Publisher:
Date of publication: May 28, 2011
Genre: Romance
Series: Art of Love
Carved in Stone—Book 1
Created in Fire—Book 2
Captured in Ink—Book 3
Commissioned in White—Book 4
Covered in Paint—Book 5
Cruising Speed—Book 5.5
Purchase Link: Amazon
Goodreads synopsis:
Even though his sons tease him about not dating, and his ex-wife thinks he is still hung up on her, 53 yr old retired principal and stone sculptor, William Everett Larson, is glad he waited to date until he found 47 yr old high school art teacher, Jessica Anderson. He admires Jessica for her courageous art and for how she has dealt with her life. As far as Will can tell, the only part of Jessica damaged by her past is her heart. Jessica assures Will she is incapable of lasting love, but Will refuses to believe it’s true. Yes, it is a problem that the baggage from Jessica’s past makes her see dating as merely recreational and men as interchangeable, but when she offers him temporary sexual fidelity, Will decides to take what he can get until he can find a way to convince Jessica she is still capable of love.
Jessica Daniels is mostly happy with her life. Her daughter is graduating from college. She is a few years away from retirement. Life is good even though lately she has stopped being interested in both her art and men. Since Jessica has never been the kind of woman looking for that one special man to settle down with, she normally dates and enjoys all the men she wants. What’s the harm with doing so suits her? Will is certainly good-looking and charming, but she’s not sure he’s worth the trouble of an exclusive relationship. She likes riding his motorcycle, seriously admires his art, and thinks he’s mostly a great guy. But after thirty years of being single, Jessica knows that most relationships just don’t work out for a woman with a past like hers. When Will keeps insisting on sleeping with her, she finally gives in, but Jessica knows in her heart it will never last.
I liked Carved in Stone. The fact that the author had an original book that involved over 40 characters was great. Also, that the woman was scarred was interesting. The author included some scenes where her PTSD showed up and gave her an interesting way of coping.
Now I was not too fond that Will’s ex-wife kept popping up in the story. She came across as needy, and I didn’t have her figured out until the end of the story. Also, Carrie and Michael’s story didn’t need to be included in the plot. It brought nothing to the story.
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