|
AFTER THE VOWS Esdaile/Henderson/Thomas Genesis Press May 2001 (4) Jeanette Cogdell |
Contemporary Romance |
|
PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
|
|
REVIEW: |
|
|
AFTER THE VOW is Genesis’ anthology featuring romantic stories regarding what happens once you are in marital bliss and the honeymoon is over. Each story has life lessons for couples to follow to ensure a lasting relationship. "Time Enough For Love" by Leslie Esdaile features a newly wed, second-time-around couple. Edward Michael Wingate and Alexandria Adam-Wingate haven’t been married a year and already Alex is feeling the strains of this new union. She took on his 3 young children (whom she loves as much as her own young daughter), a bigger house (which has to be cleaned), a husband (who wants attention), a demanding job (she enjoys) and a puppy. She felt overwhelmed. She was stretched out and about to snap. She started finding reasons to work late so everyone would be asleep when she got home. Their love life was taking a beating too. It didn’t hold the same thrill for Alex as it use to. At her wits end, she confesses her feelings to Ed, which brings all his insecurities to the forefront. Alex and Ed both feared failing at marriage again. They both had emotional scars and baggage that kept them from opening up and being honest with each other. In need of solace, Alex sought comfort in the church. She got much more than she bargained for. I love the simple straightforward common sense advice that Ms. Esdaile gives. She has a way of saying things that we all need to hear. Giving us answers to doubts that have plagued many of us. Don’t bother with paying a marriage counselor; just pick up one of Leslie’s latest books (bear with the metaphors the message is worth it). She’ll set you on the right path and help get the problem solved. In "Something So Right" by T.T. Henderson, Devon and Camille Knight have been married for 18 years. Devon has just been served divorce papers and goes to Camille’s office to confront her. An argument ensues. With neither side willing to concede, Devon finally signs the papers, “HELL NO”! Ever since Devon’s unfaithfulness 5 years ago, work has become Camille’s life. She has climbed her way up the corporate ladder and is now in line for that big promotion. She leaves for a business trip determined to divorce Devon when she returns. While there, she meets Alexander Toussant, CEO of Toussant Communications. Alexander understands her drive and commitment. He makes her feel feminine and sexy. She doesn’t realize that Alexander has played this game many times before. He proposes a torrid affair and Camille turns him down. Alexander decides that he wants and must have Camille. Upon returning home, Devon convinces Camille to take a trip to the Bahamas to discuss their problems. She still plans to divorce him, but hated to lose the money already spent on the trip. Alexander follows her there and Devon jumps to the wrong conclusion about their relationship. Ms. Henderson’s view on long-lasting relationships and the problems they incur was right on the money. It’s so easy to take each other for granted. She paints a picture of a marriage showing trust and forgiveness, but not without conditions. Camille must learn to not only forgive, but also forget, which can be a very hard thing to do. Jacquelin Thomas’ contribution, "Skin Deep", shows a loving couple struggling to put the pieces of their marriage back together after surviving a life threatening condition. Reva Anderson has moved out of her home with her husband, of 20 years, Edward and their teenage daughter. She is having a tough time dealing with the double mastectomy she had to undergo. She is angry and bitter and hasn’t been intimate with Ed since the surgery three years ago. She fears the disgust she might see on his face when he sees her body. Ed wants Reva to come home, but at the same time, he doesn’t want to push her and cause her to leave him for good. With some prodding from Reva’s mom, Reva agrees to let Ed take her away for the summer. They spend time together trying to revitalize their marriage. You watch them as they spend their summer doing all the touristy things that people do on vacation. They go out of their way trying to make each other feel comfortable, tiptoeing around trying not to disturb what little they have repaired. Until in a moment of passion, Ed touches her. It’s heart-warming to watch this couple who are so in love, struggle to save their relationship. It’s a long way back to reconciliation and Ms. Thomas takes you through every trial and every triumph. At times it was difficult to sympathize with Reva. Like everyone else, you want her to get past this and move on with her life. Then other times, Ms. Thomas wraps you in Reva’s grief and makes you feel and touch her pain. Ed was the epitome of a real father- real man. He fought for his marriage doing whatever it was he had to do. For those of us who uttered these words, “in sickness and in health”, you never know what cards life may deal you. This story was just what the doctor ordered. AFTER THE VOWS is a handbook for anyone who wants a long-term relationship. It holds no punches and tells it like it is. This one I plan to keep next to my bed. For easy access when the real world gets to be a little too much to handle. Help will be but an arms reach away, in both directions. |
|
|
jeanette@romanceincolor.net (29th April 2001) |
|
