One of their first confrontations has him almost choking the life out of her. When they reunite for the sake of the plot moppet's convenient illness (which magically disappears as soon as they step back in hero's home), the hero is in a rage and is not afraid to give way to his instincts. So in an inspired, but unfortunately short-lived, moment, she did leave him and managed to create for herself and her son a pretty good life. When she questioned him about their relationship, he initially gave her the big freeze, which turned into anger and scorn, and finally he told her that if she left him, she better never set foot in his home again. The reason she left him in the first place is because she kept on bumping into him and a deranged OW with her arms draping all over him every time she turned a corner of their home. The heroine is his estranged wife and mother of his seekret baby (now 3 years old) who through the necessary BIG PLOT CONTRIVANCE has to run back to him after a long separation and endure even more humiliation and abuse than during the first go round when he married her. I can honestly say one of the best concerts I've ever attended.I thought I had read enough of Yvonne Whittal's books to have survived her most jerky non-heroes but the male protagonist in Echo in the Valley really went out of bounds and I can safely say that this was the worst HP I have ever read in my life, so far. We had a fantastic time at a fantastic venue. Great decor with open beam ceilings and Americana/rock/country music nostalgia on the walls. The station is set up like an old country barn, but very, very clean. The sound was great and the band was truly amazing. We talked directly to Russell Smith (the lead singer). We were so close we could speak with the band. We flew all the way from California specifically to see the Amazing Rhythm Aces there. If you like to drink alcohol, you can bring your own booze in a small ice chest and keep it under your chair during the concert.

There we had a chance to mingle with some of the patrons and eat great BBQ. John provided a quick tour of the venue and welcomed us to the barbeque, which is outdoors on a large back deck. Upon arriving to The Station we were met by the owner,John Johnston, at the door. Proud Americans keeping their property and homes in beautiful condition. On our way to the station I was struck with the well-kept, beautiful ranch like homes and rolling Tennessee landscape. An amazing, wonderful, downhome experience.

Late Harvest by Yvonne Whittal