"Second Marcelli sister deals with many problems, but triumphs in the end."

Francesca Marcelli is working on her dissertation about how people are treated differently based on their appearance. She meets Sam Reese disguised as a dowdy, pregnant woman delivering packages. Sam tries so hard to help her that she tells him who she really is. He's fascinated.

Just as they're starting to fully define their relationship, Sam's 12-year-old (unknown) daughter from his first marriage appears at his door. At the same time, Francesca finds out she's pregnant with Sam's baby.

There are a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions to work through as they deal with their numerous problems. I enjoyed this story, the second of three books about the Marcelli daughters.

Reviewed by Delia Larkins
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted September 23, 2003

For the Marcelli sisters of California wine country, the season is ripe for romance!

Summary

Francesca Marcelli married at eighteen -- right on schedule, according to her warm, colorful family, who have always said a beauty like Francesca need never worry about finding love. But a few years later, finding herself on her own with a wide open future ahead of her, she pursues her educational passions -- with a risky experiment that takes her straight into the arms of playboy CEO Sam Reese. Delighted by Francesca's interest in a no-strings relationship, Sam suddenly finds himself needing her outside the bedroom when a secret from his past lands on his doorstep. But Francesca soon has a secret of her own to tell -- a bombshell that will force the diehard bachelor to show his true colors. Are there "I do"s in Sam and Francesca's future? Only if she can persuade him that home truly is where the heart finds happiness.