A young woman gets caught up in the secrets and shadows of a big-screen legend and a small-town scandal in this #1 New York Times bestseller from Nora Roberts. Cilla McGowan, a former child star, has found a more satisfying life restoring homes. So she comes to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley to save the dilapidated farmhouse of her grandmother—a legendary actress who died of an overdose there … of an overdose there more than thirty years ago.
Plunging into the project with gusto, Cilla’s almost too busy and exhausted to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer. Determined not to carry on the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford’s quirky charm, though she can’t help indulging in a little fantasy.
But it’s reality that holds its share of dangers for Cilla. A cache of unsigned letters found in the attic points to a mysterious romance in her grandmother’s life, and may be what sparks a frightening, violent assault. Now, if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may, just like her world-famous grandmother, be cut down in the prime of her life.
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While we stay inside and avoid the Covid-19 virus, I’m enjoying re-reading/re-listening to my Nora Roberts books/audiobooks. This one, Tribute, is a romantic suspense. I love the hero, who owns a wonderfully ugly dog. The heroine is strong and resilient. I wish the audiobook had been narrated by a different voice talent, but the story definitely kept my interest despite not being in love with the narrator’s voice. If you haven’t read this Nora novel, I recommend checking it out.
I’ve loved Nora’s books since I was a teenager, and she’s one of the authors who influenced me tremendously in my own writing career. I admire her ability to write in several genres and to draw the reader into the worlds she creates, whether it’s romance, thriller or police procedurals. Amazingly accomplished author!
Great book about family history & how it effects our lives. Also a really good love story.
I read this again during the Christmas holidays and still loved it. Tribute is one of my favorite Nora Roberts books. The interaction with the main characters is refreshing. The book has an interesting story line.
Awesome book
Cilla’s strength of character is unquestionable. But her uncertainty over how to interact with her father and half-sister, constant frustration with her mother, and dream-conversations with her long deceased grandmother (Janet) doesn’t take away from it but only lends credence to her strength…it didn’t come easy to her.
And there’s just not much more appealing than a slightly nerdy guy who also happens to have a seriously creative mind that translates onto paper…how many guys look at the “girl” next door and sees a Viking Goddess. Then there’s his quietly sturdy strength of character that’s made only more believable by the hint of insecurity he’s not particularly fond of. It’s a mix that would tug on any heartstrings…Cilla is sunk…and she knows it no matter what she keeps telling herself.
But just as I was lured to continue reading by Janet’s occasional nocturnal visits and Ford’s irresistible determination to get his new neighbor’s attention, Steve’s arrival ties it all together even though you don’t realize it until he’s gone. He’s the unexpected bonus you wish had hung around longer.
I thought I had this mystery all figured out…I was wrong.
And I’d really like a few minutes to chat with my grandmother…even if just in a dream…
I needed a good read for an international flight and this book caught my eye. Cilla is a simple but complex character trying to simplify her life and find herself by moving home to revitalize her famous grandmother’s estate. Romance and intrigue keep the reader engaged to the very end. Well done.
Nora Roberts never disappoints! This is one of her better novels!
The first Nora Roberts I read and still my favorite. A nice gender flip with the h/h (he’s an artist; she’s a contractor) and an intriguing plot. And the details of the home renovation ring true. Easy to read and compelling.
This book is long but found it very interesting, lots of suspense, secrets and family drama. Loved the difference’s in Cilla and Ford and their line of work. Gotta say the book did have me guessing, which was enjoyable and worth reading!
Cilla McGowan, former child star and the granddaughter of the renowned actress, Janet Hardy, has returned to her roots, or at least the roots of her parents. Wanting nothing more to do with Hollywood, she is establishing herself as a house flipper, having learned the ropes from her ex-husband and still best friend, Steve Chensky. Her grandmother had purchased the Little Farm in Virginia when her parents were still young and Cilla’s dream is to restore it and create both a home and business there. And perhaps build a relationship with her father and step sister. She doesn’t need the distraction of her handsome graphic novelist neighbor, Ford Sawyer, who wants to use her as a model for a new character and become part of his life, enticing her working shower and gym. Using local workers and buying locally, working along with the construction workers, she builds a loyal crew, but someone doesn’t want her there. An almost fatal assault on Steve, followed by cruel acts and escalating vandalism threaten her life. Can she make the Little Farm her first real home?
Like most NR novels, the characters are captivating, the scenario riveting and the settings lushly described. The author has written other books involving construction, each showing diligent research. Another hard to put down NR novel.
This was a book you cannot put down. I loved the characters. So very different. Ford was deep, yet he could predict what Cilla was thinking and feeling. I didn’t begin to suspect who the evil character harassing Cilla was until Ford recognized the individual in the last few pages! Very well written with many emotional changes within the character as well as development of their depths.
Great series. Wonderful author.