Fading Illusions

Reviewed by Crystal Jordan © 2006

Wild Child Publishing.com © 2006

Title: Fading Illusions
Author: Kimberly Holt-Whitlock
Publisher: Lulu
Genre: Women's fiction
ISBN Number (if applicable): 978-1-4116-9531-3
Release date: May 7, 2006
Author's website: Kimberly Holt-Whitlock
Warnings or ratings if applicable: mild language

As far as the people in Saint George, Utah know, Laynee and Mike have the perfect life. Successful law practice, stay at home wife, adorable son. Nothing could be further from the truth, the illusion starts to fade as Mike's latest one-night stand blackmails him, and Laynee's high school sweetheart, the real father of her son, comes back into town.

This story follows the marital break down and eventual divorce of Laynee and Mike. It's told in first person narrative and switches back and forth between Laynee's and Mike's perspective. This story was fast paced and engrossing. What really struck me as genuine was that there was no real "villain" of the piece. Even the blackmailing girlfriend became a real, three-dimensional character.

Also, the author manages to keep her readers in suspense for most of the story about who each of the main characters end up with in the end. The moment I thought I knew how the book would turn out, the relationship dynamics of the cast would change again, which kept me turning pages long after I should have been in bed.

If there is one complaint I must make, it is that the book has very little room for emotional growth. A reader can see the beginning of growth in every character, but because Fading Illusions tells the story of two very distinct protagonists, only hints of growth are really shown. This could have been a phenomenal book if only one perspective was taken and that character was really, deeply developed. As is, it's still an excellent read. Well done, Ms. Holt-Whitlock!

Rating: 4 Cats

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To find out more about how to purchase Fading Illusions, visit Kimberly Holt-Whitlock's web site.