Talk of the Town

Sherrill Bodine

Rebecca Covington has worked as the gossip queen of Chicago for the Daily Mail for fifteen years. A new owner purchases the newspaper and wants a new look. With no warning, Rebecca discovers she is either fired or take a twice weekly recipe column. A "younger model" now has her gossip column. Shannon doesn't like Rebecca and doesn't hide it.

Rebecca doesn't know how to cook! She had tried, back when she was married over ten years earlier, but never got the knack. Since then, she hasn't tried. She could quit - but refuses to give in to the new owner. Instead, she gets cooking help and decides to add her own twist to the recipe column.

David Sumner is the new, handsome owner of the Daily Mail. It was his decision to let Rebecca go after a column that threatened a law suit. The recipe column position was an offer to avoid an ageism law suit from her. He didn't expect her to accept it and admired her spirit when he heard she did.

They finally meet after she's had the job for a couple weeks. They both feel an attraction but try to ignore it. He's the boss who had her fired. She's a distraction but no one could replace his deceased wife.

We know that most pure romance novels have a touch of fantasy to them. Talk of the Town is pure, fun fantasy for us older women. Rebecca and David are both in their 40's. He has grown sons. The characters are likeable if a bit unbelievable. One or two story embellishments are started and dropped (like her rejected credit cards early in the book - money is never an object again after that).

The relationship Sherrill Bodine gives us is a second stage of life story for both David and Rebecca. She's a witty, sassy gossip columnist with a heart of gold. He's a steely businessman who spends time coaching Little League teams. What could be better?

Talk of the Town is charming and a fun escape.

Notice: Strong sexual content

Publicist provided for review