"Fascinating adult relationship drama"

At last April's Jasper Park Lodge reunion, a challenge surfaced to learn what happened to your first crush. More like Lydia Lane than Zoey Phillips, CHARLOTTE MORE finds the idea intriguing. She remembers being in a Toronto fifth grade class pining with love for high school student Liam Connery, who did not know she existed.

On a business trip to Prince Edwards Island, Charlotte sees Liam. However, he is nothing like her dreams and memories portray him, as he acts very dark, remote, and misanthropic except with his dogs. Charlotte finds herself still attracted to her first love even if he acts distant towards her. As she begins to break down his barriers and fall in adult love, Liam cannot commit to the forever that Charlotte needs from him.

Judith Bowen's second "Girlfriends" novel feels more like a modern day gothic romance as opposed to the contemporary tale of its predecessor (see Zoey Phillips). The lead couple is an interesting pair struggling with deep feelings Liam does not want. Prince Edwards Island makes for a unique Canadian locale. After reading CHARLOTTE MOORE, fans will anxiously await next month's LYDIA LANE tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 24, 2001