Answering The Call
by Parris Afton Bonds
Review by S. S. Bazinet

Description: It’s never too late to have the adventure of a lifetime

With her 70th birthday looming, Lauren Hillard is constantly thinking that there has to be an easier way. She has long felt that her family has simply stowed her away like a precious heirloom. She’s had it – she is done.

Lauren makes the snap decision to quit managing her daughter’s psychotherapist office and answer the call to adventure. It is a risk, she knows. But a risk she is more than willing to take.

She would move to Mexico – it’s affordable and exotic. Exotic, like the much younger David Escobar, attorney/former criminal, who informs her that a woman must be brave, smart, and very impulsive to get herself into as much danger as she has.

Lauren has to ask herself if it is wise to continue to answer calls from a treacherous family member who wants to have her committed, a ruthless organ harvester, and her captivating, but high-risk, attorney.

My review: In Some Cases, The Golden Years Can Be Treacherous!

Every age has its struggles. Teenagers often try to fit into a world they don’t understand, a world that they find stifling to their passionate emotional stirrings. Many young adults worry about making the best decisions for their life path, decisions that will thrust them for good or bad into a certain direction. Middle age can feel confining if one’s decisions have become burdensome. And when it comes to entering what some call the golden years, the stakes may seem even higher and riskier.

In Bond’s book, “Answering The Call,” Lauren faces that last phase. She’s getting older and worries about losing her last chance at adventure, one that fulfills her heart’s need for freedom and meaning. It would have been wonderful if her family understood what she was going through, but they have their own thoughts about Lauren. There are times when she’s forgetful, and many of her family are afraid that she’s becoming a victim of Alzheimer’s. A daughter is especially convinced Lauren is failing and wants to put her in a home.

With her family adamant in how they feel, Lauren often doubts herself. And this is the crux of the problem. Lauren is still bursting with life and vitality and wants this phase of her life to be fulfilling. Yet, with a daughter pressing for her confinement, Lauren is also very frightened that she’ll soon have little choice in how she’ll spend the latter part of her life. She decides her only choice is to flee the country and hide away in Mexico.

Once in Mexico, she does begin an adventure, but not always a happy one. Lack of funds, not being fluent in the native language, and corruption are a few of the many problems that face Lauren. The story keeps the reader completely engaged as Lauren tries to stay one step ahead of her daughter’s clutches while navigating dangers she never imagined she’d have to face. In the midst of it all is a stranger named David. He’s a mystery and perhaps a savior, but he could also be out to rob Lauren of any trust she has left in life.

All in all, this story is many things. It’s a look at the golden years and the challenges of aging. It’s also a thriller that keeps you hoping Lauren can outrun those who want to shut her away. It’s a romance that demonstrates that love is always there for us if we trust our hearts. In other words, it’s another, highly recommended page-turner by best-selling author, Parris Afton Bonds.