The Talk of the Town: Daughters of the Great Depression

In this engaging first in a new Depression-era series from Baker (Miss Francie's Folly), rebellious bookkeeper Roxie Mitchell returns from St. Louis to her parents' house in Blue Ridge, Mo., determined to keep her independence by working as a manager at the local clothing warehouse. Meanwhile, Luke Bauer has just come back from a stint in the big house. When hardly anyone in town is willing to extend the handsome ex-con a kind hand, Roxie impulsively offers Luke a menial job in the warehouse. From their lunch exchanges a trusting friendship emerges. While lonely Luke sees Roxie as perfection, underneath she carries her St. Louis secrets, though these don't prevent her from falling for Luke. Her overprotective brothers and gossipy friends, of course, disapprove. This delightfully steamy read speaks right to the heart of romance lovers. (Sept.)