Breaking the Ties That Bind

Stilted dialogue, unrealistic circumstances, and characters who represent positions more than people mar this otherwise compelling tale from Forster (When the Sun Goes Down). Kendra Richards, 33, has spent her entire life trying to win mother Ginny’s love, but Ginny verbally and emotionally abuses her and steals her money. When Kendra finally gets a chance to quit waitressing at an upscale D.C. restaurant, become a radio D.J., and return to finish her degree at Howard University, Ginny nearly ruins this opportunity. Things become even more complicated after Kendra meets Professor Samuel Hayes, who’s attracted to Kendra, but doesn’t want someone like the conniving Ginny in his life. As Ginny gets arrested repeatedly for driving violations, Kendra must choose between continuing the cycle of abuse or taking a chance on happiness. Readers will find themselves rooting for the saintly and appealing Kendra, but that’s not hard to do when the villain is as cartoonish as Ginny. (Oct.)