Fiction Review

To My Senses
by Alexandrea Weis
ISBN-10: 1419661116
Review by Heather Froeschl

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. It seems there is always a purpose if we seek it out. Alexandrea Weis’ novel, “To My Senses” reminded me of that. It also reminded me that we need to follow our heart’s desires. What more can you ask of a good read? Romance, lush New Orleans settings, intrigue, conspiracy, art…it’s a very fulfilling book.

Nicci Beauvoir isn’t really into the whole debutante life. She’s done that, grown up in it, and now she wants to settle into being a nurse. She’s completing her studies and will soon be ready to make a difference in the world. Her father would prefer she take over the family scrap metal business. But one evening, while attending a lawn party, she comes face to face with an inviting diversion. David Alexander is a struggling artist, obligatorily under the firm grasp of his benefactor, Sammy. There is something to be explored here.

Nicci is swept off her feet, slowly, through a day of fishing, a visit to a coffee shop, and a collapse on David’s couch, where he proceeds to capture her image on the canvas while she sleeps. He is passionate in his art, in life. He is just what Nicci needs in hers. There is trouble though. Nicci’s father’s business is in need of diversification. A plan is under way for a take over. Warnings are given and a possible saving grace is discovered. Somehow, David knows all about it.

Nicci turns to Dr. Michael Fagles, a “safe,” controlling man who only wants a wife to be exactly as he sees fit. He directs Nicci, and she allows him. Her passion is gone, for Michael has none to share. Will she be doomed to spend her life under the thumb of this loveless moron? Will she find herself again, and find the raw emotional life she needs to embrace her true goals?

Alexandrea Weis paints an artistic, character driven novel, set in pre-Katrina luscious New Orleans, and offers life lessons to readers along the way. The pages are filled with self examination, romance, intimacy, hints of connections to the crime worlds, and lavish parties. My favorite scenes involve delightful cottages that leave me aching to explore New Orleans. A fantastic book to curl up with and get lost in, Weis introduces readers to characters that will linger in the mind like a sultry summer night. I trust there will be more from this author in the future, and I look forward to that prospect.