Come Walk With Me
Joan Medlicott
Pocket, Dec 2007
ISBN: 9781416524571

When Phillip Bennett died, his beloved wife Claire thought her world was over. Eighteen months later even with seeing a shrink Dr. Delanny, she remains lifeless. Their antiques business no longer matters and their East Hampton home feels empty.

Needing a new start, Claire leaves for Florida, but still finds nothing fulfilling. When her daughter Mandy asks Claire to come visit her, her fianc Tom and her future father-in-law Larry Harden in Weaverville, North Caroline, Claire decides to do so as she hopes to reconnect with her offspring and her son Paul; ever since her other son Terrence died in an accident, she has felt estranged from her children. However, she must reach out to them if she wants them to reach out to her; something she desperately wants to do, but is afraid to take that first step.

Though not Covington even if the family tension mostly occurs in North Carolina, Joan Medlicott provides a warm family drama starring fully developed individuals especially the lead character. Claire has a second chance with her children, but will she take the opportunity because the risk of rejection may be more costly than the status quo. Fans of Ms. Medlicott who rival those of Dean Smith in intensity will enjoy her deep character study of a middle aged widow struggling with life almost two years after the death of her husband.

Harriet Klausner