Magnolia (Thorndike Press Large Print Basic Series)
When Claire accepted John Hawthorn's proposal of marriage, she thought they would both benefit.  John would no longer be jeopardizing his reputation or that of the beautiful wife of the bank president (and his ex-fiancee).  For Claire...well, it would just solve many of her problems.  After her uncle died, she had no one to turn to and no income of which to speak.  Not to mention the fact that there was not even a roof over her head after the bank took over everything she had.  Claire took few things with her into this marriage -- an automobile she affectionately called Chester, her talent for sewing, and her love for the man she was marrying.  Unfortunately, it looked like John was still tied by the heartstrings to his dear Diane Culverson, and tongues in society were wagging.  At every turn it seemed that John was hanging on Diane's every word, clinging to her arms, and touching ever so casually.  It was more than any woman could take.  It takes just one night of passion and one morning of cruelty to turn Claire from John.  Fearing that she is only a vessel for his lust, Claire flees John, wanting only to think of a solution to her predicament.  However, when a scandal erupts at the bank and John is jailed, Claire rushes back to his side, knowing she cannot let this happen to the man she loves.  She can not and will not allow him to be destroyed!  Diana Palmer's strength lies in the aggressiveness of her characters.  At first, you may find yourself wishing that John would give in to Claire's gentle nature.  You may ask yourself why Claire allows herself to go on being a victim for so long.  Diana lets these characters grow to know each other as the story progresses.  As you turn each page, you will watch them learning more, revealing hidden secrets, and uncovering false faces.  Their discovery of their true feelings is as vital as the real world. Run a true gauntlet of emotions....These characters never let up! Diana Palmer is wonderful!  A beautifully chaotic romance! A story that brings out emotions that are so real -- anger, grief, remorse, passion.  It's all there!Karen Ellington  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.