by Janice Graham
Beach book of the week
Touting her as the next Nicholas Evans (The Horse Whisperer), Putnam signed first-time novelist Graham last year to a $1 million, three book deal. Her freshman effort proves it was money well spent.
The Wichita, Kans., high school French teacher has crafted a seductively sudsy story of love and redemption set in the Sunflower State's majestic Flint Hills. At the center of the story is attorney Ethan Brown, who is engaged to one woman, ranching heiress Katie Anne Mackey, but predictably drawn to another, violinist Annette Zeldin. Just when it seems Ethan and Annette will ride off into the sunset, however, a tragic fire forces everyone to reexamine their hearts. Graham's prose veers toward the purple, and her Ghost-style take on undying love may irk some. But for hopeful romantics, it's pure enjoyment. (Putnam, $19.95)
Bottom Line: Soaring soap opera
Your Reaction
