Distant Lover - Hardcover

In this fifth novel by Mallette (The Honey Well, etc.), 37-year-old Tandi Crawford is holding onto her marriage by her fingertips. She "couldn't say she knew the exact moment she felt her marriage was over; she just knew it didn't end all at once." Her husband, Jared, spends all his time at his busy Queens law firm, too preoccupied to notice Tandi and their 11-year-old son, Michael. This leaves Tandi bitter and depressed, not to mention hurt when she finds out Jared cheated on her. When she finally decides to leave, she and Michael move into her father's house, a place she vowed she would never live again. Her father is distant and rude; to help herself cope, she dreams of reuniting with her first love, Brent. Miraculously, he appears, but their fun in bed turns sour when Tandi realizes he's no Prince Charming. Meanwhile, Tandi is forced to confront all the unanswered questions in her life. Why is her father a crotchety, bitter old man? Is he her real father? What really happened to her mother, who disappeared years ago? Can she forgive Jared and bring their family back together? As her reality crumbles around her, Tandi is forced to acknowledge that she's made some mistakes of her own. Mallette's balanced perspective and well-rounded characters will keep fans riveted.
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Tandi has always had a tumultuous relationship with her father, Sporty, who raised his children as a single parent. Although she is married to Jared, a hardworking attorney, and has an idyllic son, she feels unloved and unappreciated. She leaves her husband and retreats to the only place she can go until she is able to make it on her own--her father's house. Her brother insists that she prolong her stay after Sporty has a stroke. After he antagonizes several home-health aides, Tandi threatens to put him in a nursing home. When an older woman comes to care for him, he miraculously begins to behave better. It is this woman's secret that finally uncovers the real reasons Sporty has been so angry and unfair to Tandi. His revelation allows her to finally let go of the disappointment and anger she has while yearning for her father's approval and love. It is also the catalyst that allows her to return to Jared with renewed appreciation for his steadfastness and true feelings for her. A solid read. Lillian Lewis
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