The Other Woman

April 15, 2006
Cruelly betrayed by her bigamist husband, Liz O'Connell is determined to get on with her life, raise her daughters, and realize her dream of owning a chocolate shop. But vandalism and more sinister events threaten her plans even as unexpected love catches her off guard. A repentant ex, an attractive -younger man, - and a skeptical, no-nonsense political aide vie for her affections in this multilayered tale that overflows with both family interaction and small-town ambience. While the latest addition to Novak's heartwarming Dundee, ID, series may end too conveniently, fans will find much to enjoy. Novak lives in Carmichael, CA.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2006
Elizabeth O'Connell did not have the best luck when it came to men. Nearly two years ago, Elizabeth ended her marriage when she discovered that her husband was already married. Now all Elizabeth wants to do is concentrate on her new business, but when her friend Senator Garth Holbrook offers to set Elizabeth up with his new political aide, Carter Hudson, Elizabeth reluctantly agrees. It only takes a few minutes with the bluntly and annoyingly honest Carter for Elizabeth to decide the two of them would never work out. Elizabeth then finds herself revising her opinion of Carter when he agrees to help with the renovations to her chocolate shop, but a mystery woman in Carter's past threatens to ruin any chance of romance. Novak continues her loosely connected series set in Dundee, Idaho, with this emotionally intense story of one woman starting over again. Complex, realistically flawed characters and a love story with a dash of danger are beautifully blended in this excellent contemporary romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)