The Way Forward

Love proves stronger than racial prejudices in West’s uneven debut, the first in the Heart of Colton series. Dax Ellis returns to his hometown of Colton, Miss., after a 13-year stint in the Army with plans to renovate the town’s historic Barton building into the headquarters of his business, Ellis Technologies. Dax also hopes to make amends with everyone he hurt during his youth as the town bully, especially Callie Colton, the girl Dax spent most of his childhood antagonizing with pointed barbs and racial slurs. Callie never expected to see Dax again, and his presence revives old hurts. Determined to ignore him, she moves forward with her dream of opening a bookstore, but Dax’s mother, a hateful, change-resistant Southern Belle, runs off every contractor Callie hires to work on the space. Dax steps in, offering the services of his friend to complete the work. His constant interference in Callie’s life and the closeness of the small community brings them together often enough for Dax to slowly convince Callie that he’s changed. Even so, many readers will find their eventual romance uncomfortable and unbelievable given the magnitude of his past mistakes. Neither West’s strong writing nor the happy ending, the book’s shining point, can save the story. Hopefully, future series installments will be stronger. (Aug.)