Life can change in a tragic instant. It’s a fact Jazz O’Neill knows well, ever since his world was turned upside down when he was only eighteen years old. Jazz left his hometown in disgrace and now, sixteen years later has returned. He hopes to raise his daughter in the town he once loved, but will the past be forgiven? Just what happened on that hot summer night? And will Jazz get a second chance with Anne-Marie Kincaid?
Shiloh Walker always does a spectacular job at creating characters who spring to life off the pages. One can’t help but feel empathy for Jazz with his shattered and missing memories, memories no one should ever have. Anne-Marie’s unwavering support of Jazz is heart breaking, as she is torn by the events of one tragic night. However, it is Anne-Marie’s father, Desmond, who really broke my heart. He lost so much and has had to endure so much unnecessary pain.
FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ flows smoothly along, gradually building up tension. However, the ending is quite a surprise, and not necessarily one that worked for me. Everything came so quickly that the ending became almost too convoluted. Perhaps it was the only way the story could have ended, especially since Shiloh Walker is never one to take the easy way out.
Shiloh Walker consistently tackles tough issues in her stories and FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ is no exception. She demonstrates clearly the effect that drunk driving has on everyone, not just those involved in the actual incident. Readers should also note that FOR THE LOVE OF JAZZ is a previously published work that has been expanded and revised.
Rating: 4
