Cabin Fever [Mass Market Paperback]

I don't usually read contemporary romance, but a friend of mine recommended this novel. I read it and I loved it! The characters are "realistic" in my opinion. Especially Nolie, the main character. She is not your typical thin, sexy gal you often read in other books. She is overweight and plain and pretty much accepts it. One reviewer claimed that if Nolie was not happy with how she looked why couldn't she fix herself up instead of going barefoot or eating throughout the book. Nolie "knows" she is not the type that a gorgeous guy like, Chase, would be interested in. Nolie did "attempt" at going on a diet. But just couldn't do it. That in my opinion, is a reality. It isn't easy to lose weight. The reason she goes around "plain-looking" is because she believes she is no great beauty to begin with and has pretty much accepted it. It was only when she became attracted to Chase that she started feeling "inadequate". Who doesn't feel self conscious when they are attracted to someone? In today's (unfortunately sometimes shallow) society, if you're not a size 0 (or something like that) you are not generally considered "desirable" and just because some women do not wear makeup or dress fasionably doesn't mean that they don't care about their appearance either. I, myself, would rather have a man love me for who I am than what I look like. This book, Cabin Fever, proves that just because you don't look or act like a "supermodel" doesn't mean that you aren't attractive. The old saying, "Looks aren't everything, it's what's inside that counts" is very true. And that nobody's completely perfect is true as well. Chase's ex wife was thin, sexy, wore expensive clothes, but she was ugly inside. Chase found Nolie beautiful and she didn't have to put up a "facade" to win his affection. Who you are inside holds a lot more weight than what you look like on the surface. In addition, the conflict between Nolie and her in-laws and the conflict between Chase and his parents are very real, meaning it does and is happening in families. There is always some sort of solution. This is the first book I've read by Marilyn Pappano and it won't be my last. Most readers like to read books purely for the escape into fantasy, so I do not recommend this novel for escape-seeking readers. This is a very down to earth story. And yes, the overweight girl can get the gorgeous hunk! (For the record, I'm not overweight nor do I wear a size extra small either! LOL) This story is a great inspiration to all women who feel less than perfect! Just be yourself! Accept who you are! Be who you are! Men who can't accept you for who you REALLY are, are in fact, missing out! Their loss, ladies! Forget those shallow men!

Nolie Harper begins a new journey of self-discovery away from the small, one-horse town of Whiskey Creek, Arkansas where she grew up and where everyone knows everybody else's business. Nolie lands in Bethlehem, New York, along with her five-year-old daughter, Micahlyn. Property left to her by her great-grandfather brought her to Bethlehem, which includes a feed store he ran before his death. This is the first time Nolie has ever been on her own, living first with her parents, then with her husband, and last with her in-laws who lovingly, and overbearingly, took in Nolie and Micahlyn after their son's untimely death. The young widow is looking forward to living alone, making her own decisions, and raising her little girl as she sees fit.

Chase Wilson, a loner recently released from jail for a crime he did not commit, is the tenant in one of the two cabins that Nolie inherited, an unforgettable tenant who takes her by surprise since the lease was signed by a woman. But this distant, surly hunk who makes her hormones hum is certainly no woman. Nolie's interest is peaked by Chase's stony demeanor, reclusive ways, and gorgeous good looks. However, she also has to deal with her daughter's dislike and fear of their new neighbor, aptly called "the bogeyman" by Micahlyn.

And then there's Gloria and Sophy, two wonderful women who just show up from time to time in Nolie's life to help out a little bit; two women who no one else in town seems to know anything about. And there is that banner saying "REOPENING SOON" that mysteriously appears in front of the feed store that Nolie is working so hard to get going again. Are Gloria and Sophy just figments of Nolie's imagination or could there be angels in the town of Bethlehem?

Sparks soon fly between Nolie and Chase. While Nolie frets that Chase could never be attracted to someone with extra lush curves such as herself, Chase can't get the image of the tall, red-haired, womanly Nolie out of his mind - or his heart. Nolie's neighborly ways and gentle manner are getting to the brooding ex-attorney more than he ever expects or wants.

CABIN FEVER literally throbs with heat, not only from the summertime temps, but also from the warmth of a relationship that simmers with caring, understanding, acceptance, desire, and ultimately, love. Bethlehem is a town many of us would like to call home, with trusting neighbors and a sense of community. And most of us wouldn't mind a visit from Gloria and Sophy either. Marilyn Pappano skillfully creates characters that make you want to know them and become a part of their life. And actually you can, in her next novel, SMALL WONDERS, coming in September 2003, the ninth book of the Bethlehem series.

Vivian Outen

Three years ago her beloved spouse Jeff died. Her in-laws were great taking their son's widow and child into their home, but now Nolie Harper needs to regain her freedom. When she inherits two cabins in Bethlehem, New York, Nolie accompanied by her reluctant five-year-old daughter Micahlyn leaves Whiskey Creek, Arkansas for her new home.

She is surprised to find the other cabin occupied as it has been rented for a year by former Boston lawyer Chase Wilson. Having served jail time over much of the last two plus years, Chase lives the life of a hermit just outside his birth town. He pities himself for having lost his practice, his house, and his wife to his former partner. However, though she is overweight, he finds Nolie quite attractive even if her daughter thinks he is the bogeyman. As the two adults fall in love, ghosts from their respective past and a lonely child threaten anything permanent. On the other hand, there is a more powerful force at work nudging the loving duo to come together.

Though the weight of woes would break through a reinforced ceiling, fans of relationship dramas will appreciate the latest Bethlehem tale. The story line stars two individuals needing fresh starts so that a joint venture seems out of the question. However, with some heavenly interference, this couple has a chance to redeem him and find new hope and happiness for her. Marilyn Pappano provides an uplifting contemporary.

Harriet Klausner