CHRISTMAS HEAT
Devon Vaughn Archer
Kimani
ISBN 0-373-86047-1
December 2007
Category Romance - Multicultural

A devastating fire twenty-five years ago changed the lives of Audrey Beaumont and Ulysses Conrad. Pearson. Audrey lost both her parents when their home went up in flames, while Ulysses lost his father, the man that saved Audrey's life. Their dreams concerning Christmas holds different memories that have left both with scars of the heart for life. Ulysses has returned to Festive Cove to put his nightmares to rest after he sees the picture painted by Audrey Lamour. Not sure what will happen when he meets the lady that lived while he lost his father, he decides to take a chance to see if he can find the peace he seeks. When they first see each other he decides to introduce himself as Conrad, the person he has become in his photography world. Misrepresenting himself could prove to be the biggest mistake he has made in a long time.

For Audrey her world revolves around her daughter Stacy and her life as an artist. She is proud of the portrait she did of the man that saved her life. While she stayed in contact with his widow over the years, she wasn't as lucky with staying in contact with his son. Raising her daughter alone, she's happy and content but meeting Conrad at the cemetery has her wondering what it would be like to have a man in her life again. So when Conrad reaches out to her to have her paint his portrait she doesn't think twice before she accepts the opportunity. Never realizing that Conrad is the son of Grant Pearson, the fireman that saved her life, she lets him get to know the real Audrey and she tries to get to know him.

As Conrad and Audrey spend more time together it becomes harder for him to tell her the truth about his identity. To Audrey he's just a kind photographer that both she and her daughter are falling in love with. Deciding that it's time to share his secret with Audrey proves to be a little too late, she has found out accidentally and can't understand his deception. As Conrad prepares to move on with his life without Audrey he has one of the most vivid dreams he's ever had. And if his dream comes true he will lose Audrey and Stacy forever.

Some people believe in fate while others believe in a divine spirit that guides and directs their path. For Conrad and Audrey, the author has painted a picture of both. For this year in Festive Cove these two find each other and their love for one man drawing them closer and closer everyday. And when Conrad's mistake in judgment could cost them both everything, a child's love and hope puts everything in perspective for them.

Reviewed by Lora McDonald
Rating: 4 1/2