Like the First Time

The Good Sister. Claire Bennett has lost her job for the second time in as many years due to downsizing. She doesn't know what she's going to do since her checking account has been almost stripped bare and her older brother is always a day late and a dollar short. With no man in her life, her parents' home is all she has and she's going to lose that unless she can think of something quick. The Good Lover. Fashionable and trendy Brooke Dunlap has also been downsized, but she's not worried because she expects her wealthy boyfriend to propose any day now. Unfortunately, Randolph Peterson III has other plans and dumps her. Now Brooke is left devastated with no engagement ring, a pile of bills, and a Jag that's in the shop. The Good Wife. Lorraine Averhart lost one of her dearest friends to cancer only months before and, with that friendship, their dream of opening their own florist shop. But when Lorraine sees the wonderful candles, soaps, and bath gels Claire has created, she pushes them to go into business together. With Brooke's savvy about what women want, Claire's products, and Lorraine's money, they're sure to be a hit. They've got nothing to lose, so why not? But Lorraine's marriage comes under terrible strain as the business takes off and a new temptation appears on the horizon; Claire becomes involved with one of the most powerful men in town; and Brooke is forced to reevaluate what matters most: a fat bank account, or love and belonging somewhere she can call home?Ray, Francis is the author of 'Like the First Time', published 2004 under ISBN 9780312324292 and ISBN 0312324294.