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

“Are you all right?” Lizann asked. She was leaned over now, pink dress cascading.


Jennalee did so, but it wasn’t enough.


“You’ll be able to play, won’t you?”


“Oh, sure. This was just a…difference of opinion. No big deal. Really.”


“I’m glad. It looked pretty serious for a minute there.”


“Donna gets bent over nothing. I mean, it really was nothing. Really.”


Lizann offered a hand, and as Jennalee was drawn to her feet, she found the woman’s strength surprisingly gentle. “I’ve got to change,” she said.


Lizann smiled. “I look forward to your performance.”


“Me, too.” Jennalee was several yards away when she turned back and called, “Thanks for helping me out, but it really was nothing.”


Lizann waved and glided onto the path, headed for the Hall all alone. Where’s Garth?Jennalee wondered, and even though she meant the here and now, an image sprang to mind and she broke into a run, headed for her room.


Chapter 37