In Search of Hope

Jacobs fills the faltering sequel to A Place Called Hope with stilted prose and flat characters. In a plot driven entirely by unfathomably convenient coincidences, Libby Pulford escapes her abusive husband and takes her young son to Lancashire, where she can claim an inheritance if she spends six months living in her deceased grandmother's home. Her new neighbor, Joss Atherton, a retired policeman, takes it upon himself to protect Libby. Without a hint of chemistry or passion, Joss and Libby develop a mutual affection and prepare for the inexplicable and painfully contrived showdown with Libby's ex. Some details tease the reader with the possibility of depth or emotional satisfaction, but those moments quickly fall by the wayside. (Feb.)