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ONCE IN A LIFETIME Gwynne Forster BET/Arabesque Alicia Thomas |
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OTHER REVIEWS |
PLOT SYNOPSIS: In the first of three linked stories, single mother Alexis Stevenson is hired to be the home manager for three brothers--and finds unexpected love with the oldest of the Harringtons, Telford, a man she'd known 15 years earlier at Howard University.
REVIEW: ONCE IN A LIFETIME is a warm and humorous novel that chronicles the lives of a woman and her daughter whose new start begins in the home of three wonderful brothers. Her job description calls for her to turn their house to a home. The relationships that develop turn a house with people into a home with a family.
Alexis Stevenson grew up in a wealthy family, and never really considered it a family as much as an obligation. After her divorce, Alexis decides that she will no longer follow what is expected of her, but go after what she needs. She spends most of her money in obtaining sole custody of her daughter, Tara, her motivation to establish stability. Alexis’s new start begins with the Harringtons. Yet when she meets Telford Harrington, all coherent thought leaves her mind, and threatens her stability.
Telford, Drake and Russ, the Harrington brothers, own Harrington Inc., a construction company. Each is honest, intelligent, handsome, wealthy…and single. Their parents’ roller coaster marriage has left them filled with pain, anger and a mistrust of women. There is also doubt about their ability to choose the right women. The brothers share the family mansion - a place where there has been no female influence since the death of their mother. Deciding that a change is necessary, Telford hires Alexis. Complaints ring out when Alexis starts to institutes rules of the house. Telford resists not only the rules but his growing attraction to Alexis.
The secondary characters in ONCE IN A LIFETIME give the novel color and depth. The cook, Henry, the voice of wisdom, speaks truth without being either preachy or wordy, bringing moments of comedy to the book. Velma, Alexis’s sister, adds spice wherever she appears. The reemergence of Alexis’s ex-husband starts an explosion but ends with barely a ripple. Tara practically takes over the story. The catalyst for change, her innocence and honesty tears down walls and helps to builds bridges.
The rhythm of the story is a little sluggish in some places. Overall, I recommend this book. It has carefully crafted characters and leaves you feeling good about love.
17 June 2002