Book Review: THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Amy Knupp

The Boy Next Door
by Amy Knupp
Harleuin Superromance
ISBN 0373714025

Social worker Lindsey Salinger finds a small boy whimpering under a bush near her father’s house. He turns out to be the 5-year-old great grandson of her father’s next door neighbor, the son of the man who killed her mother in a drunken driving accident when she was 16. Lindsey suspects the great-grandmother–the boy’s caretaker–has Alzheimer’s. She calls the boy’s uncle, Zach Rundle, who she had a crush on when she was a teenager.

When Zach comes to Lone Oak from Wichita to make sure his grandmother is able to care for the boy, Lindsey doesn’t want to fall for him again. Her father is recovering from a heart attack and he hates the Rundle family. She’s afraid to do anything that might harm her father, emotionally or physically. But as a born nurturer, she’s compelled to help Zach and Owen. And the more she’s with Zach, the more she sees what a terrific man he is.

The death of Lindsey’s mother was a turning point for Zach. He straightened up and moved to Wichita, where people didn’t automatically look down on him because of his last name. He’s worked for a construction company for 13 years, and plans to buy it soon. Falling in love with the woman next door isn’t in his plans. Especially a woman who’s ashamed to be seen with him.

This book was a joy to read, the writing superb. Knupp went deep into the characters’ emotions, and she crafted well-rounded, believable characters you’ll be rooting for. The small boy will pull at your heartstrings. I give it 5 .