"Comforting - Classic love story!"

Kim had dreamed for a long time of returning to Java, where she had spent part of her childhood. In need of artistic inspiration, Kim thought this might be a good time to go. If only she could figure out a way to get there.

An artist by talent and temperament, Kim had loved Java. The green of the rice paddies, the batik, the carvings, the food ? Kim was convinced Java would once again inspire her if she was able to return there. She was moderately successful as a freelance designer, but restless and unfulfilled. That?s why, when the call came from her brother advising her that his friend Sam was in New York and headed to Java, her pulses quickened. Actually, if she were to be totally honest with herself, Kim would have to admit that the prospect of seeing Sam excited her as much as the possibility of returning to Java.

Sam was actually Marcus? friend from college, and Kim had always been drawn to him, even though he had thought of her as a child ? Marcus?little sister. Son of a Jordanian father and a Greek mother, Sam came to the U.S. as a ten year old child. Kim dreamed of his dark good looks, imagining him as an Arab sheik, riding a camel through the desert. Although Sam assured her he had never worn a robe in his life, the fantasy was hard to shake.

According to Marcus, Sam was preparing to move to Java to set up a new factory for his family?s electronics firm, and needed someone to locate, purchase, and furnish a house for him. With Kim?s design background and experience, she would be perfect! Kim was certain that the job was meant for her. Sam, however, was not so sure. A woman living with him might raise too many eyebrows in the conservative area. On the other hand, if she pretended to be his wife, gossip might tbe averted.

HIRED WIFE is a smooth story that the reader can snuggle up to ? sort of like chocolate for the eyes. The characters are well drawn, appealing without being overpowering. The story flows from the first sentence, never letting the reader down in its promise to deliver a classic love story.

Even the conflict, while a trifle contrived, is mild enough not to cause undue stress to the reader, who finds herself eager to see the pair find ultimate fulfillment in each other.

Sound boring? Not at all. A more apt description would be comforting, the way your mother?s mashed potatoes or your granny?s chicken and dumplings are comforting. Heaven knows, these days, we all need a little comfort. And a good

book like this one is a fine place to get it.

Martine Bates

Reviewed by Guest Reviewer
Posted December 6, 2001