Local author Rebecca Heflin’s romance novel transports the reader to the wilds of the Costa Rican rainforest in a tale of adventure and rediscovery.
The beauty of a good book is that it can transport you to far-away and exotic places with just the turn of a page. What better way to fend off the February chill than to traipse around the Costa Rican jungle with “Rescuing Lacey,” an entertaining romantic romp from award-winning Gainesville author Rebecca Heflin? The novel, which tells the story of tough photographer Lacey Sommers and rainforest tour guide Dr. Luke Hancock, will transport you to the wilds of the Costa Rican rainforest in a tale of adventure and rediscovery.
The rainforest is a character in Heflin’s work, which brings to life the vibrant forest trails, beautiful sandy beaches and the abundance of delightful critters and creatures that accompany Lacey and Luke on their journey. Against the vivid tropical backdrop, Lacey Sommers seeks to prove herself and save her career as a serious photographer for a prestigious magazine, while dealing with the ghosts of a violent trauma. Her jungle guide, Luke Hancock, has a few secrets and demons of his own. While searching for elusive species to photograph in the rainforest, Lacey and Luke might just find the acceptance and peace in each other that they have yet to attain for themselves.
“Rescuing Lacey” is the perfect thing to while away the cold winter nights. The skill of Heflin’s writing and the sharpness of her imagery will make you wish you were on a jungle expedition yourself, even if you’ve never even been camping. It may be February, but you will feel like summer is that much closer.
In addition to the lush settings, an endlessly amusing cast of characters awaits readers inside “Rescuing Lacey.” The pages are full to bursting with good humor and real, heartwarming relationships. Heflin makes the world and culture of Costa Rica come to life with her beautiful paintings of the countryside and descriptions of delicious food. Come for the romance, and stay for the food (and Luke’s adorable lab, Sandy).
Rebecca Heflin, a Florida native and current Gainesville resident, has captured a vivid world you will love to inhabit and woven a lighthearted, heartwarming story that will undoubtedly put a smile on your face. It’s clear that the 2013 Florida Writers Association Royal Palm Literary Award won by “Rescuing Lacey” is well-deserved, with a moving story about the healing power of love and the uncompromising beauty of the world.
About the Author
Rebecca Heflin has dreamed of writing romantic fiction since she was 15 and her older sister snuck a copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss’ “Shanna” to her and told her to read it. Now she writes women’s fiction and contemporary romance under the name Rebecca Heflin.
When not passionately pursuing her dream, she is busy with her day-job at a large state university or running the non-profit cancer organization she founded with her husband.
