Sandy M’s review of Healing Luke by Beth Cornelison
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 1 Sep 09
The title of this book caught my interest recently, so I pulled it from the bookshelf to keep it handy just in case. I’ve read a number of historicals and paranormals over the last several weeks and I needed a contemporary for a break. So I picked up Healing Luke, and I’m very glad I did.
Luke and his brother, Aaron, are ladies’ men and never have one iota of trouble when it comes to getting the woman they want and are sometimes quite competitive in that area. They’re close due to their mother’s abandonment when they were young. They run a fishing business with their father and life is good until an explosion on one of their boats leaves Luke severely injured, then angry and moody that his life has changed so drastically. Ms. Cornelison does a terrific job with the circle of emotions in Luke that people go through when something like this happens. He loses an eye, a thumb, and is scarred from the burns he suffers. His family is beside themselves with worry ever since Luke quit his therapy to sit around the house drinking while moping. They don’t know what to do for him now. Luke only wants to be left alone to wallow in misery, especially now that women will never look at and respond to him as before.
Trying to move on and get on with her life after her fiance left her at the alter, Abby, who’s an occupational therapist, goes on her honeymoon by herself. She walks into Luke’s life for a day of snorkeling but ends up working with Luke to help him move on too. Of course, he’s having none of it, wanting to do things in his own time and in his own way. He slowly responds to Abby, only to take two steps back when his brother also seems to be interested in the lady. But Abby knows how to deal with such contrary patients and she never lets up when it comes to Luke. She makes a mistake or two along the way, but that’s because her feelings are so involved more and more – not only for Luke but for his entire family. Abby has her own issues, but it’s her outgoing and forward-looking attitude that makes her strong and independent.
Everything in this story is so real. From family life with tragic issues and handsome competing brothers to anger over the unfairness of life to the building of trust and love, Ms. Cornelison has written a wonderful book full of emotion and romance. I sure hope Aaron gets his own book. I have checked the author’s website but found no clues if that’s a possibility. I think he’ll make a great hero all on his own too.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Ladies’ man Luke Morgan has the world at his feet until a freak explosion leaves him burned and bitter. Luke’s family offers gutsy occupational therapist Abby Stanford a job facilitating Luke’s physical therapy, but Luke wants no part of his family’s schemes or Abby’s help. When sparks fly between Luke and Abby, Luke must face his deepest fears in order to claim the woman who brought his family together and taught him the real meaning of love.
Read an excerpt.
