Review - A Stop in the Park by Peggy Strack

A Poignant and Moving Love Story
A Stop in the Park is a touching and sensitive tale about love and dreams lost and re-kindled.
Michael and Jamie Stolis know their marriage is in big trouble, when a deviation from their normal habits includes a stop in a nearby park, where Michael meets a man named Rufus.
Rufus is a simple man who has a way of seeing into people's souls and knowing what they need. He takes Michael on an emotional journey that helps him find his true calling, and the pathway to regain the romance he had with Jamie.




Excerpt:  Jamie kissed Megan on the cheek and pulled the tangerine comforter up to her neck. She stroked her daughter’s hair and said, “I love you, muffin.” She then went into Emily’s room and did the same. When the goodnight ritual was over, she pulled the sash of her pink cotton robe tightly around her waist and went into her bedroom. The TV was still on, but Michael was asleep.

     Stepping close to him, she listened to his breathing. It was definitely sleep breathing, so she was safe. She pulled her slipper socks over her feet, ambled down the stairs, poured herself a glass of Chardonnay, and approached the computer. She sat down, fired it up, and leaned back. Michael had proved tonight that he could not change. Jamie still wasn't ready for divorce, but certainly could use a separation—one that didn’t take her too far from home. Rubbing her hands together, she said, "Let the games begin,” then took a sip of wine.

     When the machine was ready for action, she opened her Facebook page. She had a private message from Steve. “Hey, pretty girl. I’m waiting up for you.” Jamie gasped in delight. She liked hearing that she was pretty from him way more than she did from Michael. She tried to suppress a smile, but it didn’t work.

     Before responding, she scanned Steve's wall. His five o'clock shadow and unkempt sandy brown hair seemed to invite her to take an adventurous walk in the woods with him. There were shots of him playing tennis, sitting at a bar, cuddling with his puppy, and sailing on a catamaran. She wished she could jump into the pictures and start a new life. Of course, Emily and Megan could come along, but that cad she married would be left behind. Jamie gazed at her fantasy man a little longer, hypnotized by his emerald eyes that danced with mischief and vigor.

     She couldn't believe that he picked her out of all the women fishing for love on the cyberspace cruise. Of course, she touched up some of her visual posts with Photoshop, but not much. She shaved some hip fat and smoothed out the lines that were starting to creep around her eyes. The rest was real.

     Jamie went back to her message, gulped her wine, and raised her eyebrows. She typed, “Can you come out and play?” Within seconds she received a reply. “I wish you were ringing the doorbell and not my iPad.”
     Jamie’s eyes widened. This was so much fun.

Bio: Peggy Strack hosts the award winning blog, "Kick Back Moments," for the Saratogian Newspaper. She is a speech-language pathologist living in Saratoga Springs, NY with her husband, Keith. She has two adult sons and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes hiking, kayaking, and skiing.Links:Website: www.peggystrack.comAmazon Page:  www.amazon.com/Stop-Park-Peggy-Panagopoulos-Strack/dp/1475150997
I loved your book, Peggy, and I hope this review helps you get more sales. You deserve it!