The Lake Placid Cure by Sharon Buchbinder
The Wild Rose Press, Last Rose of Summer
Contemporary
Short Story, Sweet
Review by Peony

After Sandra Blake catches her husband in flagrante delicto with a younger woman, she checks into a spa/clinic in Lake Placid which promises to cure her life’s ills. Little does she know that the secluded spa hides suspicious activities and characters. Chief of Police Doug Harrington has seen a lot of strange things among the rich and famous in his little resort town, but even he’s surprised by the events at the ritzy medical spa. The last thing Sandra wants is another charming man in her life. The last thing Doug expects to find is a woman who matches him in intellect, integrity, and compassion. After joining forces to protect a young girl who witnessed her mother’s brutal murder, each discovers miracles can happen, once again, in Lake Placid.

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Sandra witnesses what no wife should ever see: her husband making love to another woman. To further wound her, the woman he leaves her for is pregnant. Sandra’s heart is broken from her past miscarriages, and now her marriage is over. Will her pain never end? When she meets a young girl who’s all alone in the world she is thrown into caring about someone else’s life again. Will Erin and Sandra find a way to get past their pain and forge new lives? Or will the terrors of their pasts continue to plague them?

The Lake Placid Cure is filled with exceptional characters and deeply moving dialogue. The story comes to life, and every scene is so realistic it is easy to see and hear everything. While the “love story” in this short tale is thin the bond between Erin and Sandra, as well as Sandra’s strong commitment to moving on with her life, make up for it.  If you’re looking for an emotionally satisfying, short read, The Lake Placid Cure just might be the thing for you! Nicely done!