Bestseller Michaels (Pretty Woman) turns out a fun, page-turning tale of familial feud and forgiveness in Louisiana. A funeral leads to a reunion that is anything but unifying, as characters struggle to resolve old injuries; a father trapped in his own house by a second wife must earn the trust of Ben, the son whom he neglected, while Ben?s lover, Darby, and three aunts (Dodo, Diddy, and Ducky) team up to mend family ties. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Once again, productive and imaginative Michaels creates a heartwarming saga. Set in Baton Rouge, this tale revolves around two families, the Lanes and the Gunns. Close friends and neighbors for years, their shared lives are remarkably happy until Myrna Gunn dies and Marcus remarries. Bella, his new wife, can only be described as an evil stepmother, and the two families divide. But Darby Lane and Russ Gunn remain the best of friends. Russ even makes Darby the executrix of his will after they graduate from college. Ten years later Russ dies, and Darby isn't able to stop Russ' stepmother from going against his wishes. When Darby and Russ' brother, Ben, join forces to forestall Bella's continued machinations, they fall in love. But Darby's three maiden aunts--Dodo, Ducky, and Diddy--steal the show as they plot a caper to rescue Ben's father from Bella's clutches. In the process, they heal the breach between the Gunns and the Lanes, and prove the adage that you're never too old to satisfy your heart's desire. Michaels' talent for crafting quirky characters and gratifying narratives makes every page shine. --Maria Hatton Copyright 2006 Booklist