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The year was 1955 in Summerville, Texas and things were changing too quickly for the residents. Segregation was about to have a profound effect on the lives of the Summerville residents.
Tyler Carson is a modern woman way before modern women were accepted in society. Tyler’s 30, single, unmarried, has had more than one love affair and works in a job that is typically a man’s job. She simply doesn’t behave like a typical woman in the 50’s, so her morals seem to always be in question. After a two year relationship with Paul Carpenter, Tyler’s calling it quits. Paul won’t commit and she’s ready to move on. The last thing Tyler expects is for her first love to return home. Tyler never quit loving Grant Madison and the thought of him still unnerves her.
Grant left Summerville six years ago to find himself and determine if his feelings for Tyler were real. After joining the military he decided to make it his career. While Grants away, his only sister is sent to prison for the murder of her husband. Her in-laws have custody of her daughter, but when they are killed in an accident, Grant is called home and find’s he is the child’s new guardian. Grant is not prepared for the turns his life is taking. Then his father passes away and he decides to go home to Summerville to raise Amy.
Grant and Tyler supposedly shared a passionate past, but personally I never felt the connection. I never got a sense of the love they were supposed to have shared. They argued constantly, as did everyone in the book. I also didn’t get a connection with any of the other characters in the book.
For me, the best part of A LONG SHADOW is the descriptions of the racial turbulence during this period. I thought the author handled the emotions and actions surrounding segregation beautifully and gave the reader insight into a time that should never be forgotten.
Reviewed by Jennifer Ray
for The Road to Romance
June 13, 2004
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