Off Season

by Jean Stone

Book Overview

Jean Stone is a gifted writer of romantic tales that capture the unique feel of New England while introducing characters who live in readers' hearts forever. Her latest novel is her most moving work... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553580868
• ISBN13: 9780553580860
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Bantam Dell
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

A melodrama that has a lesson to teach and a story to enjoy

Everyone who knew Jill McPhearson wonders why she gave up her TV news anchor career and her engagement to Christopher "the sexiest man alive" Edwards to return to her home in Martha's Vineyard. Jill knows that behind the façade of the contented anchorwoman was an unhappy person. Her move turns blissful when she falls in love and marries carpenter Ben Niles. However, a serpent enters Eden when the police arrest Ben for child molestation. The alleged victim Mindy is not even a teen, but is the granddaughter of Ben's enemy Dave Ashenbach. Ben and Mindy know the truth, but will his beloved Jill trust and believe his cry of innocence or will she join the horde of so-called friends and neighbors ready to guillotine Ben? OFF SEASON is a great tale that treats its dual serious topics, genuine child molestation and the off shoot of false accusation of that ugly crime, with the proper perspective. The story line brings home to the reader the repulsive nature of a real incident as well as the impact of a false accusation. The plot works on may levels because the characters and their interrelationships feel just like neighbors to the audience. The aftermath of Mindy's accusation leaves the audience feeling empathy towards Ben and Jill, and sympathy towards the little girl. This awesome author leaves no stone unturned in providing an exciting, educating novel enlightening that will bring the writer many kudos and awards.

The Off Season -- a thoughtful, well-crafted romance

What is interesting about the "Off Season" is that it examines a relationship that is already established. We know from the beginning that Jill and Ben, the main characters, are in love, married and living a rather idyllic life on Martha's Vineyard. Jill is a former television celebrity, who runs a production company. Ben is a carpenter and builder. Their children, both from former marriges, are grown and doing well. By all counts, they seem to have it all -- a great relationship, interesting careers and steadfast friends. All of that changes in a heartbeat when Ben is accused of a horrible crime that involves a young girl. The strain on the marriage immediately becomes apparent. When the characters start discovering there are things that they didn't know about each other, their relationship starts to unravel. In the process, the true characters of Jill and Ben are revealed. This book is a romance that has nothing to do with how broad the hero's shoulders are or who perfectly heart-shaped the heroine's face is. It's about seeing the people we love as flawed and imperfect and loving them anyway, and being redeamed in the process.