A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY

This audiobook has the ultimate 21st-century love triangle at its center. Loyal Louise admires her friend Steve so much that she decides to help him and his wife have the baby they are unable to have on their own. Louise volunteers to be a surrogate mother for the couple, secretly hoping the child will strengthen her bond with Steve. Joanna David provides an excellent reading of a novel in need of a clear identity. The tone of the work is unclear--what starts as romance takes on the characteristics of a thriller as Louise turns to stalking Steve. The listener gets drawn into the plot, wondering where it will lead and never really getting an answer. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]