Private Lives [Mass Market Paperback]

Karen Young (Author)

Book Description

Series: MIRA | Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Elizabeth Walker's life changed 25 years ago when her mother died during childbirth. After her father disappeared, Elizabeth grew up in a series of foster homes. Now, as an adult, she must face her troubled past in order to find a love too long denied.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Orphaned at five, Elizabeth learned early to depend on herself and her foster sister, Gina. Now in her thirties and an award-winning children's author, Elizabeth prides herself on maintaining control of her life by trying to forget about the father she lost in a fire, the two sisters that she hasn't seen for more than 20 years, and the haunting mistakes of the past. But when Gina and her daughter move in with her while fighting a difficult custody battle with Gina's ex-boyfriend, Austin, Elizabeth's carefully constructed world begins to crumble. She is harshly grilled by Austin's handsome lawyer and contacted by her long-lost sisters, and she discovers that her good friend and neighbor may be sick. Then things really spin out of control, and for the first time in her life, Elizabeth must ask for help and in the process finds the family she has always desired and the man of her dreams. Full of mystery, passion, and suspense, Young's dramatic romance is downright captivating. Megan Kalan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Karen Young is a spellbinding storyteller . . ." -- Romantic Times

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 441 pages
• Publisher: Mira (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551666790
• ISBN-13: 978-1551666792
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,244,548 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Summer Read, June 5, 2003

By 

Kim K. (Bayonne, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Private Lives (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the second Karen Young book that I've read-the first being Good Girls. The story hooks you from the first chapter and never lets up. Elizabeth Walker is a flawed but likable character who by the end of this story manages to get her life back in order. Many other interesting characters round out the story, and without giving away too many details, let's just say that after some tragic moments, Elizabeth finds love as well as an instant family and friendship. A nice, fast read that will have you turning the pages in anticipation of the final outcome. Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars strong romantic suspense, April 13, 2003

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Private Lives (Mass Market Paperback)

In Houston, Jesse and her mother Gina D'Angelo live with Newberry Award winner Elizabeth Walker. Though opposites, Gina and Elizabeth have been friends since they met as foster children two decades ago. The D'Angelos moved in with Elizabeth following the kid's father Austin Leggett throwing both of them out of his home. Gina has since asked for child support, but Austin refuses to pay and counter files for custody. Though he hates this case, attorney Ryan Paxton represents Austin because his client's father, a senior partner in their firm, asked him.

Ryan implies that Gina and Elizabeth might be gay and rips both in other ways when they testify. Still, the judge rules joint custody. Austin persuades Angela to accompany him to discuss the finding, but she refuses to give away what their daughter needs. He bruises her. They meet again, but Gina ends up comatose after a car accident. Ryan believes that Austin caused the accident and helps Elizabeth because the shocked Jesse is the most important person in this fiasco. Soon Ryan and Elizabeth fall in love, but both know Jesse comes first.

Though Austin shows no redeeming quality and his behavior after Gina is comatose seems out of character. However, PRIVATE LIVES hooks the audience because of the rest of the extended cast. The story line is fast paced, but contains delightful sidebars that make the lead couple seems so real as both want what's best for Jesse. Fans of romantic suspense will encourage Karen Young to reveal the PRIVATE LIVES of Elizabeth's two sisters who make strong appearances in this terrific work.

Harriet Klausner