Endless Chain    by Emilie Richards Order:  USA  Can Mira, 2005 (2005) Hardcover      Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Sam Kinkade is a minister in Toms Brook, Virginia. He has sparked controversy in the past but most people seem to like him. Currently he is getting some flak as he tries to welcome the area's growing Hispanic community. He realizes newcomer Elisa Martinez can help introduce his project, La Casa Amarilla, to the town. Her arrival throws a wrench into his slow-moving engagement with Christine Fletcher, whose idea is to get Sam far away from Toms Brook. Elisa gets a job as a Sexton for the community church through Sam, and is also guided to help at La Casa Amarilla. Her immediate attraction to Sam frightens her. Elisa's other job is at the town's nursing home. There she befriends an older woman who tells an age old tale, that fascinates Elisa and brings a whole new light to her life. She forms a bond with Helen Henry, while she stays at her house, and is invited into the quilting bee. Elisa did not plan on making friends and digging roots but the community opened their arms to her, making it difficult to leave when her secret is divulged. Endless Chain is the second in the Shenandoah Album series (individuals who also appeared in Wedding Ring include Helen, Nancy, Tessa, and Mack). Elisa is a well thought out character who guards her secret closely until the very end of the story. And the reader hopes for a happy ending for the warm and engaging Sam. Emilie Richards has a style of writing that draws the reader in with intricate backgrounds for her characters. While the story is complex, it is also an easy read that is hard to put down. I am waiting for Lover's Knot with bated breath. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews