Deidre Knight, Butterfly Tattoo

Butterfly Tattoo

Deidre Knight

Samhain, Feb 2010, $16.00

www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN: 9781605045443

In Hollywood due to an electrical failure at her office, former TV actress Rebecca O'Neill meets bisexual electrician widower Michael Warner accompanied by his eight years old stepdaughter Andrea Lauren Richardson when he answers her call. The two adults are attracted to each other instantly, but Rebecca suffers from PTSD following an assault several years ago. Her assistant Trevor informs her that the electrician's gay life partner just died.

Michael has his emotional issue since his life partner Dr. Alex Richardson died in a car accident caused by a DUI driver that has physically and emotionally scarred his stepdaughter whom he does not know and resents him. Rebecca empathizes with Andrea as she became a producer after a brutal assault disfigured her banning her from TV and movie roles. As the three emotionally scarred individuals become better acquainted, a potential family bond of love forms, but each fears trusting in such a fragile feeling that they know from experience is fleeting.

Rotating perspective especially between the two beleaguered adults, Butterfly Tattoo makes a strong case that love and nurturing makes a family. The three lead characters are profound as each has suffered a loss while the support cast enhances the audience understanding of what motivates the prime trio. With a couple of wonderful twists, readers will appreciate this strong deep look at love and family that affirms caring relationships comes in a zillion different packages.

Harriet Klausner