Finding Ian by Kensington (Produced by), Kensington Publishing Corporation Staff

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Bestselling romance author Stella Cameron takes a different tack with her latest novel, Finding Ian, the story of one man's search for love, redemption, and the son he gave away 13 years earlier. Make no mistake, there's plenty of passion here, but it's a different level of passion that rarely finds its way between the sheets. Yet Finding Ian no less compelling, no less touching, and no less evocative that Cameron's other trademark works. The suspense is toned down, too, but Cameron ratchets up the emotional stakes with nearly every turn of the page, resulting in a tale that is every bit as satisfying as her usual fare.

Byron Frazer, a young man who has endured a childhood of abuse, falls desperately in love with Lori, a young woman who shares his determination to not only survive but thrive. Unfortunately, the fates have something else in mind, and Lori dies in childbirth, leaving Byron broke, bereft, and utterly lost. Realizing he can't care for his child, he gives the boy up for adoption. But years later, when he's become a successful psychologist with a lucrative media following, Byron goes looking for the son he's never forgotten, only to discover that the boy has recently been orphaned and sent to live with a spinster aunt in Cornwall, England.

Byron abandons his practice, his enamored agent, and his life in San Francisco to travel to Cornwall, where he meets his son, Ian, who is now a confused but sweet teenager. Byron hides his own identity at first, telling himself he's there only to check up on the boy's welfare. But he underestimates the effect Ian will have on his heart. Also affecting Byron's heart is Ian's adopted cousin, the beautiful and strong-willed Jade, who has been hired to remodel the cottage where Byron is staying. Love blooms between Byron and Jade, but when the truth about Byron eventually comes out, it strains their relationship to the limit. An emotional custody battle follows and, before all is said and done, the fragile bonds of love tying them all together will be put to the ultimate test.

Finding Ian is a perfect vehicle for Cameron, who continues to spread her writing wings and expand her devoted readership. The contemporary theme combined with Cameron's exquisitely drawn characters and ever-twisting plot should provide equal appeal to lovers of romance, suspense, and women's fiction.

Contributing editor Beth Amos is the author of three novels, including Cold White Fury and Second Sight.

From the Publisher

"For a few shining moments, Byron Frazer had it all - an adoring wife, a newborn son - until one was snatched by the cruel hands of death, and the other was cast away by Byron himself as he launched into a downward spiral of grief and pain. He'd assured himself that he had made the right decision, and that his son would find contentment in the arms of another couple. After all, he told himself, Lori would have wanted it that way." "Traveling across the ocean to a distant land of stone walls and cobbled roads, Byron will fulfill the promise to his lost wife - and be free to move on at last. Yet as he discovers his son, he also experiences an unexpectedly fierce paternal longing. Too soon, he realizes that Ian is destined to become as much a part of the close-knit Cornish village as the lush honeysuckle that scents the summer air. As much a part of it as Jade Perron is. Reeling from a shattered marriage, Jade, Ian's lovely, protective cousin, is struggling to rebuild her life without a man and determined to do it here, in the only home she has ever known. She's vowed that nothing can change her mind - certainly not a brash American whose eyes betray haunting heartache. . .and forbidden desire."--BOOK JACKET.

Romantic Times - Jill M. Smith

Leading author Stella Cameron explores a different side of her storytelling ability with this highly emotional and dramatically complex novel. Finding Ian is a prime example of Ms. Cameron’s expertise in building lush and multi-faceted characters.

Publishers Weekly

A beautiful lady housepainter, a handsome television psychologist and a sad, 13-year-old boy find love and redemption in a small village near Cornwall in Cameron's (Glass Houses, Key West) latest romantic novel. Dr. Byron Frazer is America's leading expert on family therapy. His San Francisco-based TV program has garnered the 34-year-old bachelor critical success and fame. But Frazer is hiding a secret from his overbearing agent and his fans: 13 years ago, after his young wife died in childbirth, he gave up their son for adoption. Frazer has had a private detective watching over the boy, named Ian Spring by his adoptive parents in Minnesota. When Frazer learns that the couple has died and the boy has been sent to live with his adoptive mother's sister, Muriel Cawden, in the tiny village of Boddinick, near Cornwall, England, he travels to Boddinick under the pretense of renting a house for the summer. He soon meets Jade Perron, 32, a housepainter, interior decorator and mother of five-year-old Rose. Perron and Frazer become romantically involved, but Jade has her own problems. Her father is encouraging her to return to her abusive ex-husband and to stop trying to prove she is "as good as any man." When Frazer decides to publicly stake his claim to Ian, whom he believes is being neglected by codgerish Aunt Muriel, it seems the entire village is pitted against him. Cameron's love scenes induce blushes not for their eroticism, but for their hackneyed ardor. Her myriad plot twists may keep readers turning pages, however. (Jan. 4) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

This latest from Cameron (French Quarter) will bemuse her ardent fans. There is no suspense, no kinky sex, and no villain here. Thirty-four-year-old Dr. Byron Frazer discovers that Ian, the son he gave up for adoption 13 years ago, is now an orphan in Cornwall, England. Overnight, he abandons his home and practice in San Francisco, telling himself that he just wants to see the boy settled. However, suppressed guilt overwhelms him; suddenly, the great family psychologist must face up to his own actions. The blow is softened for Byron when love blossoms between him and Jade, Ian's cousin by adoption. The ensuing custody battle between Byron and Jade's aunt puts a strain on everyone, but a happy ending is assured. This is a sweet story that, unfortunately, lacks emotional depth. Everyone is too good, decisions are too easy, and teenaged Ian is too perfect. This lightweight novel can't capture such a heavyweight subject between its covers. Public libraries should purchase for demand.--Jodi L. Israel, Jamaica Plain, MA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

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