Review: Big story in short novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2012
LaVerne Clark takes the novella format and still manages to write a full-bodied suspense and convincing romance. I was quickly drawn into the dangerous situation in which Amy and her son Daniel lived. From the outside, their sleepy little B&B may have seen better times, but they were managing just fine until a stranger shows up. A very appealing stranger. As they say - ignorance is bliss, and that is how Amy has plodded on with her life since her husband's disappearance years before. She's trying to make a good life for the adorable Daniel. Again, in such a short fomat, I was completely aware of the setting and routine, complete with the fun visiting American couple who dressed alike. Amy is immediately attracted to the tall mysterious stranger/guest, as Gabriel is with her. Though there strictly on business, his sense of needing to protect Amy and her son is realistic. The ever-present man in the shadows (or bushes in this case) kept the tension twisted tight in this novella, as we'd seen what he could do in the prologue. Filled with worry for Amy and her son, the reader follows them on the biggest (and most dangerous) adventure of their lives. I won't spoil the book for you, but you'll want to give Daniel a huge hug for his bravery. Also, no shrinking violet under pressure, Amy does her part in protecting what belongs to her. Gabe is very appealing as a hero who is torn between his job and this vulnerable woman, and he proves himself by bonding with Daniel, risking his life, and doing his undercover job to the very end. The reward of falling in love should be enough, but Ms. Clark throws in another unexpected and satisfying surprise. I only have one complaint about this book - it was too short! With all the elements of a big story, I would have liked to read a full-blown romance, and I believe Ms. Clark has what it takes to write one.