 October - December 2003
Somebody's Knocking
at My Door
by Francis Ray
Francis Ray is blessed with more gifts than any one writer should be. She saturates her novels with wantonly vivid imagery, creates characters that possess emotional verve, swings from proverbial to provocative, and seems to know just how to paint a picture where hues and harmony are singular. Her latest book, Somebody's Knocking at My Door has all of the above...not only does it answer the call, but it delivers! It centers around three dissimilar all looking for something missing in their lives. Written in a style that draw parallels to each character's dealings with their own idiosyncratic mannerisms, enough emotion will give readers a chance to wonder whether it's a love story or just a story about relationships where passion is secondary. First and foremost in my mind as I read the story was how much it dealt with prominent issues that bring attention to the hue and cry of child abuse, infidelity, and familial order.
The crux of this book deals with starting points that are awry and angry, but manages to end with points of contention that balances the lives of those seeking answers that strengthens resolve. Looking at the dynamics that make the sum of the parts given, we find Kristen Wakefield and Rafe Crawford (who were introduced to you in The Turning Point), two who are trying to balance themselves amid the haunts of the past tripping them up at every turn in lieu of balance. Claudette Thibodeaux Laurent, she of a pedigreed heritage, married to a man with one purpose in mind -- to use deceit and discrepancy to have access to Claudette's money. The last femme fatale, Angelique Fleming manages to maintain a love-hate relationship with Damien Broussard where both jockey for position in gaining the upper hand of love. The lesser characters in this yard are equally adept in keeping the storyline moving and flush with intrigue.
Although we have several characters that stand out, the one thing that should take no second billing would be the amount of research needed to bring this story to fruition. When this is done, you can't help but notice how the setting gives color to historic content as the author really brings New Orleans to the fore. I've had the pleasure of reading Ray's last three novels and she doesn't disappoint. Readers will take delight in knowing that having an author who has cut her teeth on the regimented rigors of writing romance can take her writing to another level! And for that reason, this book should be placed alongside the others that should be on your bookshelf. Francis Ray again gives credence to why staying the course where adversity intervenes will always suffice with perseverance and positive thought. Kristen, Angelique, and Claudette know this all too well. Read this book and be enlightened!
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