HEARTACHE FALLS
Author: Emily March ISBN: 9780345518385 5/2011 FICTION Publisher: BALLANTINE
Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She’s looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that’s missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Café in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge—and a man who isn’t going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.
When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs—sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back—he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him? |
 RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS: 
The third installment in the Eternity Springs series by Emily March, HEARTACHE FALLS is a complex story that deals with the empty-nest, unfulfilled spouse issue head-on. It does it well, pulling more depth into the story, making it more than just a woman's fleeing her current situation to find greener pastures elsewhere. Of course, Eternity Springs, the small Colorado town readers will love, becomes the backdrop for this new book. It is, as it was in the earlier books, a splendid setting!
Ali leaves her husband when their kids have leapt from their family nest. Her husband is a judge, with a demanding career, so he's a big man, in more ways than one. He's flummoxed by her taking off and fully expects she'll return quickly. To his surprise, Ali finds her way in this new life, and he is forced to follow her and confront their issues. Whether they'll stay together is anyone's bet. What does come to the forefront is the magic of Eternity Springs, the solidness of the female friendships this distraught wife forms, and the idea that change—even painful change—can be good. Interpersonal dynamics are examined, not only those of the sparring spouses but Ali's relationship with her father. I enjoyed this part of the story, and loved it when she takes his advice, to make everything she does be motivated by love, to heart.
This is maybe my favorite book in this splendid series. Ms. March knows how to tell a story that readers care about. I enjoyed HEARTACHE FALLS, and I sincerely believe others will, too.
Kay James |
