Nora Roberts

Contemporary

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I've been writing this column for about a year now, traveling to promote it, and maintaining Romance: By the Blog.blogspot.com. It's the best job I've ever had.

The coolest part is that I've made a ton of new friends.

Nora Roberts is not one of them.

And it's not because she isn't gracious or accommodating or nice. She was all those things in the very few minutes I met her.

But a couple minutes does not a relationship make. And why should it?

When we were introduced, I remember thinking: This is a woman whose time I do not want to waste.

Because if a weekly romance columnist can have her world turned upside down by folks wanting her attention and treating her like a celebrity, imagine what it's like being an icon: A literary superstar with more than 280 million books in print.

Roberts deeply respects and appreciates her millions of readers, and makes herself highly accessible at signings and fund raising events. I applaud this, because lots of big names kvetch and moan about the price of fame.

But, gosh, think about how hard it is to spread your emotional energy among those dearest to you. What must Roberts go through to nurture and protect her trusted relationships?

So Nora Roberts doesn't need me as her new best girlfriend. Far as I'm concerned, all she really needs to do - and I guess it's really all she wants to do -- is write books people like to read: Novels like the thrilling, unconventionally romantic, and instantly engaging "Angels Fall."

Reece Gilmore is traveling across America the same way she's moving through life: one day at a time, with not much to live on, and in no particular direction.

Angel's Fist, Wyoming, seems a good place to stay awhile. Then Reece becomes the sole witness of a murder, the trauma of which sets off the pain and neuroses she's been trying to overcome in the two years since she was left the only survivor of a killing spree.

She's found an emotional ally -- if not a particularly warm and fuzzy one - in Brody, a dark, rugged mystery writer who seems to believe she's not crazy, even when it seems like Reece's claim of mayhem is just the product of her traumatized psyche.

Roberts writes novels that read like life. They're uncomplicated, slow and easy at times, yet at others, full of humor, hard work, passion, and fun.

Like all of Roberts' novels, one sinks comfortably into "Angels Fall," at first being pulled along by the characters' and town's backstory, and next reveling in the undercurrent of suspense that energizes even the romance and sensuality of the story.

Nora -- only her best friends call her that -- when a slot in your posse opens up, you can reach me at romance@ibsys.com. In the mean time, I recommend all my friends --

Buy the book.

What's on Nora Roberts' mind? Find out in Michelle's exclusive ExtraView: Straight Shooter.

www.NoraRoberts.com

Next Week's Review and AuthorView: "The Red Heart of Jade," by Marjorie M. Liu