Monday, August 18, 2008

Destiny Bay-Sarah Abbot

Destiny Bay
Sarah Abbot
Love Spell, Sep 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 050552744X

Curious to know why her mother Celeste committed suicide when Abrielle Lancaster was a baby, she finds a portrait of her. The picture serves as an impetus for Abby to visit St. Cecelia's Island; Maine, the home of her mother when she lived with local artist Douglas McAllister. Abby hopes to learn why her mom killed herself.

Businessman Ryan Brannigan hated Celeste who he still blames for his father Douglas failing to connect with him. He is outraged to learn that his mother rented a cottage to the daughter of that woman. Although attracted to the hostile Ryan, Abby assumes he is the one threatening her to leave or else. She refuses to run, but seeing the White Lady frightens her and the items that seem to be from her late mom begin to arrive. Meanwhile Ryan is angry with himself because he not only wants Abby, but feels a deep need to keep her safe.

The remote island adds to the overall feeling of foreboding in a tense gothic romantic suspense. Readers will feel the growing unease that settles in Abby’s stomach and the conflict between Ryan’s brain and his heart. Although in some ways the romance feels intrusive, fans will appreciate this strong thriller; as the lead couple and the audience wonder what is going on and can it be stopped before history repeats itself.

Harriet Klausner

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