Jacquelin Thomas, Defining Moments

Defining Moments

Jacquelin Thomas

NAL, Feb 2007, $14.00

ISBN: 0451220285

Sheila Moore fled Columbia, South Carolina, allegedly to open up the New York branch of Madison Moore Creative Visual Solutions, Inc. However, business did not send her from her hometown. She left because Sheila is ashamed of the stunts she pulled to break up Jake's marriage especially when she finally realized her love for her business partner Jake Madison will always remain unrequited; as he cherishes his wife Tori (see THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND).

Four years since she turned Tori's life into hell, Sheila has seemingly moved on until a doctor informs her during a routine physical that she suffers form multiple sclerosis. Now she not just a broken hearted women; she is a broken woman. Still as Sheila has throughout her life, she will gather information and begin a campaign that the military would be proud to call their own. At a bookstore seeking information on MS, she meets author Nicholas Washington, Tori's best friend. As they become better acquainted, an attraction grows, but her self-image refuses to allow her to accept his kindness and love. Worse, she and Tori still have issues that cause pain and confusion for the two men they both care about and who in their ways love each of them.

Though a sequel, DEFINING MOMENTS stands alone as a terrific, contemporary, inspirational tale using reflection to tell the key points of the first story, which this reviewer has not read. Tori knows she forgives her spouse for his indiscretions but still detests her rival; Sheila remains jealous of Tori who won the prize Jake while she fled into self-imposed exile. Now they tug on Nicholas, who tries to help both females by bringing God into their lives. Though apparently Sheila was the evil wicked woman in the PRODIGAL HUSBAND, this time she must overcome her self-loathing and humiliation as Nicholas offers her redemption in a strong, character-driven tale.

Harriet Klausner