Thursday, March 28, 2013

THE WANDERER by Robyn Carr



Publisher:   Harlequin/Mira
Date published:   March 26, 2013
ISBN:  978-0778314479
Genre:   Woman’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Book format: Paperback
Obtained via:  Publisher
Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Ginalrmreviews@gmail.com

 

When he hears that his good friend Ben Bailey has died helicopter pilot Hank Cooper (Coop) heads to the little town of Thunder Point. Ben’s attorney has send word that Ben left something for Cooper. But more than whatever Ben might have left, Cooper wants to pay his respects to his friend and learn more about what drew Ben to Thunder Point. Shortly after he arrives Cooper learns that Ben has left him no small object. Soon, it is not only the run down, ramshackle bait shop-deli that draws Coop’s attention. The town itself takes hold of him. And within the town is a woman who he is attracted to like none before.

But Coop isn’t one for ties. When he grows bored with a situation or it no longer fits what he wants at the moment, he moves on. Despite being engaged to two different women, commitment isn’t something he believes he is capable of meeting.

Sarah Dupre is no stranger to heartbreak. Left behind the boyfriend who got her pregnant at 16 she gave her trust and her heart to Derek Stiles. Once again her heart was torn apart. Caring for her 16 year old brother, Landon, Sarah believes she has all the reason in the world not to open her heart again. But she has needs and desires and perhaps some of those needs and desires can be met with Coop. After all, once he finishes restoring the bait shop he’ll be moving on. Neither asks for anything but bit by bit their hearts speak louder than their determination to lead their solitary lives.

The town of Thunder Point begins to draw Coop deeper and deeper into its peaceful, neighbourly way of being. When Landon and then Sarah are threatened Coop is drawn deeper into their lives. Can he give up his nomadic ways and let his heart speak for him? Can Sarah once again learn to trust what her heart is telling her?

THE WANDERER is my first Robyn Carr read but it certainly will not be my last.  I’ve already added her back list to my “to be read” list and am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next book in this series, THE NEWCOMBER. Ms. Carr tells a wonderful story with a wonderful combination of reflected heart break, humour, romance and comfort. As one of her characters says, Thunder Point is the real Friday Night Lights.  While it is a fictional town, the character took the words out of my mouth. There is a cadre of characters, each with their own story, their own history, their own dreams that the reader will quickly find him or herself drawn in to. Yes. Him. While THE WANDERER is strongly women’s fiction, there are elements any man would enjoy. The romance is gentle and while well told, it is not the main focus of the story. The interactions and development of the characters as individuals and as part of the wider community is well done. A reader can and will identify with many of them on many levels. From teens Eve, Ashley and Landon to Coop, Sarah, Mac and Gina to Lou and Joe their stories are compelling and realistic.

The backdrop of the bait shop, the football games and Ben’s sometime helper Rawley add more dimension to an already wonderful story.

This is one definite do not miss for your reading future.


This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

 

No comments: