Joan Medlicott, An Unexpected Family

An Unexpected Family

Joan Medlicott

Pocket, Apr 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 1416524568

In Covington, North Carolina, widow Amelia Declose is stunned when the proof that her late husband cheated on her arrives at her door. His daughter Miriam, having no one to turn to, has arrived at the hometown of her deceased father. She seeks shelter from her abusive, obsessed, former spouse. Amelia cannot refuse to help Miriam due to Sadie, her late spouse's young, frightened granddaughter.

The three generations of females struggle to find common grounds, especially with the two adults hurting from men who let them down. However, though Amelia and Miriam rationalize that they accept one another for Sadie's sake, both knows deep down they need each other too. Still, neither will state that they are forging a family that could break apart if they fail to admit their need for each other goes beyond Sadie.

Fans of the Ladies of Covington will enjoy Amelia's turn in the hopper as her late husband's indiscretion arrives in town. Though somewhat feeling like a soap opera, the fully developed lead couple, Amelia who remains consistent with her past appearances, and Miriam keep the interesting storyline focused as they initially sublimate their feelings while trying to do what is best for Sadie.

Harriet Klausner