Stranger at the Door
Laura Abbott
Harlequin SuperRomance, Sep 2008, $5.50
ISBN: 9780373715176

In Savannah Isabel 'Izzy' Lambert is stunned when a forty something man arrives at her door claiming to be the son of her husband, Sam. Mark Taylor explains that his mom Diane never told Sam as she raised him with Rolf Taylor whose name is on the birth certificate. Izzy believes the man as he looks like her spouse; she is upset that her beloved faithful Sam cheated on her during his Viet Nam War tour, but she also demands he see his offspring but Sam refuses.

Sam is shocked and runs away to have time to think what to do about his disappointed wife and the son he never knew he sired. He knows he must make amends with his Izzy or watch four and a half decades of marriage end. He also must decide about Mark, whom he wants to meet but fears the outcome especially how his adult daughters will react to an older half brother.

This is an engaging family drama as the past comes back to haunt the present and perhaps destroy the future. The cast is very strong especially the lead trio. Although there are too many introspective moments slowing down the pace even as that adds depth to the sexagenarian couple, fans who will appreciate a deep character driven relationship drama will want to read 'Stranger At The Door' as Izzy realizes Mark is Sam's offspring from his looks and demeanor.

Harriet Klausner