Connie Rinehold
Rinehold, Connie - SILKEN THREADS (Harl. Super. 374) (4)
At the age of sixteen, Sabrina Haddon found herself pregnant and on the end of a one-sided love affair. Her mother had died a year earlier, so she had to quit school to take care of her invalid father and have her baby. Three years later her father died, and suffering with grief and guilt, she gave her daughter up for adoption. Sabrina worked her way through high school and then studied fashion and design. She was hired by a small boutique to design and make clothes, and later became a partner in this venture, which eventually grew into a very successful business. Sixteen years later, continually haunted by the past, she answers the door and is shocked as she confronts Tess Jordan—the near image of a sixteen-year-old Sabrina.
Tess had been adopted by a loving couple, Claire and Ramsey Jordan. But Claire had given all of her love and attention to Tess, shutting out her husband. Ignored and hurt, Ramsey devoted his time and energy into building his company into a thriving business. After Claire died, he didn't change his habits and Tess felt unwanted and unloved. She accidentally finds her birth records and runs away to visit Sabrina. Ramsey suffers guilt knowing Tess is hurting, and he is frantic to find her. Locating the birth papers, he tracks down his daughter, and when he arrives at Sabrina's home he is enraged and defensive. Sabrina calms him down, but they become snowbound and he is forced to spend the night in her home. The following morning, Sabrina discovers that Ramsey and Tess left without saying goodbye. She is desolate about losing her daughter so soon after finding her again.
Ms. Rinehold builds on the story, introducing a great cast of secondary characters. Her insight into the life of an adopted teenager is so realistic that you know just what Tess is thinking and feeling. The author vividly describes Ramsey's and Sabrina's thoughts, too, as they fight their feelings for each other. And the deep, sacrificial love that they both have for Tess is shown throughout the story. The teenager is the catalyst in the story, capable of bringing three hurting people together or pulling them apart. You'll react with a few tears, but also be pleasured by the humor and warmth of love in this story. Ms. Rinehold has created magic with words, and I really enjoyed getting to know Ramsey and Sabrina. The only negative thought I have about SILKEN THREADS is that it wasn't long enough. ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web
Rinehold, Connie - VEIL OF TEARS (Harl. Amer. 380) (3+)
VEIL OF TEARS is based upon a legend surrounding an exquisite piece of jewelry that took a lifetime for the artist to create. Is it real or fiction? This was the bait that drew Alex to
claim an estate willed to him, an estate that hides a wealth of secrets. He is a rich man, having gained his fortune from high-stakes gambling, but he is also a man running from his past and the mysteries surrounding his birth. Alex never received a child's love, and he is a calculating, cold and uncaring person who only looks out for himself. When he meets Julia Devlin, however, he begins to thaw.
Raised by an Irish father who spun tales of magic, Julia had a beautiful childhood, but she is also hiding painful secrets of her past. These two lost, hurting souls have the ability to hone in on each other's thoughts and feelings, understanding each other like no one else ever has. They are perfect mates, and if only they can get beyond their pasts, they can help each other and learn to trust.
There is a lot of feisty word play and action between Alex and Julia, and the author develops the characters in such a way that you experience their healing and growth while they both learn the act of giving and receiving. Watch tough man Alex become a romantic as Julia's shell crumbles. I would have liked for them to resolve their differences earlier, but Rinehold does keep you in suspense until the end of the story. ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web
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