 Contemporary Romance |
SECRETS OF THE HEART Marilyn Tyner BET/Arabesque August 2000 (4) Melanie Schuster |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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REVIEW: |
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Marilyn Tyner is an
author who likes to keep her readers on their toes. Her newest novel, SECRETS OF THE HEART
is quite different from her last book, FALSE IMPRESSIONS.
It
is no less intriguing and well-written, but very different. If you were
expecting something as light-hearted and exotic as False Impressions, you will
be, as I was pleasantly surprised. Amanda Reynolds married Drew Pearson when she was only
17 years old. Her life with her
abusive father was unbearable, and Drew offered her a platonic marriage as a way
out. She gratefully accepted, but
the gratitude was a cover for the love she had felt for him since she came to
work for his father’s company at age 16.
What she wanted more than anything was to have the love she felt
returned; since she believed that all Drew felt for her was the pity born of
charity, she left him after two of the most wonderful years of her life. Six years later, they came together under more neutral
circumstances. Drew reveals
to Amanda the fact that they were never divorced—she is still his wife.
They begin dating again and eventually he reveals the fact that he was in
love with her when they were married and that he still loves her to this day.
They agree to renew their vows and take up residence in the house that he
bought for her 8 years before. Now, that’s where a typical romance would end, right? This is the point where SECRETS
OF THE HEART actually
begins, because this is where the long-held secrets of both their pasts come to
light. Amanda has to find out whether Drew’s love is strong enough
to accept the tragedy that has tainted her life for so long and Drew will have
to learn a new meaning for trust, before they can live happily ever after. This story intrigued me and not just because it is of
the ‘second chance at love’ style. I
freely admit that is one of my favorite motifs, but what got to me was the
attention to detail, the warmth and genuine affection between the hero and
heroine. I did not doubt for a moment that they deserved a chance to
be together. I also loved Drew’s
parents. His mother is quite the
piece of work, but Ms Tyner compassionately and wisely elevated her above the
heinous harpy level with that same delicate, nuanced detail. A hero and heroine worth cheering for, some sincerely sexy love scenes, nicely drawn secondary characters and a strong sense of place—I’m actually craving a good ol’ Philly steak & cheese sandwich after reading this!—make this a pleasurable afternoon read. Don’t keep this one a secret! |
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1st August 2000 |
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