Finding Eve

A widowed artist and successful businessman’s unexpected connection faces complications linked to a vengeful woman from his past.

Eve Nelson is slowly rebuilding her life after a series of unfathomable tragedies shattered her family. A native of Australia, she moved to Canada with her bank executive husband, William, and their son, Anthony. After a miscarriage, she is thrilled when she learns she’s pregnant. Just before the baby’s birth, however, disaster strikes. William is murdered during a robbery at the bank, and the baby dies shortly after its premature birth. Devastated, she finds comfort in her relationships with her brother, Garry, and her close friends. She’s not looking for love, but she catches the eye of Adam Carry, the uncle of one of Anthony’s friends and the scion of an oil dynasty. Although he is in the middle of a contentious divorce from his wife, Alicia, he’s struck by Eve’s beauty, and he launches a campaign to win her love and trust. His efforts are successful until Alicia sets in motion a vicious plan for revenge. Devastated, Eve returns to Australia, where she reconnects with a former boyfriend named Brian. He offers his protection, but Adam desperately seeks to win her back before it is too late. Mocanu’s fast-paced debut romance brims with likable leads and vibrant supporting players. Eve and Adam’s love story is sweet without being overly saccharine. The author expertly charts the evolution of Eve’s feelings as she faces the prospect of dating as a single mother. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is the cast of supporting characters, particularly Alicia. In addition to the estranged wife being a formidable villain, her past as a Hollywood actress provides some of the tale’s juicier moments. A subplot involving Garry and his family remains strong and emotionally resonant. Despite its strengths, the book would have benefitted from tighter editing. For example, in one passage, Garry’s daughter’s name appears as both “Jessie” and “Jesse.”

A fine romance bolstered by a vivid narrative and well-developed characters.