Customer Reviews

Cradle and All (Cooper's Corner #8)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book after reading a very high recommendation of it by Reviewer Debbie Richardson in Bookclub Magazine. Ms. Richardson was not wrong. Cradle and All is a well-crafted mystery/romance with intelligence and heart. I could not put it down. Every time I thought I had figured out what was going on, the author presented me with a new twist. She/he kept me guessing right to the end. But as good as the mystery was, I think I liked the romance even better. The hero and heroine in this story do not have typical professions. He's an Episcopal priest. And whereas I am not of that religion, for me this hero embodies the best of what a man can be. I absolutely fell in love with him. The heroine is a judge. Her responses to the surprises that happen in the story are intelligent, unexpected, fun and full of heart. I applauded her at every turn. Altogether this is an engaging read with refreshing characters and plot. Absolutely worth five stars.

This book was very hard to rate. Start by reading the product description listed above. Please don't read this review unless you are willing for an honest assessment of the story. I don't think what I am telling you are 'spoilers', there is still plenty of the story to read and an interesting ending.

Yes, I enjoyed the contemporary romance but I am giving this book three stars because I want others to be aware that the situation is highly unrealistic. I guess the key word here is 'contemporary'. If you have a hard time believing that a divorced judge can have total faith in a unmarried minister, whom she barely knows, then stop. When he tells her he is the father of a child abandoned at his doorstep but can't give her more details and the entire story takes place over a period of a few days then pass on reading the book. Or if you have issues with a woman who has never been pregnant trying to nurse a baby; hmmmm, I don't know. I did some research because I didn't think this could happen but apparently women who have adopted can produce milk if they persevere but you have to be very committed. There is one other issue that I had a hard time swallowing but if I told you that it would be a 'spoiler'.

Now the upside: if ever there were two people who needed each other it is Tom and Anne. The town's characters will also work into your heart. And, no, I am not Episcopalian but I can understand why the other reviewer fell in love with him. There is some mystery, a little steamy sex, and a clean religious undertone. That, in itself, may attract many readers. I would love for others to review this book.


Lust is easy. Love is hard. Like is most important. ~Carl Reiner