Under Currents

Roberts (Shelter in Place) cleverly blends the past into the present as abuse survivors discover the healing power of love. Zane Bigelow and his sister, Britt, grew up in the wealthy Lakeview Terrace development in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Their father, Graham, a prominent physician, physically abused them, abetted by his wife, Eliza. At 15, Zane stood up to his father and went to the police; Graham and Eliza were imprisoned. Years later, Darby McCray leaves the suburbs of Baltimore and her abusive husband to relocate to Lakeview and build her landscaping business there; Zane also returns to Lakeview from Raleigh and decides to set up a small private practice as an attorney. When Zane and Darby meet, sparks ignite. As she sells him on the amazing landscaping she can provide for his new home, he’s drawn to her pure beauty and kind, friendly nature. Their relationship becomes more serious, and Darby becomes a beloved part of the community, but threats from the past come back to haunt Zane and his newfound happiness. Roberts’s latest is full of powerful, magnetic characters who have overcome terrible situations. Suspense and sensual romance are expertly combined in this riveting story. Agent: Amy Berkower, Writers House. (July)