The Edge of Too Late

The Edge of Too Late is a very enjoyable story that could easily be read on a lazy afternoon—or any other time, for that matter. That’s what makes novellas so fabulous. Further, the author has less time to get everything in that needs to gotten, so the writing is pretty efficient. If the author is good. And this author is good!

Brandon, a computer game developer, seems to have it all—except that the woman he adores, Angela, is reluctant to marry because of the disaster that was her last marriage. In an attempt to provide an epitome of a romantic weekend getaway, Brandon whisks Angela off to The Harbor Pointe Inn. His plan is to pop the question at the pinnacle of the romance. However, as this story so clearly shows, even the best made plans can turn into a disaster.

I think Brandon and Angela are great characters. I particularly liked that Brandon, despite having made lots of money, continues to be very down to earth. Angela likes that about him, too. This may seem a bit silly, but the one thing that Brandon consistently does that I think is just out of character is call Angela “Angi Baby.” It seemed a wee bit demeaning to me, and it just irked me every time I read it.

“When he kissed her, his honesty and sincerity went all the way to her toes.”

If I had to pick one thing about author Jan Sikes that I really, really like, it would be her description. It’s fantastic! Being set at a seaside resort, it would be natural to assume the air to have a bit of saltiness to it. Sikes makes that point in several places, using not only the sense of smell but also the sense of taste. This phrase exemplifies what I mean about the overall description: “Once they entered the edge of the forest, sunlight filtered through the tops of the trees, casting lacy shadows on the ground. Birds chirped, and small animals rustled through the brush. In the background, the ever-present ebb and flow of ocean waves provided a sense of timeless perpetual motion.” I could feel the character being lulled by the waves. Marvelous!

“Angela breathed in the pungent scent of evergreens that permeated the air. Tall pines swayed in the breeze, almost as if sending out a greeting. Or was it a warning?”

The first two-thirds of the novella is pretty much a love story, with a glint of supernatural stuff thrown in for good measure. After that, the sinisterness takes over, and their perfect weekend takes a nose dive. The pacing—enchantingly slow until that point—starts a sprint that takes the reader to the climax.

I think the supernatural element of the story could have been further developed, but that’s just my opinion. It reads just great as it is.

I don’t often mention book covers in my reviews, but this cover is utterly perfect for the story. Whatever you glean from the cover, it’s likely you’ll find it in the story. It worked for me.

Highly recommended!