Say It Again, Sam

Rating:
Summary: intriguing second chance at love
Review: Former Delta Force soldier Sam Mendenhall is the Shelbyville, Michigan constable. His work is relatively quiet as he takes care of the 1245 year round residents and the additional "summer folks". However, lately he has learned how inadequate his service skills are involving petty thefts as someone has successfully stolen a flag from the post office and old curtains from a home amidst other items.

Beth Simon has come home from California to convert the family home to a bed and breakfast and to leave behind her violent former business partner Danny. Beth and Sam were high school sweethearts, but that was then and this is now. When they meet for the first time in years, the attraction remains hot. As they begin to overcome their doubts about the other, Danny starts to stalk Beth. When Sam realizes the danger confronting his now beloved, he knows his military skills are more than adequate, but Beth fears for her heart more than her life.

SAY IT AGAIN SAM is an intriguing second chance at love tale with a pinch of a mystery (the thefts) and a touch of suspense (Danny's rising hostile and erratic behavior). The story line mostly focuses on the relationship (somewhat the past but mostly the present) between the likable lead couple. Fans of contemporary romances will want to read this fine tale.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Fun Stuff. ** Grade: B+ **
Review: What an absolute hoot! SAY IT AGAIN, SAM is touching, humorous, and entertaining - can it get any better? Perhaps longer and a little hotter!

Beth Simon returns to the area where she spent her youthful, carefree summers. She comes home to the Victorian mansion along the shores of Heart Lake, Michigan. She comes back to heal and to move ahead. She comes home to discover Sam Mendenhall -- her best friend, her high school lover - Sam Mendenhall, the boy that broke her heart -- is currently residing in Shelbyville.

Ex-Delta Force warrior, Sam Mendenhall, has come home to Michigan to heal and reevaluate his life. Presently, he flutters away his days acting as Shelbyville, Michigan's local rent-a-cop; filling hours until . . . until he learns Beth Simon has returned. The girl of his youth - his first and only love - Beth Simon, the girl that broke his heart -- has returned to Shelbyville.

Shelbyville is humming with small town chaos. What started as a series of petty, mysterious robberies suddenly turns very serious. Someone is out to hurt Beth Simon and Sam Mendenhall has no other choice then to offer protection. Soon Sam and Beth pick up where they left off sixteen years ago; suddenly nothing can stand in the way of their love.

SAY IT AGAIN, SAM is a treat. This reader enjoyed the humor along with the romantic suspense. Sam and Beth are fun people. Definitely an entertaining page turner! Mary McBride shows delightful wit spinning this tale of rekindled love. Grade: B+

This review is based on an Advanced Reading Copy.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.