"A heartwarming love story"
Anyone who's ever used a job placement agency to find
employment would love to have Marilyn Waters on their
side. After years of trudging through the ranks and
dealing with an overly harsh, critical father, she's ready
to break out on her own. She has the skills and contacts,
but she doesn't have the money to open her own agency in
Chicago. Her saving grace comes from a house left to her
by her beloved late aunt Phoebe, the house where Marilyn's
father sent her to spend her teenage summers. The
drawback? The old Victorian needs a lot of repair to be
brought up to code before it can be sold. Enter Max
Connors. Max Connors, of Connors and Sons Construction, was the
object of Marilyn's teenage fantasies. Brash and self-
confident, he spurned Marilyn's naïve advances one summer
evening when she was eighteen, but has never forgotten
her. Max's great-grandfather built Phoebe's house with
love and quality not seen in today's quickly built homes,
and Max, recognizing the graceful beauty of the house,
wants to completely restore it to its previous grandeur.
Only Marilyn isn't so sure she can afford the restoration
work, and she's not so sure she can afford to spend that
much time in the company of Max. Max himself doesn't know
if he'll make it through the summer with his heart intact,
and it's interesting to see him struggle with the desire
for restoring the house and his desire to help Marilyn. Readers looking for a hot romance will not find it in BUILT
TO LAST. But if you're looking for a good old-fashioned
love story, look no further. Cynthia Scott has created a
pair of compelling protagonists, and a fascinating array of
secondary characters, including Max's father Hannibal, who
has a few tricks of his own up his sleeve! Marilyn doesn't
know the first thing about being in the midst of a loving
family and friendly neighbors and it's heartwarming to see
her break through her self-imposed exile. Max is one of
those rare heroes who exhibit tremendous strength while not
being afraid to show his gentler side. Watching these two
work through their differences and break free of their
demons will bring a smile to your face and a little
lightness to your heart.
Reviewed by Kelly Jones
Posted March 4, 2002
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