Out of the Blue

As a polio survivor, I rarely have read a book that speaks truthfully to the fears and insecurities of surviving with a physical handicap. Although MS is not my story, I could easily identify with the feeling of self-consciousness, the fear of rejection, and the longing to be normal. Yes, the author creates incredibly attractive protagonists, but Sally Mandel does understand emotional suffering and is able to lead the reader to optimistic resolution. The process is not easy, yet with acceptance and humor, life becomes so much more worth living.

I read a review on this book and learned that the main charachter has MS (multiple sclerosis.) That's what caught my attention. I have multiple sclerosis and wanted to read a story that deals with this particular disease. All I can say it that Sally really researched ALL the aspects of MS. She was very knowledgable. The love story between the 2 main characters was excellent. Her fearing having to be taken care of down the road and his utter devotion to her. VERY REALISTIC....alot of thoughts the main character had are very similar to the ones that I have. This is my first book by this author and will definately look for more. Very easy read and held my interest to the end. BRAVO SALLY!

Twenty-nine year old, Anna Bolles, a former athelete, was tragically struck down with Multiple Sclerosis five years ago. After waging a battle within herself, she felt she'd finally come to terms with the disease and it's impact on her life, and understood why Bobby, her boyfriend, had opted out of their relationship. Resigned to her dependency on a wheelchair, she let only her mother close to her and kept the door marked "future" firmly shut. She thought she finally had control over her emotions and her life, teaching at a private high school in Manhattan.That was, until she met the dashingly gorgeous Joe Malone, an airline pilot/owner of an upstate New York air charter service, and photographer, at an art show exhibiting his photographs. She found herself swept off her feet by Joe and his photographs. Drawn to each other, Joe questioned Anna's resistance to let life "in" and Anna found, all of a sudden, her life in pieces again, as her carefully constructed barriers tumbled down around her.Joe and Anna found themselves falling in love and each wondered about their ability to let love in and to put their happiness, heart and soul, in the other's hands for safe-keeping; for a lifetime.OUT OF THE BLUE is a wonderfully heart-wrenching novel that will entice readers of mainstream contemporary romance. Sally Mandel has done an excellent job of depicting the desolation and pain connected to Multiple Sclerosis. Mandel's heroine is an unfailingly human yet courageous character, smart and funny, and so vulnerable, who must find the courage to take an enormous leap of faith. Her hero is fabulous! Here you see a man who battles with his growing affection for Anna and contends with his own demons about his ability to deal with her illness.Sally Mandel's cast of secondary characters play an important role in depicting Anna's struggle and add a vibrancy to the novel. Anna's mother and father lend an unforgettable touch to this romance, helping the reader to see and understand more clearly, the complex character of the heroine. Sally Mandel brings home to the reader the things that matter most in life.Poignant, funny, filled with laughter and tears, this is one book sure to satisfy fans who love romance! A definite keeper!

Reviews were done above, so I'll just say that I don't regard anything in life as perfect. But this came as close to perfect as it can get. A wonderfully poignant story on a subject, an illness we all shudder about. Yet the author wasn't maudlin or whinning. I only regret that her other works are out of print. Still, I'll try to seek them out. [email protected]

It has been five years since multiple sclerosis struck Anna Bolles. Even beyond those periods when Anna requires a wheelchair, her mother and she feel the impact of the disease as part of their daily lives. Not quite the athlete she once was, Anna understood why her long time steady Bobby Zaklow ultimately bailed out of their relationship. Outside of her mother, Anna does not allow anyone, including herself, her students at a private Manhattan high school, nor her peers to get close to her.Her role as a marvelous watcher ends when she meets Joe Malone at an art show exhibiting his photographs. The amateur photographer enjoys the hobby, but he earns his living as the marketing manager for a small upstate New York air charter service. Anna questions Joe's commitment to living and he inquires why she has given up on relationships. As their feelings turn to love, both of them ponders whether they can entrust their heart, body, and soul to the other for a lifetime.OUT OF THE BLUE is a typically wonderful Sally Mandel contemporary romance. The character-driven story line centers on relationships. Anna is a witty protagonist who uses humor to self-deprecate while remaining outside the emotional fray of deep interaction. Joe is a fabulous hunk who mentally contends with his own demons involving whether or not he can cope with his beloved's illness. Mama Bolles is an in-your-face secondary player who provides jocularity while helping the audience see inside the lead players. Even the support cast is fully developed as Ms. Mandel shows why she is a New York Times best-selling author.Harriet Klausner