UNDERSTUDY

Carole Bellacera

Forge Books

Hardcover-June 2003

ISBN:  0765306557

Amy Shiley grew up on the wrong side of the tracks with two alcoholic parents.  She has always been shy, quiet and always studying.  Amy escaped her life in reading and in her studies.  When she begins college and meets her roommate, Robin Mulcahey, her live is forever changed.

Amy and Robin become best friends and are inseparable from the moment they meet.  Amy becomes a member of Robin’s family, staying with them, exchanging gifts during the holidays...she has found the family that she has always craved.  And she meets Paul, Robin’s brother who she falls in love with at first glance.  Amy keeps her feelings for Paul to herself, he is older and attends college in another state and she doesn’t believe that he would ever see her as any other than his sister’s best friend.

When tragedy strikes and Amy and Robin are in a car accident, their bodies are unrecognizable.  When Amy awakens in her hospital room, Robin’s parents are the first faces she sees.  She can’t believe that they are there for her, like a member of their family.

And then they call her Robin.....why are they calling her Robin?

Readers HAVE to buy this book to find out!!  Captivating, wonderfully written, emotional and shocking makes UNDERSTUDY a fantastic read.  Carole Bellacera is a dynamite storyteller that drew me in within the first few pages.  Ms. Bellacera provides readers with some real and attention grabbing characters, Amy and Robin, their friendship, their loyalty to each other and they will bring tears to your eyes.

The decisions Amy Shiley made after the car accident was shocking and it was an exhilarating journey reading this story.  I found the characters believable, the psychological aspects very insightful and interesting and the self-discoveries in Amy to be incredibly written and believable.  I bounced back and forth with what I wished to see happen between Amy and Paul and what the outcomes would be.  Would Amy tell Paul the truth? Should Amy tell Paul  the truth?  Would true love conquer all?  I wasn’t sure what I wanted to see happen, but I loved what did! 

UNDERSTUDY is a fast-paced tale that keeps you guessing, have you shedding a tear or two, sighing over love, angry with a character or two and ready to read it all over again immediately.

Carole Bellacera’s UNDERSTUDY is a story that is unforgettable and very much a must for the keeper shelves.