Classic Linda Lael Miller. I was surprised I had already read the other books in this series as I have no real memory of them and the places and events in this novel did not bring them to mind. So, this is very much a stand alone book. It is in no way necessary to read the other books first.
I find it difficult to review this book without revealing outcomes, so I apologize for its vagueness.
Miller's characters tend to be outrageous and act as though that is the normal order of things. Tess Bishop does not disappoint. She sees things one way and moves forward to make it real.
She is devoted to her family, no matter their faults. And their faults cause her tremendous grief.
She is also devoted to her photography. I particularly liked the way she started her photography business with utterly no knowledge of developing photos and so she blithely and successfully used a manual to learn.
The key to the novel, of course, is her tempestuous relationship with Keith Corbin. Every conceivable disaster is thrown in to keep them apart. And, as should be no surprise to Miller fans, family leads the way.
Miller's book is loaded with characters, yet she deftly introduces each new set and keeps them straight for the reader.