Christy T. French 2004-04-08
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Suzanne Bowers is an upper-management executive used to living a high-pressure life; a woman who has decided love is only a fabrication. When her therapist orders her to take a vacation, she decides to go to her uncle's cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, where she plans to begin a five-day hike through the mountains. Wes Avery is an easygoing man full of Southern charm who agrees, as a favor to Suzanne's uncle and unbeknownst to Suzanne, to accompany her on her trek through the mountains. When the two meet, sparks fly. Suzanne is fiercely independent and finds Wes to be an irritant, but finally decides it would be safer to have another person along for her venture into the mountains.
During their five-day adventure, Wes realizes he is in love with Suzanne, but Suzanne initially wants nothing to do with the man. However, she is highly attracted to him, even though she does not want to be. The two slowly begin to know one another and become friends. They face danger together and share many visually aesthetic moments. Suzanne slowly begins to unwind and finds herself opening up to Wes. Before the trip is finished, their campfires aren't the only things sizzling in the mountains. However, upon their return, Suzanne is confronted with two unknown truths that Wes had not divulged and she flees to Baltimore, to her old lifestyle. But Wes is determined not to lose Suzanne and begins his own battle to bring her back to the Appalachians.
Maggie Bishop brings a vast knowledge of the Appalachian region and its multitudinous array of horticulture to APPALACHIAN PARADISE. She displays the unique ability to draw the reader into each setting with vivid description, to the point that the reader feels part of the scene. The story is well-paced, the characters deftly drawn, the chemistry between Suzanne and Wes searing, and the romantic story teasing enough to leave the reader anxiously waiting for "the moment".
