Wednesday, June 3, 2015

London Tides - Carla Laureano

London Tides
Carla Laureano
David C. Cook, Jun 1 2015, $14.99
ISBN: 9781434708229

After ten years away from London and her beloved Ian MacDonald covering hot spots as a photojournalist, Irishwoman Grace Brennan left the field to come home.  She lost her incentive when an explosion killed her over eager partner Brian in front of her in Syria.  Suffering from PTSD made worse by survival guilt and self-accusation because as the experienced member Grace knows she should have reined Brian in.  Thus Grace caught the plane to Great Britain rather than Aleppo.

Taking pictures of the Thames, Grace sees Ian amongst a crew.  Once considered an Olympian prospect, Ian gave up everything he cherished for his Grace who abandoned him for Los Angeles and then the world.  Grace hopes Ian forgives her enough to be her friend at a time she needs him; but also knows she was not there for him when she should have been at least honest if not supportive of his dreams.

The second MacDonald Family drama (see Five Days in Skye) is a captivating tale mostly because of the insightful look at emotionally battered Grace.  She left love behind ten years ago filled with energy and enthusiasm; but now back suffering mentally from what she saw especially on her last assignment.  Even with Ian putting Grace through a ringer to prove she will stay, he seems too forgiving and trusting after what he gave up for her. 


Harriet Klausner

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