Customer Reviews

A Whole New Light (Random House Large Print)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book. The type of books Sandra Brown writes today are comprehensive with character development and detailed plots lines. Before that, she used to write the smaller novels under different pseudonyms, where the plot line was a simple "boy and girl fall in love" formula, and that's what this book is, so you have to judge it on it's own merit, not on the books that she writes today. Having said that, this was just a delightful book, one that I read in under two hours, and one that I enjoyed so much, that I pick it up from time to time and read it again, because it just reads so quickly.
The basic storyline is that Cyn, Tim and Worth were best friends through college, and Cyn and Tim married and had a son. When their son was two years old, Tim was killed in a car accident. Worth was always there for Cyn and her son -- as a dear friend. They had the type of comfortable male-female relationship that Cyn could always pop in on Worth at his home, lean on his shoulder for advice about coping and just having a good friend to hang out with. Worth was a handsome ladies man, and would tell Cyn about his exploits with women. Two years after Tim's death, things change between them. Worth gets invited to spend the weekend in Alcapulco with his latest girlfriend, a travel agent, but at the last minute, she can't go, but the tickets and room are bought and paid for, so she tells him to go anyway w/o him. Worth decides to go, to get away from the stress of his job as a stockbroker, but that evening before he leaves, Cyn pops in to tell him her woes at work as a social worker at a hospital, about how her life is stressed out, too, with having to care for a 4 year old, and about a handsome doctor who keeps asking her out, that she has no interest in. Worth gets the great idea for her to spend the weekend with him in Alcapulco, two friends just hanging out on the beach. Cyn has some reservations and she's not an impulsive person, but Worth convinces her to go. When they get to the luxurious hotel room overlooking the ocean, and the whole ambience of the place, they both start looking at each other in a whole new light. They end up in bed together and have the best passionate love that either has ever had. This is the dilemma, though. They were best friends, and this is either the greatest thing that could have happened to them, or the worst, because they know they can never go back to being just friends like they were, and they don't know if they can/should go to the next level of a romantic relationship. Sandra Brown handles this story excellently, because she wrote it the way it could really happen, not just in a fantasy novel. Cyn and Worth don't want to lose that close friendship they have, but they are so unsure what do now. They are in limbo. There are some very touching and some very funny conversations between these two as they struggle with themselves and with each other about how to move forward. It's a winner.

It's hot in Acapulco - hot on the beaches, hot in the discos, and hot between the pages of A Whole New Light as read by Texas actress Staci Snell. This voice performer who also read Sandra Brown's Demon Rumm has a young, often soft voice that is nevertheless distinct. Her articulation is pin perfect. With this story of Cyn McCall she imbues the character with both vulnerability and strength. Amazing what a gifted voice performer can do!

In Brown's latest steamy scenario Cyn is beautiful, of course, but very much alone since her husband's untimely death. His business partner, Worth Lansing, has been a support to her throughout her grieving process. Above all, he was a friend, one in whom she could confide and rely upon.

However, there was one thing about Worth and that was his way with women. He is, to use an old saw, a love `em and leave `m kind of guy. The relationship between Cyn and Worth is so close that she can smile and give him a hard time about his lengthy list of romances.

The time comes when Worth invites Cyn to spend a weekend in Acapulco, get away from the routine and relax. Little did either of them know that fate would step in and they'd find themselves sharing a room - an unexpected occurrence with the expected outcome in a book by Brown.

What will come of a night of unbridled ardor - is it a one time thing or the beginning of a lasting relationship?

Romance fans, get in line for this one!

- Gail Cooke

Very impressed with this early book from Ms. Brown. Showing us that love can bloom again, and sometimes even brighter than before in the least likely place...

Cyn lost her husband 2 years ago and she is finally getting her life together and dedicating it to her son when her husband's best friend and her best friend sexy heartthrob Worth asks her to use the ticket meant for his weekend fling with him because he doesn't want to go alone to Acapoco, Mexico.
His sexy 'fling' can't go at the last minute and Worth knows Cyn needs a break. Finally talking her into leaving her life behind for some innocent fun and sun with his best friend things can't seem to get any better...until Worth finds himself looking at Cyn in a whole new light once they arrive in the tropical paradise. Then he wonders if things can go from great to bad in so short a time... and they do.
An innocent kiss causes shockwaves and causes a chain of events that leads them to make some very risky choices.

Riddled with guilt for ruining her husband's memory, Cyn packs up early and things only turn further for the worse when the two best friends realize it wasn't just the tropical sun that caused the crazy attraction that night...its in their blood now.
Can they save their friendship before its ruined? Can Cyn admit she can love again? Will they let their hearts heal finally?
Very emotional and touching. I loved it. Worth was amazing and a true hero. Definately worth the read...

Tracy Talley~@

Unlike the many other Sandra Brown book that I have read, this is one of the best. It is very romantic, and exciting. I had a hard time putting this book down. As soon as I read the first two pages I was hooked. I think Acapulco was a great setting for this story. It set the mood in many parts, and gave the book a certain mystery to it. I myself would read it over and over again

After being widowed at a very young age, Cyn McCall has always turned to her husband's best friend for support. But while both trust each other implicitly, neither of them has ever expected that their friendship could lead to something more serious.

When Worth's date cancelled out on him on the last minute, Cyn just conveniently happens to decide to drop by his place for a visit. With only a few hours before the flight, he manages to convince her to go to Acapulco with him. But when an innocent trip leads to a passionate encounter, their relationship is suddenly put to a test and things will never be the same as they start to see each other in a whole new light. While the awkwardness is something to be expected, it is the jealousy that surprises them both, especially Cyn. While Cyn used to be amuse by Worth's flings and sexual encounters, she now feels a pang of jealousy and insecurity. As for Worth, the thought of another man being a part of Cyn and her son's lives suddenly becomes unthinkable. No way is he going to keep encouraging her to start seeing other men! And this is where the fun begins...

I absolutely enjoyed how Cyn and Worth did their utmost to make each other jealous. It injected some humor into the story. The author has also done well in developing the characters, the romance and the sexual tension between the main characters. You'd really feel the tension building between them, and the simmering Acapulco heat was a great backdrop for the story. Although the sub-plot featuring the politician's daughter was something I could have done without and won't bother elaborate on, I am impressed with this book especially since this is one of Sandra Brown's earlier novels. If you are after a nice, quick and entertaining read, A WHOLE NEW LIGHT is just the book for you.

I really enjoyed the book, however, I wish it would have stated that the book was re-issued from years ago. I read the book when it was written, and did not remember. You have to be very careful with Sandra Brown's books, and also Nora Roberts, they re-issue books from when they were not so famous. Thank you.
Mary Loris

This was the first romance novel I ever read -- and I was hooked. The characters are believable, funny, and the sexual tension between Worth and Cyn in Mexico is unreal. I have read this book over and over. This is Sandra Brown in her old Loveswept tradition that I love.

Now, I usually have a BIG PROBLEM with love stories that involve a lover whose spouse died and they take up with a relative or best friend, however I can admit it, I did enjoy this book despite myself. Although, because of my convictions, I can only give it 2.5 stars. I think the same story with a similar premise and without the best friend thing would have been much better. I'd read it again though. But Mrs. Brown has penned better.

It's been two years since her husband Tim had died and Cynthia McCall's life is lacking something but she is unwilling to admit it. Cyn misses Tim but she has her son, her job and her best friend, Worth. To her everything is perfect. Until she takes a weekend trip with Worth.

Worth Lansing misses his best friend Tim just as much as Cyn does. But he agrees with Cyn's mother, Cyn needs to get out and not spend all of her time at home. So when his weekend date cancels on him, Worth convinces Cyn to go in her place. A little sun and relaxation is just what she needs.

There's a problem with their room. It has one king sized bed. They can't both sleep there. Cyn is all in favor of finding another room but Worth convinces her they can do this. After all it's just a weekend with a friend. And then suddenly their awareness of each other bursts into being. Things get beyond their control very fast. All Cyn feels the next morning is shame and guilt.

Now they are both brooding because they have both lost their best friend. Cyn hides in her work. For Worth, Cyn is the only woman he wants and she isn't speaking to him. Can they patch up their friendship? One wedding, one date night that turns into a comedy of errors and one frightened teenaged girl later and a relationship could be just around the corner for the two of them.

Worth and Cyn are so hot for each other you can hear the flames crackle as you turn the pages. A Whole New Light is not the tame, sweet little romance I thought it would be when I started reading. There's most certainly heat in those pages. Don't get me wrong, it is a sweet romance but the tension between Cyn and Worth makes it all the better.

Willow
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This was my first experience listening to fiction on CD. I picked this up at the library knowing I had a long drive ahead of me...seventeen hours to Wyoming. It was a good story, and most likely would have been better if I would have been able to read it, thus giving it more attention.

I haven't read a lot of Sandra Brown but what I have read, I've liked. This story was well written with a good story line. Always loved that "best friends discovered they love one another," scenario. Something I'm currently writing.

I don't think I'll be rushing out to hear more books on tape. I actually have thought about getting the book and reading it since I liked the story but wasn't able to give it more attention. Maybe one day when I finished reading the stacks of books that await me on my bookshelf.