Barbara T. Cerny’s Grays Hill is an out and out romance but it is also a heartwarming tale of friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and would recommend this to all the readers who love romantic fiction.
The main characters of the story were well sketched and I can actually see OJ, Rafe, Geoff and Cat in my mind’s eye when I think about them. The characters belonged to the real world and not too perfect like some romance novels portray their protagonists to be. OJ has a sane mind on her shoulders but is challenged weight-(and height) wise. Rafe is a good administrator but has lived in his dead wife’s shadows for too long to care for his children. The flawed protagonists made reading Grays Hill all the more fun. I liked the fact that Geoff’s friendship with Oksana remained platonic throughout the story. Geoff came across as such a sweet, strong and caring character that I wish the author would write his story some day.
The act at the Great Masquerade Ball had me in splits, butterflies danced in my stomach while I read the romantic escapades and the scene where OJ is separated from her lover had me sobbing in the sheets. The built-up to the conflict was slow yet strong and I couldn’t put the book down after I started it. The climax however seemed too far-fetched imo and I couldn’t relate myself with it.
Overall, Grays Hill is an entertaining read and I enjoyed it immensely. Pick this up if you’re looking for a warm and witty tale of love and friendship.
