Judy Baer, Norah's Ark

Norah's Ark

Judy Baer

Steeple Hill, September 2006, $13.95

ISBN: 0373785666

Pet store owner Norah Kent loves the Lord and animals; she dreams of one day having a family with Mr. Right, a person who must accept that she is prime caretaker of her beloved elderly Auntie Lou, is owned by Bentley the mutt, and must share her two passions, especially her Christian faith.

Three bachelors show interest in Norah. US Navy Commander Connor Trevain seems to care for Norah, but she fears stepping out with him because her best friend Lilly wants him. The townsfolk push Joe Collier, who asks Norah for dates, but she knows he is not the one, so has ruled him out. Finally, there is police officer Nick Haley, who has three things going for him. Bentley has chosen him, though he seems to fear the mutt, and she keeps hearing the bells. Still, Connor is nice, if only Lilly wanted someone else like Nick for instance.

NORAH'S ARK is a pleasant optimistic Christian romance starring an upbeat somewhat innocent (too naive around men) protagonist and a cast of eccentrics, starting with her matchmaking canine and a horde of other two legged, four legged, and no legged animals). The fast-paced breezy storyline will provide fans of Judy Baer with plenty of entertainment from start to finish, as the audience will wonder just who will win the Norah sweepstakes. The novel lives up to its classic second line "HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR IGUANA TODAY?" as a fun filled tale.