An Unlikely Family
Cynthia Thomason
Harlequin SuperRomance, Jan 2007, $5.50
ISBN: 0373713932

Evie Gaynor left Detroit to become principal of the Heron Point, Florida, elementary school. However, even before she begins her new job, Evie learns that the terror of the school is Gemma Muldoone, daughter of a cop. Billie is struggling with being a single parent as his daughter resents him ever since she was dumped unceremoniously on him.

Billie is doing his best to raise Gemma with love, but she knows he will discard her soon like everyone else has, especially since the preadolescent senses her father is attracted to the new principal; little kids never stay around when two adults decide to mate. Evie tries to advise Billie on raising his child, but he resents her intrusion. Still, the two adults fall in love while each is concerned with how to handle the troublemaking Gemma.

The troubled, preadolescent Gemma makes this a strong, contemporary, family drama as her behavior both matchmakes the principal and the cop, but also places them in dispute over what is best for his offspring. The storyline focuses on the two adults undecided whether to kiss or argue; however, it is Gemma who believes deep in her heart that she is undesirable and expects once Billie and Evie let their attraction flow, she is history. Readers will empathize with the terror of Heron Point.

Harriet Klausner