~ Review: When A Man Loves A Woman ~

PLOT SYNOPSIS: Haunted by her parents' tragic relationship, Amanda Daniels fears her hasty marriage to rancher Zachary McFadden will lead to nothing but heartbreak. Agreeing to give their union a year, Amanda is surprised when their fiery sensuality challenges her mistrust and creates a bond growing stronger each day. But soon that bond is put to the test, forcing Amanda and Zachary to make hard choices.

REVIEW:  Losing a loved one can be devastating in itself, but add to that the lost of an unborn child and it’s enough to make you question your own worth.  This is what happens in WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN.

When Amanda Daniels learns that her grandfather is dying, she turns to Zachary McFadden, their neighbor and longtime friend.  Zach rushes to console her.  Consolation turns to passion and their intimacy creates a child.

Her grandfather’s dying wish was to see his granddaughter happily married to a man who would take care of her and who loves her.  Amanda marries Zack.  Three weeks later she’s thrown from a horse and loses their child.  Guilt and insecurities force Amanda to move away from the ranch into her condo in the city.

The story begins almost a year after Amanda’s departure.  She hasn’t seen her husband since she left (her stipulations).  It’s their anniversary and Zach has sent her roses and a gift.  She sends him divorce papers.

Zack shows up at her lunch appointment with his brother in his dirty cowboy attire.  He refuses to give her a divorce.  In fact, he has some stipulations of his own.  In return for not seeing her the past year as she requested, they will live together as man and wife in her condo for the next year.

I had problems connecting with this heroine.  Her reasons for her actions weren’t valid and she contradicted them at every turn.  Zach is an excellent hero, with more patience with Amanda than was warranted.  There were several times when I wanted him to leave her alone as she so often requested.

Amanda has to come to terms with the domestic violence she witnessed as a child. She has to learn that she can’t compare Zack to her father.  She also has to deal with the losses she has suffered in order to move on with her life.

This book is a far cry from what this reviewer has come to expect from Ms. Ford.  The intimacy between the couple outside of the bedroom appears to be forced through the writing.  The story is loquacious and too lengthy for the actual scenes that took place.

I found the secondary characters much more interesting.  The interplay between Amanda and her mother-in-law keeps the story interesting.

For Ms. Ford at her best, check out, FOR ALWAYS, FOREVER AFTER, ALL THE LOVE, AFTER DARK and ONE OF A KIND.

15th March 2002