Sometimes I just like to try something or someone new. I understand that doesn't mean the author is new -- it's usually that I just never found them in my book searches. Having just finished IN THE HEIR by Ruth Cardello I know that I've been missing out on a lot of fun. Reading should be entertaining and books should bring smiles to the readers face. IN THE HEIR did more than that. It had me laughing out loud.

Sage advice from within IN THE HEIR -- if you want a rose garden, don't plant weeds.

In IN THE HEIR we meet the Westerly clan probably one of the most dysfunctional fractured families I've ever had the joy of meeting. This family is just chock full of issues and angst. You can almost feel sorry for their misery except that you quickly come to realize they are their own worst enemy. Levels after levels of lies and innuendo and misunderstandings have become the reality to these characters. The only thing that seems to bring any redemption is their strong family bond. But candidly even that comes into question once you start to ferret out the truth of this rather eclectic family group.

The Westerlys are truly products of their upbringing. We immediately meet Delinda Westerly, the matriarch of the family and realize she has a plan to get her grandchildren to follow her demands. Delinda isn't a bad person, but as we learn she is definitely misguided. And that could be the one thing that truly connects this family. They are good people, but it's going to take quite a bit of this story to finally get us to see that.

So Spencer decides he is going to yield to his grandmother's latest edict. Why? Simple -- money. She has it, he needs it for his budding business. Problem he needs a wife. No problem Spencer has a best friend Alisha who is very willing to play the role of fiancé and even marry Spencer albeit for a short time. Just until he gets the money he needs. Seems this family can't get out of their own way when it comes to judgement calls.

Big brother Brett isn't buying this quickie engagement and starts supplanting himself between Spencer and Alisha. He discovers quite a lot about this young woman who has been a dear friend of Spencer and their sister Rachelle. You might wonder why he hasn't spent time with her before. Ah ha that's the root of many of this strange families problems.

Anyhow, the more Brett discovers about Alisha the more he thinks she is too good to be true. But spending time with her is proving him wrong. Alisha is special. Brett is unhappy that she is settling for this farce of a marriage and relationship. Brett is also getting jealous of his brother. Here's a dilemma of mythological proportions.

Brett has an ego as big as all outdoors. Alisha doesn't have an assuming bone in her body. They are about as ill-suited as a couple as possible. And yet there is just something there. Alisha is a kindergarten teacher with paint under her nails, smile on her face for just about anyone and a huge heart. Brett is a corporate mogul with ice in his veins. Well at least that's how everyone has always seen him. Everyone except Alisha.

IN THE HEIR is a wondrously fun jaunt and contains all the important elements of a delightful romantic comedy. Yes this is definitely a humorous tale. The characters are impossibly crazy yet likeable. The storyline is fun and engaging. IN THE HEIR will definitely leave you wanting more. So perhaps Ruth Cardello is planning a series on the Westerly clan. Only time will tell.