Blue Dahlia

Nora Roberts

Stella Rochild is a widow raising two young boys. She lived in Michigan since her marriage. It is time to move away from the memories. She applies for a job that she feels is perfect for her. Roz Harper hires Stella to be the manager of the nursery business she owns in Tennessee.

Stella starts immediately. Rather than finding housing in an unknown community, she moves into the elegant, old Harper House at Roz' insistence. The boys and dog settle in quickly and Stella starts reorganizing the nursery office. She has a place for everything and everything in its place. Paperwork is precisely filed and easy to locate. Roz is happy with the changes, allowing her more time to work with her beloved plants.

But Logan Kitridge, Roz' landscaper, is not happy with the changes. He is disorganized, keeping most of his files in his head. Every time Stella requests paperwork, he grimaces in disgust. Yet there is something about the woman that attracts him... Logan's disorganization drives Stella crazy. She can't understand how he manages his work when he can't keep the paperwork straight. Yet there is something about Logan that attracts her...

As Roz's "family" grows with the addition of a far-removed young, pregnant cousin, Hayley, one other long time resident of Harper House reappears after many years quiet. The ghost of the house, the Harper Bride, spends her time visiting with and singing to Stella's sons. The ghost has an affinity for young boys. When the ghost feels Logan is a threat to the boys, Stella has problems.

Blue Dahlia is the first of a new trilogy for Nora Roberts. This series has a focus of gardening as the overlying background. Any romance reader can't help but like Stella, Roz, and Hayley. The women are all strong women who know their own minds. They are feminine and steady. They can care for themselves, yet can give way and love to the right man. This is light, enjoyable reading. This is a great beach book.

Notice: Strong sexual content

Blue Dahlia
Black Rose
Red Lily