"An intriguing contemporary relationship drama"
In 1987 Hyde Point, New York, Mrs. Mason dumps her daughter
Darcy at the Serenity Home for troubled girls as suggested
by law enforcement officials. Darcy pleads for her mother
to give her one last chance, but she walks away leaving her
child there for seven months. Fifteen years later, Darcy is so well behaved she has no
fun. She raises her two precocious preadolescents by
herself and runs Tender Time Day Care. Hunter Sloan has
just moved back to his hometown in order to have his
grandparents help him with his frightened, "handful" five-
year-old son Braden just dumped on him last month by his ex-
wife. As Hunter tries to be a good father for the first
time, he receives help from several townsfolk. He also
falls in love with Darcy who reciprocates. Though they
have that and spousal abandonment in common, Darcy and
Hunter have demons from their respective first marriages
and their time as "bad" children to overcome if they are to
make it together. A PLACE TO BELONG is an intriguing contemporary
relationship drama that also includes an engaging romantic
subplot. The story line focuses on the two adults and
three children, with only Meli not seeming to have any deep
problems. Though solutions seem simplistic, sometimes
reaching out is all that is needed as many caring people
offer a hug to Braden and his dad and Hunter gets through
to shy Claire by naming her his statistician for the soccer
team. Readers will appreciate this upbeat tale in which
love begins to heal the wounded. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted October 9, 2002
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