Kelsey Reagan has tracked her half-brother, Dillon Ward, to Serenity Springs, New York; it has been ten years since she last saw him. Seventeen years ago Dillon went to prison because of her, and she wants to make things right with him.

Dillon is doing carpentry work for Allie Martin at The Summit, a run-down bar Allie purchased and is remodeling. Dillon wants nothing to do with Kelsey, and refuses to talk with her hoping she will just go away. However, when a local woman is murdered, Dillon is the prime suspect because of his past, and there is no way that Kelsey is going to leave and let him be railroaded again.

Chief of Police Jack Martin knows Kelsey is going to be trouble with a capital "C" in more ways than one. Jack has been a widower for four years and has never had an attraction to any woman, other than his late wife, like the one he has for this mouthy redhead. Despite pressure from the mayor and town counsel to arrest Dillon, Jack does not have sufficient evidence against him. His job might be on the line because of his interest in Kelsey.

NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY is a smooth, easy to read family relationship tale. The chemistry between Jack and Kelsey is combustible, and the rapport between Kelsey and Jack's daughter, Emma, is touching. The mystery unravels in good time, and the killer is a surprise right out of left field.

RWA Golden Heart Winner Beth Andrews makes her debut with NOT WITHOUT HER FAMILY. Ms. Andrews is clearly an author to watch.