"A emotional story of a woman's attempt to start over."

Eden Palmer moves to Arundel North Carolina to take ownership of Farrigton Manor, a beautiful old house filled with charm and memories that was willed to Eden by Mrs Farrington who cared and helped Eden when she needed it the most.

As a single mother Eden was used to being responsible for everything and everyone. Now that her daughter is married and expecting her own child it is time for Eden to cut the apron strings and get on with her own life. The only problem with that is, Eden isn't sure just what she wants or even who she really is.

Into her life comes Jared McBride and Braddon Granville, two handsome eligible bachelors and both intent on pursuing Eden. Eden is flattered and more than a little suspicious. Jared just doesn't ring true and Braddon seems just a little too eager. Pretty soon Eden is in the middle of a mystery that threatens not just her plans and reputation but her very life.

Between the FBI investigating her, planning eighteenth century gardens, solving the mystery of the emerald necklace and juggling two suiters, Eden was too busy to worry about how her daughter was getting along without her. As usual Ms. Deveraux has written a story full of interesting fact mixed with fiction that keeps us turning the pages and loath for the book to end. A must read for all Jude Deveraux fans.

Reviewed by Judith Saul
Posted November 22, 2005

Summary

contemporary novel of romance and renewal from perennial bestseller Jude Deveraux, First Impressions is an emotionally charged story of one woman's bid to start over. Eden Palmer knows how to make it on her own. The forty- something single mother has worked hard to raise her beloved daughter -- now twenty-seven and recently married. The offspring of a terrible event, Eden's daughter, Melissa, has long been the jewel of Eden's life, the one for whom she would sacrifice anything and everything. But sooner or later a woman must come into her own, and that's what Eden tries to do when she moves to Arundel, North Carolina, to take ownership of Farrington Manor, a beautiful old house filled with charm and memories that was willed to Eden by the person who cared for her when she needed it most. Torn between the desire to stay with her daughter and the need to build a separate life on her own, Eden opts for some distance and some much-needed perspective. But it's not long before she realizes that sometimes you have to go back before you can start over. Arriving in Arundel -- the South's prettiest small town -- Eden quickly learns that looks can be deceiving when her move is met with delight in some quarters and jealousy in others. Pursued by two eligible bachelors -- the rugged Jared McBride and Braddon Granville, local lawyer and town catch -- Eden is flattered, and more than a little suspicious. Juggling the attentions of two men is hard enough, but soon Eden's bid to start over plunges her in the middle of a mystery that threatens not just her plans and reputation, but her very life. Can she use one man to save her from the other?