Christmas Witness (Harlequin Intrigue, 544)

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good Holiday Intrigue
Review: "Christmas Witness" begins two weeks before the winter holiday, on the night Paul Black Raven is killed. The only witness is recently widowed, 8½-months-pregnant Annie Sandusky, who spots a man running from the scene disguised as Santa Claus. Only moments after the incident, Paul's 30-year-old estranged son (Jake) mysteriously shows up at the ranch. He, along with his twin brother Nick and a handful of other loyal friends and neighbors, gather together to solve Paul's death and the many threats, poisonings, burglaries, and arsons that follow. During all the turmoil, the leading Tewa native (Jake) and the ever-so-womanly leading lady (Annie) somehow muster enough time and hormones to romp in the hay and pretty much act like giddy teenagers to satisfy any romance-hungry reader.

However, the main thing that didn't really seem believable in this book was Paul's clause in his will--that Annie, Jake, and Nick all live at Black Raven Ranch for one year before anyone could receive their inheritance. It was planned too perfectly for the two lovebirds (Annie and Jake) and wasn't really necessary in the plot.

Still, if you enjoy romantic intrigues, particularly involving interracial (Native American and Anglo) couples, then you'll more than likely enjoy this Harlequin Intrigue addition.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty Good Holiday Intrigue
Review: "Christmas Witness" begins two weeks before the winter holiday, on the night Paul Black Raven is killed. The only witness is recently widowed, 8½-months-pregnant Annie Sandusky, who spots a man running from the scene disguised as Santa Claus. Only moments after the incident, Paul's 30-year-old estranged son (Jake) mysteriously shows up at the ranch. He, along with his twin brother Nick and a handful of other loyal friends and neighbors, gather together to solve Paul's death and the many threats, poisonings, burglaries, and arsons that follow. During all the turmoil, the leading Tewa native (Jake) and the ever-so-womanly leading lady (Annie) somehow muster enough time and hormones to romp in the hay and pretty much act like giddy teenagers to satisfy any romance-hungry reader.

However, the main thing that didn't really seem believable in this book was Paul's clause in his will--that Annie, Jake, and Nick all live at Black Raven Ranch for one year before anyone could receive their inheritance. It was planned too perfectly for the two lovebirds (Annie and Jake) and wasn't really necessary in the plot.

Still, if you enjoy romantic intrigues, particularly involving interracial (Native American and Anglo) couples, then you'll more than likely enjoy this Harlequin Intrigue addition.

Rating:
Summary: Winning romance
Review: Annie Sundusky grew up in church-sponsored children's home. At that facility, she met Bobby, who became her husband. However, shortly after they married, Bobby died in an accident. The widow Annie was alone and pregnant at that fatal time. Paul Black Raven, owner of a ranch that borders the Tiwa Pueblo, provides Annie a place to stay and work on her art in exchange for clerical assistance.

A father-daughter relationship forges that ends when someone murders Paul, leaving Annie heartbroken for the second time in her life. Just before his death, Paul summoned his estranged son Jake to come home, but he returns too late to reconcile with his father. Upon the moment that Jake and Annie see each other, an attraction occurs. However, Jake fears commitments and Annie needs a long time relationship. Though their love for one another appears to be going no where, they work in tandem to uncover the identity of his father's killer.

Annie Thurlo, well known for her Native American romances, scores again with her most poignant novel to date, CHRISTMAS WITNESS. The beauty of the tale is observing the growing love between the lead protagonists' struggles to overcome grief, other circumstances, and the couple's personal phobias. The compelling mystery works as the number of suspects are limited, but their motives fully developed in a misdirected manner. Ms. Thurlo's latest book is a holiday treat.

Rating:
Summary: ANOTHER EXCELLENT STORY!
Review: Not as emotionally intense as I would have thought but extremely satisfying.
This is #1 of a pair of brothers stories that introduces us to Jake Black Raven and his twin brother Nick.

Annie Sandusky is very heavily pregnant and living with the rumor being spread about the San Esteban Pueblo that it is Paul Black Raven's child.
She is almost a front line witness to Paul's murder and is asked to help Jake find the "evidence". They have quite a list of suspects.

Jake and Nick have some unresolved differences that they work on with the help of Annie and Martin, the foreman of Black Raven Ranch. Martin also became a near victim.

Thomas Ray wanted the diary of his sister Saya Black Raven, the wife of Paul Black Raven and mother of Jake and Nick and he would do most anything to get it. So many people trusted Saya with their secrets.

Iris Ortiz had a grudge against Annie for having alienated Paul's affections or so she thought. If she had any chance at all.

It seems that Paul was privy to a little secret concerning Nick. Look for Nick's story in "Black Raven's Pride" - #2 to the set.
Totally enjoyable - definitely recommended ...