There’s no place (that really feels) like home.
Cole's mother married the Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein when he was only three years old. When his step-father’s failing health requires Cole to step in and help out, he does it without complaint, knowing he can never ascend the throne. When his step-father offers to adopt him, Cole knows it's unlikely the other members of the Princely Family will ever accept an adopted heir.
Even so, part of him wants to try.
Beth grew up surrounded by loving siblings and doting parents, but she wasn't born into this idyllic family. When her biological mother reaches out, explaining that she’s a pop star in Europe, Beth feels as if fate has orchestrated their reunion. Her bio mom is impressed with Beth's skill at the piano and invites her to join the European tour. Beth jumps at the chance.
The reality isn't quite the dream she imagined.
When Beth finds herself in a jam in the middle of Europe, can Cole rescue the damsel in distress, even though he's not actually a prince? And can Cole and Beth find the true meaning of home. . . together?
Quarter Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: Hair stylist Beth Graham’s biomom, the famous pop star Henrietta Gauvon, has just turned up out of the blue and invited her to tour in Europe as her pianist. Cole's mother married the Hereditary Prince of Liechtenstein when he was only three years old, but even should he become an adopted son of the fabulously wealthy royal family, Cole will never sit on the throne. And there begins a rollicking adventure filled with the most unlikely (but welcome) coincidences and drama as Beth and Cole strive to find a place where they can both belong.
Prose: Beth and Cole tell the story in the first-person in alternating chapters. B.E. Baker (Bridget E. Baker’s penname for her romance novels), writes crisp, easy-to-read prose that leaves you gasping as one revelation gives way to the next in fewer sentences than you would believe possible. She has an excellent ear for dialogue, though there are some inconsistencies in the use of idioms given that the novel is set in the early 1960s.
Originality: This mixture of historical fact and pure invention is so entertaining that trying to parse what is true and what is not is simply not worth the effort. An effervescent romance that is truly fun to read.
Character/Execution: Beth and Cole both face serious challenges and rejection as they make their way toward home and their own fairy tale ending, and both mature as a result.
Blurb: Book 6 of Baker’s 8-novel Finding Home series, this is a rollicking adventure filled with the most unlikely (but welcome) coincidences and drama as Beth and Cole strive to find a place where they can both belong.
Date Submitted: May 04, 2021
