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COMING HOME Roberta Gayle BET/Arabesque August 2002 Alicia Thomas |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: When her former husband, now a successful doctor, returns to their hometown and wants her back, Charlotte Ann Brown turns to her best friend, teacher Steve Parker, to help her become the successful, sophisticated woman she knows her ex wants. But when an unexpected attraction begins sizzling between Charlotte and Steve, she must decide which man, and which life, is the real thing
REVIEW: Charlotte Brown is a woman who is getting through life without really living it. She has pride and passion in being an excellent mother to her son…but little else. Her job at the town supermarket is unfulfilling, and there hasn’t been a man in her life since her divorce from her high school sweetheart. Charlie is about to take an emotional roller coaster ride when her ex-husband returns home with a desire to reclaim his family.
In COMING HOME, the focus is on the evolution of Charlie with Arthur as the catalyst. As long as Arthur was gone, Charlie could blame all that was wrong with her life on him. Arthur is a confused, self-centered man. He walked away from his family to follow his dreams of becoming a doctor. He has checked off doctor on his list. Now, he is determined to check off husband and father next. Steve is one of Charlie’s best friends. At first, he is pushing her to reconcile with Arthur. As Charlie begins to transform into what she believes Arthur wants, no one is satisfied especially Steve.
COMING HOME fails to create the true tension in a love triangle. There is no back and forth within the relationships. The first few chapters of the story set the reader up to expect a three-ring circus. Because of the people with a vested interest in Arthur’s return, the expectation is high for a lot of meddling. You just know Arthur’s grandfather is going to play puppeteer. The town they live in is small with everyone having an opinion. Yet none are used to add spice to the story.
The story fails to deliver on its initial promise, while the ending is sure to leave readers a little off centered. COMING HOME is a wonderful story of personal transformation…but does little as a romance.
2nd July 2002