Both Julia and Mac were hit by lightning. Julia was taken to a hospital in Albuquerque where she meets Dr. Steven Duke. Steve has always been a rival of Mac. No friendship is lost between them. When Steve meets Julia, he wishes he'd met her first.

Mac told Julia little about his family. The family is shocked by the resemblance between Julia and Selma, Mac's mother. It doesn't take long for Julia to realize that this is a family with secrets.

Mac's past live-in, Emaline Pierce, is determined to win Mac back. It's not him she wants, it's the family pecan grove, The Red Stone Grove, and his older brother. She'll do whatever it takes to get what she wants.

The lives of the Brantley and Pierce's are interwoven with dark, deadly secrets, secrets that could destroy both families.

“Julia Fairchild” by Louise Gaylord is one of those books that you won't put down until you read every word on every page. Ms. Gaylord has woven a tale of betrayal, murder and passion. The characters have depth.

Reading this book is like looking in a window and watching the lives of the characters unfold before you. Julia and Mac are two of the most complex characters I've ever read about. They are not perfect, far from it. They have their quirks and each makes mistakes. Dolores and Frank as supporting characters were fascinating.

It was easy to feel Dolores' bitter anger over Frank's betrayal. Frank wasn't the most likable sort, but he was real. This is one of the best books I've read in years. Well done Ms. Gaylord. It is with great honor that I recommend “Julia Fairchild” to those who enjoy fiction and a really good drama.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views