world of teenage alcoholics. While the story line is interesting and believable, it lacks the sexual tension and excitement most romance readers have come to expect. The development of Mike's and Sarah's relationship, as they overcome their individual demons and form a deep and loving bond, is overshadowed by the serious social issues affecting their lives. However if you find these issues intriguing and you want a quick read, you may enjoy SOUTHERN SONG. ~Olivia Holton for Bookbug on the Web
Law, Susan Kay - LAST MAN IN TOWN, THE (Avon - 6/99) (4+)
Setting: Minnesota, 1860
Lucas Garrett loved women, everything about them, so when the rest of the men in Maple Falls headed west during the Gold Rush, he stayed behind. Surrounded by a town full of lonely, doting females, the handsome ladies' man felt as if he had already
found his fortune—even though his good looks had never failed to garner second looks from admiring women in the past.
But the day arrives when Lucas tries to dodge some of the female attention. He's had his fill of freshly baked pie, beckoning smiles, and the endless number of social invitations—not to mention all the women who want to drag him to the altar. He feels as if there's a spinster hiding behind every tree and bush, ready to pounce on him. He still loves the ladies, but he is exhausted! Lucas devises a brilliant plan, or so he thinks. He persuades the prim-and-proper Priscilla Wentworth, who has always been like a sister to him, to act as his betrothed so the women will leave him alone. Pris doesn't think his scheme will work. How can they convince others they are in love when there are no romantic feelings between them, not even a glimmer? She agrees to help her friend, but under one condition. Lucas must find her a good, decent man to marry when this charade is over.
THE LAST MAN IN TOWN is a heartwarming and fun Americana romance. Readers will cheer for the less-than-perfect heroine, who succeeds at winning the heart of her childhood friend and truly becoming beautiful in his eyes. Beyond the humor and witty repartee, you will find a wealth of emotion and steadily awakening passion. The tension builds, jealousy mixes with confusion, feelings become more complex as love awakens—all leading up to a very sensual love scene with the prim heroine still wearing her dainty white gloves. Susan Kay Law aims for the heart with this wonderfully human, best-friends-in-love tale, and hits her mark perfectly. ~June Folk for Bookbug on the Web
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