Synopsis

Jane is a Los Angeles nurse who grew up in a Christian cult that puts celebrities on trial for their sins. Daniel is a has-been actor whose career ended when the cult family members nearly killed him for flirting with her. Eight years after a romantic meet-cute in Battery Park, both search for someone to fill the gap they imagine the other could’ve filled if given the chance. Jane compulsively goes on dates with every self-professed expert in art, music, and food hoping they will teach her the nuances of the culture she couldn’t access in her youth. Daniel looks for a girlfriend who will accept the disabilities left from the cult attack. A loving woman will prove to Daniel’s blockbuster star brother, Steve, that he’s capable of a supporting role in Steve’s upcoming movie and relaunching Daniel’s career. When a chance encounter unexpectedly reunites them, Jane and Daniel not only see another chance at the love they lost but an opportunity to create the lives they’ve always wanted. The only question is whether their families will let them.

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Review

This book was nothing like I expected. Now I can’t tell you what I really expected, but I don’t think it was cults, self appointed judges, or the struggle of one woman to break free and find herself amidst everything.

Jane grew up in a very religious environment. One could say it was a cult yet she manages to finally break free of that life. But is she really free? She is going by a different name, is hiding from her family, and always looking over her shoulder. To me, that isn’t really free. But Jane isn’t really sure where her life should go ever since she turned down attending a music school based on influence from her family. There are some other events that happen that are revealed later in the book that might take you by surprise. I know I couldn’t believe it when I read about part of her past. You’ll have to read the book to decipher what I’m talking about.

The Vanguard is one of those groups that you do not want to get mixed up with either as part of the group or someone they have targeted. They think that everyone is immoral and needs to be punished for their sins. But why do they get to choose? And can you imagine if you ended up in the hot seat and were found “guilty?” While no one was ever killed, the punishment is not one that will ever disappear. While this group is intriguing, I can’t say that most would condone what they do and it is no wonder they are wanted by government agencies.

Then there is the Fletcher brothers, Steve and Daniel. Steve is a celebrity and Daniel is no slouch either, in fact they are often mistaken for one another. Daniel has demons he is battling as he struggles to find his way in life after an incident in the past. He definitely has PTSD and I felt for the guy when an episode would hit him and his reaction to the stressor.

I picked up this book because the description sounded intriguing but there is so much more going on than the blurb describes. Plus I think it gives away some things that aren’t revealed until much later in the book. Jane and Daniel are interested in each other and have been since a chance meeting in the park, but eight years passes until they meet up again and they both have baggage that can affect everything for them. Will they work through it? Will it tear them apart?

I felt like the characters were well written and there are a few twists and turns that kept me guessing regarding Jane and Daniel and the missing eight years. There is so much more than could happen and the author leaves it up to the reader to decide what happens in the end for Jane and Daniel.

We give this book 3 1/2 paws up.

About the Author

Born a missionary kid in Kobe, Japan, and homeschooled on the American Great Plains as part of an evangelical community, Jaye Viner straddles many worlds and too many personal interests. As an “Ex-vangical,” she now worships her cats and spends a great deal of time at the salon maintaining her blue hair. She holds an MFA and MA from the University of Nebraska. Her debut thriller, JANE OF BATTERY PARK, explores what it means to come from one place and want to learn how to be from somewhere else. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

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