jjares reviewed on 2/26/2014 + 3297 more book reviews

I thought that SWEET MEMORIES was a bit dated but found out that this is a reprint from the mid-1980s. Spencer does such a wonderful job with conveying feelings; however, that I thought it made the story worthwhile. I was impressed with Jan Freeds entry; the last chapter was a bit over the top but she was very accurate with her descriptions of Houston, down to the bus fumes.

Sweet Memories - LaVyrle Spencer 5 stars

Theresa Brubaker is a severely inhibited 25 year old teacher of childrens music in a local elementary school. To put it plainly, she has enormous breasts (DDs) on her size 9 body. She also has carrot orange hair that wants spread out into 3 counties.

Shes never had a decent date because the only guys who asked her out in high school were gawkers or gropers. Theresa lives at home with 14 year-old Amy and her parents. Their brother Jeff is stationed several states away. It is Christmas and Jeff is flying home for 2 weeks. He asked his mother if he could bring a fellow soldier home.

Mrs. Brubaker is delighted; Theresa is horrified. Theresa has spent most of her life hiding in a coat or shapeless sweaters; shes not interested in meeting another groper or gawker.

Brian Scanlon is best friends with Jeff; they have a band together. They have 6 months of service left in the Air Force. Jeff is very aware of Theresas problem and he gets Brian interested in her.

The pacing was wonderful and the emotions Theresa and Brian were experiencing seemed appropriate. The two main characters are likeable, strong and intelligent; watching them grapple with the situation they find themselves in is fascinating.

One Tough Texan Jan Freed 4.5 stars

This is a fairly common plot line; however, I thought Jan Freed breathed new life into it. The hero finds that his sister has died and left a 5 year-old child. Mary had a roommate, Abby Parker. Over time, we learn that Abby took more care of Mattie (the child) than her mother did.

Matt is already stressed trying to make the mortgage on his ranch. Hes at a critical point and is upset to be suddenly responsible for a child he didnt know existed. He sees the solution hire Abby to serve as nanny; she is underwhelmed with the offer.

Because of a romantic disaster in her past, Abby is turned off by macho Matt. Obviously, Abby agrees to be nanny for a time -- or the story would be over.

Matt is afraid of loving Mattie; Abby goads him to become a real uncle to the child. Matt teaches Abby to trust again. Well done!

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