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ALL I'LL EVER NEED - Mildred Riley Genesis Press/Indigo May 2009 |
SYNOPSIS: After her husband is killed in Iraq, a newly married woman faces many serious challenges as she attempts to have his baby and confronts a secret from his past.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |3| Marguerite Lemons
REVIEW:
Elise Marshall is the owner
of The Kwanzaa Book and Gift Shop, and a recent widow. Elyse’s husband, Barry,
was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq just before Christmas, and the end of his
tour. Austin “Ace” Brimmer is the talented decoupage artist, who becomes Elyse’s
rock and one of her shoulders to cry on, especially after her husband throws her
a few “curve balls” from the grave.
Elyse is strong-willed and independent, but she has a difficult time overcoming
the death of her husband. It isn’t until their lawyer summons her to his office
six months after her husband’s death to inform her that he has left some frozen
sperm behind for her to use to have their child in the event he didn’t return.
Her family is dead-set against her doing this, but with the support of her
friends she decides to live her dream. Ace fell in love with Elyse the day she
walked into his arms and asked him to hold her; however, he’s having trouble
excepting that Elyse simply wants to be friends.
ALL I’LL EVER NEED
is a story about surviving the devastation of losing the love of your life and
learning to love again. The story is set in and around the Boston area. Elyse’s
character was just too much of an emotional wreck for my liking. I understand
that she lost her husband, but her reaction was a little too depressing. I liked
Ace; I liked his strength and complete support of Elyse, even though he didn’t
always agree or understand her choices. Emerald, the co-owner of the bookstore,
offers stability and balance for Elyse. She cares for her like a mother instead
of a friend. Elyse’s parents are less than supportive of her decision. The plot
seemed to drag at times, but the sub-plot was interesting.
This is a good story, and Ms. Riley is to be commended for reminding us of the
sacrifices our troops and their families have made for our freedoms.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 7th May 2009