The Consequences-Colette Freedman

The Consequences Colette Freedman Kensington, Jan 28 2014, $15.00 ISBN: 9780758281029 Robert Walker and Stephanie Burroughs had an affair until his wife Kathy confronted him. His mistress Stephanie was stunned by the realization that her rival loves her husband. Kathy gives Robert an ultimatum to choose between her as his wife and his mistress. Robert decides to save his marriage (see The Affair) while Stephanie vows to stay away from the married man she loves and instead focus on her work. As Christmas snow falls, Kathy remains hurt by her spouse’s infidelity. She wants to forgive him yet does not, but still gives a contrite Robert a chance. When Stephanie learns she is carrying her former lover’s baby, though she wants nothing to do with him, she tells Robert as he has a right to know. Kathy notices Robert behaves suspiciously again, but prefers to ignore whether he is stepping out on her while hoping he will be honest with her; until she can no longer bury her head in the sand. The Consequences focuses on the emotional turmoil after The Affair confrontation, but also compounded by the pregnancy. Rotating the lead perspective between the threesome, readers will understand how each member of the triangle feels about their interrelationships, their personal code of ethics, and why they behave as they do. Although the ending is too morally “clean”, Colette Freedman provides fans with a fascinating look at the aftermath. Harriet Klausner