This book is a mere shadow of some of Dorothy Garlocks other works. Simon Wright, the hero, is interesting but I didnt have a clear understanding of his motivation other than the fact that he was very interested in Nona Conrad (the heroine).
The story is set in 1980, which is odd because the book has the feel of a much earlier era. Three females arrive at the isolated fishing camp in Arkansas: Older sister, Nona Conrad, 14 year-old sister Maggie and Mabel Rogers, a neighbor who had turned into the quasi-aunt to both of the Conrads.
Nona and Maggie have a neer-do-well half-brother (Harold) who sent a sealed package secretly to Nona (as the story begins). Unfortunately, the story falls apart there; Simon has been in love with Nona for years and realizes shes in trouble (Harold has embezzled millions from a bank). The mob-types he stole the money for are looking for him and the loot; they decided to lean on the half-sisters.
As soon as Nona agrees to manage the camp, Simon buys the business and arrives to protect the 3 ladies. The mobsters send Frank and Webb to the fishing camp and the mayhem begins. The hippie family is probably the most interesting part of the story; unfortunately they are only a small part of the plot. Are you following all this?
Red-headed Nona spends the first ½ of the book in a rage; while Simon avoids answering her questions. At times, the story seems disjointed; some of the characters are poorly developed.
My suggestion -- and one Im going to use look for some of Dorothy Garlocks earlier books!
The story is set in 1980, which is odd because the book has the feel of a much earlier era. Three females arrive at the isolated fishing camp in Arkansas: Older sister, Nona Conrad, 14 year-old sister Maggie and Mabel Rogers, a neighbor who had turned into the quasi-aunt to both of the Conrads.
Nona and Maggie have a neer-do-well half-brother (Harold) who sent a sealed package secretly to Nona (as the story begins). Unfortunately, the story falls apart there; Simon has been in love with Nona for years and realizes shes in trouble (Harold has embezzled millions from a bank). The mob-types he stole the money for are looking for him and the loot; they decided to lean on the half-sisters.
As soon as Nona agrees to manage the camp, Simon buys the business and arrives to protect the 3 ladies. The mobsters send Frank and Webb to the fishing camp and the mayhem begins. The hippie family is probably the most interesting part of the story; unfortunately they are only a small part of the plot. Are you following all this?
Red-headed Nona spends the first ½ of the book in a rage; while Simon avoids answering her questions. At times, the story seems disjointed; some of the characters are poorly developed.
My suggestion -- and one Im going to use look for some of Dorothy Garlocks earlier books!
