When the Paved Road Ends!

"When the Paved Road Ends" contains three novellas. Though one is set around World War II, the others are in more recent times. All three include the themes of love between older women and younger men; of challenges that any love may present and of adventures and disappointments that life offers are. "The Come-Backs of Never-Too-Late" is the story of a woman, Claire Dawes, facing 60 and her fears of aging and becoming less attractive. In the story, set in modern times, this becomes the least of her worries when a friend and his son disappear. She agrees to go on a camping trip with a former significant other only to have him and his son 'go missing.' There is a great deal of activity at the park with the rangers and the police. These disappearances put her in a tenuous position although she is cleared of any involvement. The younger detective working the case is attracted to her but at first the age difference puts a stop to any romance. However, he too has problems in his personal life with his soon-to-be ex-wife. There is some mystery around her and her artistic lover. Eventually, a sweet and sensuous love develops between the detective and Claire. Female friendships are also explored in the story. The dialogue is racy at times but also funny with many twists and turns in their lives. "Cross with Another Tower" is set during World War II in a small Southern rural town on the Northern Neck of Virginia. It features daily life as the U.S. enters the war and how ordinary people survived throughout the war. Not only is there some age discrimination but there is also racial bigotry. The heroine, a fifty-something lady, (Laura Lewis) comes to a somewhat isolated, rural community for peace. And because of her much loved cat meets a younger man, a veterinarian, whose life is in some chaos. He is very attracted to the heroine though he is faithful to his wife even in a marriage that is failing. There is a tragic accident and Laura Lewis, the heroine of the story, becomes his support and confident. Both fight racial discrimination. There is a friendship and later a deep and abiding love. The story involves a fire tower and the importance of such towers in protecting rural lands and forests. While historical accurate, names and scenes are fictitious. The War separates the heroine and her much loved veterinarian. However, the ending will make the reader smile. "Elude" is set in very recent times with younger main characters. However there is still an age difference between a man and a slightly older woman. And she has given up on love. At 35 she feels that love may have eluded her so she takes a sabbatical leave from her teaching and moves to NYC for an adventure. And she does get an adventure: more than she bargained for! There is an Irish Pub and a colorful couple who own it. Cassidy O'Hara works there and meets her soul-mate. However, there are some missing details about his life. When NYC is thrown into come chaos because of a shooter, Cassie's dream eludes her. The young man disappears. She suffers undeserved consequences for her hoped for adventure. She returns home in defeat, though her parents are totally supportive. There is a fraudulent attempt to enter Cassie's life. However, she believes her young man was honest and that someday they will find each other. The ending is somewhat of a surprise. (587)