cover image The Potter's Lady

The Potter's Lady

Judith Miller. Bethany, $14.99 trade paper (336p) ISBN 978-0-7642-1256-7

Miller (A Shining Light) crafts a touching, realistic romance that explores how in-house affections can work toward the good of a company. Rose McKay, motivated by feelings of responsibility, is determined to help her brother grow his newly purchased pottery into a successful business. One of his new employees, Ryland Campbell, is relieved to keep his job at the pottery but unsure of what the future holds as his feelings grow for Rose. She's headstrong, but her determination to help her brother inspires admiration; Ryland is endearing and his reluctance to change feels natural. A host of secondary characters balances out the lively cast. The story is billed as a romance, but the relationship between Rose and Ryland is overshadowed by their attempts to save the pottery. Even though the ending is predictable%E2%80%94and is even hinted at by Miller early on%E2%80%94the lifelike portrayal of relationship and business struggles will please fans of Millers and newcomers alike. (Aug.)