Keep On Loving You

Set in fictitious Blue Arrow Lake, Calif., Ridgway’s feeble fable is so convoluted with indecision and unexplained behavior that readers will find it difficult to connect to the characters. Mackenzie Walker has a successful cleaning business and a close-knit family. She loves her mountain home, and she would never dream of leaving it, even if Zan Elliott, her first love, had asked her to come along when he left her to travel the world. Lucky for her he didn’t; unlucky for her, she never got over him, and three broken engagements in 10 years is proof enough. When Zan returns to Blue Arrow Lake to settle his grandfather’s estate, she’s forced to deal with her strong feelings and see whether she can finally find happiness. Zan never doubted his feelings for Mac, but he’s only intending to stay in town long enough to settle family business, and he has no intention of letting either of them get attached. The two of them run hot and cold without rhyme or reason. With inconsistently characterized lovers, the climax is nonexistent, and the emotional development is merely an overnight revelation. (Jan.)