Her Sister's Secret (Harlequin Superromance, No. 923)

Rating:
Summary: Praise for "Her Sister's Secret"
Review: "Her Sister's Secret" is a pleasing blend of romance, unique plot twists and plenty of sexual tension. Style's characters come to life in a colorful and engaging fashion. It's a great read from front to back, and a book you definitely won't want to put down!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful first book.
Review: I have to admit that Linda is my former sister in law, and that although she and my brother are no longer married, she is still a special person to us all. I am therefore not a totally unbiased reviewer. That said, I continue.

From the very first time we met, Linda has always wanted to be a writer. We share this in common, which is probably why I admire her so much. Although it has taken her a lot of hard work and through many an interesting detour, I think that much that she has learned in her own life has in fact made her a very good writer. This, her first book, illustrates that. I am generally not given to reading narrative prose. (You can tell this from my other reviews). I haven't the patience for it, probably because I work in a surgical ICU in a teaching hospital and that introduces me to more than my share of emotional ups and downs and heart tugging stories. So when I read Linda's book, I did so as a "critic" rather than a devotee of the genre.

Her Sister's Secret is well plotted and consistent throughout, with wonderfully descriptive passages that bring Arizona and the southwest vividly to mind. Linda has had a wide range of professional experiences, and I can see that she has enlisted a number of her interests to create real characters in real situations. Just as her main character Whitney, Linda worked on a degree in photography (at the University of Minnesota) and has done some first rate work: I possess several of her photos framed and on display in my own home. Just as the main romantic character Rhys Gannon, my brother was, off and on, a motorcycle enthusiast, though not as skilled or as knowledgeable as Rhys. Linda worked as a social worker for several years and has knowledge of some of the social tragedies that divide families and motivate the types of distrust that the central characters exhibit She also has children of her own to whom she is very devoted and for whom she has made personal sacrifices, so she understands the decisions one makes for the benefit of loved ones. This makes the narrative ring true. It's poignant not saccharin. Whitney, Rhys and Morgan (the sister) and the ancillary characters are real people caught up in real dramas who learn real lessons. A wonderful first book.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful first book.
Review: I have to admit that Linda is my former sister in law, and that although she and my brother are no longer married, she is still a special person to us all. I am therefore not a totally unbiased reviewer. That said, I continue.

From the very first time we met, Linda has always wanted to be a writer. We share this in common, which is probably why I admire her so much. Although it has taken her a lot of hard work and through many an interesting detour, I think that much that she has learned in her own life has in fact made her a very good writer. This, her first book, illustrates that. I am generally not given to reading narrative prose. (You can tell this from my other reviews). I haven't the patience for it, probably because I work in a surgical ICU in a teaching hospital and that introduces me to more than my share of emotional ups and downs and heart tugging stories. So when I read Linda's book, I did so as a "critic" rather than a devotee of the genre.

Her Sister's Secret is well plotted and consistent throughout, with wonderfully descriptive passages that bring Arizona and the southwest vividly to mind. Linda has had a wide range of professional experiences, and I can see that she has enlisted a number of her interests to create real characters in real situations. Just as her main character Whitney, Linda worked on a degree in photography (at the University of Minnesota) and has done some first rate work: I possess several of her photos framed and on display in my own home. Just as the main romantic character Rhys Gannon, my brother was, off and on, a motorcycle enthusiast, though not as skilled or as knowledgeable as Rhys. Linda worked as a social worker for several years and has knowledge of some of the social tragedies that divide families and motivate the types of distrust that the central characters exhibit She also has children of her own to whom she is very devoted and for whom she has made personal sacrifices, so she understands the decisions one makes for the benefit of loved ones. This makes the narrative ring true. It's poignant not saccharin. Whitney, Rhys and Morgan (the sister) and the ancillary characters are real people caught up in real dramas who learn real lessons. A wonderful first book.

Rating:
Summary: A compelling read
Review: I loved this book! The characters were real and unique, the conflict was compelling, and the story was a page turner. I couldn't put it down--except to reach for tissues for the last few pages. A wonderful story and a talented writer.

Rating:
Summary: Her Sister's Secret
Review: Linda Style has penned a marvelous tale of love and family that will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your heart. Definitely a keeper!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: Linda Style has written a fantastic novel that touches the deepest emotions. A real page turner, Her Sister's Secret will pull you in and keep you rooting for the fresh, unique and believable chracters. Run, don't walk, to buy this one. Look for many more to come from this exciting new author.

Rating:
Summary: Compelling story will pluck your heartstrings - A Must Read!
Review: Linda Style weaves a compelling, can't-put-it-down romance with a colorful cast of characters, and super plot twists.

The setting is a picturesque Arizona mountain town, the story is full of family secrets, and the impetus driving the two main characters is a delightful little girl named SaraJane, who must be rescued from her uncertain fate, at any cost.

Whitney, the heroine, goes into devious mode to find the little girl. She comes up with an ingenious lie to get close to her. Throughout the entire story, she is creative, clever, and talented to boot. Did I mention she's gorgeous?

The hero? Linda Style puts a new spin on the word "bad boy." You can't help falling for Rhys Gannon, the man with the cobalt eyes and the loud motorcycle! He's bad, no wait -- he's good -- aw heck, even when he's bad, he's good!

If you like the combination of dangerous man, adventurous woman, get out the hankies and the chocolates, because this romance is one you will never forget.

I'd LOVE to see this book made into a movie. Hollywood, are you listening?

-- Eve Paludan, author of 3 editions of The Romance Writer's Pink Pages

Rating:
Summary: Compelling story will pluck your heartstrings - A Must Read!
Review: Linda Style weaves a compelling, can't-put-it-down romance with a colorful cast of characters, and super plot twists.

The setting is a picturesque Arizona mountain town, the story is full of family secrets, and the impetus driving the two main characters is a delightful little girl named SaraJane, who must be rescued from her uncertain fate, at any cost.

Whitney, the heroine, goes into devious mode to find the little girl. She comes up with an ingenious lie to get close to her. Throughout the entire story, she is creative, clever, and talented to boot. Did I mention she's gorgeous?

The hero? Linda Style puts a new spin on the word "bad boy." You can't help falling for Rhys Gannon, the man with the cobalt eyes and the loud motorcycle! He's bad, no wait -- he's good -- aw heck, even when he's bad, he's good!

If you like the combination of dangerous man, adventurous woman, get out the hankies and the chocolates, because this romance is one you will never forget.

I'd LOVE to see this book made into a movie. Hollywood, are you listening?

-- Eve Paludan, author of 3 editions of The Romance Writer's Pink Pages