"Captivating Romantic Suspense"

Nora Roberts' prolific generation of novels has run the gamut from witchcraft on the New England coast to futuristic mysteries sizzling with attraction. Her latest endeavor carries uniqueness all its own, with its crafty combination of suspense and sensual romance.

Archaeologist Callie Dunbrook's current assignment is to supervise a dig at an Antietam Creek, Maryland construction site. Finding human remains over five thousand years old, Callie needs more help at the site. When that help comes in the form of her sexy ex-husband Jake, Callie is furious with her supervisor, even as she continues to fight her attraction for Jake. While locals are angry at their loss of employment with the construction halted, seemingly innocuous pranks turn into murderous "accidents". Coinciding with the archeological find is the claim by local businesswomen Suzanne Cullen, that Callie is really her long-lost daughter, stolen as an infant.

Tough, beautiful, and brilliant, Callie is the epitome of a strong female lead character. Her romantic sparring with Jake creates a sexual tension that keeps an even pace with the mystery, as Callie discovers that the accidents at the site may be related to her unearthing of her past including an illegal adoption ring. Earthy, compelling characters are the driving forces behind this mystery/romance, entrancing the reader from the get go, in a package that is quite possibly Ms. Roberts' best effort to date.

Reviewed by Sheri Melnick
Posted March 31, 2003

2004 RITA for Best Contemporary Single Title Finalist

Summary

When five-thousand-year-old human bones are found at a construction site in the small town of Woodsboro, the news draws archaeologist Callie Dunbrook out of her sabbatical and into a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and romance.

While overseeing the dig, she must try to make sense of a cloud of death and misfortune that hangs over the project- fueling rumors that the site is cursed. And she must cope with the presence of her irritating-but irresistible-ex- husband, Jake. Furthermore, when a stranger claims to know a secret about her privileged Boston childhood, she is forced to question her own past as well.

A rich, thrilling, suspenseful tale, Birthright follows an inspiring heroine, an intriguing hero, and a cast of fascinating characters whose intertwined lives remind us that there is much more going on under the surface than meets the eye.