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by Hope C. Clarke
Pages: 225
Publisher: New Hope Publishing
ISBN#:1-929279-00-0
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All Are In Need Of A Shadow Lover Hope C. Clark delivers an
entertaining story with her new novel, Shadow Lover. The title is
very symbolic in meaning and the story has more bite than its title reveals.
Intriguing in its direction, and creative in its context, Shadow Lover
never ceases to keep the reader’s attention nor disappoint in its
delivery.
Angelica, a young woman from
a rural town is swept off her feet by a handsome gentleman from the big city
of New York. He is also fifteen years her senior. Against her parent’s
wishes, naïve and inexperienced Angelica accepts the marriage proposal of
the gentleman and quickly becomes Mrs. Ivan Carty. Unknown to Angelica, Ivan
has a major obsession of gaining control of every aspect of his life and
will stop at nothing to ensure everything goes his way. Unfortunately for
Angelica, his harsh and manipulative ways include keeping her far away from
the influences of others, which hinders her from having a relationship with
friends and family.
Mr. Ivan Carty insists that a
woman’s place is in the home. Therefore, she does not have a life outside of
her home. The only provision granted to Angelica is her getting a job, which
Ivan also protested. However, her deepest nightmares begin the day Ivan
discovers her enrollment in college to further her education. Ivan brutally
beats her with his fists in order to dissuade Angelica from attending
school. From that point on, Angelica found herself being bruised, battered,
and scarred for minor infractions in the home, which ranged from not getting
home on time to not having dinner ready promptly at six o’clock p.m.
Insecure, naïve, and fearful of how far her husband would go in hurting her,
Angelica stays in the relationship and tries to “act right” while bracing
herself for the next abusive episode.
Angelica is oblivious to
Ivan’s very colorful, but morbid and very scarred past, filled with abuse
and emotional torment. Ivan witnessed the brutal beating delivered from his
father to his mother, which ultimately led to both parents demise. His
father often shared with him the necessity of ruling a woman with an iron
fist and never relinquishing control at any cost. Ivan firmly carries these
beliefs and practices into his adult life and marriage as it reflects
heavily in his relationship.
The book kicks-off with an
abusive tirade administered by Ivan sparked by the sudden termination of his
job. However, this particular thrashing goes further than usual landing
Angelica in the hospital. Her injuries are diagnosed as near fatal. Miracles
begin to happen with the assistance of the one that lurks in the shadows.
This stranger informs the doctor to put faith in him and save Angelica from
her abusive husband at all costs. The doctor follows the instructions given,
but the costs are far more than he imagined as Ivan’s control begins
slipping away. As a further detractor, Ivan gets caught in a murder scandal
with his new employee. Fireworks erupt as Ivan literally takes matters, and
people, into his own hands as he searches for the once naïve wife who
suddenly doesn’t follow his instructions anymore.
Shadow Lover is an
excellent read exhibiting quality writing, drama, and quick wit that Hope C.
Clarke manages to combine very well. She has the ability to guide the
reader’s emotions evoking sorrow, laughter, or tears almost effortlessly.
The story comes together with different twists and turns that do not allow
the reader to predict the next move. The author also displays well-written
dialogue that is meaningful and believable among the different characters.
Readers that enjoy love, suspense, and drama will be satisfied with
Shadow Lover. |
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