Trust in Me

This triptych of a romance marks yet another triumphant attempt by under-rated writer Kathryn Shay. Earnest and constantly moving, Trust In Me tells of the struggle of the rebellious Outlaw gang growing up in Glen Oaks after the group was disbanded and reunited a decade later. Much have occurred: Joe Murphy returns as a reformed husband and seeks forgiveness from ex-wife Annie who is traumatized by his past abuse. Linc who is now a pastor is afraid to marry Margo who swears anathema to God and his beliefs - an imprint left by her pious mother. Tucker Quaid, a retired NASCAR racer decides to mitigate his guilt of causing Beth her husband in a racing tournament by developing the industry in Glen Oaks. He faces the wrath of her son Ronny but gains unexpected solace and a chance of love in the widow. Under-rated Kathryn Shay sculpts her characters with emotional delicacy and packs compelling human drama to deliver an enriching story of love and its healing power.

Kathryn Shay seamlessly weaves this tale of six juvenile delinquents coming of age and coming to terms with the past tragedies that shaped their lives. Beth Donovan is trying to recover from the untimely death of her husband and childhood sweetheart, Danny Donovan, while coping with her angry teenage son, Ron. The reappearance in town of Tucker Quaid, the race car driver who was blamed for cuasing his father's death, starts Ron on a downward spiral of vandalism and delinquency. Beth's brother, Linc, once the leader of the Outlaws is now the town's minister, who still loves his childhood friend Margo. Margo left Glen Oaks swearing never to return and though she loves Linc she hates the church almost as much. Joe and Annie married and started a family, but unknown to their friends he had been physically abusive throughout their marriage. After years apart and much counselling Joe returns to Glen Oaks to renew his relationship with his son. This seem like a lot to bring together in one satisfying story, but Shay succeeds at not only resolving all these issues but at creating real and very likeable charachters as well.

This is definitely another hit for Kathryn Shay. The story is well written and easy to follow--even with all the different characters and subplots. The story involves some very deep issues which some authors may not cover quite as well as Shay does. The characters are very real, likeable, compassionate and understanding even with the issues they are faced with. Although I loved Tucker and Beth, Margo and Linc's story was my favorite--having to work through some serious issues to be together, but being able to depend on their love through it all is great.Although it is not tied to this book, if you haven't read "Promises to Keep" you should--it is a wonderful book too and Shay also tackles some serious current issues with her great writing skills.Keep it up K. Shay--you are on your way to being on my must read list.

I bought this book after reading her first one, Promises to Keep, and liked this book even more than the first. She has definitely been added to my favorite author list. It is refreshing to read a book that combines a good story line with good values and she has made it into a believable bad kids turned good story. I especially like Linc's character as a bad boy turned preacher. She portrays him as a regular guy who has normal feelings and reactions and I really enjoyed his conversations with God. I am waiting for her next book!

I'm not going to sit and write about the story, you can read the editorial reviews for that. This is a great story, great characters and the author knows how to put it all together. I read her last book and I am very impressed with this author. Both her books are worth every minute and penny spent. She pens a good story and has a different way of writing then most of the "popular" authors that make her stories interesting. She is on my list as a "have to get as soon as its out."