Wild Orchids

Wild Orchids by Jude Deveraux

From Booklist: Ford Newcombe grew up amongst his 11 uncles and their families, never really fitting in with his ne'er-do-well relatives. He met his wife, Pat, in college and she became his muse, helping him become a famous author. But after 21 years of marriage Pat dies, and Ford is at a loss, looking everywhere for the inspiration to begin writing again. He meets Jackie Maxwell, a young woman with a gift for storytelling, and she tells a doozy about a modern-day woman who is stoned because she was seen consorting with the devil. Ford wants to hire Jackie, but she is about to get married. Life has other plans, however, and Jackie ends up traveling with Ford to Cole Creek, North Carolina, the site of the stoning. Jackie recognizes the town, and she and Ford soon realize that she must have been there before, and perhaps witnessed the event.

8/10

I loved this book! Its one that I have reread plenty of times. Normally Im not a Jude D. fan (Im not really into all her time traveling) but this one was good. It was just creepy enough..and it wasnt a full blown romance (cuz im so over those). The first part of the book where it talks about Ford's life with his wife and her parents was really touching. And I loved how they didnt rush into his relationship with Jackie.

I also thought it was funny in parts. I like how the book was told from both of their points of view..example:

Jackie: From the look of him, I guessed he probably ate fried things that came in little plastic bags, and drank bottles of stuff that didnt have the word "diet" on them. (p. 95)

Ford: And she seemed to already know something about me because at the first gas station she had instinctively chosen my favorite snacks (p.120)

The book was just creepy enough for me. (the devil is in it after all... ) That reminds me of that 80's country song Somebodies Knocking (somebodies knocking...should I let him in...Lord its the devil...would you look at him) That will probably be stuck in my head all day.

Anyway...I really recommend this one. Especially if you are a romance fan who likes a little more story with your fluff. And its super cheap if you buy it used at amazon.