Cat Shaffer pens a unique tale filled with a variety of relationships and their complex dynamics. Sam's sister Annie has been abused by her husband. Sam and Elise split up without explanation when they were teenagers. Elise's mother Hannah and Sam have been friends since she started being his mentor when he was young.

The author manages to do a sensitive job with the tougher issues and blends humor into the easier ones. It's fun to watch Elise try to figure out how to cope with the relationship she perceives between her ex beau and her mother. They aren't much help as they manage to play for her watchful eyes.

The more serious issue of spousal abuse makes most of the characters gather themselves together to be the best possible people they can be. Ms. Shaffer gives us a realistic view of the emotional upheaval an abused spouse goes through. Annie's husband Derek is probably a good example of the lengths some abusers will go to manipulate their partner.

This is one of those books that can be educational as well as fun. Ms. Shaffer blends it all together into a story well worth reading.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Dee Dailey
March 5, 2011