"Strong spotlight on life in small town California"

Seems like everyone living in Grace Valley, California knows that Dr. June Hudson slept with an unknown man last night. June's partner in a local medical practice, Dr. John Stone, also confirmed she is four months pregnant. The amused and embarrassed June plans to introduce her beloved retired law enforcement agent Jim Post to her family and friends as she knows the town waits for them to show up at the café.

At about the same time June's octogenarian Aunt Myrna Hudson Claypool plans to soon present her mystery man to the crowd. Meanwhile, a druggie causes problems for everyone and a flood may destroy the town. In that atmosphere the townsfolk adopts Jim, though he had "deflowered" a favorite daughter, as if he lived there for life.

This is an interesting look at small town life with a touch of suspense thrown in on the side. The story line ambles slowly for most of the novel though the flood and the actions of a miscreant add suspense at the end. Readers see favorites from previous Grave Valley tales while also get deep inside the psyche of the key cast members to their inner essence. Robyn Carr shines a strong spotlight on life in small town California.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 25, 2003

Return with critically acclaimed author Robyn Carr to the fictional town of Grace Valley, California -- where neighbors are like family--and just as meddlesome, too. When the town's single doctor becomes pregnant, the pastor starts playing too much poker and the town's matriarch reveals a secret paramour, Grave Valley is overflowing with gossip. But when danger threatens the town and its people, this community shows exactly what it's made of.

Connected to: DEEP IN THE VALLEY and JUST OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Comparable to Jan Karon's small-town series.

Summary

June Hudson is the town's doctor, a caring, capable woman who now has a bit of explaining to do. People are beginning to notice the bloom in her cheeks--and the swell of her belly. Happily, DEA agent Jim Post is back in June's arms for good, newly retired from undercover work and ready for new beginnings here in Grace Valley.

Expecting the unexpected is a way of life in Grace Valley, and the community is overflowing with gossip right now. Who is the secret paramour June's aunt Myrna is hiding? Does the town's poker-playing pastor have too many aces up his sleeve?

But when dangers, from man and nature, rise up with a vengeance to threaten June and the town, this community pulls together and shows what it's made of. And Jim discovers the true meaning of happiness here in Grace Valley: there really is no place like home.