Dorien Kelly, Hot Whispers of an Irishman

Hot Whispers of an Irishman

Dorien Kelly

Pocket, Nov 2005, $6.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0743464605

Vi Killbride sneaks into Ballymuir, Ireland to get her late grandmother Nan's dilapidated property, ignored by her for a decade, ready for sale in less than two weeks. She insists she does not need the place with its ghostly haunts because Nan is in her heart. Vi also plans to remain below the radar scope of the Rafferty family, especially since she never fully got over loving Liam Rafferty. However, her best laid plans quickly falls apart when she runs into Liam. He is a single father having divorced his wife in America and has come home after fifteen years away so that his extended family will be there for his daughter.

Vi realizes she still loves Liam and makes room in her heart for his daughter Meghan. Meanwhile Liam reluctantly begins to feel the same way, but has doubts about a long term relationship. Together they seek a hidden treasure, but both know that the real riches in life are love.

This second chance at love is a fine Ballymuir tale enhanced by the treasure seeking, which is handled differently by various people, but most interesting is Vi's whispers to Nan for help. The story line is whimsical in that Brigadoon magical sort of way just like its predecessors (see THE LAST BRIDE IN BALLYMUIR and HOT NIGHTS IN BALLYMUIR), but that also serves as a double edge blade since there is a sense of d j vu to the plot. Still the lead couple is a sensual delightful pairing who grips the audience from the first reunion until the final challenge to their relationship.

Harriet Klausner