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By Jacqueline Powell
Warner Books
Hardcover, Fiction
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Jacqueline Powell’s sophomore novel, Anyone Who Has a Heart
introduces us to three young professionals – Theresa, Vince, and Zenobia –
who are struggling with the ups and downs of finding their place in this
world and finding real love at the same time.
First we meet Theresa, a thirty-something school teacher and single mom who
is haunted by the death (and life) of her one true love – Don, a firefighter
– who died in the line of duty. Nightmares about and nocturnal visits from
the ghost of her lost love has driven Theresa to find solace with alcohol,
rather than in the arms of Vince, the man who says he loves her and wants to
help her forget the past.
But after months of trying, Vince realizes that he will never be able to
help Theresa and decides it would be better for them to be apart. It is a
difficult move for Vince who was committed to the relationship – even going
so far as to exchange rings with Theresa to show his devotion. In his quest
to move on, Vince reconnects with a close childhood friend, Ray, who he
hasn’t seen in many years. While Ray is a successful businessman, he also
carries a secret, which he hides from Vince. When Ray brings Vince into his
world, Vince has to question just who he is and what he believes.
Finally, Zenobia is the manager of the hot new nightclub, Descretion, which
is owned by her ex, her daughter’s father. Payce is a professional football
player who has his own woman challenges and is not interested in the drama
that he believes Zenobia brings to his life. When he denies Zenobia the help
she needs to manage his business, she begins to search for her own place
outside of Payce’s millions – professionally and romantically.
Powell tells a good story in three voices. There are several brilliant
moments inside these pages. Often, Powell provides the reader with
outstanding imagery - my bare feet had paced the carpet until my path was
visible – and the author uses metaphors well – it was like ice-skating
up-hill. The novel has three parts and the first two keep you turning the
pages with its surprising suspense. Part three slows down a bit and there
was a moment when it was difficult to figure out how all the women came to
know one another. But besides these slight flaws, Anyone Who Has a Heart
is an enjoyable read from a writer who just seems to be getting better with
time.
Victoria Christopher Murray
is the author of Joy and Temptation she is also a contributor
in Blessed Assurance, a collection of contemporary Bible-based short
stories. |