Spring Fever

July 30, 2012
Five years after their divorce, a smalltown North Carolina man and woman find themselves thrown together and discover they still have a chemistry that can’t be ignored. Mason Bayless, director of the local, family-owned soda company Quixie, and Annajane Hudgens uncover a clandestine effort to sell Quixie to a major beverage company, something that would devastate the local economy. Together they discover old secrets and deal with family jealousies and betrayals—and all that close contact gives them a chance to rediscover themselves. Kathleen McInerney’s narration is clear, crisp, and appealing. She ably portrays an array of characters: young and older women, children, and even men. The Southern accent she creates is effective in all its forms: soft and sweet or acerbic and cold. This entertaining, contemporary romance is perfect for light, summer listening. A St. Martin’s hardcover.

April 2, 2012
Along with her feisty sidekick Pokey Bayless Riggs, Annajane Hudgens attends ex-husband Mason Bayless’s wedding confident that she is over him and happy that he’s moving on. She’s also over their sleepy town of Passcoe, N.C., and ready to leave with tepid fiancé Shane. But during the ceremony, her old feelings for Mason return, and just as she’s about to tell him, Mason’s daughter’s sudden stomach pains cut the wedding short. Given time to sort out their feelings, Annajane and Mason confront the problems that led to their breakup, their enduring love, and their shared commitment to the family business, a soda company called Quixie that is being targeted for a takeover by hostile members of Mason’s family. Mason and Annajane must reconcile themselves to their rekindled love, save Quixie, and overcome their past. Though unmemorable, Andrew’s latest (after Summer Rental) is an enjoyable escape. Agent: Stuart Krichevsky Agency.