Never Without You… Again

Be warned: reading Never Without You…Again by Francine Craft may make you hungry. The author describes the complete menus for a Southern Sunday dinner, a morning after breakfast, and a dinner in New Orleans among others. I can appreciate author who enjoys a good meal.

Hunter Davis has returned to Crystal Lake, Virginia. Divorced, he has returned to the town in hopes of reuniting with Theda Coles, his college sweetheart. A family financial disaster forced him out of college nearly 20 years ago, but now he is a successful photographer with a teenage son. Though hurt by his ex-wife, Hunter is still willing and eager for a second chance with Theda.

Dr. Theda Coles is a high-school guidance counselor, with an ambition to be principal. She is taken by surprise with Hunter’s return. She had lost her husband and son in plane crash a few years past - a son who was actually Hunter’s child. While she and Hunter start anew, there are two obstacles blocking the way to a committed relationship - her own fears and Hunter’s ex-wife. Theda is afraid of leaving herself vulnerable to the devastating hurt of losing a loved one, a fear that is somewhat justified, as the Davis men are very accident prone. Helena, the ex, has also come to Crystal Lake and she makes it clear that she wants Hunter back.

Helena is witch of a woman and will do anything to reach her goal. She recruits her son, lies, cheats and tries to seduce Hunter whenever possible. She has found an ally in Keatha Ames, the school board treasurer and Hunter’s neighbor. Keatha has it in for Theda. Theda was uninterested her son’s advances, and Keatha, a proud mama, took it as a personal insult. She uses her position on the school board to oppose every idea Theda proposes, doing her best to keep Theda from becoming principal, by fair means or foul.

The story lacks an intricate plot. What there is revolves around some doctored photos that cause a local scandal and it is quite obvious who concocted the scandal. In addition, the author relies too heavily on accidents to move the plot. There are four crashes that play a part in the story - an airplane, a motorcycle and two automobiles.

It doesn't really matter, since Never Without You…Again is primarily a character driven story and the strength of the characterizations kept me reading on and enjoying the book. Craft does a good job of creating real people; Theda and Hunter have both flaws and good points. Even Helena, a very bad girl, has her vulnerabilities, while Curt, Hunter’s son, is an absolutely charming young man.

So if you are in the mood for story with strong characters - or just one that encourages snacking - then you just might enjoy this one.

-- Carolyn Esau

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