SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL

Author: Maureen Child ISBN: 0312987277 1/2004 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS

Holiday shop owner Carol Baker infuses her business and her life with peace and good will. But she has secrets from her past that make her all the more determined to someday have a family of her own. She never expects a sweltering July heat wave to bring the gift of a baby girl who needs a mother's love...and a man who needs to heal his wounded soul. Ex-LAPD copy Jack Reilly's back in town--temporarily--to fill in for the ailing local sheriff. Haunted by the tragedy that made him leave Los Angeles, Jack doesn't believe in "forever." His sassy landlady Carol, with her year-round Chistmas spirit, gorgeous smile, and adorable little foster daughter, Liz, begin to bring him back to life. But the past has a way of coming back again, and the dark places of the heart have a way of staying hidden. Still, good things have a way of happening in Christmas--and if the Reillys have anything to say about it, what develops between Carol and Jack will be some kind of wonderful...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Carol Baker had finally made a home for herself. Since her parents deaths, she had lived in a children’s home and various foster homes and never really had a decent home life. Now that she was grown, she would make her own. She left Los Angelos to move to the perfect town for happiness, Christmas, California. Here was a town that celebrated Christmas 365 days a year.

She had her own shop called Christmas Carol’s, a giant dog who loved her, and friends. Everything was going fine until one night, while she was out walking her dog and thought she saw the baby in the town’s nativity scene move. Upon investigation she found a real newborn in the crib. Her heart immediately went out to the tiny little girl and she picked her up to save her.

Jack Reilly was back in town. He had been coerced into taking the temporary position of sheriff here in his hometown. He wasn’t happy about it, but it was only for a few short weeks. He was running from the nightmares of his past and no longer wanted to be in law enforcement.

When he is called to investigate a baby that has been deserted in the care of Carol Baker, his life began to change. His moods were dark and he didn’t want to be involved with anyone. But this sharp mouthed woman would cut him no slack.

In SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL, Maureen Child takes us deep into the thoughts of two lost human beings needing a future. The reader will find their heart going out to the two protagonists, and getting completely lost in this very emotional story. The humor it contains is unique and modern, and is bound to bring out a chuckle or two. But be prepared to have the tissues handy as well.

I look forward to reading anything else this author will write in the future.

Mariah LeGrand