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In the small California town of Chandler reside the three entertaining and somewhat unconventional Marconi sisters, Josefina (Jo), Samantha (Sam) and Michaela (Mike) who together handle different facets of their father’s construction firm. This summer it’s their turn to deal with the wealthy, construction-crazy widow, Grace Van Horn, a chore none of them is looking forward to. More surprises are in store, especially when Sam’s ex-husband Jeff shows up, only to announce that they were never really divorced.
Sam gets a further shock when she realizes that the daughter she gave for adoption years ago, has been brought up with loving care by her father, Jeff. One look at cheerful, loveable young Emma and Sam’s hitherto interred maternal feelings burst through and she demands to be an equal part of her daughter’s life, making it a condition for their new divorce, and Jeff naturally resents this. Past betrayals, interfering relatives and growing passion only further complicate the situation.
This Maureen Child story is entertaining while not very original. Sam and Jeff are star-crossed lovers who have to work their way out of a maze of unresolved misunderstandings, and this situation is further complicated by the presence of a precocious young daughter who very breezily charms her way through the entire awkward situation. Set once again in the charmingly Mayberryesque-like town of Chandler, characters from past books put in brief appearances while the author once again emphasizes the importance of family and togetherness, this time through the Italian-American family of Marconis. The heartwarming tale takes a stab at some serious issues such as divorce and illness, and the consequences withal and succeeds somewhat. The construction mayhem and the developing romances of the others sisters also adds fun and intrigue. All in all, “And then came you” is enjoyable and makes for some sunny, light-hearted reading.
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
June 7, 2004
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