Try Just Once More

By Kate Henry Doran

“Maggie McQuire didn’t have time to die. With only two days left before the opening ceremonies of Saranac Lake’s winter carnival, there were too many things left undone.”

So begins this fast pace book, with one of the best first lines I have ever read in a long time. Maggie and her three grown children, Tom, Devon, and Lauren, are finally putting their lives back together after the horror that was her husband / their father’s death and the media circus and accusations of possible murder that followed. Tom has become a police officer, riding mounted patrol, Devon is a world famous artist, and Lauren beginning a promising career as a dancer. Everything is going well for Maggie and her children, except that Devon was mugged and later involved in a drive-by shooting, and Lauren stalked, and then Tom is critically injured when his horse goes down during a riot.

Oh yes, Maggie’s brakes failed and she barely avoids ending up at the bottom of a ravine along with her car, thanks to a Good Samaritan. She is very attracted to the Good Samaritan, his deep, soothing voice and good looks until she learns he is the one thing she detests more than reporters, a cop, the Chief of Police and Tom’s boss. And Michael learns she is another nurse, just like his detestable ex-wife. Sparks fly, lots of misunderstandings, lots of romantic ups and downs. And lots of humor. That was one of the best things about TRY JUST ONCE MORE, the sense of humor. Maggie faces her days with humor, laughing at herself and life, but she has a sharp witty tongue that is often unleashed on Michael.

After awhile, Michael begins to suspect that there might be something more sinister behind the accidents than just bad luck. But why would anyone want to kill Maggie and her kids? The answer is surprising and shocking.

Not only is this book full of humor and witticism, it is also vividly real. Maggie is a member of AA and she must struggle every day. I cried with her when Tom almost died, I grieved as Michael relived his own son’s death, and when Maggie finally unlocked her heart to share her past with Michael.

My only complaint is that this book needed to be more, possibly four books. There was so much going on, so much that happened in the past, hinted at, but never fully explained, that it felt like it should be one of those romance series where the author writes a romance for each character. I would have loved to know how Rachel became scarred, about Devon and Nessa’s relationship, and more about Kit. But it was enough to get to know Maggie and Michael, to find that romance can happen to those over 40. TRY JUST ONCE MORE is a great romance, shadowed by a great dark evil.

Reviewed by Linda Suzane

Try Just Once More
by Kate Henry Doran
Wings Press
Paperback: 332 pages
Publisher: Wings ePress (2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1597058386
ISBN-13: 978-1597058384

Visit Kat's website www.KatHenry.com

Savannah's Secret

By Marie Held

SAVANNAH'S SECRET is a romantic spy thriller. And thrilling it is. Reporter Serena Watson begins researching the mysterious destruction of an old mansion, the Peck House, in Savannah, Georgia. Curious about the strange lack of information about the explosion, she initiates a title search. Suddenly someone breaks in to her apartment, then a stranger bumps into her, someone who claims to know her, yet won't explain how. Brent warms her that she must stop her investigation. When it seems that there are men watching her, she reluctantly agrees. For Brent makes her feel safe and protected, and she finds herself definitely drawn to him. Then Brent steals all her notes and disappears without telling her what is going on. Angry, she goes on with her investigation and into life-threatening-danger.

This is a better spy thriller than a romance, if only because the romance follows my least favorite plotline. The conflict results from neither party bothering to communicate, when one simple question or an honest answer would have resolved the issues. Brent thinks he is protecting Serena by not telling her what is going on. Wrong! Serena assumes that Missy is Brent's girlfriend. Wrong! Brent assumes Serena is still in love with her ex-boyfriend, Randall. Wrong! Neither one will let the other know that they love one another and so suffer. While there are many fans who enjoy this romantic formula, I find myself frustrated at the characters for not speaking out.

I also found Serena a little too weak for a reporter. She let her father and Brent keep her in the dark too much. I know this is what I would classify as a sweet romance, with a very young heroine, but again I would prefer a stronger heroine.

Those of you who are fond of the old fashioned, sweet romance will love SAVANNAH'S SECRET. Marie Held has turned her first novel into a wonderful blend of romance and spy thriller. She has made a good beginning.