Kara Galway left Connecticut and returned to Texas hoping to put her life back on track.  Being closer to her brother, Jack, and his wife Susanna (THE CABIN, January 2002) is an added treat, but she also is much closer to Sam Temple, Jack’s friend and fellow Texas Ranger.  Kara is falling in love with Sam and she is not sure that is a good idea.

When Kara learns her good friend, Mike Parisi, the Governor of Connecticut, has drowned.  She finds his cause of death and the events leading to his death to be extremely suspicious.  Grieving for her friend, her life takes another term when her godchildren, Henry and Lillian Stockwell, run away and tell her a wild tale of danger.  The children’s mother, Allyson Stockwell, happens to be Kara’s best friend and the Connecticut’s lieutenant governor who is now the acting governor.  Kara takes the children to Stonebrook Cottage where she tries to uncover just what danger the children and/or Allyson are in.  When Sam tracks her down, she realizes she cannot run from her feelings for him any longer.  But as a cunning killer closes in, will they have the chance at happiness?

I have been a fan of Ms. Neggers for years.  Partly because she lives in Vermont, and I adore local settings, but mostly because her books are jam packed with passion, suspense, mystery and engaging characters.  Fans will be thrilled that Andrew, Tess and Dolly (THE CARRIAGE HOUSE, 2/01) are briefly mentioned, the glimpse into their lives is a real treat, and Jack and Susanna are featured prominently throughout portions of the book.  And expect a trip to “Jim’s Place”, that small, homey bar owned by Jim Haviland (Tess’s father) with Jim’s friend and regular, Davey Ahearn.

STONEBROOK COTTAGE is no exception to Ms. Neggers smooth writing, gripping suspense, and breathtaking romantic unions.  Jack’s typical older brother attitude is so true to life, but the eminently sexy Sam who won me over in THE CABIN was just as heroic and masculine as ever.  Every woman needs a Sam in her life!