Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: Haven
Author: Jorrie Spencer
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
E-book ISBN: 1-59998-142-4(Category)
Release Date: September 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Contemporary Romance
Year/Setting: Present Day - Canada
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity) Rating: Minimal
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Jorrie's Website: www.jorriespencer.wordpress.com
Hildy McAllister resigned from her job after yet another betrayal and attempted blackmail by the man she thought she loved. But did Michael ever care for her or was he more interested in what she could do to further his career? Worn out and wounded, Hildy flees to the sanctuary of her late father’s cabin at Cape Breton. She seeks time alone to heal and re-evaluate her life. That last thing she needs to find is a squatter in her home.
Jim Curry has been comfortably ensconced in the McAllister cabin for a while. As the home has been deserted and uncared for since the older McAllister died, Jim is hoping the new owners, Hildy and her sister, will forget the cabin and he can buy it on default. But his plans are thrown into disarray with Hildy makes it painfully aware to him that the cabin is not for sale and his presence is not needed.
But Jim is not the only one who wants the cabin. Hildy’s cousin Donny also wants it. As does her sister Irene who turns up out of the blue and the arsonist who’s trying to drive the McAllister’s out of the cabin.
So instead of the peaceful, reflective time Hildy expected, she suddenly has family, friends and neighbors descend upon her offering help and advice, and she wants neither. And then there is Jim. Hildy had no intention of getting involved with another man so soon. So what is it about him that has her feeling things she does not want to feel? Is it just lust, loneliness or pure infatuation? And more importantly what does he want from her? It’s not like she is like his ex-wife who also turns up to ruin her peace. Is it just sex or the promise of something else?
Hildy as a character is complex. She has been treated terribly by her abusive ex-love and her self esteem is shot to pieces. It is only natural that she views other men with suspicion. I thought Jim was sexy, sweet and gentle. He senses the deep hurt and distrust within the woman he is attracted to. He sets out to help her win her confidence back.
I could almost feel Hildy’s frustration as one person after the other turns up to ruin her alone time. This, I could totally identify with, and I am sure other readers will as well. As for Hildy’s ex-boyfriend Michael, he is a pig who I had no trouble in disliking intensely and like all abusive men you want him to get his comeuppance.
Haven is about being who you want to be and not having someone else’s opinions or actions determine your own happiness. All the characters are mentally and spiritually wounded to some degree and have trouble moving on in their lives. I believe a lot of people can recognize the feelings and emotions within the book. But like all good books, there is redemption and the beginnings of a happy ending. I enjoyed Haven and I believe its well worth the read.
Janet
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