Dry as Rain

When Kyra Yoshida loses portions of her memory following a car accident, her estranged husband, Eric, sees a chance to salvage their failing marriage; she doesn't remember they've separated. Unfortunately, he's just slept with a young co-worker, so he is seized by guilt and trapped in dishonesty, even as he comes to understand he still loves his wife of 20 years. This central emotional dyad is complicated by the presence of a son, Benji, who's been discharged from the Navy for medical reasons, thwarting his youthful dream. Holmes (Crossing Oceans) is a capable writer, but her sophomore effort is uneven. Some readers might like more backstory of why and how the marriage went aground, but there's little given. The story arc of redemption is logical, but the ending feels abrupt. Quirky and flawed minor characters throw the main action into moral relief, but Eric's buddy Larry is incredibly good despite having his own problems, and the troubled youth Angelo who becomes a street preacher is over the top. The narrative has moving moments, but they don't add up to a persuasive whole. (Sept.)