Barbara Taylor Bradford Just Rewards

Just Rewards

Barbara Taylor Bradford

St. Martin's, Jan 2006, $24.95, 480 pp.

ISBN: 0312307063

In London Linnet O'Neill remains the heir apparent to the matriarchal Harte family business still run by her mother Paula. However, Linnet knows that besides her mom watching her progress, her grandmother Daisy, and her late great-grandmother Edwina look over her shoulders too and rival half-sister Tessa Fairley Longden would love to push her aside. She feels especially good for her assistant, former American sales clerk Evan Hughes, who is carrying twins and has plans with her lover Gideon Harte.

However, the idyllic times ends when Linnet's half-sister Tessa Fairley Longden calls in a panic that her little girl Adele has vanished. Linnet's initial reaction is that Tessa's estrange spouse Mark abducted their daughter as a pawn to get his hands on billions so with her mother in New York, she calls for a family brainstorming session to decide what to do. All agree that Mark kidnapped the child except Evan who wonders if something more sinister happened to Adele. What to do to save Adele is as important as working the media feeding frenzy, but first Paula must know.

This is third tale of the next generation mini series starring the powerful four females whom continue the dynasty set forth by Emma. Thankfully there is an opening score sheet that list the myriad of members as their seems to be a zillion of them. The story line takes its time to get into action mode as each of the prime women (that includes Paula) ponder the relative strengths of their gene pool and their wealth. The fears for Adele's safety threaten to reveal other secrets as the family tries to come together, which means a fun time for Emma's myriad of fans.

Harriet Klausner