NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY - Beth Andrews
Harlequin Superromance #1496
ISBN: 978-0-3737-1496-4
June 2008
Contemporary Series Romance

Serenity Springs, New York - Present Day

Kelsey Regan nourishes the hope of reconciling with her brother, Dillon Ward. She knows it was her fault that Dillon went to prison. Since his release, she has been trying to find him, but it seems Dillon is avoiding her. Finally, Kelsey learns he is working on the renovations of an old tavern called the Summit in Serenity Springs. She immediately packs up her old car and heads to the little town. But before she meets up with her brother, she butts heads with the chief of police, Jack Martin. As she looks up at him, her breath is taken away. Jack Martin is trouble, with a capital T.

Jack Martin was a police officer in New York City, but after his wife died, he could no longer handle his job and almost lost his badge. To re-start his life, he returned home to Serenity Springs with his young daughter, Emma. When he drives by his sister’s closed tavern and sees a strange car parked out in front, he stops to investigate. Jack is especially suspicious since his sister, Allie, has hired an ex-convict. He confronts a young woman inside the tavern, and when she says she is Dillon’s sister, he wonders what type of person she is. After all, Dillon Ward was convicted of murder. He doesn’t believe Dillon is reformed and becomes even more suspicious when Dillon walks in, sees Kelsey, and is extremely rude to his own sister. Jack doesn’t know why, but Kelsey intrigues him. Perhaps he needs to get to know her better. Things are about to get hot.

The town’s tranquility is shattered when Shannon Crandall, wife of a prominent city councilman, is murdered. Before Jack can begin his investigation, emotions kick into high gear when he learns that the last person seen with Shannon was Dillon. Even though there is no evidence, the mayor and city council demand Jack arrest Dillon for the murder, or lose his job. Kelsey knows her brother is innocent, and she is determined to prove it. But to muddy the waters, Kelsey is falling for Jack and his young daughter, Emma. For a small town, there are lot of whispers and dark secrets.

NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY will keep readers captivated as Jack, our handsome hero, does his job. He refuses to arrest Dillon because there is no evidence. Jack is a by-the-book police chief, but now his job is in jeopardy, and he is falling for the sister of the suspect -- what will he do?

Beth Andrews has written an intriguing tale. Readers will embrace the main characters, and the supporting characters have their own stories to tell. Ms. Andrews has blended life in a small town with the politics, rumors, secrets, nosey neighbors and friends that add to the charisma of NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY.

Deborah C Jackson