LOVE ON HOLD - Christine Townsend
BET/Arabesque
February 2005
SYNOPSIS: In this powerful sequel to PASSION'S PROMISE, newlyweds Cara and Jet Stevens are forced to reevaluate their relationship when Cara's jealousy over Jet's beautiful coworker threatens to tear their marriage apart
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: (4+) Monica J. Jeffers
REVIEW: Newlyweds Cara and Jet Stevens are enjoying themselves while doing business on their honeymoon in Europe. Cara loves Jet but fears losing herself in him. Jet has worries of his business weighing on him and a new wife he loves so much. These two strong personalities must learn after marriage there is more work to be done.
As they leave their honeymoon and return to their home in Miami Cara and Jet face what being married truly means. Cara now working for the Sand Castle foundation has been promised free rein in decisions concerning the foundation. She uses this to try to streamline the foundation she is met with resistance from not only the employees but her new boss and husband Jet. They clash over various decisions and Cara questions how much her Jet really respects her. As time goes by Cara is faced with the decision if her marriage is true while Jet is fighting to save his marriage and Sand Castles the company he has built. The couple faces many obstacles including another woman who will do anything to get Jet, a hostile takeover and lack of communication that will ultimately either make them a stronger couple or tear them apart.
In her novel LOVE ON HOLD, Christine Townsend explores what happens after marriage. The memorable strong willed characters of Cara and Jet Stevens are back with added layers and many more obstacles to face. Cara Stevens is confident as a woman but as a new wife, she is unsure of her role in the relationship. She does not want to lose herself in her very dynamic husband Jet. Self-assured Jet Stevens loves his new wife Cara very much, however like Cara he is unsure of himself as a husband.
Ms. Townsend has built a compelling story that takes us inside all the triumphs and pitfalls of marriage. Cara's character portrays insecurity in there love yet offsets it with an inner strength to be willing to step out in order to be more. Jet is so forceful and cemented in his love for Cara it endears you to him. However, Jet's obliviousness to the advances and rudeness of Vanessa Vaden, his new communications director, invokes anger and frustration. With these characters, Ms. Townshed takes you through every emotion with such intensity it is felt right down to the last words.
The minor characters of the novel enhance the story with vitality and fun. From the well-meaning advice from the housekeeper to the interfering help of the family members this novel comes to life. With the turn of an each page, I was drawn more and more into the relationships of the characters.
LOVE ON HOLD brings a smile to your lips, tears to your eyes, and hope in your heart. The expertly executed story is has emotionally riveting scenes that gripped you with such intensity you felt like you were the one it was happening to. The combination of romance with a little suspense thrown brought the right touch to such a complex story.
LOVE ON HOLD is a thought provoking, emotionally fulfilling read from author Christine Townsend and I cannot wait to see what happens with Lisa, Rodney and Jonathan.
monica@romanceincolor.com (3rd March 2005)