Dianne Castell, A Fabulous Wife

A Fabulous Wife

Dianne Castell

Harlequin American, Aug 2005, $4.99, 251 pp.

ISBN: 0373750811

Accompanied by his parents, Chicago cop Jack Dawson comes to Whistlers Bend, Montana to attend the high school graduation of his son Ben. However, Jack is stunned to see Maggie Moran, his ex-wife, who divorced him thirteen years ago when he chose urban cop and she selected ranch. Though both are fortyish, each keeps the thought to themselves that the other looks great, better than when they were married.

Maggie has problems as her prize bull Andy is missing and probably abducted which means her Sky Notch ranch is in jeopardy of foreclosure, but the worst is that she still desires Jack. He knows from the first moment he saw her he wanted her too. When he tries to keep her safe from cattle rustlers, she objects until he kisses her senseless. As they realize they remain in love, both worries that what divided them still remains in the way though the loft seems like so much fun when they visit it together.

The tense suspense takes somewhat of a back seat to the delightful second chance at love gender battle between two likable protagonists who fans will want to see compromise so they can grow old together. The story line hooks the audience from the moment that Jack sees Maggie moving at her usual pace that leaves world class sprinters lagging. The cattle rustling adds an element of tension that brings additional conflict between the lead duet, but the intensity of the tale lies between the heated relationship of a couple in love unable to find a common path.

Harriet Klausner