Taming Natasha by Nora Roberts (1990 Silhouette Special Edition #583) reprinted 2008
Back cover: The first time single-father Spence Kimball set eyes on Natasha Stanislaski, he was floored by her exotic beauty. But the former ballet dancer turned toy shop owner had a fiery temperament that kept men safely at bay. Sensing a hidden wound, Spence and his little girl joined forces to find a way into her closely guarded heart. For Spence realized he'd do anything to tame Natasha's fears...and show her how to love.
As an avid reader, Nora Roberts (especially her older titles) holds a special place in my heart along with several other writers. I am especially drawn to serialized books that deal with a particular family or group so the reader receives "updates" as it were on characters met in previous books and stories.
This book is the first one of several about the Stanislaski family who originated from the Ukraine, and then emigrated to the USA. The family member showcased is Natasha, the oldest daughter who was born in the Ukraine, and at age 5 escaped with her parents and 2 brothers through Europe to New York City. A ballet dancer of some success, Natasha falls pregnant and has a little girl called Lily who dies at a young age. She picks up the pieces of her life and moves to West Virginia where she opens a toy store and plans on a single life for herself.
Dr. Spence Kimball, PhD in Music, is a composer and concert pianist who is now a widower with a small daughter, Freddie. They move to West Virginia to start a new life as Dr. Kimball has accepted a faculty position at the local college.
The story of Spence's and Natasha's journey to marriage is well written, filled with wonderful passages that allow you to visualize the world the characters inhabit and truly empathize with their situations and emotions. You are drawn into the Stanislavski family (which makes it hard to wait for the next stories!). A satisfying and emotional read, and a must have for anyone who enjoys stories that underline the importance of family.
It really is love that makes the world go 'round!
Take Good Care
'Lil Deb
I enjoyed all the
I enjoyed all the Stanislavski books, my only sadness is that since Nora doesn't write for Harlequin anymore, we will never see the rest of the kids and I really wanted Brandon's story.
Cady
TBR--The Born Readers