Cynthia Thomason, Her Sister's Child

Her Sister's Child

Cynthia Thomason

Harlequin SuperRomance, May 2007, $5.50

ISBN: 037371419X

Ten years ago in North Carolina, student Julia Sommerville fell in love with her handsome professor Cameron Birch, but he never really noticed her beyond the professional relationship and being the younger sister of a woman he was dating. She graduated, moved on and became a reporter. He continued to teach at college.

When her sister Tina commits suicide, Julia is stunned not remotely aware of how despondent her sibling must have been. She takes a leave of absence from her job to go home not only to provide comfort to her shocked family, but especially to help her grieving mom care for her eight years old niece Katie, dumped by Tina's mate Wayne though Julia knows this time he did the right thing by her niece.

During a car accident, Julia saves Cameron's life. This time he finds his heroine as an attractive, caring and courageous woman so different than the puppy love student he once knew. Julia knows she loves her professor still, but also loves her niece; who unbeknownst to him happens to be Cameron's offspring.

Fans of poignant family dramas will want to read HER SISTER'S CHILD as Katie steals the show with her reactions especially stoic towards the pathetic pair Julia's mom and Wayne who are unable to provide any support to her. Julia and Cameron are likable lead protagonists; while her dilemma having to choose between loves adds complexity to a fine contemporary romance.

Harriet Klausner