Defining Moments
Jacquelin Thomas
New American Library
ISBN # 0-451-21775-6
Rating: 3 tambourines
New York businesswoman/bad girl Sheila Moore takes a leave of absence from her graphic design firm after she’s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and decides to return home to Charleston, South Carolina to fight the disease. But before she returns home she bumps into Nicholas Washington, a man who knows all about the private shame that forced her to move from South Carolina in the first place. When he offers his friendship to help her through her battle she becomes suspicious. Is he in cahoots with his friend/her enemy, Tori Madison to ruin her life? She’s not sure, so to safeguard her heart from any further humiliation Sheila vows to keep her growing feelings for Nicholas a secret.
Charleston novelist, heartthrob Nicholas Washington hopes his decision to befriend Sheila Moore will not destroy his friendship with Tori Madison. Her dubious past nature still sits fresh on Tori and Jake Madison’s mind. He knows that Tori hadn’t forgiven Sherri for trying to steal her husband, Jake four years ago. And her moving back to Charleston only makes matters most. Yet, Nicholas sees something good in Sheila. He prays to God to speak to Sheila’s heart. But since he’s still unsure of Sheila’s character, he vows to keep his feelings for her a secret.
Thomas’ long awaited sequel to the Prodigal Husband is a story of friendship, redemption and self-discovery. Unlike the prequel this novel isn’t filled with page turning conflict. Instead it is a slow study on faith and forgiveness that will delight Thomas’ loyal fans. Nicholas is almost angelic in his devotion to his prayer life and to Sheila. But he can speak a little too cliché when he counsels Sheila about faith and how it relates to her illness. Thomas’ Gullah references and discussions on MS are commendable. However, for new readers and fans of the Prodigal Husband, the slow pace, various subplots, overwriting and awkward chapter endings make this story a harder read than its prequel.(April, 256 pp, $22.95)
Dee Y. Stewart,
Reviewer
