Judy Christenberry, A Randall Returns

A Randall Returns

Judy Christenberry

Harlequin American, Dec 2003, $4.75, 248 pp.

ISBN: 0373750048

Only his second cousin Bill Metzger could get police officer and former MP Mike Davis to leave Chicago for the former's hometown of Rawhide, Wyoming. Bill suffered a heart attack that forced him to retire as town sheriff, but before relocating to the warmth of Arizona, he insured an experience and skillful professional was chosen as his replacement.

Jake Randall asked Mike to keep an eye on the house that his daughter is moving into when she returns to town. When he sees an SUV parked outside, he investigates and finds a thirty something woman inside. When she offers no identity, Mike arrests her only to learn she is the daughter, Dr. Caroline Randall, home for the first time in four years.

Caroline explains to her mom she can never get pregnant as a result of the car accident. Now she is back amongst the happy meddling Randalls who will pity her. However, though a true blood, Caroline fails to understand her kin because they plan for her to marry the new sheriff as the Wyoming matchmakers get to work on two feisty victims.

Writing the thousandth book for an imprint is quite an honor and means plenty of pressure. Judy Christenberry proves she earned the privilege with a fine Randall "Brides for Brothers" tale. Though the twelfth novel in the Randall universe, the tale retains the Wyoming briskness that will please newcomers and fan followers. Though Caroline is to obdurately opposed to a relationship, the lead couple is a delightful pair while the usual matchmakers cause havoc as is their want. Readers will have a good time with the cast's antics pushing the Windy City expatriates together.

Harriet Klausner