Throwback Thursday: The Passions of Chelsea Kane

Welcome to Throwback Thursday, a weekly meme hosted by The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books! It’s the nature of book blogging to focus mainly on new releases, but there are thousands of great books out there that haven’t seen the “New Releases” shelf in years. We hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile.

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The Passions of Chelsea Kane

Barbara Delinsky

First published 1992

560 pages

Synopsis: 

After the death of her adoptive mother, thirty-six-year-old Chelsea Kane is consumed by the need to uncover her biological heritage. Taking a break from her successful architecture career, she arrives in the New Hampshire town where she was born, determined to learn the truth, her only clue a tarnished silver key.

One of her first discoveries, however, is something quite unexpected: the irresistibly attractive Judd Street. Buoyed by love and resolution, the determined Chelsea slowly begins to uncover the dark mystery of her past. But as she inches closer to the truth, she realizes that someone is trying to stop her, first by scaring her, then by trying to harm her. The danger escalates until one terrifying night when all secrets are laid bare.

Review:

For my first Throwback Thursday, I thought I'd pick the book that started my love of reading romances: Barbara Delinsky's The Passions of Chelsea Kane. I first read it when I was about 14 or 15. I think I re-read it at least 5-10 times after that. I just LOVED Chelsea and Judd - the chemistry was amazing between them, even when they weren't technically "together", it was still so clear how much they cared for each other. Chelsea was my perfect heroine: smart, strong, independent, but not overly stubborn and didn't let people walk all over her. And Judd was the perfect hero to complement her: handsome, smart, loyal, tough, but not too tough - certain ways he dealt with his dad and Chelsea really tugged at my heart. I also really loved the minor mystery storyline, all the secondary characters and the New England setting. I think it says a lot that 20 years later I can still picture certain scenes in my head - even some of the lines that characters spoke. I think I may just go home, dig out my copy, and reread it again tonight!  5/5 stars. 

Excellent first pick. When I think of what first started my venture into "adult reading" it definitlely was Barbara Delinsky books and this title was a standout. This book had it all, romance, a mystery and very strong memorable characters. After reading this book I remember thinking I had to get more of this author's books. She became a must read author. This is definitley a title that I can read over and over again.It definitley says something about the writing that even after 15 years I can remember the author and title of a book and recommend it to others.   5/5  stars

~~~~~Tanya~~~~~