LIFE

Best friends Syd, Anna and Eve return in this third outing, which centers on the serious side of family problems. Talented pianist Syd agrees to her own tarot-card reading, hoping to dispel inner fears surrounding her father’s alcoholism. Shaken when suspicion, adversity, ill health and even a death sign appear on her cards, she resolves to dismiss the predictions as fantasy. Once again, Fredericks weaves a believable pattern of events that deftly incorporate the tarot interpretations in ways that make sense and provide opportunities for thoughtful reflection. Syd’s gloomy outlook is confirmed in a series of unforeseen scenarios which force a reality check for all. The death of her beloved cat Beasley and father’s breakdown are balanced against her new relationship with Eve’s older brother Mark and her decision to consider a Julliard education despite her father’s objections. Syd’s reluctance to accept any future readings indicates her recognition of the inevitability of life’s unpleasant and wonderful surprises. Authentic and pragmatic with a touch of idealism and romance. (Fiction. 10-13)