The second half of Macomber’s “Glad Tidings” told the story of Nolan and Maryanne. Like “Rainy Day Kisses”, it starts with the present day and flashes back to how the hero and heroine met. In this case, Maryanne and Nolan were telling their two daughters about how they met. Nolan and Maryanne were columnists for rival newspapers. Nolan clawed his way to the top while Maryanne was given the position by her publishing mogul father.
The two columnists got into a disagreement on an issue, and things got personal. Nolan ended up writing a column about his evening with the debutante (Maryanne), and said some very uncomplimentary things. His comments about her sheltered life inspire her to leave her cushy job and fancy apartment to show everyone she can make it on her own.
Since Nolan caused this whole thing, he helped her find a more affordable apartment. Just so happens that apartment was next door to his. He considers her presence trouble, and soon regrets the column he wrote about her. Maryanne went from a maid position to waiting tables at a local diner. Once her parents found out, life got really miserable for Maryanne. She declared her love for Nolan who refused to reciprocate her feelings. Distraught, she returned to New York with her parents.
Did Maryanne stay in New York and build a publishing empire with her father, or did Nolan suck it up and finally admit he loved her?
Okay, this story was enjoyable to read, but I didn’t find myself liking the characters too much. Just a personal opinion… I thought Maryanne was a bit too easily swayed by Nolan’s opinion of her, especially since she didn’t even really like him when her biggest decisions were made. As for Nolan, he had his personality quirks, but he didn’t seem that into Maryanne. So he fixed her radiator and found her an apartment next to his. He seemed so standoffish and indifferent to her most of the time that whenever he did say something sweet or complimentary (and that was rare), it was a little hard to believe. Just my two cents…
I think this story helped me discover one of the things I loved about reading Blazes—the male POV. Something tells me Nolan would have been more likable if we could get into the depths of his soul. Wow, that was corny! LOL! But seriously, I think a strong male POV helps the depth of a story, and this one didn’t have that.
Anyway, I’m still hooked on Macomber and will continue to make my way through my huge stack of her books. But next I’m mixing it up a bit with James Patterson’s “6th Target”.
Take care,
Jill Freeze
http://www.JillFreeze.com
I read this ....
around last christmas....I liked this one.
I like everything Debbie writes.
Terri
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