Celebration

After decades as an army wife, Kristine Kelly isn't sure how to handle the transition back to civilian life after her husband Logan disappears with their savings. Unable to handle the finances and shocked by the anger her children have towards their absent father, Kristine turns to alcohol for comfort, an act that only pushes her children further away. But with the help of friend Aaron Dunwoodie, Kristine sobers up, reunites with her grown children, and enjoys a burgeoning romance with Aaron. Just as her life is back in order, Logan reappears, claiming that he is dying and desperate for attention. When Kristine delays her marriage to Aaron in order to play nursemaid to Logan, it looks as if she may once again submit herself to Logan's will. Celebration is a moving portrayal of a woman's struggle to find courage and independence after abandonment by her husband, and is a thoroughly engaging read. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien