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DREAM RUNNER - Gail McFarland Genesis/Indigo May 2008 |
SYNOPSIS: After an Olympic contender is injured in an automobile accident, a former NFL running back-turned-physical therapist works to heal not only her body, but her spirit as well.
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4+| Marguerite Lemons
REVIEW:
Marlea Kellogg has had one
dream all of her life, and that’s to win an Olympic Gold medal in the
400 meter dash. Her dream comes to an end after she is injured in
an automobile accident and becomes an amputee. A. J. Yarborough is
literally at the top of his game in the NFL, when a career ending knee
injury side-lines him permanently. It’s a good thing that he kept
his promise to his mother by getting his degree and becoming a licensed
physical therapist during the off seasons. Marlea and A. J
officially meet when he is encouraged by her doctor to take on her case.
They unofficially met prior to her accident, when A.J. accidentally
collided with her and cost her the race that would help her qualify for
a spot on the Olympic team. Marlea and A. J. enter into a battle
of wills in his quest to help her regain her independence and heal her
broken spirit. A. J. is still guarding his heart after his former
fiancée leaves him for someone with deeper pockets. When Marlea
moves into his home, they both realize how much love can heal.
DREAM RUNNER is an intriguing
love story set in the Atlanta area. Marlea is a strong woman who
has to be reminded that her life does not end because her dreams must
change. She must also learn to trust that sometimes there is
someone else who knows what’s best. A. J. is a sensitive a caring
man who has to recognize that open communication and honesty are
necessary in all relationships, and ignoring a problem, like his
ex-fiancée, will not make it go away.
The characters are fun and loveable, and the
ex-fiancée gets just what she deserves. After the truth comes out about
Marlea’s accident, Rissa, A.J.’s sister, becomes the confidant that she
never had. Dench, A.J.’s best friend, and Rissa become her
“partners in crime”; they all become one loving family, but not without
a few glitches. The story flows well, and my only criticism is
that I feel more should have been done with the doctor’s character; he
just seemed to fade into the background.
Ms.
McFarland has written a wonderful story. I really enjoyed the
emphasis on the special needs population and the fact that there are
activities (Special Olympics and Paralympics) out there for those who
like to compete regardless of their disability.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 22nd May 2008