The death of her husband two years before had left her in limbo, but she had her daughter still living at home, and her job. Now her daughter has decided to continue her studies at a college away from home, and Carolyn is finding it scary; the feeling of being alone, having to make decisions alone, for the first time in years, having to speak up for herself. The emotional support is no longer there and she has to rise above this human need. She is going to make this work.

This is an amazing story. There are some sad situations, some joyful, and some heartbreaking. All the feelings that arise when a woman or man is thrown into this situation; the feelings of despair, loneliness, the singleness that is so apparent when half of a couple just isnt there anymore. The sudden realization that a couples friends arent necessarily your friends once the spouse is not in the picture. The author has captured beautifully the feelings that Carolyn experiences beginning with the first day of her new life, as she slowly loses her fears and realizes just how much her courage and self esteem are growing. Her amazement when she finds herself getting passes from men, shocked into awareness that men are out there thinking of her with something other than friendship in mind. There is an especially moving moment when Carolyn feels that she is ready to take off her wedding ring and is looking forward to the future. This is a wonderfully moving story and definitely recommended reading.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Glenda K. Bauerle
August 26, 2005