Dry as Rain

July 18, 2011
When Kyra Yoshida loses portions of her memory following a car accident, her estranged husband, Eric, sees a chance to salvage their failing marriage; she doesn't remember they've separated. Unfortunately, he's just slept with a young co-worker, so he is seized by guilt and trapped in dishonesty, even as he comes to understand he still loves his wife of 20 years. This central emotional dyad is complicated by the presence of a son, Benji, who's been discharged from the Navy for medical reasons, thwarting his youthful dream. Holmes (Crossing Oceans) is a capable writer, but her sophomore effort is uneven. Some readers might like more backstory of why and how the marriage went aground, but there's little given. The story arc of redemption is logical, but the ending feels abrupt. Quirky and flawed minor characters throw the main action into moral relief, but Eric's buddy Larry is incredibly good despite having his own problems, and the troubled youth Angelo who becomes a street preacher is over the top. The narrative has moving moments, but they don't add up to a persuasive whole.

August 1, 2011

Holmes examines the effects of infidelity upon a marriage. Eric and Kyra Yoshida had been drifting apart for years when Kyra discovered the betrayal that led to their separation. When a horrendous car accident erases part of Kyra's memory, Eric realizes that she has forgotten what happened. Is this his opportunity to win Kyra back? Does he even deserve a second chance? Is it fair to take advantage of her memory loss? VERDICT Holmes's debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christian Bookseller's Association best seller and was positively reviewed in Publisher's Weekly and Romantic Times, which will guarantee her readers for her second novel. Fans of emotionally packed domestic fiction will love it.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2011
Their marriage is on the rocks when Kyra catches Eric sexting with his coworker Danielle. Kyra immediately assumes the two are having an affair, and the chance of reconciliation looks hopeless until Kyra has a car accident. Her injury results in memory loss, and she wakes up thinking her marriage is wonderful. Ironically, Eric was consummating the affair with Danielle at about the same time his wife has her accident. Should he pretend that nothing ever happened and live a contented life with his now-happy wife? Or should he confess his infidelity and risk losing her forever? Besides, what if Kyra's memory returns, and she insists on another separation? Holmes writes from Eric's point of view, skillfully keeping readers in suspense as they wonder when and if Kyra will regain her memory. Adultery, guilt, forgiveness, and, eventually, healing are examined in this well-written, compelling, faith-based novel.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)