Under Currents

Roberts’ latest tackles abuse and resilience.

The start of this novel offers horrible glimpses into the abuse of Zane Bigelow and sister at the hands of their parents culminating in a life-changing incident. Later he returns home after a career in the big city as a prosecutor, ready to settle in as a small-time lawyer in his hometown, surrounded by supportive family. On his first day back he meets Darby McCray, a landscaper with her own past and demons launching a new business in town. They recognize something positive and shared in each other even before they share honest answers to “How did you break your nose?” (the answer for both as a result of abuse). Both are tremendous survivors, unfortunately the past isn’t done with them just yet. As always with Roberts you get a fun couple, a sensual romance, and a fair amount of suspense.