Customer Reviews

The Gazebo

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Deirdre Macdaniel's world comes crashing in on her when she finds a long lost letter in an old trunk and discovers that she is not her father's daughter, that her mother had an affair that resulted in her birth. No wonder she always felt out of place in her family. Anger and a need to know more drive her to hire Jake Stone, a man who once tried to ruin her sister - in - law's life in the course of his P.I. work. Against her family's wishes, she lets the quest drive her, never giving heed to the pain she is causing her brother, father, and daughter. Then, she's forced to face the latter, when her daughter's budding romance ignites painful memories and old fears. Jake sees all this happening, but this time, he won't stand idly by as his client's life is disrupted by changes. Somehow, this acerbic, driven woman has gotten through the tough shield around his own heart, and he won't let her destroy herself.

*** Deirdre is all too realistic. She's not the easiest heroine to love, because she's so very alive, and has all the angst and flaws of a real person. High drama keeps the pages turning in this detailed, in depth story. ***

Amanda Killgore

Ms. Cates follow on to "Picket Fences" was a nice pleasant read that continued to investigate the relationships between Deirdre McDaniel and her family as well as re-introduce rugged Jake Stone.

Deirdre has to come to grips with the death of her mother, and the legacy she left behind in her hope chest. Deirdre has no idea when she opens the lid of the trunk that she has in essence opened the lid on a "Pandora's Box" that is her life. There has been a secret that was kept by her mother and brother. Deirdre is devastated to find out that her adored older brother kept this information from her and now she wants answers. Knowing her best bet will be P.I. Jake Stone doesn't settle well with her but she contacts him anyway. Well, by doing so she has set a path into motion that even she won't be able to control. After all feelings just don't sit comfortably or neatly in boxes.

Jake can't believe his eyes when Deirdre comes storming back into his life. He understands why she's asked for his help, but feels that Deirdre is better off letting the past go. She has a family that loves her...what more could she ask for? But, Jake can't walk away from Deirdre, and Deirdre can't let go of the past. These two have been on a collision course from the beginning. They are now finally getting a chance to face what they feel. But, will they admit to the chemistry and attraction or will they walk away from the one thing that could bring them both the happiness they seek?

This was a good read and would probably be even better if the previous title has been read. This way the reader will understand the references to Deirdre's past. Otherwise this was a nice story that examines family relationships and the direct effect they can have on future relationships. Jake is a wonderful hero and a nice complement to Deirdre who will try the reader's patience at times. Ms. Cates has penned a sweet romance that entertains.

Deirdre McDaniel detests the chore of going through her childhood home in Whitewater, Illinois but knows she must see what she wants to keep since her mom Emmalie died. Her brother Cade offers to help, but she insists on looking at her hope chest by herself although she allows her teenage daughter Emma to help her. Deirdre finds a shocking letter in which she learns that her father the Captain did not sire her. She confronts the Captain, who lives with Cade and his wife, but he is shocked with the news that Cade already knew.

Deirdre needs to meet her biological father though she risks tearing apart her family, which has taken years to come together. She hires private investigator Jake Stone to investigate as she and her family has had some experience with him (see PICKET FENCE). As he searches for her dad, Deirdre reassesses the sleuth upgrading him from jerk to sensually caring; he fell in love with her a few years ago, but knew he could do nothing about it at that time. Now he plans to push his case although she obstinately hides behind her vow to take care of Emma above all else.

THE GAZEBO is an absorbing family drama starring an individual who never felt at home and now believes she knows why. Her need to find her patriarchal roots is a disguise to avoid what she really wants: a reconciliation with the Captain. The well written romantic subplot in some ways intrudes (the intelligent understanding Jake feels that way too as he hesitates to act on his desire) on a strong character study of a woman seeking to ascertain where she fits with the family that raised her.

Harriet Klausner