Sunday, November 6, 2011

Life Everlasting by Robert Whitlow

Whitlow's novel is the sequel to Life Support. If you have not read that one (which I had not) you will be confused with this one. Unfortunately, there is no review of the first novel nor is sufficient information placed within the early pages of this book to allow you to “catch up” or remember the first book.
Baxter signed over power of attorney to his father at age eighteen (why, we don't know). Now, years later, it appears Baxter tried to kill his wife, Rena, or was she really the one who tried to kill him? He had fallen off a cliff and was in a coma and at least partially paralyzed. Apparently in the prior novel Rena tried to get Baxter's life support removed, claiming it was what he would have wanted.
Baxter's father is methodically taking his son's money, and interest in several companies, Rena claimed. Baxter's brother Jeffrey has given Rena the money to hire an attorney, Alex Lindale. Alex believes Rena's story.
A subplot in the book is her getting to know church musician Ted Morgan. Ted believes music has a healing ability. He is a concert quality pianist but because of illness at a crucial time, did not pursue that career.
Rena is caught in a web of lies and Alex refuses to continue representing her. But then Alex does continue to be involved in her defense.
The novel continues on in this way.

I was not very impressed with this novel. If I had not received as part of a blogging program, I doubt I would have finished it. The writing is very uneven. At times the action is compelling yet most of the novel plods along, frequently containing scenes and descriptions that seem to have been included only to make the novel longer.
The ending of the novel is disappointing. A miracle happens that just doesn't seem to fit the flow of the rest of the story.

Thomas Nelson Publishers, 416 pages.

I received an egalley of this book for the purpose of this review.

No comments: