"Engaging historical romantic mystery"

In San Francisco, Dr. Blue Calhoun, medical provider to much of the poor, knows that he will never overcome his failure no matter how many good deeds he performs. Almost as soon as he reaches his home, a lad points a gun at him demanding he remove a bullet from his back. He quickly learns the lad is a woman, Isabel Fish-Wooten. He performs the surgery, but to his shock she flees into the night.

Later, Blue learns someone killed a cop. He wonders if the mysterious Isabel is the culprit. With a citywide manhunt searching for the cop killer, his teenage son brings a semi conscious Isabel to him for treatment. As Blue learns her mystery, he falls in love, but is he placing his beloved son and cherished nurse in jeopardy because his heart rather than his brain is doing the thinking.

A SUMMER AFFAIR is an engaging historical romantic mystery starring two likable lead protagonists and a strong secondary ensemble. Readers will particularly admire the strong willed courageous Isabel. The suspense never lets up as the plot twists and turns more than Lombard Street leaving the audience wondering what will happen next in this taut thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 25, 2003

Summary

A gifted but troubled physician, Blue Calhoun runs a thriving medical practice from his Nob Hill mansion in San Francisco while raising his son alone after an unthinkable tragedy. Then one day a female fugitive with a gunshot wound appears in Blue's surgery. Even though she holds a pistol aimed at his heart, the desperation in her eyes awakens Blue's compassion. Reluctantly he is drawn to her fragile beauty, her nerves of steel and the mystery surrounding her circumstances.

Isabel Fish-Wooten has spent most of her life on the run, but everything changes when she forces a stranger to save her life. Yet her rescue comes with an unexpected price. As Isabel recovers from her wounds, she finds herself touched by this remarkable man and yearns to reach out to him and his rebellious son.

From danger-filled back alleys to the glittering ballrooms of high society, Isabel and Blue confront the violence and corruption that threatens their newfound passion. Theirs is an unforgettable quest to discover a rare and special love, and the precious gift of a second chance at happiness.