Book Review: Waves of chances by Sonja Gunter

Review:

Professor Caresse Deveau is in a league of her own. I must admit that I didn’t like her much in the beginning. Her self-righteousness and aloofness did nothing to warm me towards her. But as the story developed, I got to know the woman behind the facade. She is intelligent, straight shooter with a love for history.

Caresse’s refusal to see what is happening in front of her, always thinking of her mother, had something to do with the setup, annoyed me. As if she was waiting for her mother to reveal herself, but the story turned out differently than expected.

The yearly mother-and-daughter cruise changed at the last minute when her mother excused herself from the cruise. Her father, instead of just leaving it alone, send her a text message to explain that her mother wasn’t sick. This seed of doubt resurfaced throughout the plot.

With Dennie Lang, I had a distinct feeling and liked him from the start. His genuine character and flawless manners made him the perfect candidate for a romantic novel. Add his job description into the mix and the blend and aroma of a unique story unfolded.

The meeting between the two was a casual introduction, and I could see the scene playing off in my mind’s eye. That encounter promised to have me glued to the book, wondering when and how they would find that moment of realization.

Another facet that made this story interesting was the ghost-child that kept on appearing in the most inconvenient times. This puzzled Caresse, as she could not understand the reoccurring dreams or the ghosts. The more she dug into her past, the more the answers eluded her. But an interesting twist revealed it all and led to a significant find.

Dennie himself struggled to get past his feelings of guilt against his deceased wife. And the growing feelings that stirred for Caresse. Soon we have a story that brings the reader a wonderful taste of romance with a touch of mysticism as they cruised the Mississippi. Until it came to a halt, and this is where the plot come into its own.

Kaimi added another element to the story. With a clever ploy, she tried her best to break them apart. Lies and deceit followed her like a shadow and for a time, I too thought she was telling the truth. But lies have a way to catch up with you, especially when jealousy rears its ugly head.  

A book I can recommend to all romance readers with a touch of the unnatural to spice up the evening. The dialogue between the two flowed with a comfortable ease and the writing was clear and concise.

 

Synopsis

Professor Caresse Deveau is all about work and trying to solve the meaning behind her reoccurring dream. Her mother’s interference of getting a son-in-law and a grandbaby is non-stop. Hoping for some rest and relaxation on their mother and daughter cruise, her mother cancels at the last minute.

Was this a ploy on her mother’s part to see her find a boyfriend?

Dennie Lang, owner of several vineyards in the US and England, is onboard to train the crew to serve his wines. From the first moment he sees Caresse, he is attracted to her and with the help of the Captain Neil Becker, his ex-brother-in-law, arranges to be seated at a dinner table for two.

When unseen forces worked to bring them together, there is someone trying to make sure it doesn’t happen and sets other events into motion. Will their new-found love at first sight be enough to keep them together?

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Excerpt

Clenching her teeth, she took a deep breath. How stupid she’d been for not picking up on what her mother had been doing in the first place. Caresse weighed her options. Canceling at this point would invalidate her mother’s well staged plan. Or, if she played along, went on the cruise alone, knowing her mother had alternate plans once she was on board, would she be endorsing the pretense?

“Are you there, honey?”

“Yes, mother.”

“I’m sorry I got sick.” Her phone dinged again. Another message from her father. She means well. Her father was right. Her mother was only being a mother. One who wanted her only daughter to marry. When she returned home, her mother’s meddling was going to stop. This was the last straw. A week by herself sounded pretty damn good.

“Okay mom, I’ll go alone. I’m sure Dad will do a wonderful job of taking care of you.”

“Oh, great—oh, he will...” More fake coughing.

“Love you. Bye honey.”

“Love you too. Bye.” She ended the call and sent her father a text. Tell her I know she was faking. His reply. Will do. XO

“Where to, ma’am?” Caresse looked at the driver.

“Sorry. The Port of Call, please.”

“Right away,” he stated and merged into traffic. Before the Port of Call came into view, a billboard caught her attention, advertising French Quarter Phantom tours. She made a mental note to contact them when she returned. They might be able to help with her dream and ghost.

At this point, she had nothing to lose. The taxi maneuvered through the heavy traffic of vans and cars to the unloading area. Finally, the line of vehicles moved. The driver set her luggage on the curb and a ship porter came and took them.

“Ma’am, enjoy your trip.”

“I will. Thank you.” Caresse handed him her business card and a ten-dollar tip.

“Email me your wife’s jambalaya recipe. I’d love to try it.” The taxi driver grinned.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Her stomach did a couple of flips as she glanced at the Vision of the Seas. This was a break from students. No stacks of final exams to grade. And now, no nagging mother commenting on her single status. Only peace and quiet waited for her with daily visits to the ship’s library and the spa for massages.

If I can handle over a hundred students in my lecture classes, I can manage a vacation by myself. With purposeful strides, she moved to the end of the line for early-boarding, a perk of having cruised often. A pleasant agent checked her passport, took her picture, and gave her the all clear to board. The excitement in the air was infectious and Caresse wasn’t immune and smiled.

The moment she crossed over unto the ship, her breath caught in her throat. After a dozen or so cruises, it never failed to be impressive. The openness, the grandeur of the whole entrance. “Welcome aboard the Royal Caribbean, Vision of the Seas.”

“Thank you,” Caresse nodded, turning her attention to the crewmember.

Excerpt 2

Behind the protection of his Maui Jim’s, Dennie studied the woman who was presenting her assets for anyone to view. He clamped his mouth shut and ran his hand over his chin, fearing it had fallen open.

“It’s okay, but I would like some sun.” This time, the woman’s voice held a sharp tone of irritation. How had he missed her when he’d come up a few minutes ago? Her flowered bikini swimsuit top displayed the swell of her breasts, that were not too large and not too small, but enough to make it appear as if they were overflowing the material. It was a sight for his deprived eyes. He swallowed and took two steps to the right. The mid-afternoon sunlight cast a golden glow on her skin. His eyes traveled the length of her body. Her burgundy shorts came to the middle of her well-shaped thighs, baring long, shapely legs.

“Thank you.”

He tore his gaze away from her body and focused on her face. Her short brown hair was pushed behind her ears, but some strands had come loose allowing the wind to move them freely. He couldn’t see her eyes because her own sunglasses hid them but imagined them to be brown.

He watched as she put down an electronic device revealing no ring on her second finger. Could Michele be trying to tell him to move on? Why would he see a woman in the same spot he’d been thinking about? They didn’t look alike at all.

“I’m sorry,” Dennie repeated and stepped further to the right allowing the sun to hit the woman. She only smiled.

“Is this chair taken?” He pointed to the empty chair next to her. She looked to her left and right. He did the same and saw his mistake. There were numerous vacant lounge chairs. His attempt at small talk had been absurd.