Title: A comforting lie
First published: 1999
Description: A lonely single mother, Helen Patterson, can't help but be drawn to charismatic Ray Richards as his hands run over the lavish furniture in the design shop she manages. Helen is compelled to pursue Ray the only way she knows how - by decorating his new home. Professional and personal boundaries quickly erode as Helen jeopardizes her job by beginning an illicit, after-hours relationship with Ray. So preoccupied with her passion, Helen fails to see the potential for danger.

Only fifteen year-old Lang senses that Ray's a predator, a man to be feared in spite of the apparent happiness he's brought Helen. When Helen's ex-husband finally intercedes - revealing strength he never exhibited as a husband or father - it may be too late to stop the impending explosion of violence.
LC classification: PS3551.S416 C66 1999