Rising Tides - Nora Roberts

I picked it up on a whim. I think I saw it in Walmart. I think I'm now in love with Ethan, the male lead.

As with all the boys the Quinns adopted, Ethan comes from a troubled past. His mother was an addict and sold both herself and her son for the next fix. He fought his past and his memories for years until the Quinns brought him home. As usual, they helped him heal physically and emotionally.

Along came Grace. She had her own issues but was determined to rise above without leaning on anyone. Married at 19, pregnant and divorced by 20, she recognized that inner core of strength which women seem to have. She determined that she would do better for her little girl and was doing OK. Just OK. So she was killing herself with work. So she was too proud to ask her father for help. It was fine.

Grace and Ethan dance around each other for most of the book. Since it is a Nora Roberts book, the inevitable happens. Again and again ... if you know what I mean. lol

I think what I like about her books is that her women are not weak characters. She realizes that everyone is flawed and isn't afraid to showcase those flaws. Also, her male leads are not perfect specimens which can do no wrong. They're believeable (sp?). Yes, they can act like fools. Yes, they often do. Yes, they make mistakes and learn from them. Yes, they grow as most human beings do.

She understands how people are with each other and really shows the development of relationships fully, if in a microcosm of time.