In ORCHID, the plot continues to use the theme from the
previous books (AMARYLLIS and ZINNIA). Orchid Adams
meets Rafe Stonebraker when Rafe needs a wife in order to become respectable (sound
familiar?).
Rafe needs a wife in order to proceed with his plans for
the takeover of his grandfather's business. Like most of the
difficult heroes in Jayne Ann Krentz's stories, Rafe has
some problems which makes it hard for him to marry. The first
problem is that he is a romantic guy. Not romantic in the
sense of roses and candy, but romantic in that he wants his
wife to share his life with him. The second problem is he has
an attitude The third problem is he has a past.
Rafe sets out to find a wife and zeroes in on Orchid Adams.
Orchid's character complements Rafe's character. Where Rafe
is weak, Orchid is strong. Where Orchid is weak, Rafe is
strong. The relationship the two develops is a partnership; one is not superior over the other.
Orchid is a strong character. She enjoys being herself. She
is a mover and a shaker. She also has a past. Her past is
more colorful than that of Rafe's. Only Rafe doesn't know
this at first.
Rafe sets out to win Orchid's affections and support. However,
once the two meet, each feels a loss of control.
This enables the two characters to see each other's strengths
and weaknesses. This also gives them a common bond.
Orchid and Rafe stumble upon a mystery which puts the two of
them in danger and they follow up on clue after clue
in order to solve the mystery. As the mystery progresses, the two draw closer and closer to one another. It's two of them against unknown enemies.
(The elements of sexual tension and danger seem to be Jayne Ann Krentz's stock in trade. She uses it beautifully.)
Orchid and Rafe helps each other out in their personal lives
as well as the mystery. Rafe's family life is in shambles. He
is removed from his family emotionally. His bond with his
family is very weak. Orchid helps to strengthen the bonds.
Rafe helps Orchid to face her past and give her a sense of
security.
Jayne Ann Krentz creates a society in which the characters are
both strong, yet weak in their strength. Both Rafe and Orchid
have a high degree of ESP, but it's so strong that it gives the two the stigma of unnatural. This helps to strengthen the bond between them.
The story has the usual unexpected twists and turns. ORCHID is
witty and funny. Jayne Ann Krentz infuses the story with emotions
and anticipation. This book is a real page turner.
The only thing I would have changed would be the synopsis in the
back of the book. It concentrates too much on Rafe and not on
Orchid. The story displays Rafe's role very explicitly. However,
it's Orchid's side of the story that gives the story its strength
and backbone.
Lynda Gold
