Jonquil (Jonni) Landry Devries is
the mother of a precocious little girl as well as a recent widow. Now, after her husband
David’s death, she’s finally coming to realize the extent of his dominance over
her and the freedom which she now experiences is both exhilarating and scary. Also she
suspects that David was never faithful to her, though she has no proof of this. Unhappy
and overwhelmed, food is her only succor. One day, she realizes that time has come for her
to get her life back in control. On the advise of her twin sister, popular as “the
Love Doctor’, she decides to open her stately New Orleans home to a Hollywood film
crew. Little does she realize how this will change her entire life.
Cameron Scott, the famous Hollywood action hero is
a handsome hunk who’s well-known for being a ladies man. But lately this heartthrob
of millions is feeling the emptiness of his meaningless life. At this precise
psychological moment, his manager and long-time friend springs on him the surprising news
that his next film will be a children’s one, and one in which he’ll be playing
the role of a cartoon character, the magical (and old) butler Mr. Benjamin. Having little
faith in his own acting abilities, Cameron is appalled at trying his hand at this role,
but gamely proceeds. Once the shooting begins, he meets Jonni and sparks fill the room.
But both of them are uncertain – she can’t believe that a Hollywood idol would
fall for a round, middle-aged matron (with a child!) like her, and he’s not sure if
Jonni likes the actor or the man! How these two go about resolving this complicated tangle
of affairs makes for a fun-filled and light hearted comedy.
Hailey North is the author of many light-hearted
books, and this book is just the latest addition. The main characters in this book
actually carry the entire story – both Jonni and Cameron are riddled with
insecurities, wary of getting hurt and unable to say what they really feel. As a result,
misunderstanding abound and the whole thing gets more and more complex. Throw in this
mixture - the heat and sudden downpours of New Orleans, a hectic and crazy shooting
schedule, Hollywood egos and dramas, a demanding but precious little girl, a punk nanny,
well-intentioned but meddling relatives, loony friends and bossy servants – and you
have all the makings of a comic romp! And when you mix in romance and sensuality in this,
the situation is ripe for a romantic comedy. Cameron seems at times too good to be a
Hollywood hero, but is engaging nonetheless. Jonni is more convincing as a woman hurt and
is now on her guard. Things are resolved all right and tight at the end of the book, and
this is guaranteed to leave a smile on the readers faces!
Reviewed By Rashmi Srinivas
June 28, 2003 |
