A Time to Keep by Curtiss Ann Matlock, Silhouette Special Edition #384, March 1987, Rating: B-

A heartwarming story of a couple that overcomes the odds against them starting with something as basic as an age difference to social position. The setting is Kansas City, a financier becomes intrigued with his brother's date. Luckily, his brother is rather loose with women and is no more serious about this woman than any other.

Lauren Howard is a retired dancer. Forced to retire after an automobile accident that left her unable to even walk, with a poor diagnosis of the chances she would ever walk again. She has overcome those odds with some residual weakness and stiffness in her badly battered body. She has a job for a lifelong friend of her mother's, an attorney who is writing a book. Despite the fact she has no secretarial skills, the man keeps her on and even befriends her as a daughter. Lauren is invited out on a date by Tony Kenyon, the perfect guy for her just then. She knows Tony is a playboy looking for fun and she's just starting to gain her independence again. She's shocked by the powerful attraction she feels toward Tony's older brother, Jason. Despite their age difference (about 20 years) she wants to be with him. It's only when her injuries and lack of stamina might hinder his chance at a senator seat that she decides she must back off. That and a potential family scandal that could leave a black mark on Jason's reputation for good.

Jason Kenyon is a successful businessman. He has wealth, respect and power. He had little time for himself and his social life suffered as a result. A widower, it wasn't until he met his brother's date for an evening dinner party that he started realizing how alone he felt. Jason had a difficult time getting past the fact she was with his brother, particularly when Tony was not forthcoming with the fact he was not serious about Lauren, as well as the age difference. He feels that his attraction to her, like his Corvette, is part of his mid-life crisis. It isn't until they've broken things off and he sees her again, thanks to a little help from a third party, that he realizes he loves her.

The sister of Jason's late wife, Felice, plays a large role in the book as well, even if it is merely as a bump in the road to this couple getting together. Felice has spent years taking over Jason's life with the intent of making him into a senator. She planned to be by his side as well. There isn't too much redeemable about Felice, she even threatens to expose potentially damaging information knowing it would ruin her chances with Jason. If she can't have him no one will is her attitude.

I did enjoy A Time to Keep, but thought the stumbling block of their age was carried out too long. I think I would have preferred the shortcomings she has due to the accident be more of a focus than the age. Despite those misgivings, I enjoyed getting to know Lauren, Jason, Tony and the other characters in the book. Lauren's boss by the end was like a different man, but it was an easy transition and it worked. I rate A Time to Keep a B-.

©Susan Falk and phantomroses.com