BACK TO LIFE – Kristin Billerbeck
Avon Inspire
ISBN: 978-0-06-137877-5
September 2008
Inspirational Contemporary Fiction

Hollywood, California - Present Day

Lindsay Brindle finds herself a widow at thirty-five. Even though Ron was seventeen years her senior, they were in love and best friends. By Hollywood standards she was a trophy wife, but there was much more to her and Ron’s life. Lindsay has turned to her faith to cope with her unexpected loss. Living in the beautiful condo she refurbished, Lindsay has always been able to comfort and help others, but for her own life, she is stuck. That is about to change when Lindsay answers the front door and she meets Ron’s first wife, Jane, who is the executor of Ron’s will. No way around it, the time has come for Lindsay to find her way BACK TO LIFE.

Things are tense between Jane and Lindsay. Jane is an artist and has been living in Mexico for years. Jane is not sure why Ron made her the executor of his estate. These two ladies are as different as day and night. Jane is tough, willful, and very independent. Again, by Hollywood standards...old. Lindsay is drop dead gorgeous, even by jaded L.A. values. Things get very interesting when Lindsay learns Ron and Jane had a son, Ron Jr. Did Lindsay know Ron at all? Ron has left a very nice inheritance to Ron Jr., who is two years older than Lindsay. However, Jane insists Ron Jr. is not really Ron’s son. Jane assures Lindsay that in time, she will tell her the whole story, but, isn’t it time to tell Ron Jr. the truth? A very tenuous friendship begins to grow between Jane and Lindsay. That is, until Ron Jr. arrives at Lindsay’s door. Oh my!

BACK TO LIFE is narrated in the first person by Jane and in alternating chapters by Lindsay. How ironic that both of these women are more alike than they realize. Jane has made a point to avoid close relationships, running from mistakes she made years ago. Can Jane learn that it is time to forgive herself? Lindsay has the gift of forgiveness, but can she forgive the faux pas in her life? Maybe Ron knew what he was doing -- Lindsay even gets Jane to come to her bible study group. The ladies extend their welcome to Jane, who is not too sure about the God thing, but that is okay, because Lindsay is. Life has its bumpy roads, and Jane has been on a bumpy ride for a long time. Mysterious phone calls from Mexico, a handsome stranger at the door, and then there is Ron Jr. No wonder Jane ran away.

BACK TO LIFE is a delightful tale. Kristin Billerbeck has once again penned a story that rings true. How does one start over after a divorce or the loss of a loved one? Life takes us in the most unexpected directions. Lindsay knows through God’s grace that she can move on, but can she take a leap of faith? Adding to the charm of the story is the return of many of the eccentric, fun characters introduced in THE TROPHY WIFE’S CLUB. Kristin Billerbeck has delivered a heart warming tale, which is perfect for a late summer read. You will enjoy BACK TO LIFE.

Deborah C Jackson