MIXED BLESSINGS

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. (Literary Guild Dual Selection for February)