Title: Golden Heart
Author: Kate Hofman
Published in June 2010 by The Dark Castle Lords
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 978-0-9844615-8-5
Cover Model: C. J. Hollenbach
DCL Books by Kate: Forgotten Love, Miguel's Surrender, Rey's Indiscretion, A Hidden Agenda, Circle of Love, Love's Lost Past, Odyssey of Love, Hidden Desire, Love Reborn, Gabriel's Quest for Love, Castle in Spain, Enchanted Castle, My Love, Forever, Not Without Love, Golden Adonis, Handsome Devil, Julian's Jungle Book, Dark Lover, A Marriage of Convenience, Summer Solstice, Homecoming,
Other Books: Dream Lover, A Sensual Seduction, A Greater Love, A Greek Love Story, Christmas Dream, Greek Fire, Navajo Dreams, The Spanish Conquest
There is one thing about living in a small tight-knit community that Jean Christopher liked - the familiarity and friends. One doesn't go far to meet them, and in Jean's case, many came to her flower shop. It is an auspicious day, for today will change her life, and that of her son, for the better...
Jamie could not believe what his mother was telling him. He had heard about Martino Ortona and his very formal gardens, but that he was going to be the one to reconstruct them was incredible. He knew that Martino was wealthy, that he was an advertizing magnate, and that he came into his mother's flower shop to buy flowers for his wife, and that his wife had been ill. These were all things that he gleaned from conversations with his mother. Martino was a regular customer, and a very good friend to his mother, but he had yet to meet the gentleman. Now he was going to tear out and redesign the Versailles-style gardens that flanked the Ortona's mansion, and his mind started working on a plan to get the relaxed and native feel that his mother said Martino requested. Jamie and his young apprentice, Juanito Montero, headed over to the Ortona's, and quickly got the lay of the land. If this job went well, it could be the beginning of even bigger and better things for him, and a chance to increase his business. The first thing that needed to be done...rip out the topiaries that Martino's wife Renata couldn't stand.
It was hard work, but knowing that Mr. Ortona's wife had been ill, Jamie and Juanito worked by hand. They had equipment which could have made things easier, but they didn't want to disturb the lady of the house. The gardens were looking better and more natural after a few days on the job, and it was a huge surprise when Martino came out one afternoon and introduced himself. He told Jamie that his wife was very pleased with the progress they were making, and then asked a very odd question, would Jamie be interested in doing some modeling? It was hard to turn the man down, and finally, between Martino and Juanito, he was convinced to at least do some test photos. He was not prepared for rapid change in his life, even though is mother was pleased, but a bit worried. There was the problem of his mother’s handicap, caused by a drunken driver who hit them, killing his father and crippling his mother. His worry was leaving her alone for the time necessary to do the shoot for Martino. It was then that his friend and occasional lover, Cynthia Roman, stepped in and offered to stay with Jean. It was a win-win situation since his mom and Cyn really enjoyed each other’s company…
Cyndi Roman was floored when Jamie told her want was happening. Imagine, Jamie a model for an upscale product line! It wasn’t that Jamie was not good looking, it was just that no one had really noticed how handsome and exotic Jamie was for real. He was tall, leanly muscled, with hair so golden and naturally blonde. His colouring was only enhanced by his deep tan from his time working outdoors. He didn’t have time for haircuts or fussing with a stylist. He worked long hard hours, and although kept scrupulously clean, his long locks were more often than not pulled back in a long silky ponytail. Cyn had to admit, he was one hot package. Funny how she often took Jamie for granted because he was a very dear friend. Although they were casual lovers, Cyn knew she held a special place in the handsome man’s heart, and she knew Jamie worried about others taking advantage of her. Both he and his mother worked too hard, and Cyn worried about Jean, and about the pain she knew the other woman endured daily. When she offered to stay with Jean, she felt Jamie’s relief to have her and not some stranger staying with his mom.
Vanessa Buckingham is a woman who did not seem to understand her place in the world. Yes, she was in a powerful position, but she did n[t handle it well, and for that reason alone she was working her way out of her career. She wouldn’t have many chances left if she messed up this job with Martino Ortona, but she just couldn’t help herself. For some reason, she had to throw herself at every good looking young male model she saw, trying in vain to capture her lost youth. To say she is unhappy is an understatement, yet her problems are brought on by herself, and her selfish and ego-centric need to have other see her as younger than she is. She finds herself on the outside looking in more often than not, and her situation is only made worse by her actions. In the big scheme of things, Vanessa knows this may be her last chance to redeem her career, but will she behave and not cause a scene or a problem for Martino?
It is good to have friends, and author Kate Hofman uses hers to ferret out the intricacies of the world of modeling in her new book, Golden Heart. It is the story of a hard working young man who completely ignores his looks, and is hugely surprised when someone notices. He is not prepared for his stint in the cut-throat world of modeling, and yet his very nature and laid back persona is what helps him the most. Jamie Christopher is a kind-hearted and generous person, and when someone has a problem, he tries to help to the best of his ability. When his young friend Juanito and his family are in trouble, Jamie does what he can to help, including asking his friend and lover Cyndi for help in locating Juanito’s father. When a young woman is preyed on and abused, he tries to help. Sometimes, however, these things can come back to bite you, and can cause friction even between the best of friends.
Golden Heart is a wonderful tale of the ups and downs of a model’s life, and also some of the pitfalls and the work involved behind the scenes. Thanks to her friendship with CJ Hollenbach, Kate paints a vivid and detailed picture of Jamie’s life as he is introduced into the world of the male model. Keeping the book simple and sweet with a touch of steam, Ms Hofman does the Romance World proud with another great book. Golden Heart has excitement, a touch of danger, and a hero and a heroine who will fuel your imagination. Follow Jamie as he makes his way through the labyrinth of the model, and as he does, how he really finds his friendship with Cyndi is really so much more. Kate Hofman’s realistic portrayals lend an authenticity, and her writing skills carry you away to the rich and hectic world of advertising and modeling. Look for Golden Heart at The Dark Castle Lords, and take a dip into Kate’s rich and vibrant world. I guarantee you won’t be sorry.
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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