Formula romance - down-and-out girl meets strong, rich man; a villian threatens, but there's a happy ending. Adler writes good vacation beach books. ( )

I love the way she tells a love story ( )

Franny Martin is recovering from the discovery that her boyfriend is a two-timing cheat.  This knowledge was shared by his wife, with whom Franny becomes fast friends.  At the same time, Franny receives an invitation from her aunt Rafaella to come to Provence for a family reunion.  She decides to go and take Helen (the ex-wife) with her.  When follows is rather typical boy meets girl, girl falls, boy doesn't call back, girl discovers boy again in France, other girl meets other boy, etc. etc etc.  It sounds very banal and stereotypical, but the characters in this one have a bit more to deliver, and the romance plot includes a bit of a mystery, a bit of detective work, and some interesting international scenes.  All in all a pleasant read for a pre-summer afternoon.  I really didn't expect that I would get as wrapped up as I did, but I found myself rooting for Franny and Jake, and realized that suddenly the afternoon was over, the book had come to a pleasant conclusion, and I'd spent a relaxing Sunday. ( )

Another well written, visually interesting book. Elizabeth Adler's descriptions of the French countryside are beautiful, and the plot almost takes a back seat, even though it's good in itself. The family dynamic and history in her stories always draws me in. ( )

So-so. Reminded me of a harlequin romance. ( )