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

“We have to,” she said. “They’ll stain the carpet.” She paused a moment, then added, “Do you think they did this to Ralph and Dorothy?”


“God knows. I don’t see how they can even be part of this reunion. The Sutherlands are all so civilized and then you get this bunch. Sutherland also says they’re taking the things apart out front.”


Jane sighed. “Well, we can’t have that either. I’ll watch the desk, you go speak to them.”


“Actually, I’m in the middle of something here.” Gerald eased down into his chair and turned to his computer screen. “Sutherland interrupted me and I need to get these figures in.”


Jane leaned across the counter to study her husband. “You’d rather I talk to them?”


“I’ll go with you,” Jennalee offered. “They’re really not so bad.”


Jane nodded. “We’ll be back.” And she left Gerald Preece to his keying and profound sense of relief.


Chapter 21