~ Review: She's The One ~

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Mainstream Fiction

SHE'S THE ONE

Sandra Kitt

Signet

0-45120-390-9

August 2001

(4) Shirion Shropshire

PLOT SYNOPSIS: 

Deanna and Stacy hadn’t seen one another for almost seven years.  But just days after receiving news that Stacy has died, Deanna learns she had been named guardian of Stacy’s biracial daughter.  Now, with the help of a handsome caring man, Deanna must face new questions about her life, and her future.

REVIEW: 

The first time Deanna Lindsay and Patterson Temple meet is under sad circumstances.  When Stacy, a friend from Deanna’s past and Patterson’s present, is tragically killed, they are both called to the coroner’s office to identify the body.  Both are instantly curious about the part the other played in Stacy’s life.  Neither of them had any idea that their lives would forever be entwined.

Soon after finding out about Stacy’s death, Deanna is contacted by Social Services.  Stacy has named Deanna as guardian of her six-year old daughter, Jade.  Deanna and Stacy’s friendship was brief and at a time in her life that was best forgotten. Why would Stacy leave her child to be cared for by a virtual stranger?  What part did Patterson play in all of this?  He is sexy, charismatic, and full of confidence... a little cocky.  But it is also obvious that he is from the “streets”; it is in his dialect and mannerisms.  He doesn’t seem to have much going for himself.  Had he been romantically involved with Stacy?

Patterson’s Grandma Betts and Stacy were been friends.  It is Betts who was caring for Jade when her mother was killed.  Unwilling to hand her over to social services, Betts keeps Jade until a guardian is identified.  When Patterson realizes that Jade’s guardian would be the high class Deanna, he’s more curious than ever. Patterson knows that Stacy had a somewhat troubled past.  What is her connection to Deanna?  Deanna is beautiful, smart, and sexy.  She was also upper class, probably high maintenance and a bit snobbish.  Is she capable of putting her life on hold to raise someone else’s child?

Deanna and Patterson both have very real personal issues that they deal with in this story.  Their journeys to resolve these issues and provide an environment of love, caring and stability for Jade is the basis for this strong and moving romance. They both have flaws and Sandra Kitt has no problem putting them out there.  At times I wanted to make them real so I could pop them upside the head!

The buildup of passion and chemistry between these two, even with their flaws, will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.  SHE’S THE ONE is more than just a romance; it is a special story about the hearts of very special people.  In this novel Sandra Kitt challenges us to evaluate our own stereotypes.  She makes you wonder how many people have missed out on that special someone becasuse there are blinded by stereotypes and issues of class. 

For those of us that enjoy the lighter side of romance with a pinch, make that a dollop, of passion… not to worry!  Although, this novel deals with many serious issues (death, abortion, foster care, absentee parents), Sandra Kitt is wonderful at keeping it real and hot! She blends in the flaws and strengths of the characters into such an emotionally charged and romantic story leaving you with a smile on your face.  As always, the chemistry between Deanna and Patterson is right on time!  This is a book that I most definitely recommend.

5th August 2001

2002