Broken Faith by Lois Cloarec Hart

Hart’s Versatility Shines Through

‘Broken Faith’ is not a sequel, but a companion novel to Hart’s book ‘Coming Home.’ There is some character overlap, but new characters are introduced as well. If you read and enjoyed ‘Coming Home,’ you’ll probably enjoy this one as well. However, ‘Broken Faith’ is a completely different kind of story than her first novel.

Introduced are Marika Havers (from ‘Coming Home’), a successful attorney who has no life outside of work. She is in an abusive almost-relationship with a woman who enjoys violent sex and absolute power. Through a series of events, Marika finds herself working with Rhiannon Davies. Rhi is a reclusive administrative assistant who comes from a seriously odd family life.

Marika’s ex-cop friend, Lee, meets Rhi and decides to create situations for the two loners to learn more about each other outside of work. As the women get closer, they begin to question what is really important in their respective lives. Marika learns what it means to open up and care for someone else. Rhi learns how to trust and love. On top of their relationship, the women find themselves in the midst of a dangerous criminal situation, once again in need of Lee’s help.

Hart masterfully combines wretched pasts, promising futures, and a frightening present into a wonderful novel well worth reading. Like ‘Coming Home,’ this is a permanent part of my personal collection. Highly recommended.