a very good book ( )

Story is interesting with suspence - bad dreams - and a strange romance between the two main characters. The story does get confusing at times and some is not interesting but the chapters are short so easy to read....has a good ending. This is my first time to read Karen Robards and I will try another one of her books. ( )

Not a deep read, but enjoyable. The attraction between the lead characters is well written and kept me turning the pages. ( )

Good build up to Olivia's recovery of memory of the events surrounding her mother's death. Olivia returns to her step-father's Louisiana "Big House" in which she grew up. Not a blood relative, her return after eloping to marry a rodeo rider is not without uncertainties and family resentments but she is warmly welcomed by her dying step-aunt. Robards' brings in a suspense element with brief chapters depicting young girls being abucted by a mysterious man, and lets us believe it is tied to Olivia (and her daughter's) nightmares of a monster in the room.
The usual attraction between people who start out angry at each other.
Olivia's focus on her daughter, and ability to empathize with 8 yr old Chloe, were highlights of the book.
A few aspects that stretch the limits of believability, a few instances where editors didn't match up details when (apparently) sections were rewritten. ( )

I read this book not all that long ago. I hadn't read anything by Karen Robards in awhile and really needed a reliable read at that moment.
Olivia had blocked out any memories she had of her mother and her death. She grew up with her step- father's family. When she was a teenager she went wild and abruptly married a guy that wasn't right for her and had a child. When the marriage fell apart, Olivia had to sink or swim. She raised her daughter on her own and grew up in the process. Now, Olivia's aunt has written to her after many years of estrangement from her family. Her aunt is ill and wants Olivia to come back home. But, once she arrives it is made very clear she is not welcome.
There is a southern gothic feel to this novel. It is formula romantic suspense, but this one stands out from the usual. I liked how Olivia reponded to crisis, how she had more maturity than her cousin, and of course the steamy romance and really tense suspense. It was a very adult book. The subject matter here is very difficult to read at times. This was really a very good book. I have to hand it Robards. She has never let me down. ( )