January 7, 2013
Macomber’s latest (after The Inn at Rose Harbor) is a by-the-numbers tale of midlife crisis and renewal. High-powered attorney Libby Morgan has abandoned her friends and marriage in order to make partner at her firm. One morning, in the sixth year of her eight-year partnership track, her boss lets her go, offering Libby some advice: “take this time to find some balance in life.” Rather than following his advice, Libby looks for another job, but soon decides to reconnect with old friend Robin and take up knitting again, which leads her to Ava, a troubled, pregnant teen. Helping Ava leads Libby to Dr. Phillip Stone, another workaholic attempting to re-evaluate his life. Libby decides to open her own law practice, which would give her time to spend with Stone, Ava, and her friend. But when a tantalizing offer comes from her old firm, she may drop everything and return to her old ways. While the narrative thread of Ava’s pregnancy is an unexpected addition, Libby and Stone are archetypes who come with no surprises. Readers have read this story too many times. Theresa Park, Park Literary.