Lavender’s Blue by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer

It’s been quite a while since her last books, but rom-com readers may remember Jennifer Crusie, whose books include Bet Me and Getting Rid of Bradley. Jenny & Bob also wrote a couple of funny romantic thrillers including Agnes and the Hitman. Jenny’s heroines are often curvy women with curly hair who have, in the recent past, had bad taste in men. Then the women get assertive, make a big change in their life, adopt a dog, and meet a very sexy man who makes them laugh.

I prefer cats, but also like dogs, and I have always enjoyed cheering for Crusie’s heroines as they make good choices, in their careers, homes, men, and pets. These women often need to deal with some serious stuff, but are also very funny, and really learn to enjoy life, and love.

And now, Jenny & Bob are back, with a new series! Rest in Pink is due out later this month. Liz Danger is on her way to Chicago for work, when she gets a note from her Aunt Mary Lou, guilt tripping her into visiting her mother Mary Beth in Burney, Ohio for her birthday. With a giant red stuffed bear in tow, Liz somehow zooms right past the exit for Burney. She’s been gone for 15 years, yet people still think of her as a rebellious teen who got dumped by Cash Porter. Also, they hug too much. Liz promptly gets pulled over by Vince Cooper, who then replaces three missing lug nuts on the right rear tire of her older Toyota Camry.

So, Burney, a small town overlooking the Ohio River not far from Cincinnati, cannot be escaped. Cousin Molly is thrilled to see Liz, and Liz can still work in the Camry’s backseat, ghostwriting celebrity Anemone’s memoir. The Camry needs some work before she can drive to Chicago. But she probably shouldn’t have bought her mom that bear.

Molly shares the news that Cash Porter is marrying Lavender Blue, and Lavender wants Liz to be in her wedding party. Chicago will have to wait a little longer. Then Liz learns that Vince, a former Army Ranger, loves old diners as much as she does, and can kiss really well.

Some old secrets are revealed and a bit of danger creeps into the story, and later a suspicious death. While this book isn’t as steamy as her earlier books, Lavender’s Blue is a very appealing and compelling read. I want to read more about Liz, Vince, Cousin Molly, Anemone and young Peri, so I am looking forward to the next two books in the series.