Catherine Anderson, Blue Skies

Blue Skies

Catherine Anderson

Signet, Dec 2003, $6.99, 432 pp.

ISBN: 0451210751

In Crystal Falls, Oregon Carly Adams feels like a new born ever since she had the operation that gave her the gift of sight especially now that she can see males. In high school she always wondered what the big deal was, but seeing Hank Coulter at a country and western bar explains everything. That night Hanbk and Carly make love, but though he is drunk he is shocked that she was a virgin.

Six months later, Carly is pregnant from her only sexual encounter, which could destroy the good that the operation did for her eyes. When Hank learns she is pregnant with his child and her vision is threatened, he coaxes her into a marriage of convenience. Rather soon, Hank changes his mind on the state of matrimony as he wants Carly to wake up with the sight of him everyday. He also wants their child, but fears the cost to his beloved. Adding to his woes is that Carly does not believe her hedonistic husband has found love.

Though one wonders why shy virgin Carly accepts a one night stand with Hank that seems out of character for her even if she is doing the town for the first time, fans will appreciate this angst-laden contemporary romance due to the dilemma confronting the heroine. Though Hank is a solid good time Charlie male, clearly the courageous Carly, acting brave in the face of personal disaster knowing that most likely either her child or her sight must go, makes the tale into a page turner. The audience will admire her inner strength and each one of us will wonder what we would do with this choice.

Harriet Klausner