I featured this book a few days ago on this blog post. As promised, here’s my review. I thought the book was an easy, frivolous, and fun read. I thought the characters were well-developed and I thought the New Orleans setting was portrayed very well. I’ve been to New Orleans a couple of times and the heat and the spicy seafood are serious trademarks for this historic city. The attraction between Katie and Luc was deep and real, and I think if you like a light, non-serious romance, then you should give this book a try.
The last time Katie saw Luc, the night ended up embarrassing for both of them, and the couple has been separated ever since. When the story starts, Katie is caring for her special-needs autistic children in her classroom. Luc appears and Katie’s defenses weaken against her old love. Luc wants her to come and sing and dance at his brother’s wedding, but Katie has to be bribed to attend the event, going along with Luc on his private jet.
Luc’s held Katie’s engagement ring over the last eight years – it was given to him by Katie’s now-deceased dad. However, Luc’s been silent all these years, and now he picks this time to re-connect with Katie. Luc’s riches stem from his successful food stores. He’d purchased the stores from Katie’s dad, shortly before his untimely death. Katie never understood why Luc purchased the store from her dad, and this is a mystery that has spanned throughout their eight-year separation.
I did have a hard time believing the story though. I felt the premise was a bit disbelievable since the couple has been apart for eight years, and then they connect so soon – as if nothing has happened and they’ve just seen each other the previous day. Luc is a millionaire and I sensed that he’s kept tabs on Katie over the years since he knew about her engagement to her cold, studious, dislikeable fiance, Dexter. With the span of time for the story and the way it ended (I don’t want to give spoilers), is what made the story unbelievable to me, but still an enjoyable read. I’m not much into the forties era, so I didn’t really “get” the forties references much. I’d heard of the actors and actresses mentioned, but, I don’t believe I’ve ever watched a forties movie in my life.
So, if you can suspend your disbelief for a few moments, and push those apprehensions aside, then you’ll enjoy this story.