Standing In The Shadows Of Love

by NINA CORBETT

Edition: Paperback

Desires of the Heart, January 23, 2005

Is there such a thing as happily ever after? I believe there is, but not, of course, without enduring a few trials and tribulations. Some people's vision of a happy life is having a spouse, two kids and a house with a picket fence. Other's may measure their happiness by their career success or their wealth. STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE by Nina Corbett takes us on a journey with two best friends who are in search of their happily ever after.

Ashley Taylor has a very demanding television career. She has been very successful in business, but unsuccessful in love. She has virtually given up on finding true love, but not her ultimate dream of having a baby. Deciding to become a mother without the use of a man, Ashley consults a sperm bank with the hopes of using invitro- fertilization to make her dream of motherhood come true. Ashley's meddling mother is pressuring her to get out and date and meet someone. She constantly tells her she isn't getting any younger. Unaware of Ashley's plans to become impregnated by a sperm bank, she sets Ashley up with Kevin Hughes. Dating and meeting someone is last on Ashley's list of priorities until she actually meets Kevin and finds herself falling for him. Will Ashley continue on with her plans of using invitro-fertilization to become a mother? Or, will Kevin be the one who can change her views on men and dating?

Maya, like Ashley, also has a demanding television career, but unlike Ashley, she is in a relationship. Maya and David have been together for eight years and the relationship is as dead as it can get. They never go out or do anything exciting. A typical date night consists of renting movies. Not only is the relationship boring, but David is controlling and possessive. On several occasions, Maya has tried to end the relationship with David, yet they always end up back together. David refuses to let Maya go and their relationship is filled with lies and deceit. After Maya endures a tragic family emergency, David does the unthinkable with the hopes of him and Maya living happily ever after. However, Maya isn't too thrilled with David's surprise and thinks this just may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Can Maya and David work through their issues and have a love that stands the test of time? Or has Maya finally had it and is now ready to begin a new chapter in her life?

Corbett's debut novel is undeniably a must have for the avid reader. Sharp writing, recognizable characters and real life situations are what make STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF LOVE a good read. The friendship between Ashley and Maya is what some women only dream of having. They are true sister friends who are there for one another no matter what. Their situations are not uncommon, and they feel as long as they have each other, they can weather the storm. The bond they share is one of the things I enjoyed most about the book. So often you see women being catty and negative toward one another; it was a breath of fresh air reading about two positive motivating women sharing the bond of friendship. I also liked the fact that their situations are ones that everyone can relate to, nothing out of the ordinary or unbelievable. Corbett is a fresh new author whose novel deserves to be read.

Reviewed by Eraina B. Tinnin

of The RAWSISTAZ™Reviewers