Count on Me

by Kathryn Shay

Book Overview

Count On Me by Kathryn Shay released on Feb 22, 2001 is available now for purchase.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373709765
• ISBN13: 9780373709762
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Harlequin Books
• Length: 298 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.2" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Good on its own, but weakest entry in Bayview trilogy

Kathy Shay is a fabulous writer, and wonderful person. She's done another great job here, giving us a good story of two people who have to overcome real obstacles on the way to finding love together. The prologue was a real heart-wrencher, and of course, hooked me for the rest. The other reviewers here have summarized the story, so I won't repeat the plot here.Let me say that if you judge this book strictly on its own, it's definitely a good book--great characterization, you feel like you're inside the characters' heads, and no one sets a scene better than Kathy does--whether it's the classroom, the medical clinic, or the characters' homes. I rooted for Zoe all the way through--she finally learned to stand up for herself, risks and all. However. . .compared to the first two books in the Bayview High School series, Cop of the Year, and Because It's Christmas, this one falls a little short for me. I've also read her Firefighter series, "Christmas Legacy", and the two out from her Serenity House series, and all of them were so good that I would keep them on the nightstand, and re-read them again and again. "Count on Me" did not grab me that way. It may have been the infidelity issue, or maybe the unbelievable behavior of the high school girls that turned me off with this one. Just one woman's opinion. This one is worth finding if you like the author as much as I do. . .or if you haven't read Harlequins since you were a kid and want to see that yes, they've grown up with you. Enjoy. . .

A powerful tale of trust -- very highly recommended

Zoe Caufield's unhappy fortieth birthday took months of recovery. She caught the man she loved -- the man who was about to declare his love and propose -- in his ex-wife's arms. Rather than protesting his innocence, his confession of unfaithfulness left Zoe devastated, especially when he stated his intentions to reconcile with Elizabeth, and move back home with her and their teen daughter.It only took Kurt a month to recognize what a horrible mistake he had made. The very reasons that ended his marriage the first time almost immediately reemerged, but concern for his daughter led him to stay a year, until Lauren graduated from high school. After the first three months, his life became a living hell. After leaving Elizabeth, Kurt learns that the teen clinic in Bayview Heights has been approved, but only if he runs it. Not only is that a stipulation of the town council, but it is also a part of the stipulation of the federal grant that funds the clinic. So Kurt must move back to Bayview Heights -- a move that necessitates frequent interaction with the high school's health teacher.Despite the depression, pain, and disappointment, Zoe got on with her life. She traveled, spent time with friends, enjoyed her job with her classes, teaching At Risk kids, as well as health classes. Although she still misses Kurt desperately, Zoe's learned to be happy without him. Only now he's suddenly back, part of her circle of friends, interaction professionally, and Zoe must cope with still loving him despite the pain he inflicted. Indeed, her love for her students leads to frequent interaction with Kurt, and leads to the question of whether she can learn to count on him again.Katheryn Shay boldly presents a challenging theme in COUNT ON ME that I would ordinarily find untenable, simply because I have little patience for unfaithfulness. However, her heart-touching, sympathetic approach, gently working out both side's emotions kept me reading, and by the conclusion I realized that I indeed was rooting not only for the reconciliation, but also believed in the possibility of what I ordinarily would consider impossible. To challenge my opinion and win my sympathy demonstrates Shay's powerful story-telling ability. Further, the depth of characterization of not only the main characters, but also the secondary characters, speaks of first-hand knowledge of teens, challenges, and matters of the heart. Consequently, COUNT ON ME comes very highly recommended.

Against all odds

It's been nearly a year since Dr. Kurt Lansing broke high school teacher Zoe Caufield's heart. Through sheer will she has finally managed to come to terms with his betrayal and has succeeded in moving on with her life. The last thing she needs is a setback. So when she discovers that Kurt's idea for a teen clinic in Bayview Heights has been approved, she is less than thrilled about the idea of having to work with him. But for the sake of her students she is willing to put aside the pain that lies between them. Kurt isn't too happy with the situation either. He knows his presence in Bayview will hurt Zoe and after his attempt to reconcile with his ex-wife proved to be a dismal failure, the last thing he needs is to be reminded of what he foolishly tossed aside. And if Zoe's apparent indifference isn't bad enough, it seems the whole town isn't quite ready to forgive him for the mistake he made in hurting her. "Count On Me" is the third installment of Kathryn Shay's moving Bayview Heights series. She does a great job of integrating the community into this story without detracting from Zoe and Kurt's relationship. Zoe is a remarkable heroine with her generous heart and eagerness to do what is right. The author portrays her as an optimist who is always looking to help or ease the pain of those around her, including the man who wronged her. Kurt begins the story on a less admirable note but quickly displays his need to heal others and to right wrongs. A lot of his internal conflict stems from the helplessness he feels in not being able to heal the pain he has inflicted upon the woman he has never stopped loving. Though he is resigned to the hostile attitude of Zoe's friends and students, he manages to eventually win them over by example. More importantly, he comes to care for and want to help Zoe's students, which makes Zoe wonder whether he is a man who can be depended upon after all."Count On Me" is a powerful story not just about the restoration of Zoe and Kurt's love but also about the relationships between teachers and students. One of the most interesting aspects of this story is the way in which Shay gives voice to many of the concerns high school students and their families face today. The author displays a keen insight when it comes to understanding the emotional inadequacies of the adult and teenage protagonists. This story will open your eyes and your heart and I highly recommend it to you.

A fantastic drama

Dr. Kurt Lansing thinks he is doing the right thing by reconciling with his wife Elizabeth though he knows he badly hurt Zoe Caufield. Still, he always loved Elizabeth and feels their return, as a couple is good for their college age daughter. Zoe feels betrayed. Three months later Kurt knows he made the biggest mistake of his life ignoring his love for Zoe for a dirt bag like Elizabeth. Zoe has regained her equilibrium, but the townsfolk of Bayview Heights including Kurt's older brother have never forgiven him for hurting one of the town's most popular residents. Kurt returns home from his horrendous hiatus in Southampton to run the clinic where many of Zoe's students will work. Kurt knows Zoe hates him, but will do everything to insure he never hurts her again. Zoe is willing to work with him for the sake of her high school students even though she is not sure how she will cope. Still her loyal "chicks" feel a need to enact vengeance not aware of the danger they cause. COUNT ON ME is an entertaining second chance at love tale that readers will enjoy because of the richness of the cast, especially the lead couple. Kurt goes out of his way not to torment his beloved Zoe, who is wiser and stronger than he realizes. The secondary characters not only propel the story line forward, but also add tremendous depth to Kathryn Shay's return to Bayview High.Harriet Klausner