Tribute - Review

Tribute by Nora Roberts
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Library
Description:  Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes.  So she comes to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse that once belonged to her grandmother - a legendary actress who died of an overdose more than thirty years ago.  Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla's almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer.  Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romanced, Cilla steels herself against Ford's quirky charm, though she can't help indulging in a little fantasy.  But it's reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla  A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother's life - and may be the catalyst for a frightening violent assault.  And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.  (from Goodreads)

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Why I Picked This Book: I was browsing the library and realized I didn't remember really anything about this book other than it was one of my favorites.

My Impression: In some ways this is a pretty typical Nora Roberts books.  The MCs are both gorgeous and money is never really a problem.  The dialogue is well done, the characters are incredibly likable and you want them to be together. It was well paced and one I instantly fell into as soon as I picked it up.

I thought this was one of her better suspense books.  The mystery itself is really well done for this genre and really kept me guessing throughout.  Frequently in romantic suspense the mystery is kind of on the edges and incredibly obvious but it really wasn't the case here.  I liked Cilla and Ford's relationship and how it developed.  I liked the flip of the usual dynamics where she was definitely the more handy one and Ford had decided it was best to leave all tools alone.  The house flipping stuff was interesting especially when it expanded to other houses.

I loved how Cilla's grandmother, the incredibly glamorous movie star Janet Hardy, was incorporated into the book.  Not only was she talked about quite a bit but through Cilla's dreams we actually got to meet her and understand her a little better without it getting ghost-y which wouldn't have suited the feel of the book.

Cilla and Ford work so well together and they talk which always makes me happy.  I liked how Cilla's relationship developed with her father, step-mother and half-sister.  While it wasn't quite as much of an over the top happy reunion that I always love it did have a feel good quality to it along with being pretty realistic.  Also, Spock the dog is just awesome.

So if you're looking for a solid mystery, with a good romance, likable characters, a gorgeous house with a touch of old Hollywood then this is a great one to pick up.  Plus, I have a feeling you'll want to take home Spock as well.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Definitely!  Nora Roberts is pretty much an auto-read for me and I'd like to go back and revisit some of the others I don't remember very well.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  Yes, especially if you like Nora Roberts.