A TREASURE WORTH SEEKING

Erin O'Shea searches for her older brother from whom she was separated by adoption. She learns he lives in San Francisco and makes a surprise visit--only to discover that he is missing and suspected of embezzling funds from his employer. Joyce Bean's delivery is clear and even. She eases between gender roles with skill, and her portrayal of emotion is realistic. She perfectly characterizes mean-spirited parents with haughty tones of malice. Erin and Lance's steamy sexual attraction is portrayed with outbursts of anger that become titillating sex. However, their overlong lovemaking scenes interfere with the story, rather than enhance it. Still, this is a good book. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]