Sandy M’s review of The Color of Hope (Color of Heaven, Book 3) by Julianne MacLean
Contemporary Romance audiobook published by Julianne MacLean 24 Jun 14
I was just a little hesitant to listen to this audiobook, because my first book by Julianne MacLean, one of her Scottish historicals, that I reviewed some time ago didn’t work for me very well. But I’m into audiobooks when I drive long distances, so I decided to give this one a try. I’m very glad I did. Ms. MacLean’s contemporary romances totally work for me, no question about it.
This is the story of twin sisters who were separated at birth when their mother died after bringing them into the world. We start with Nadia, the twin who was kept in the hospital after her birth due to a heart defect. She has a very difficult childhood once she’s adopted at four years of age, later traipsing from place to place with her mother, after her alcoholic father abandons them, because the woman just can’t hold down a job. They even end up homeless for a period of time. Once they move to California, Nadia becomes a receptionist in a law firm after her mother passes away.
Diana, on the other hand, has had a wonderful life. Her parents are well off, her father a senator, and she’s loved wholeheartedly. Friends keep telling Diana she looks just like a gal they see around here and there. Discovering where this mystery woman works, Diana sends her boyfriend for a bit of reconnaissance to check out this doppelgänger. He’s convinced they’re twins, so Diana makes contact with Nadia and they eventually meet. Diana’s family pulls Nadia to their bosom, accepts her unconditionally, and the girls begin the process of learning about each other. All should be well, right?
Not wanting to suspect Rick of cheating on her, Diana tries to put those little niggling feelings aside. All comes crashing down, however, when on a trip together she walks in on Rick and Nadia, and the beginning of the end starts. Hardening her heart to the apologies coming at her from Nadia, Diana moves back home to the East Coast, wallows a bit, and then begins a new job with a Boston law firm. Nadia and Rick do finally get together a few months later, deciding why not go for the ride since Diana has cut them both completely out of her life. Then Nadia discovers she’s pregnant. She’s over the moon, even if Rick is a jerk and pays her off to leave him alone.
Feeling run down more and more during the pregnancy, Nadia finally sees a doctor, and it’s not good news. Needing her sister more than ever, Nadia contacts Diana and holds her breath with hope that there’ll be enough forgiveness for her sibling to help, especially if something happens to Nadia. Unable to turn her back any longer, Diana brings Nadia into her home and keeps a close eye on her, with the help of a local doctor, Jacob Peterson. Attraction is instant during an innocent meeting, but then the doubts about Nadia emerge when it looks like this man could be exactly what Diana’s been looking for.
This is a fascinating and emotional story. The fact that a very good narrator was chosen helps too, when it comes to audiobooks. I enjoyed Jennifer O’Donnell’s rendition very much. Of course, there’s the ending, keeping the reader on edge to find out if Nadia survives her ordeal or not and if and how Diana finally decides to grab hold on to love. I think you’ll enjoy the journey getting there. This one is highly recommended, and I will be reading and listening to more in this series.
Grade: B+
Summary:
Diana Moore has led a charmed life. She’s the daughter of a wealthy senator and living a glamorous city life, and is confident her handsome live-in boyfriend is about to propose. But everything is turned upside down when she learns of a mysterious woman who works nearby – a woman who is her identical mirror image.
Diana is compelled to discover the truth about this woman’s identity, but the truth leads her down a path of secrets, betrayals, and shocking discoveries about her past. These discoveries follow her like a shadow.
Then she meets Dr. Jacob Peterson—a brilliant cardiac surgeon with an uncanny ability to heal those who are broken. With his help, Diana embarks upon a journey to restore her belief in the human spirit, and recover a sense of hope – that happiness, and love, may still be within reach for those willing to believe in second chances.
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