Wade

September 1, 2002
Though nearly a year has passed since the World Trade Center attack, readers may be unprepared for Wade, the final entry in Jennifer Blake's Louisiana Gentlemen series (Clay, etc.). Since she was 14, American Chloe Madison has lived in Hazaristan, a fictional "mirror" country, under the rule of her hateful stepbrother, Ahmad. Despite her less than desirable circumstances-Chloe, like all the women, must wear a burqa, has no rights and may be beaten if she so much as speaks too loudly-she refuses to flee with Wade Benedict, an old family friend sent to rescue her. Inevitably, she has a change of heart, but in a particularly outrageous plot twist, Ahmad follows them to the U.S. and declares a personal jihad against the whole Benedict clan. Ever game for a challenge, the Benedicts rally together in an over-the-top, patriotic conclusion that will give readers cause to cheer.