What You Wish For

October 2, 2000
Bestselling romantic suspense writer Michaels delivers another gripping plot, though it's easy to detect predictable dramatic devices in the story of Helen Ward, a physically abused wife who finally stands up for herself and sets off for a better life. While beating Helen one night, her husband Daniel finally pushes her too far when he kicks her beloved dog, Lucie. Helen retaliates by bashing him with a fireplace poker. Fleeing their house in a California suburb, Helen finds refuge in a veterinary hospital, where she meets Dr. Gerald Davis, who immediately recognizes that Helen needs help as much as Lucie does. He calls local heiress and animal lover Isabel Tyger, who places Helen in a top-secret women's shelter. Much like a participant in the Federal Witness Protection Program, Helen assumes an alias and relocates to New Jersey. Now called Nancy Baker, Helen thrives in her new identity. She establishes an Internet lingerie shop, attends night school and falls for a handsome neighbor and fellow dog-lover, Sam Tolliver. As their relationship grows, Nancy longs to tell Sam the truth about her past, defying the first rule of the program. When her online connection to Tyger's program is interrupted, Nancy suspects her vengeful husband has finally found her. She is further depressed to learn she has been legally declared dead, thus making divorce impossible. Returning to California suggests all kinds of dangers, but Helen/ Nancy refuses to be a victim this time. Michaels (Celebration) builds up enough tension to fuel this contemporary novel, but an O.J. Simpson-style car chase gives way to a disappointingly quick climax. Fans will fill up on Michaels's direct prose in one sitting, while others may find it only a light snack.

September 1, 2000
For Helen Stanley, survival means escaping from an abusive husband and creating a new life for herself. She joins an organization that protects abused women but at a cost; she is declared dead, given a new identity, and moved across the United States. She starts her own business, a Victoria's Secret knock-off, and attracts the attention of a loving man, Sam Tolliver. Meanwhile, ex-husband Daniel's fortunes spiral downward. Having lost his job, he blames his misfortunes on his wife's desertion and stalks Helen, bent on a murderous revenge. Fortunately, Helen is rescued by her new beau. Despite the predictable ending, readers will admire Helen's determination to remake her life in a positive direction, meeting each challenge as it comes. Says Helen, "It doesn't matter where you've been. What matters is where you're going and how you get there." Recommended for public libraries and for the many fans of Michaels's previous works (e.g., Celebration).--Carol J. Bissett, New Braunfels P.L., TX

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