 Contemporary Romance |
SOMEBODY'S KNOCKING ON MY DOOR Francis Ray St. Martin's Press (4+) Alicia Thomas |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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From "Essence" and "Blackboard" bestselling author Ray comes a novel about a man's struggle to come to grips with his violent past in order to find love in the present.
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REVIEW: |
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SOMEBODY’S KNOCKING AT MY DOOR is a modern day beauty and the beast story. Ms. Ray explores the lives of Rafe Crawford and Kristen Wakefield from THE TURNING POINT. This story takes a poignant look at facing fears, releasing pain through forgiveness and opening up the heart to receive the love that is waiting to be invited inside.
Rafe Crawford is a loner by choice. He carries the physical, emotional and spiritual scars that stem from the child abuse inflicted by his father. His plan is to stop the cycle of abuse with him by never marrying and having children. Rafe is determined that his only legacy will be the furniture he creates. The space he has carved out for himself is turned upside down with a frantic phone call.
Kristen Wakefield is working to develop an exhibit of nineteenth century African American art. She desires to make a name for herself in a family of high achievers. This need leads her into a compromising situation when the husband of a highly influential art supporter propositions her. Rafe answers her call for help. This situation becomes the catalyst for both to start on a path of self-discovery, growth, and healing.
There are a few areas where the story leads me to believe there would be more. The information on nineteenth century African American art is too brief. The beginning chapters lead the reader to believe this period of art will be prominent as a subject and shaping Kristen occupational development. Ms. Ray is talented with crafting courtship and building of feelings which is missing between Jacques and Claudette. Their relationship in this story is limited.
As is her practice, Ms. Ray includes secondary stories, which explores relationships at varying ages, stages and/or circumstances. The relationship between Angelique and Damien struggles to overcome class differences. Damien’s father, Jacques, is in love with a woman who is married to a younger man. Jacques could accept the situation if Claudette was happy. True happiness or love is no where to be found in the marriage of Claudette and Maurice. There is just enough of a glimpse of the characters from THE TURNING POINT to satisfy curiosity without overpowering this story.
SOMEBODY’S KNOCKING AT MY DOOR is a moving and emotional novel. This story is a powerful reminder that forgiveness heals the transgressed as well as the transgressor. As always, Ms. Ray delivers an enriching story that leaves the reader truly satisfied. |
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alicia@romanceincolor.net (30th December 2003) |
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