CHRISTMAS HEAT

Author: Devon Vaughn Archer ISBN: 0373860471 12/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: KIMANI

A season of miracles…and second chances Audrey Lamour was a successful artist and devoted mother, forever indebted to the heroic fireman who pulled her from a blaze twenty-five years ago on Christmas Day. She honored him by painting his portrait—never dreaming her picture would become a lifeline to love…. Conrad Pearson was driven to meet the woman whose emotional painting of his father seared his soul, even if it meant returning home to the Pacific Northwest, and painful memories. But Audrey's beauty, grace and unforgettable kiss ignited the kind of sensual fire that made a man glad to be alive. Now he was ready to confront all the ghosts of Christmas past to keep this angel in his arms forever.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

CHRISTMAS HEAT is the story of two people united by sad circumstances. A Christmas Day fire, a nightmare that has haunted her forever, has left its mark on Audrey. She is a talented artist, caring mother and an intelligent woman, yet she can't forget the sounds and scents of the fire of her childhood. Conrad's father is the man who rescued little Audrey. He is compelled to meet Audrey, but he isn't as forthcoming about his presence as he should be.

I enjoyed this book. The story is interesting, but not really out of the ordinary. That may be one of its strongest points, the fact that any disaster or heartache could unite people the way Audrey and Conrad are united. It is a story that is identifiable to many. While the dialogue seems forced in places, that is easily overlooked given the other issues being brought to light. I would have enjoyed this more had the romance been more emotional.

All in all, though, CHRISTMAS HEAT is an entertaining tale.

Kay James