"Tribute" by Nora Roberts; G.P. Putnam's Sons, ($26.95 hardcover)

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Warning: Do not begin this book late in the day - unless you plan to pull an all-nighter. Because once you start "Tribute," you won't want to put it down.

Which, of course, makes it no different from any other Nora Roberts' book.

"Tribute" is precisely what readers have come to expect from Roberts' annual hardcover books: A good idea spun into a captivating story with engaging characters that will quickly become a favorite.

Cilla is the granddaughter of a bigger-than-life movie star, who famously committed suicide at her farm house retreat in Virginia. Cilla earned her own fame and fortune as a child TV star and heroine of a few horror movies.

But by the time Cilla arrives at her grandmother's Virginia farm, she's a carpenter intent on restoring the house and grounds where grandma once burnt cookies and allegedly romped with Steve McQueen.

Across the street lives Ford, famous himself in comic book circles as the creator, artist and author of a super-hero series. He doesn't know "an Allen wrench from a Crescent" and tells everyone he stays away from tools for the good of mankind. He has firm opinions on what kind of kryptonite is more deadly to Superman and has an "active dislike of Jar Jar Binks."

And he meets his soul mate the day he saunters across the street to check out Cilla.

Cilla's grandmother had legendary parties at her farmhouse and was a celebrated presence in the small town. People there were either awed by her, or hated her.

Cilla encounters both groups.

Apparently one in the latter group doesn't want Cilla to bring the house back to life, and she starts getting harassed, to escalating degrees. Roberts' does a great job of making Cilla self-sufficient enough to handle the nastiness herself, but turning Ford into an acceptable knight-in-shining armor as well.

The dialogue between Ford and Cilla is snappy, witty and just plain fun. And Roberts' inserts enough light-hearted scenes to balance the suspense.

In summation, this is a must-read. Which should really come as no surprise.

Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. Nora Roberts does it again, meshing compelling characters with an intriguing story that will keep you from being able to put the book down. The romance is more fun that sweet, but there's enough sweetness to elicit a few "ahhs."

Hunk appeal: 10-plus, in a non-traditional sort of way. Ford is basically a geek, or nerd. He likes Star Wars, comic books and knows about different types of kryptonite. But he's always there for Cilla, understanding and appreciating her.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Really appreciates her.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Cilla and Ford are actually well on their way to happily-ever-after before the suspense portion of the book is solved.

You're likely to be a bit surprised when the identity of the villain is revealed, but not that the story ends well.

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Also this week ...

THAT SUMMER PLACE, by Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs and Jill Barnett (1998, paperback) - 4 of 5. This three-story anthology is tied together by a rental house used by a trio of couples on a San Juan Island off the coast of Washington.

The stories are all pure romances, easy reads and will make you want to spend some time at Rainshadow Lodge.

All three couples meet (or are reunited in one case) on the island.

In Barnett's story, Catherine takes her daughters back to the house where she spent several summers with her family - and fell in love with Michael. The house is a bit run down and more dilapidated than it was when she was younger, but Michael isn't.

After that opening story, the house is renovated and becomes Rainshadow Lodge, a charming escape for the next two couples. Macomber has Beth and John sharing the house due to an unexpected series of events. And finally, workaholic Mitch summons free-spirited Rosie to the island and house for business, which soon becomes pleasure - and lifelong love.