About This Book
As tawny-haired Jean Hampton, a young librarian, begins the summer in Briarwood, her biggest problem is to help her fiancé Marc Oliphant, realize his dream of becoming a children's book illustrator. Marc's mother, Rose, however has other ideas. She is determined to have Marc take over the management of The Palms, the exclusive resort hotel that she has run since her husband's death. Part of her plan includes hiring a beautiful and energetic blonde, Bunnie Peterson, for a summer job at The Palms.
The small town of Briarwood is abuzz with gossip about the return of the darkly handsome James Massey, who had left a year ago after his wife Francesca's suicide. James is seen everywhere with the sophisticated Althea Grey, who had been Francesca's best friend, and it is rumored that James has come back to marry her. Jean meets James at a dance at The Palms, where he is staying, and she is impressed by his courage in facing the local suspicion that he was somehow involved in his wife's death. She is further convinced of his innocence when he offers to send Marc's drawing to an editor friend in New York.
Also staying at The Palms is Elnora Henry, an old confidante of Francesca's who has more sinister plans in mind than just the pursuit of a wealthy old guest, Homer Winthrop. Jean finds herself drawn into this tangle through her friendship with James, and she herself feels the full brunt of Briarwood gossip when she learns that Marc is dating Bunnie Peterson.
The small town of Briarwood is abuzz with gossip about the return of the darkly handsome James Massey, who had left a year ago after his wife Francesca's suicide. James is seen everywhere with the sophisticated Althea Grey, who had been Francesca's best friend, and it is rumored that James has come back to marry her. Jean meets James at a dance at The Palms, where he is staying, and she is impressed by his courage in facing the local suspicion that he was somehow involved in his wife's death. She is further convinced of his innocence when he offers to send Marc's drawing to an editor friend in New York.
Also staying at The Palms is Elnora Henry, an old confidante of Francesca's who has more sinister plans in mind than just the pursuit of a wealthy old guest, Homer Winthrop. Jean finds herself drawn into this tangle through her friendship with James, and she herself feels the full brunt of Briarwood gossip when she learns that Marc is dating Bunnie Peterson.