TEST
The major conflict of And Mother Makes Three revolves around a deception, a well intentioned deception mind you, but a deception all the same. So, depending upon your tolerance for this plot device you may or may not enjoy this story. I did, but then I can forgive plenty if I enjoy the characters and this one has a kind-hearted, sexy hero and good heroes are very important to me. 
Compassionate Bronte (Bron) Lawrence spent her youth taking care of her ailing mother while her ambitious, self-centered sister Brooke took off, attained a college degree and became a famous environmentalist. After Bron’s mom passes away, she has no clue what to do with the rest of her life. Then a letter intended for her sister arrives from a lonely little girl and Bron’s future plans take an unexpected twist.
Apparently sister Brooke gave birth to a little girl named Lucy nine years earlier, gave full custody to the father, never told a soul about the birth and went on her merry way. Now Lucy has discovered that famous Brooke Lawrence is her mother and naturally wants to meet her. She writes her a letter pleading for her attendance at her school’s “Sports Day.” Bron intercepts the letter. Knowing her heartless sister will never show up, she decides to dress up like her look-a-like sister and play Mommy for a day. She doesn’t stop to think about the future consequences of her deception.
When James Fitzpatrick “Fitz” realizes that Lucy has discovered the truth about her mother he hi-tails it to Brooke’s home to confront her. He intends to force her to break their initial no contact agreement to meet Lucy since the cat is out of the bag. He’s stunned when she so easily agrees. His conversation with the flustered Bron (whom he thinks is Brooke) ends with a smoldering kiss.
Bron does the “Sports Day” thing and pulls off her charade with ease but unintentionally forms an emotional bond with young Lucy and the gorgeous Fitz (who still thinks she’s Brooke). She’s gotten in way over her head and continues to keep her secret to herself believing that Fitz will be livid when he realizes the truth. The emotional turmoil begins when she starts falling in love and her feelings are reciprocated. She fears Fitz is in love with Brooke and couldn’t possibly be interested in dull old her.
Bron keeps her silence far too long and only fesses up when Fitz catches on. While the plot didn’t do much for me, Fitz did. Why some smart woman hadn’t snatched him up was beyond me – but hey it’s a fantasy, right? He’s raised his little girl, made huge professional sacrifices, personally changed every one her dirty diapers, and loves her with all of his heart. His fears about losing her to her glamorous mother are heartfelt. When he risks it all by “forcing” the meeting with “Brooke” because it is what his Lucy wants, my heart nearly broke. This is one guy who deserves the title of hero.
Bron’s character was more problematic. She’s sweet enough, and her intentions are good, but why she never bothers to phone her sister and let her know what she was planning (never mind to find out if she had given birth in the first place!) grated. The sisters weren’t close by any means but there wasn’t any hostility between them either. Brooke, who is off stage throughout most of the book, is demonized for wanting a career and not a child at the age of 18. This stereotypical characterization was irksome throughout the story and was only partially redeemed towards the end.
Despite all that, if you’re looking for a sweet old-fashioned, albeit fast developing romance, this is a good choice. It’s not a keeper, but is a pleasant enough way to spend an hour or two.
Grade: C+
Book Type: Series Romance
Sensuality: Kisses
Review Date: 16/07/99
Publication Date: 1999/09
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.