Wacky characters, nonstop action, riotous dialogue and a "large, stinky, green chicken" (aka Kakapo, a rare, nearly extinct parrot) give flight to Rich's latest romantic romp (following Time Off for Good Behavior
). Dana Elizabeth Wiley has a world of troubles: the upstate New York family winery has gone belly up due to diseased grapes; her evil adversary, Melanie Biggs, lurks in the shadows to buy the place; and her mother, who she had hoped would co-sign for a loan, is flat broke. If that isn't enough, Dana's hunky ex-fiancé, Nick Maybe, is suddenly back in her life after she dumped him six years earlier for having a premarital indiscretion with Melanie. These days Nick is running a Manhattan wine shop while doing "favors" for Dana's mom, Babs, in a subconscious effort to make amends. Babs is a bit of a modern-day Robin Hood. She, with Nick's assistance, arranges to steal valuables from wealthy clients at their request (and with their help) so they can cash in on insurance policies. While the frenzied tempo can short-circuit the brain cells at times, and the action is often more slapstick than believable, the merriment keeps the pages turning. Agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan. (June)
