Karen Trailor Thomas

When the Sutherland family reunion descends on Malvern Gardens Inn, it catches eighteen-year-old Jennalee Preece in rebellion. Daughter of the inn’s owners, Jennalee hasn’t forgiven her father for uprooting the family from a comfortable life in San Francisco and dropping them in the middle of California’s gold country, far from anything hip, or fun, or exciting.<br><br>Acting out with local boys and refusing to play the piano she loves, Jennalee finds the Sutherland hordes a welcome diversion. Amid the countless well-off families come the Laidlaws -- on motorcycles. This black sheep branch of the family seems as rebellious as Jennalee does, and she’s drawn to their punk violinist son, Harley.<br><br>Over the four-day Fourth of July weekend, the Sutherlands drink, party, squabble, and even manage to burn down part of the inn. Can Harley pull Jennalee from her rebellion and help her find emotional stability with the music they share?

Sutherland

Jennalee hated the intrusion. It seemed that was all her parents did anymore, but she saw Harley’s genuine concern and conceded. “Probably. You hungry?”


“Then let’s get something to eat.”


Sutherlands had taken their coffee and rolls outside to settle at assorted tables and chairs scattered in clusters on the large patio immediately behind the main building. Several nodded to Harley, but none spoke. “They love us,” he told Jennalee as they reached the lobby.


Gerald Preece was deep in conversation with a tall, white-haired woman who flapped her arms as she gestured. She wore a sleeveless aqua jumpsuit with silver belt, silver sandals, and silver hair that looked to Jennalee like a hard hat. Jennalee was glad her father’s attention was diverted, but found her mother’s much the opposite, drilling her as she charged through Sutherland circles. “I want to talk to you, young lady!” She reached for her daughter, but Jennalee whirled and came to rest behind Harley.


Chapter 11