Jennifer Greene Sparkle

Sparkle

Jennifer Greene

Harlequin Next, Jul 2006, $5.50

ISBN: 0373881002

When Maude Rose dies, most of her Righteous neighbors assume she was an unrighteous sinner. However, lawyer Cal Asher informs two women she left a legacy in valuable jewelry to them. Neither understands why, but Maude Rose felt she owed three people for being kind to her; one was dead so her will was set to say thanks to Georgina Loretta "Poppy" Thompson and Bren Price for being nice to her when everyone else scorned her as a old drunk.

Neither Poppy nor Bren know why them as Poppy is better with animals as friends than people, and Bren is the perfect Minster's wife helping people except her spouse Charles resents her kindness towards others even his flock at the Church of Peace. Though opposites in outlook, they soon become friends to one another and start using the jewels to help one another and others over the objections of family and friends who feel do-gooders are naive.

The premise is simple: two nice caring individuals receive rewards from a lonely woman who they treated with respect and kindness. The inspirational story line focuses on how the beneficiaries use their windfall especially with pressure from those who "know" better like Charles. Readers will appreciate the strength that friendship gives both these women as they gain confidence to continue overtly what they believe is right in spite of the nay sayers.

Harriet Klausner