Stephanie Mittman
Mittman, Stephanie - COURTSHIP, THE (Dell - 1998) (3)
Cabot, a powerful lawyer who was crippled at a young age, marries Charlotte, an aspiring lawyer. He tutors her and she becomes one of the first women lawyers in 1880's California. Cabot is a very cold man and after six years of marriage he has never even kissed Charlotte. Plus, he does everything he can to discourage any femininity in her. Enter Ash, the younger brother who carries the guilt of causing the accident that crippled Cabot. The day Ash arrives in town he is arrested for arson of his warehouse and the murder of three vagrants living there. Cabot is called upon to save the day and get his baby brother out of trouble once again. Ash is captivated by Charlotte's innocence and falls in love with her, but in all fairness, he tries to get Cabot to understand his wife's needs. Cabot is not a nice person, in my opinion, and it's a little hard to believe Charlotte is such an innocent when she is an educated, enlightened lawyer. THE COURTSHIP covers many topics, including child abuse and women's rights. Even though this is not what I look for in a romance of this era, Mittman does a good job of bringing the story to a happy conclusion. ~Carol C. (angelca@ibm.net)
Mittman, Stephanie - HEAD OVER HEELS (Dell - 12/99) (4+)
Nan Springfield, a minister's wife, feels her marriage slipping away. Her husband Philip was once a kind man, but now he is inattentive and secretive towards not only her, but their son
and three foster children, too. One rainy evening while she and Philip are having another confrontation, a phone call from a parishioner prompts them to tune to a radio program featuring talk-show host Harris Tweed and his sidekick, Ross, who are discussing the scholarship money that's missing from Philip's church. On the way to confront his accusers, Phil is killed in an auto accident, and in the aftermath, Nan is left destitute
and bereft. She blames Tweed for her husband's death and she's determined to find evidence that proves Phil was not a thief. But first, she must find a way to support herself and the children, as well as look for a new home. Then she meets Harry Woolery, who gives her hope for the future...
Harry Woolery, also known as Harris Tweed, is a single father and an overnight talker with a bad attitude, who once had big dreams of becoming a famous radio personality. But he chose a job that would enable him to spend his days with his son Josh, who lives with his ex-wife, and also allow him to help his dad with the farming. Harry feels terribly guilty when he hears about the minister's fatal accident, and when he observes Nan and the children at the funeral, he is determined to help them as much as he can. Dressed up as Santa Claus and using his real name, he treats the family to a joyous Christmas Day and strikes up a friendship with them. As time goes by, Harry and Nan are drawn to each other and they begin to fall in love. However, Nan still bears a strong dislike for Harris Tweed, even though the talk-show host helps her financially through his radio program. Harry knows that when Nan discovers his true identity, he will lose her and the children; but he desperately needs her affection, admiration, and respect. What is he to do?
HEAD OVER HEELS, which marks Stephanie Mittman's foray into contemporary fiction, is a heartwarming, sensual romance with an unusual plot twist that's reminiscent of the classic movie, THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION. The characters are adeptly portrayed and extremely likable, including Harry's irascible father, Nate, and little DJ, Nan's autistic foster child. But Harry and Nan take center stage in this tender romance. They are both lonely souls who come to realize the forgiving and redeeming power of love, despite misunderstandings and well-meaning deception. I fell HEAD OVER HEELS for Harry, Nan, and the children, and I know other romance lovers will, too! ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
Mittman, Stephanie - KISS TO DREAM ON, A (Dell - 1998) (3+)
Deputy Sheriff Gideon Forbes has played second fiddle to Slick Waynick for most of his life, and in his own quiet way he's been protecting Lissie Mallard from the consequences of Slick's foolhardy plans ever since they were youngsters. The sheriff is as honorable as the day is long, but he's never been willing, or able, to speak to Lissie about his tender feelings for her.
This gentle giant of a man is well-respected and much loved, but he is totally unaware of his own worth and appeal. For that reason, he has always settled for the crumbs of affection Lissie has tossed his way—on those occasions when she was forced by circumstance to notice him, that is.
As an only child, the motherless Lissie was a beautiful but reckless pixie, always willing to follow the smooth-talking Slick into any kind of mischief. In all of their years growing up in a small Montana mining town, she never allowed herself to realize the obvious—it was Gideon, not Slick, who always came to her rescue when their childish pranks got out of hand. All grown up now, but still true to his nature, Slick abandons a pregnant Lissie at the altar, and our hero once again steps in to save her. Not allowing himself to think, much less care, about the probable consequences, Gideon willingly enters into a marriage of convenience in order to love Lissie the only way he knows how.
Using descriptions that are often achingly sweet and tender, Stephanie Mittman chronicles the loves and losses of ordinary, small-town people who lived out their lives in a time from our not-too-distant past. For the most part, the book is well paced, and it certainly kept me turning the pages. However, I did find it somewhat frustrating when Gideon and Lissie repeatedly made erroneous assumptions about what the other was thinking or feeling. These "great misunderstandings" were faithful to the characterizations developed over the course of the tale, but there were moments when I wanted to jump into the story, box a couple of ears, and tell them both to "get on with it."
Additionally, a conflict was introduced that dealt with copper mining and the abuses that the miners of that period had to live with. Although the situations were at times volatile and potentially deadly, I never felt that they became an integral part of the plot line. This created some loose ends that I wish had been tied up with a bit more detail. Those feelings aside, however, I can wholeheartedly recommend A KISS TO DREAM ON to those who enjoy a wonderful slice of pure Americana. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
Mittman, Stephanie - SWEETER THAN WINE (Dell - 1997) (3+)
If you enjoy sweet homespun romances, you will really like this book. Ethan has nothing to offer a girl—no money, no home, no land. But he is a good man. Sterling Phillips had been kicked out of her home because of her illegitimate baby, causing her to seek shelter with relatives. A tragic accident involving her child brings Ethan and her together (to her dismay). Enter the rival, a short, balding man who thinks he is IT. He has been Ethan's nemesis forever. Add some twists: the hero is a virgin—she is not; he is poor—she comes from wealth; she is trying to keep her secret—he is dense. A fun, light read. Very warmhearted. ~Carol C. (angelca@ibm.net)
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