Step-Ball-Change

May 6, 2002
Ray's snappy second novel takes place in a chaotic but comfortable Southern household led by an appealingly down-to-earth matriarch. Caroline McSwain, a dance instructor in her 60s, is sitting down to dinner with her devoted husband, Tom, a public defender, when two phones ring simultaneously to interrupt their rare moment of privacy. Ten minutes later, her estranged, flighty sister, Taffy, newly separated from her husband, has decided to come from Atlanta for an extended visit, with her nasty terrier in tow. And the McSwains' only daughter, Kay, has just gotten engaged to Trey Bennet, a member of Raleigh's bluest-blooded family, but she still hasn't gotten over Jack, a charming district attorney. Meanwhile, Caroline and Tom's home is undergoing what seems like a never-ending renovation, eating up their retirement fund. Kay's wedding plans get complicated (and expensive); Caroline and Taffy start finding common ground; even the terrier calms down, thanks to Woodrow, a contractor who has taken a shine to Taffy. Caroline is an endearing narrator, realistic and self-deprecating; when things start to get out of control, her love for her family helps her to keep things on track. Although Ray (Julie and Romeo) allows the sap level to rise a little too high as the inevitable picture-perfect ending rolls around, she has a gift for lively dialogue that makes the characters (Caroline and Tom especially) snap into place. 7-city author tour. (May) Forecast:The cheerily romantic
Julie and Romeo has sold nearly half a million copies. Ray mines similar ground here and can expect a warm reception from her fans.

January 1, 2002
A long-term, happy marriage. The perfect job. And four children who are all successful lawyers. Of course trouble is bound to come Carolyn's way. A follow-up to the surprise hit Julie and Romeo.

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2002
In a novel as comfortable and inviting as coffee at your best friend's kitchen table, Ray, author of " Julie and Romeo" (2000), introduces Caroline, a woman who has a life possibly too full of happiness and fulfillment to be normal. She has a great marriage, four grown children--three attorneys like their father, one still in law school --and her own dance studio. The foundation of their house is cracked, but they have Woodrow, a capable, personable contractor who has practically moved in with them, on the job. Daughter Kay stirs things up by announcing her engagement to a very rich and eligible young man, and sister Taffy calls to say her husband has left her and she will arrive the next day. Conflicts abound, but none approach those of the life-shattering variety. Sisters come together, weddings are planned, excess suitors are dispatched, and all loose ends are tied; even the foundation is repaired. Appealing and entertaining, although unchallenging, this could be the perfect diversion.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)