Seth Quinn, a famous artist from Maryland, comes home from Europe after several years. Greeted by his three older brothers/uncles (relationship is murky) and their families, Seth sets up a studio above Drusilla Whitcomb Bank's flower shop. Attracted to her, Seth begins to pursue her and has her pose for him several times (once in the nude). After a few months, they realize that they are in love.
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However, Seth's biological mother (who abused Seth as a child before Seth was adopted by his grandfather) is blackmailing Seth into giving him money, and has been for fifteen-some years. Seth is afraid Drusilla will not want him when she finds out about his past, but he doesn't want to pay his mother money anymore.
The review of this Book prepared by Stephanie Hoppe
In this fourth book of the Chesapeake Bay Saga, Seth Quinn is now grown up and is an internationally renowned artist. After spending many years in Europe, Seth comes home to the small town of St. Christopher's and to the brothers and sisters who raised him. He rents studio space from the new lady in town, Druscilla Whitcomb Banks, the daughter of one of the most wealthy and influential families in Washington D.C. Slowly romancing the careful and private Dru, Seth is threatened by the mother who sold him to the Quinns almost twenty years ago. Almost twenty years after his grandfather, Ray, bought him from his mother, Seth with his brothers and sisters gets set for a show down to put an end to the terror, once and for all.
The review of this Book prepared by Katherine Randall
Putnam, Nov 2002, 25.95, 384 pp.
ISBN 0399149392
Seth Quinn would never have grown into the fine man he has become if it wasn't for his grandfather who'd taken him in as a child. When his grandfather died, his surrogate uncles gave him a loving and stable home and in doing so they were the ones who were rewarded. After years abroad studying and honing his skills as an artist, Seth returns to the family home in St. Chris where he is welcomed as the prodigal son.
When he goes into the local flower store to buy flowers for his female kin, he meets the owner and immediately wants to paint her. Dru is very wary of men and tries not to get involved with Quinn but he finally persuades her to give him a chance. Just when it looks like they have the makings of a solid relationship, Seth's blackmailing mother comes to town, threatening to ruin all he holds dear.
The hero of CHESAPEAKE BLUE is based on the premise that environment (nurturing) not genetics (nature) plays the major role in personal morality. The growing relationship between Seth and Dru is tenderly and realistically portrayed. As a result of that believability the audience roots for them. Nora Roberts is at her best in this thought provoking contemporary romance.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
