Publisher Description

A powerful novel of three couples who face decisions about having children, which will test them as lovers, partners and Goode and Andrew Douglas are a California couple who seem to have it all, and after their wedding, Diana teases that she will make a baby on their honeymoon. But long afterwards, she is still not pregnant. As they wait out each month with anticipation, only to be disappointed, they are forced to question just how much they are willing to go through to have a baby, and at what cost to their marriage. Charlie Winwood, having grown up as an orphan, dreams of a house filled with children, but his bride -- fun seeking actress Barbie Mason -- has other ideas. Their marriage is strained, but Charlie is convinced a baby will solve it all. Pilar Graham, a prominent attorney in her early forties, astonishes her friends by marrying Judge Brad Coleman, a man in his sixties and the father of two grown children. Pilar begins to wonder if some day she will regret not having a baby with Brad, but it will not be easy for them as they encounter the world of high-tech medicine and the bittersweet rewards it brings.

Notes

A powerful novel of three couples who face decisions about having children, which will test them as lovers, partners and friends.

Promotional

A powerful novel of three couples who face decisions about having children, which will test them as lovers, partners and friends.

Kirkus US Review

Steel (Jewels p. 282, etc.), our American Cookson (see above), is a marvel among writers of hairdryer-and-beachchair hefty romantic performances. All linked character plots rise or fall in harmony; the clothes are arresting, the food good; and there's just enough tremolo sentiment for mini-weeps. This one involves a sizable hullabaloo about the problem of infertility (featuring heavy gyn info and the latest news about the vagaries of ova and sperm) as it affects three California couples. The story begins with weddings: editor Diana and lawyer Andy's; aspiring showgirl Barbie and ordinary guy Charlie's (who's grown up in orphanages); and 42-year-old lawyer Pilar and 60-ish judge Brad's. Then, for all three couples, the baby urge burrows in. Diana, sister of two highly fertile siblings (both of whom want to know when is she producing?), learns that she's apparently sterile; Charlie wants children desperately, but Barbie, with a background of childhood abuse and many abortions, absolutely refuses; Pilar, in spite of a callous mother's warnings, decides to "try," with Brad's support. Pilar and Diana undergo a series of tests and procedures, while Charlie hears the horrible news that he's sterile - but Barbie returns from Vegas pregnant! Stormy weather follows for all - with tears, withdrawal, and bitter words bandied about - but in spite of one sad little death, there will be rainbows and little bundles, plus a tot from an orphanage who whispers, "Daddy." Heartstrings plucked like a banjo and great Steelian lines ("She had endless legs and breasts that were exploding out of her cleavage"). Watch for this one also endlessly exploding - on the charts. (Kirkus Reviews)

Promotional "Headline"

A powerful novel of three couples who face decisions about having children, which will test them as lovers, partners and friends.

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