From Publishers Weekly
The eccentric Russo clan from Criswell's first contemporary romantic comedy, The Trouble with Mary, delights readers once again with their insatiable wit and boundless spirit. This time, however, the Russos share the stage with the Goldmans. Having grown up in Baltimore's Little Italy with a Jewish father and an Italian mother, Annie Goldman feels caught between two worlds and is determined to flaunt her individuality. She dyes her hair a different color daily and drives Father "what-a-hunk" Joe Russo crazy with her curve-hugging clothes. Annie once dreamed that she would have a future with Joe, but her hopes were dashed when he left her to join the priesthood. Now, 15 years later, Joe has decided to hang up his rosary beads and give love another try, but Annie isn't sure if she can trust him again. While the two attempt to rekindle their romance, Annie becomes a part owner of her father's outdated clothing store and an unwilling host to her cousin Donna. Joe has his own problems to contend with as well namely, his domineering mother and her matchmaking machinations. Criswell's dialogue is sharp and humorous, and her colorful characters liven up the narrative. Although Criswell is better known for her westerns, this is a tantalizing tale that her fans will eagerly embrace. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Annie Goldman and Joe Russo were in love as teenagers; they had even planned to get married. Then Joe became a priest. Now 15 years later, Annie is as beautiful, outrageous, flamboyant and single as ever, and Joe (Father What-a-Hunk) is leaving the priesthood because he can't get Annie out of his mind. But Annie hasn't quite forgiven Joe for deserting her; in fact, she is still furious and getting even is sounding better all the time. Fast-paced, hilarious, and thoroughly delightful, this spin-off from Criswell's best-selling The Trouble with Mary (Ivy, 2001) is a winner that will have fans waiting to see what she will come up with next. Criswell is a popular writer of various types of romance, most recently upbeat romantic comedies, and lives in Fredricksburg, VA. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Annie Goldman--outlandish, outspoken, and half-Jewish--and Joe Russo, a sexy Italian priest, were engaged 15 long years ago. Annie has never forgotten Joe nor has she forgiven him for dumping her, and Joe hasn't forgotten her either, in fact, he's decided to leave the priesthood to try to recapture what they once had. The only obstacles he faces are his mother, who now dresses in black because he left the exalted priesthood and lowered her social standing in their Baltimore neighborhood, and Annie herself, who doesn't trust him to commit. Annie has her other woes: her self-centered cousin has moved in with her, and now that her storeowner father has asked her to be a partner, they're at odds. Naturally, Annie leads Joe on a wild chase, but the patience he learned in church serves him well. The hilarious follow-up to The Trouble with Mary [BKL Ja 1 & 15 01], this will make readers look forward to the next humorous Criswell romance. Patty Engelmann
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