A Man Alone

The novel starts with a great opening scene - signature McKenna military action, involving men and women in a combat scenario. Then, the action moves on to an emotional level. The blurb about a wounded war hero going home to convalesce may not sound particularly exciting - but in fact, it's an emotional roller coaster. McKenna deals with a lot of issues that are all too real: abuse in military families, domestic violence, racial tension, family feuds, couples problems in coordinating two careers. She shows how love can heal the most difficult problems, and in that sense, its a very optimistic book. The love scenes are dealt with sensitively, and always are an integral part of the characters emotional unfoldment. I just had to keep reading to find out how Thane, Paige and Judy would resolve their issues. McKenna explodes the myth that strong men don't cry and shows how the "quiet heros" in life, whether men or women, can be just as courageous as the more celebrated heroes. NB: if you buy this book in a shop, don't be put off by the cover art. By the end, I could see why it was chosen (a picture of a young man in a denim shirt and cowboy hat) - but it doesn't give much indication of the emotional depth of the book.

Loved this book. A wounded warrior. Wounded inside and out, physicaly and spiritually, meets a woman who can help him heal. But will he allow her to get close enough to help? She also has her hidden wounds. Skillfully woven story.