FAMILY BLESSINGS

Spencer's contemporary romances (November of the Heart, 1993, etc.) differ from the majority of the pash-hash-and-cash flutterers in the decorous niceness of her small-town Minnesotan casts and their ring-true talk. Here, in a sixth hardcover, the bestselling author follows the difficult path of love between a 45-year-old widow and a 30-year-old cop. The story begins with the death of young cop Greg Reston, son of Lee, the widowed mother of college student Janice and 14-year- old Joey. Taking it upon himself to break the news is Greg's partner and roommate Christopher Lallek. Slowly—oh, how slowly!- -the final rites for Greg are accomplished, with every detail noted, from the coffin spray to the funeral baked-macaroni-and- tomato. Gradually Lee relies more and more on Christopher, a nice guy with a rotten set of alcoholic parents. He has overcome, however, and is now a good cop; he's also helping a young abused black kid to a better life. Meanwhile, the Restons survive (rather cheerfully) the winter holidays—and with Lee and Christopher, vibrating, sex rears its divine head. But what of the family? Except for Joey and a wise father-in-law, they're outraged. Count on a warmhearted fadeout. In spite of some slo-mo moments on the sheets, it's really as wholesome—and subtle-as that macaroni. (Literary Guild Dual Selection for April)