|
Easton author's book combines tragedy, romance
The Sunday Enterprise, August 31, 2003, by Zel Levin, Special to The Enterprise
Using a "can't miss" formula, Easton resident Ellen M. DuBois has come up with and unusual full-length novel, her first, combining tragedy with romance and throwing in enough criminal activities to build and hold the reader's interest.
The plot starts to unfold at the very beginning as Jackie, the book's heroine, awaits the familiar sound of her husband's car in the driveway. Her spouse, Mat, always was punctual and- why not- they were deeply in love. But now, as Jackie waited nervously, she sensed something wrong, a feeling augmented by a phone call. There had been an accident and her severely injured husband was a patient at Boston University Hospital.
Christmas is approaching and one would hope the author might work in a miraculous recovery. Tragically, not. Mat succumbs in three days and now a grief-stricken widow faces life alone. Among her recollections are the good times they had together, including the last time they had sex.
But Christmas is a season for miracles and, sure enough, one occurs.
Feeling ill after the tragedy, she had gone to her family doctor whose diagnosis revealed the cause of her illness- she was pregnant. Briefly, she contemplates abortion- but no- this was Mat's baby, too! And not just one baby. Ultrasound had indicated that twins were on the way.
With estate matters to be settled, she consults a lawyer, handsome David Kelley, who has an eye for beauty as well as for business, and who decides to get better acquainted with his new (and attractive) client.
Innocently, Jackie informs the lawyer that she is pregnant. Feeling he had been misled, his reaction is unadulterated rage which he satisfies by raping Jackie, throwing her from his car, and speeding off.
As police search for the unscrupulous lawyer, Jackie's suspicions are aroused by visits from two strangers posing as policemen. Meanwhile, she is puzzled by the unexplained absence of her doctor, and risks her life to find him.
This novel may be a first for Ellen DuBois but she certainly knows how to work in a variety of angles. So there's a satisfactory conclusion- the bad guys are caught, the twins are born and- guess what- Jackie, becomes a bride again, the wife of the doctor who guided her through her pregnant period.
Jackie's Heart.... My Heart beat faster, October 9, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from Berkley Ma
I loved this book! The main character Jackie becomes our "best friend." Her life experiences really do cause your heart to beat faster as you root and cheer for her.
Thank you, to my friend for recommending it.
emotionally rewarding, August 22, 2003
Reviewer: Wells Draughon from MA United States
Jackie is a likeable and sympathetic character who faces and survives some potentially devastating experiences. The author allows you into Jackie's heart, so that you know what she's feeling and how she sees what is happening to her. As soon as you think things have settled down, a completely believable surprise happens to plunge Jackie into more trouble. Jackie is a believably real person, and the surprise unmasking of the attorney is handled so deftly and yet so believably that, for drama and impact, it ranks with the unmasking scene in Phantom of the Opera.
Kept Me Turning the Pages, July 30, 2003
Reviewer: Deb from USA
As soon as I began reading Jackie's Heart, by Ellen M. DuBois, I found myself almost unable to put it down. I was absorbed in her grief, and felt Jackie to be a very 'real' person. Throughout the book, the struggle for Jackie to heal touched me deeply, and I found myself rooting for her, especially when more obstacles were put in her path. I could relate to this character- not because I've lived her experiences, but her thoughts and reactions were very much like I'd anticipate mine to be.
Jackie's Heart truly takes you on a roller coaster ride. Just when you think things may be smoothing out for her, something new and unexpected, (in particular the devasting event with the attorney- I don't want to reveal too much), comes her way. I sensed her character growing stronger and stronger throughout the book, and liked what I was feeling about her. From teary eyed and afraid, (rightly so), to standing up for justice without hesitation, I loved taking this journey with Jackie.
A true sucker for a happy ending, I was very pleased with how Jackie's life turned out. Not unrealistic, but wonderful with a surprising touch of suspense and adventure to top it off.
Ms. Ellen DuBois did a fantastic job. Jackie's Heart entertained me, whisked me away, but also made me think and touched me deeply. Great reading.
| 
