Barbara Delinsky

 

Barbara Delinsky Author Spotlight:

 

Barbara Delinsky has long been a favorite in the romance novel world. One of the first things I found reading her books was that she doesn't always leave her characters with a happy ending, which surprisingly is sometimes refreshing.

 

One of the very first books into my foray with romance novels was Lake News by Delinsky. The plot attracted me as the story revolved around a hero who was a newspaper reporter. I found the book immensely entertaining and decided to go out and find another book by the same author. Soon I was working on a collection of all of Barbara's books. I even went to used bookstores and then the Internet to get some of her earlier romances, like Twelve Across and Having Faith.

 

By far one of my favorite books by any author is Delinsky's Heart of the Night. The plot and story line kept me on the edge of my seat. It was easy to fall for the hero of the story. Jared is a late night radio host who draws the attention of a group of friends. When one of the friends turns up missing, Assistant D.A. Savannah sees a clue in the ransom note that leads her to Jared. His character was one of support more than helping to solve the mystery, which made him all the more appealing. Just the kind of man you would want to come home to, with a sexy voice to boot.

 

Delinsky's latest release While My Sister Sleeps. Delinsky describes her new novel as "a moving and deeply satisfying novel about the unique and emotionally complex territory shared by sisters."

 

 "Molly and Robin Snow share a deep bond that sustains them through good times and bad.  At 27, Molly is the youngest of the three siblings.  Feisty but hard working, she has always been overshadowed by Robin, an elite marathoner who is favored to place at the upcoming Olympic trials until tragedy strikes.  While training for an upcoming race, Robin suffers a massive heart attack.  At the hospital, the Snow family receives a grim prognosis: Robin is brain-dead.  Machines keep her heart beating, but doctors hold no hope for recovery.    As Robin's parents and siblings struggle to cope, the complex nature of their relationship is put to the ultimate test. Molly has always lived in Robin's shadow and her feelings for her have run the gamut, from love to resentment and everything in between. The last time they spoke, they argued. As Molly's parents fold under the devastating circumstances and her brother retreats into the cool reserve that is threatening his marriage, it's up to Molly to guide them through the tough decisions that lie ahead."

 

On a completely different not, Delinsky has also published Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors. It is a handbook of practical tips and upbeat anecdotes for those with breast cancer. It contains useful woman-to-woman hints—things the doctor doesn't say—practical advice on topics ranging from what deodorant to use during radiation, to what minimizes nausea during chemo, to how to feel feminine and upbeat. This advice comes first-hand, in the words of 350+ breast cancer survivors, their sisters, children, parents, lovers, and friends. Delinsky is a 12-year breast cancer survivor.

 

Like most authors now a days, Delinsky has a blog that she monitors frequently at http://blog.barbaradelinsky.com and a website at www.barbaradelinsky.com.

 

Book Reviews

 

Not My Daughter

Author: Barbara Delinsky

ISBN: 978-0385524988

Genre: Contemporary

Publisher: Doubleday

 

Description:

When Susan Tate's 17-year-old daughter, Lily, announces she is pregnant, Susan is stunned. A single mother, she has struggled to do everything right. She sees the pregnancy as an unimaginable tragedy both for Lily and herself.

 

Then comes word of two more pregnancies among high school seniors who happen to be Lily's best friends - and the town turns to talk of a pact. But criticism of the girls quickly becomes criticism of their mothers, especially of Susan, who holds a visible position in town. As principal of the high school, she is considered a role model of hard work and core values. Now her detractors accuse her of being a lax mother, perhaps not worthy of the job of shepherding impressionable students. Susan is still struggling with the personal implications of her daughter's pregnancy, when she hears calls for her resignation.

 

But what of her close friendship with the two other moms? Are they any less at fault than she is? The friendships suffer - but shouldn't loyalty trump community pressure? And what of a fourth friend, who has power enough to minimize the fallout but whose own daughter has a murky tie to the pact?

 

Set in a small Maine town that cherishes responsibility, Not My Daughter raises many issues, not the least of which is the age-old question: What does it take to be a good mother?

 

Commitments

Author: Barbara Delinsky

ISBN-13: 978-0446508674

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

4 Hearts

 

Description:

Sabrina Stone had met investigative reporter Derek McGill only once, yet was deeply touched by the way he held her mentally handicapped son. Derek saw past Sabrina's wealth and beauty, and an instant bond was formed. Three months later, Sabrina is heartbroken to learn that Derek is in prison for murder. The man she had found so warm and gentle now seems hell-bent on revenge against the power-hungry businessman who apparently set him up for murder. As her marriage falls apart and heart-rending decisions loom regarding the care of her son, Sabrina finds an odd comfort in visiting Derek in prison. She eventually falls in love with him. Derek is released from prison, but Sabrina realizes that for them to be truly free, she must win Derek's trust and help him feel love again. This means fighting demons that lurk in each of their pasts.

 

My View:

This book was originally written in 1988 so the style of the writing is different from what Delinsky is currently doing. Even so I found this book to be well written with an unusual subject matter. It isn't everyday you have a child who is mental challenged as part of a romance story.

 

Although Sabrina is married to someone else when she and Derek first meet she and Derek develop a friendship that later brings them together. The story develops over time with Derek going to jail for a crime he didn't commit and Sabrina having to deal with her son and her marital issues. They seem to come together finally at the right time. The story progresses after Derek gets out of jail and Sabrina's husband asks for a divorce.

 

While this story seems long and drawn out it is fast paced and a good read.