Isabelle isn't sure why she hasn't returned to California. Perhaps she feels tied to Sheriff Rick “Hutch” Hutching, her first real love.

The studio where she handcrafts purses is brutally vandalized. Her drunken uncle is poisoned. And the home of Liza Loomis, who was once romantically involved with the sheriff, is hit by an arsonist. Isabelle is the most likely suspect.

Alicia Dean packs a mighty wallop in this intense novella. Isabelle is a strong, well-developed character. She displays warmth, creativity, humor and intelligence along with her fear of madness. She seriously contemplates the possibility of her own insanity in a realistic manner.

Liza is believable and Deanna Summers is a fanatical small town bitch. Hutch is not so clearly defined, but the rural town setting of gossip and misunderstanding makes up for it.

The story moves quickly and makes sense. Dean neatly and efficiently ties up all the loose ends. Lies and family secrets abound. There is tension, danger, and a thoroughly believable conclusion. It's a great read.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
April 14, 2008