AS YOU WISH - Francine Matthews
BET/Arabesque
December 2004
SYNOPSIS: Determined to save her struggling youth center, a social worker approaches a shrewd businessman for a donation and captures his heart with her passion and dedication.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (4) Sophia Chase
REVIEW: Katrina Prescott is a social worker who has experienced a devastating loss in her life. To counteract her solitude, she dedicates herself to managing a struggling community centre. Devlin Graham is man who has enjoyed a successful life but there’s one thing he strongly desires-a family. The two meet as Katrina approaches Devlin for a donation for the centre and immediately sparks fly. However, they must eliminate a threat from Katrina’s past and trust each other in order to have a fulfilling relationship.
New author, Francine Matthews, employs a leisurely pace which allows the story to develop. Owing to the pace the reader is allowed to observe not only the progression of the relationship of the two protagonists but also that of other key personalities in the novel.
In my opinion the characters are the best feature of this novel. They are well-rounded and add to the reality of the plot. They support each other and create the loving atmosphere which permeates the novel. They are easy to identify with and possess all the qualities and faults which are synonymous with all human beings.
Setting also plays a vital role as it is used a as catalyst for the revelation of the characters’ true feelings. For example, when Devlin takes Katrina to recuperate at his mountain-side home, the reader witnesses the powerful love which the two shares. Dialogue is also very important. It provides the reader with pertinent details of the threat which looms over Katrina and is also a manner in which the writer reveals the sentiments of her characters. Conversations between personalities are emotionally charged and evoke deep feelings from the reader.
Overall, AS YOU WISH is a deep and thought provoking story which enthralls the reader. Ms. Matthews must be commended for her treatment of issues such as dealing with epilepsy and the importance of the community effort in shaping today’s youth. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who reads contemporary romance. Take a bow Francine Matthews; you’ve done us all proud!!!!!!!!!!
sophia@romanceincolor.com (21st February 2004)