Devon Vaughn Archer, Love Once Again

Love Once Again

Devon Vaughn Archer

Arabesque, Jun 2006, $5.99

ISBN: 1583146792

In New York City, the African American company Callister-Reynolds Vice President Dennis DeMetris is concerned that one of the firm's top sellers; writer-photographer Richard Lowry has not done anything in three years. His last work, Autumn in Zimbabwe remains a huge commercial and critical success. Dennis sends newcomer Janine Henderson to California to demand that the recluse complete his contract of two more artistic coffee table books.

Knowing she has no choice though she is worried about her seven years old daughter, Janine goes west to see Richard. He has not worked since his wife and their child tragically died. Janine has not trusted men since she realized her now former spouse not only cheated on her, but held her culpable that he did. Neither one is in the market for even a tryst let alone a relationship, but their attraction ignores the past though they emotionally cannot. Still as they fall in love, both must let go of their previous relationships if they are to forge something new.

This great second chance at love psychological contemporary drama stars two likable mentally "self-imprisoned" individuals. The story line mostly focuses on the growing relationship between Janine and Richard, but also provides some enlightening flashbacks to his deceased family. Readers will appreciate this fine tale cleverly enhanced by strong family members (her daughter, his widower father, and the ghosts of his late wife and child and her still living ex) as everyone will wonder whether the present can overcome the traumas of the past.

Harriet Klausner