The Side of the Angels: A Novel

From Publishers Weekly An engaging cast of characters sometimes finds itself muddling through an unfocused plot in Bartolomeo's second novel. Like her first romantic comedy, the acclaimed Cupid and Diana, her sophomore effort features a fractious Catholic clan in Washington, D.C., and a feisty 30-ish heroine beset by two completely opposite men. In this case, it's clear from the beginning that Nicky Malone, a tough-talking red-haired PR agent, will reunite with "the man who got away," charismatic union organizer Tony Boltanski, while they work on a nurse's strike in Rhode Island. But the political strafing of the campaign overwhelms the novel's more interesting subplots, including a thwarted romance between Nicky's cousins, Louise and Johnny (who are not related by blood), which is heartfelt but problematic: even though Johnny loves Louise, he is engaged to someone else. Nicky wants them matched partly to get Louise off her back about her own love life but the strike takes her so far off-scene that the plot thread gets lost. Sarcastic wit (quite a bit of which Nicky directs toward her meddling mother) and abundant charm propel the novel to its somewhat rushed conclusion, but some readers may get lost in long expository passages and the thicket of labor infighting at the novel's core. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Bartolomeo's first novel, Cupid and Diana, was made into the Hallmark movie Cupid and Cate. Her latest work once again features a strong, independent woman trying to figure out love, romance, and family relationships. Nicky Malone works for a public relations firm, where she's assigned to helping the union during a nurses' strike. Also assigned to this strike is Tony Boltanski, a union man, champion of the little guy, and Nicky's ex-boyfriend. Having just broken up with her latest flame, the last thing Nicky wants is to work with Tony. Central to the story is Nicky's cousin Louise, who's in love with her other cousin Johnny, who happens to be engaged to someone else. Add to the mix Nicky's mother, who is desperate for her to get married, and Nicky's assistant, who is after her job. Bartolomeo has a way of making the reader feel a part of the story. She captures all the nuances of one's quirky relationships with one's mother, one's best friends, and the guy who got away. Highly recommended for public libraries. Kathy Ingels Helmond, Indianapolis-Marion Cty. P.L. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.