Title: Fragments of Light: Warring Hearts - Book 2
Author: Vicki Gaia
Published in May 2007 by Awe-Struck Books
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-58749-610-3
Related Books: Cradle the Light: Warring Hearts - Book 1 Long Strange Trip
Richard Hart has memories of Claire that are hard to forget and New York was the last place that he wanted to be. Claire, his ex, is in New York and chances of him running into her are not something he is looking forward to, not to mention Nanette, his mother, who happens to be there, too. He learns that his mother married an American, Steven Bishop, who happens to be a wealthy industrialist. His friend, and confident, Leslie Havens, hands Richard a manila folder and explains the case to him. It seems that the Nazis feel they were close to getting to the truth about his mother being a money hungry opportunist.
Leslie reminds they are there for the Firm, as well as the BSO, British Special Operative Executive branch. Of course Richard felt no obligation to either of them. He doesn’t understand, since his tactics are normally that of blowing up buildings, bridges or shooting the bad guy. He wonders what they could possibly wish him to blow up, but he quickly learns he is there because of stolen art. One of the suspects point to Claire since she has been seen on the surveillance tape with someone that might be involved, or perhaps a lover, and then there is Nanette. Richard refuses to listen, he doesn’t want any involvement with Claire, but Leslie informs she just might need protection.
Claire O’Neill often wonders if thoughts of her ever enter Richard’s mind. When she runs into good friend, Leslie, and learns that Richard is in New York with him. Leslie is not shy in telling Claire that Richard is a basket case without her. Richard has no idea what broke them up, Leslie only knows that Richard is most miserable. A year has passed between her and Richard, and knowing he is in New York, sets her heart spinning. When they have a meeting, even the scent of his cologne brings back old memories and has her heart reeling in joy for him. She thinks he didn’t want anything to do with her, and he believes she didn’t want anything to do with him. When he starts questioning her relationship with Paul Brody, she draws the line. If this was his way of trying to win her back, it definitely backfired. She never knew why he had walked out on her never confessing the real truth, after she had discovered the ring and caught him in a lie. After that one moment she had concealed her own secret, not having the courage to confess to Richard. Now a year later, she wonders if she will have the strength to finally break the real reason of her departure.
Richard is shocked when he hears that Claire might have something to do with stolen art that could present a problem for her. Confiscated works are considered enemy assets, and no government wants to see depository of stolen funds. The more he views the photo of Claire; the memories resurface all over again. And the ones taken of her enjoying time with another man, Paul, he can only wonder is it an act or does she really have feelings for this man. One thing is certain; he finds it hard to believe that Claire could possibly be a traitor. She may have walked out on him with no explanation, but that doesn’t change the fact he is still very much in love with her. He needs to know if she still holds any feelings for him. It’s bad enough that he has to contend with his mother but he doesn’t have to take it from Claire, too. Nanette has always done everything for an audience, along with her many lovers. She wouldn’t put it past Claire being messed up with any wrongdoings. Richard knows Claire has a heart which is a far cry from what Nanette ever has.
When she tries to explain that she married Stephen for protection because she was in danger, Richard refuses to listen. Leslie stands back viewing all the facts while watching the battlefield open up between Claire and Richard. He can only worry about his two friends and pray they can get through the investigation safely and perhaps find their way to each other once more. As the investigations continue on into the life of Claire and Nanette, it appears Richard finds many secrets in his past life he never knew. In time he learns that Claire may be his only hope but something inside him feels if he asks for help, he may only get another rejection. Time is running out as Richard searches for all the answers to clear Claire while trying to come to terms with his mother’s recent behavior that may shed much more on facts while finally bringing them their own closure.
Fragments of Light: Warring Hearts - Book 2, the second book after Cradle the Light, is a story about finding love but only losing that love because two people cannot find it in their hearts to open up and impart true feelings that in the long run would only make a relationship stronger. By not opening up to Claire, Richard lost someone dear to him and lost a year from her that he could have spent loving her everyday and the same holds true for Claire. Lost communication often leads to lost rewards that could have captured beautiful moments for those in love. I could almost feel the breaking of Richard’s heart when he was talking to Claire after seeing her after a year. Both characters have spunk and have the desire to reach out and be together but they also have that little human quality called ‘ego’ that often gets in the way, which makes this a realistic read. I found myself getting irritated with them many times thinking would you ever confess the truth, but if they had immediately jumped into each others arms and admitted everything at the start, I don’t think the relationship would have ended up as strong in the end.
Vicki Gaia is a talented storyteller who always weaves a story that delivers. She is able to offer visual description of the characters and the scenery of the area, allowing the reader to practically see straight into the pages, as everything comes to life. With interesting characters, she fashions a tale that mesmerizes and keeps the reader thoroughly entertained. It is hard not to have a feel-good feeling after the ending. Ms. Gaia tags at the readers heartstrings, not only in Claire and Richard but in Nanette and Leslie, too. Splendid writing, sensational romance, and emotions that thrill are in a tale that almost takes the breath away. Get your copy today and be caught in the moment
Sincerely good reading,
Linda
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