Amy Garvey, Room Service

Room Service

Amy Garvey

Kensington Brava, Jun 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 0758215916

In New York City, Olivia Callender knows it will be difficult, but she obsesses over saving her family home where she grew up, the century old hotel Callender House. However, she ignores the truth that the place is falling apart and probably should be condemned; it will take a lot of capital to renovate the once glamorous hotel.

Renowned British chef Rhys Spencer checks into the hotel. As Olivia tries to save her inheritance, she is upset with her uncle who she believes has nefarious plans to take control of Callender House from his "addlebrained" niece. However, as she and Rhys fall in love, she begins to take a second look at the old hotel that has been her home. She soon begins to understand people make the memories not places or things.

The author uses humor to lighten the deep message of a woman beginning to understand it is people not edifices that matter. ROOM SERVICE is a delightful contemporary romance that in many ways is a coming of age tale. As the hotel's nameplate keeps falling down no matter what she does to prevent that from happening, Olivia is the star of the well written story line; her metamorphosis due mostly to Rhys and that makes for a fine tale.

Harriet Klausner