A Bid for Love

Finch's ( Apache Wind ) story is a moving and poignant addition to Zebra's imprint aimed at older readers. Elizabeth Smith Sutton, a 45-year-old widow with two grown daughters, has no choice but to give up the fight against the creditors and sell her Oklahoma cattle ranch. The ranch, which was settled by her Osage forebearers, means a great deal to Elizabeth and she wonders what she will do with her life once she sells. Wyatt McKenny, a 48-year-old divorce, has been recommended to evaluate the ranch for auction but Elizabeth believes McKenny to be a city slicker and doubts he is up to the task--which gets them off to a rough start. She is, of course, mistaken but her mistake provides the enjoyable premise as McKenney cleverly proves himself. Elizabeth's two meddling daughters, a newly graduated vet and a psychologist, add to the fun when they--despite their own shaky love lives--decide to offer mom advice on hers. Yuppie love doesn't have anything on this exceptionally well-written romance that not only steams up the glasses with its passionate love scenes but warms the heart with the depth of love, caring and commitment that the characters show for each other. (May)