I loved Jan Ruth’s ‘Wild Water’, the first book in this series (you can read my review and interview with Jan here) and was really looking forward to re-joining Jack Redman and following more of his trials and tribulations. I had high hopes, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The story begins with Jack once again trying to please everybody, to do the right thing, and failing. Torn between being with Anna, whose independent nature prevents her from committing, and trying to do the right thing for his children, Jack unwillingly creates a situation that jeopardises his happiness and his future. And to make things worse, daughter Chelsey’s real father arrives on the scene. Unstable and disturbed, Simon Banks poses a real threat and this storyline gives a much darker thread to the story that prevents this (as does the skilful writing) from being chick lit or light romance. There are dark, threatening twists and turns that add another layer and that, in my opinion, make this novel far more accomplished and more interesting than ‘Wild Water’, as good as that is. That said, there is still plenty of humour and lots of lovely lighter moments that make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Once again, the characters are believable, empathetic and well-drawn and the settings and events bring a realism to the narrative that anchor the story in both time and place. This is a great read, a lovely way to escape on a miserable post-Christmas chilly evening and is definitely recommended.
Buy a copy here
Alison Williams Writing 