Lyn Morgan, also writing as Lyn Lawrence, also writing as Lawrence King, is a busy lady with a lofty goal: to take the writing, screenwriting, and songwriting worlds by storm. She is well on her way with several manuscripts already released in the romantic suspense and true crime realms. For The Weekend falls into the romantic suspense arena. I originally wanted to read this book because it is set in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the place of my birth. As I left there when I only six weeks old, I wondered what I could learn from her use of it.

What I learned was that Lyn is adept at descriptions, story weaving, and placement of twists in the telling of Cassie Bailey and her family's ins and outs. Cassie comes to visit her mother for the weekend and begins an adventure that carries her through learning why her parents divorced, who is trying to steal her pendant that was a gift to her mother from Elvis, overcoming the death of her soldier husband, raising her sometimes demanding daughter, meeting a brother she didn't know about, oh, and did I mention meeting the man who can make her life worth living?

Jeb Branton is a no-nonsense take-charge kind of guy that has some difficulty taking charge of Cassie. Cassie has made herself take care of business since losing her husband and doesn't easily give up that authority. Jeb is determined to take care of her, whether she likes it or not but it doesn't take long for her to like it.

For The Weekend begins as a suspense romance but surprised me when it became a paranormal about one quarter of the way through. Cassie begins to see ghosts and card games from the past. She hears voices and odd things begin to happen. Ms. Lawrence carries the reader through the changes Cassie experiences with her new-found "gifts" in an entertaining fashion, keeping the reader wondering where the story will go next. Although the ending was a bit rushed, all trails finally meet up. but not without a few creepy moments and surprises.

I don't believe that enough was said about Jeb's background. He was orphaned, raised by his grandfather, and only had one semi-permanent relationship although he is in his thirties and owns much of the property in and around Hot Springs. Few other tidbits are scattered along the way but left me wanting to know more about this gentleman.

I wish Ms. Lawrence all the best in reaching her goals. For The Weekend is definitely a step in the right direction.

Reviewed by MargeAnna Conrad
© January 2005