Calder Promise

May 31, 2004
In her eighth dip into the Calder story pool, prolific romance writer Dailey focuses on Laura Calder, the 21-year-old granddaughter of crusty Montana millionaire Chase Calder. The young woman is fresh out of college and making the obligatory rich-kid tour of Europe before she settles down to a life of, well, she's not sure. In the meantime, life is good. She's traveling with her "aunt" (really daddy's first wife) Tara and meeting lots of interesting people. Most notable among her new acquaintances are Boone Rutledge, the son of a Texas oilman, and Sebastian Dunshill, an impoverished member of British nobility. Before long it becomes clear that Laura will marry one of them. But first each man must prove himself on her home turf, the Triple C ranch back home in Blue Moon, Mont. The novel's story line is less complex than that of previous Calder novels, but Dailey's pacing, narrative, characterization and dialogue are all handled with verve and grace. Dailey/Calder fans and newbies alike ought to be pleased with this one since it's not necessary to read the previous seven in the series to enjoy it. Agent, Richard Curtis.

August 15, 2005
In this ninth episode in the series, a new generation of Calders is poised for romance, with Laura taking center stage. In Rome on a grand tour with her deceased father's first wife, Tara, she meets wealthy Texan Boone Rutledge. Later that day, she encounters Sebastian Dunshill, the Earl of Crawford, and falls hopelessly in lust. Following Sebastian to England, Laura learns that he is so impoverished that a rich wife is the only thing likely to save him. Hurt, she flees home to Montana where she falls prey to overbearing Boone. Accepting his offer of marriage on the rebound, she can't forget the handsome earl. Pure genre romance, "Calder Promise" includes three explicit sex scenes, a predictable love triangle, the death of a Calder, and the triumph of true love. Anna Fields reads smoothly, but her dramatic style and portrayal of male characters may be disconcerting to some. Recommended only for libraries with loyal Dailey fans. -Janet Martin, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, NC

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