Mike Maranhas, Re’Enev

Re'Enev

Mike Maranhas

Pink Granite, December 2006 $14.95, 252 pp.

ISBN 0977780969

They met in college, knew they were in love and got married. They had an idyllic union until Luke's brother died in a senseless accident. He withdraws from his wife Meesha, whose insecurities of abandonment turn her into a shrew. Meesha confronts him about a woman named Sandy at work when he comes home smelling of her scent. He goes off on Meesha, telling her the ugly things he feels about her.

When he awakens in the middle of the night Meesha is not in the bed. He finds her in the cellar bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. They work to save their marriage and Meesha gets therapy, and they get therapy as a couple as well. To cement their new beginning they fly to the Pacific island of Re'Enev with the blessing of their counselor. Luke persuades Meesha to explore the jungle with him, only tragedy strikes on the isolated trail, and she is badly injured. Luke tries to get help, but he has difficulties of his own; without a miracle, both will die.

Great characterizations, a fast paced plot, an exotic locale and a touch of intrigue make RE'ENEV a novel that will appeal to readers who like mainstream fiction, romance and suspense. The two protagonists are so realistic that readers know people like them. Luke makes some bad decisions, and finding a way out of his dilemmas takes all the courage and fortitude he possesses, which is plenty, but may not prove enough.