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by Susan Wittig Albert China Bayles had left her successful career as a criminal attorney in Houston to settle in the small town of Pecan Springs where she realizes her long interest as a herbalst to open a herb shop, the Thyme and Seasons Herb Shop. With her wacky friend, Ruby Wilcox, and Cassandra Wilde she expands the shop to include a tearoom (Thyme for Tea) and a catering service (Party Thyme). She is settled with her new husband, McQuaid, ex-Houston cop who teaches criminal justice at Central Texas University. He has just started a new career as a private investigator. He has just left for Albuquerque to handle a new case, leaving China to cope with his teen-age son, Brian, who is having problems with his high school girl friend, Jake. China and Ruby are planning the decorations and menus for Valentine's Day when China is approached by her step-son's high school principal, Lisa Simon. Simon has received an anonymous phone call which has made allegations of improper behavior against the high school football coach, Tim Duffy. Simon receives no support from her school board. Duffy, married to Glenda, member of Pecan Springs founding family, has led the football team to its winning season, and so is a God who can do no wrong. China's search for the truth takes her to Duffy's previous school where she discovers disturbing facts about the coach. He has the habit of becoming sexually involved with teen- age girls. One of his victims, Angela, died recently, an apparent suicide. Through information from China and pressure from Angela's mother, who doesn't believe her daughter would commit suicide, the case is reopened, leading to the discovery of decepetions and deep cover-ups which even touch China's step-son. In addition to her involvement with the Duffy investigation, China has received disturbing news about her deceased father. When her father's long time secretary dies, her son, in going through her papers finds a packet of papers which reveal that China's father, an attorney, had a long time affair with his secretary. Their illegitimate son, now a lawyer, wants to establish a relationship with his newly-discovered half sister, China. This is a continuing story about a very personable and likeable woman who must cope with a career and a loving relationship with her husband and must understand and cope with her stepson. She must come to terms with the new unsettling revelations about her father. The mystery is well plotted, touching on the political influence of the all-powerful Texas football mania and old family money. It is a pleasure to follow China's progress through her marriage, her business and her friends. Each relationship increases her growth. In addition to an engrossing mystery, we are given descriptions of delectable dishes with recipes included, and also tips and information about herbs. Reviews of other titles in this series
Mistletoe Man, No 9 |
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Bleeding
Hearts