Margot Early, How to Get Married

How to Get Married

Folk Musician Sophie Creed has come home to Ouray, Colorado wondering about her life since the virus has left her partially deaf. She meets the daughter she abandoned for her music, fourteen-year-old Amy, who believes her mother died in childbirth. At least that is the lie her father William Ludlow told her.

Neither Sophie nor William plan to tell their daughter the truth, but Amy learns it anyway. The teen is hurt, angry, and confused that her dad lied and her mom abandoned her without a look back. As Sophie sees a second chance to atone for the biggest mistake of her life, she prays Amy will let her in and that William still loves her as she still does love him.

The lead trio keeps Margot Early's tale from becoming overwhelmingly maudlin as each character seems real with genuine concerns especially on their current dilemma and relationships. William always thought he did the right thing by protecting his child from the hurt of abandonment, but has doubts now and feels guilt that he still wants Sophie. Amy feels betrayed by her dad for not revealing the truth and wonders what other lies he has told her while also depressed that her mother never wanted her. Sophie is the most unique as she is a combination of guilt and insecurity even as she wants a second chance with her loved ones though she believes she does not deserve it. Ms. Early provides a powerful family drama that grips the audience once Sophie returns home.

Margot Early

Harlequin SuperRomance, Mar 2006, $5.50

ISBN: 0373713339

Harriet Klausner