More Than Friends

The Popes and the Maxwells, known as the ``Popewells,'' are more than next-door neighbors: Annie Pope and Teke Maxwell were college roommates; John David Maxwell is Sam Pope's oldest friend, and both men are full partners at the Boston law firm run by J. D.'s father. But in a matter of moments, the two families are torn apart by tragedy. Sam and Teke are spotted in an act of spontaneous (and unprecedented) lovemaking by 13-year-old Michael Maxwell, who dashes out of the house and runs into a passing pickup truck. The accident leaves the boy in a coma. Making things even more hideous for Teke is the fact that the pickup truck was driven by Grady Piper, her childhood sweetheart. J. D. copes by trying to get somebody sued or arrested, preferably Grady. When Sam's indiscretion comes to light, Annie can hardly bear to be around him. As the days drag on and Michael remains unconscious, it becomes apparent that the Popewell relationships are also badly injured and not all will survive. By focusing on these characters and their responses to adversity, Delinsky ( The Passions of Chelsea Kane ) skillfully turns a somber scenario into intriguing women's fiction. (Apr.)