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Reviewer Note: Reprint of original release - June 1992
Danica Lindsey’s life is about to change, but not in the way she thinks. She wants to revive her failing marriage, so she buys a beach house on the coast of Maine in hopes of spending some quiet time with her very busy husband, Blake. As usual though, she makes the first trip alone because Blake is too busy to go along. While she’s on the beach, she meets her neighbor, Michael Buchanan. Danica feels an immediate and strong attraction to Michael, but attributes the attraction to her loneliness.
Michael Buchanan sees a goddess on the beach, but as soon as he reaches her, he recognizes her sadness and wants to comfort her. He knows this woman is special and decides to get to know her, but as she’s leaving he notices the gold wedding band on her finger. Michael is not into married women, but there is something different about Danica Lindsey. Each time they see each other, the attraction grows. Both use the term friendship to describe their relationship, but deep down the love is so strong and so sweet, it’s only a matter of time before they give into the temptation. Michael is more open with his feelings, while Danica feels she can’t be totally honest because of her marriage. Will true love prevail or will Danica’s commitments keep her from the best thing that’s ever happened to her?
No one writes romance like Barbara Delinsky. You instantly feel the strong connection between her protagonists. It’s as if you know them personally and you can actually feel their excitement and pain. The well defined secondary characters connect with the protagonists brilliantly. You realize early on that there’s a serious problem with Danica’s husband Blake, but it’s not until later in the book that you find out why he’s so detached and unfeeling about her life and needs. Her dad’s need to control is maddening, but it’s the new and improved relationship with her mother and Michael’s love that gives Danica the courage she needs to make significant changes in her life. The secondary romance between Michael’s sister Cilla and her ex-husband Jeffery is exciting and they play a major roll in the storyline with Danica and Michael.
WITHIN REACH is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was drawn into the book instantly and couldn’t put it down. As each storyline unfolded, I was amazed by Ms. Delinsky’s creativity and ability to twist the plot just the right way to keep the story exciting. I’m not usually into stories that promote adultery, but Danica and Michael’s relationship was based on such a strong love and they resisted the physical temptation until the love was so physically powerful it wouldn’t be denied. I highly and absolutely recommend this book; it is an endearing story that will stay with you for a long, long time.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ray
for The Road to Romance
November 7, 2004
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