Patti Callahan Henry When Light Breaks

When Light Breaks

Patti Callahan Henry

NAL, May, 2006, $12.95

ISBN 0451218345

Twenty-seven years old Kara Larsen feels the stress of planning her wedding to PGA star Peyton Ellis is worth the pressure. However, in spite of no time between her job with the PGA and her upcoming nuptials, Kara fulfills a commitment she made to her South Carolina hometown based Palmetto Pointe Junior Society by visiting nonagenarian Maeve Mahoney at the Verandah House Nursing Faculty.

However, instead of a quick one time trip, Kara finds Maeve fascinating as the older woman relates the story of her first love in such a lyrical way that the visitor wonders if this is fiction. She returns several times to hear more. Finally Maeve encourages her not to settle, but to find her true love. Kara thinks back to Jack Sullivan, her first love and ponders whether she is doing the right thing by marrying Peyton. She decides to search for Jack if for no other reason so that she has no regrets when she is ninety-six and telling some youngster about the love of her life.

This is a fascinating character study that concentrates on pivotal moments in which one makes a life decision. Kara and Maeve are fabulous protagonists as they discuss love and choices. Readers will commiserate with Kara even if you feel you made the right selection for you in terms of a significant other because her doubts ring genuine with application to any selecting of a critical path in life.

Harriet Klausner