Now that siblings Allison, Aurora and Adrian St. Claire have launched their bed and breakfast in Galveston, Tex., and Aurora has found true love, it's Allison's turn to face the challenges of the heart in this inspirational sequel to Falling for You. Prim and petite Allison has the sweet, wholesome image that usually scares off commitment-shy men like bestselling author Scott Lawrence, who's staying at the supposedly haunted inn to stir up his creative juices. But when Allison decides she's tired of being a nice girl and propositions him, he goes against his better instincts and agrees. The two share an amazing night together, but Allison is hesitant to repeat the experience, fearing that love will only lead to the kind of pain she experienced 10 years earlier when she fell prey to a scheming boyfriend and suffered a miscarriage. Scott, whose parents are anything but happily married, shares Allison's unease about relationships, but he can't seem to keep his hands off of her. Ortolon's protagonists must overcome some tough emotional issues before they can set their sights on the future, but their journey is laced with humor and even a little history (provided by the inn's ghosts). Earnest and endearing, Ortolon's newest is a heartwarming and at times heartrending read. (Jan.)
