The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from the author's website)
When the girl whose friends made his life miserable in high school re-enters his life several years later and asks for help in eluding her abusive husband, Turner Caldwell finds himself thrown into an intense and unexpected struggle beyond anything he could have imagined. This is the basic premise of The Return of Cassandra Todd, a novel of intrigue and suspense, tinged with humor. It is the story of Turner Caldwell, who has worked at various jobs following high school, including camp counselor, where he has learned survival training. He ends up working as a handyman at a local hotel, and it here he meets Cassandra Todd, with her young son, on the run from her abusive and emotionally disturbed husband, bent on revenge, who tracks them down with the help of some hired men. In a desperate yet humorous escape attempt, Turner takes her and her son to a cabin in the mountains. Once again, the husband tracks them down, and it is in this setting that Turner draws upon his survival training skills to face him in a final confrontation. In the end, Turner finds love with Cassandra Todd, the last person in the world he would have expected to become part of his life.

My Thoughts:

“Cassandra Todd had returned.”  (p. 292)

Cassandra Todd actually intersects Turner Caldwell’s life at three distinct times.  Each time has a profound effect upon his heart and mind, and his life is left forever changed.  Darrel Nelson’s story centers upon some very disturbing and traumatic events that bring Cassandra back into Turner’s life. Fleeing for her life and protecting the life of her young son, she comes to stay at the hotel where Turner is employed.   As the situation escalates, the author naturally introduces others into the scenario and makes a way of safety for the now three fugitives. 

Turner is drawn into a dangerous and escalating set of circumstances, and neither he nor Cassandra ever imagined that they would come to depend on one another for their very lives.  Yet that’s exactly what they are forced to face, and the immediate outcome is pretty frightening in itself.  To say this is a tense, emotional and suspenseful read is almost an understatement!  Nelson has masterfully told a story that is, unfortunately, all too real, and more common than most ever imagine.  “Over two hundred thousand women are physically abused by their husbands or significant others every year in America.” (p. 86)

Yet God still leads and guides even when faith is a mere shadow upon the walls of our hearts.  He continues to draw us to Himself and bring others alongside to bear the load.  The Return of Cassandra Todd conveys a poignant story of redemption and grace.  You never know what God is doing in a person’s life, or how He will orchestrate the intersection of His children’s lives to provide a way to healing and wholeness.  This is a masterfully told story that will have an eternal effect on many lives! I  highly recommend this story!

About the Author:

Darrel Nelson is the author of The Anniversary Waltz and ateacher. He writes novels, articles, plays, and music. He has bachelor’s degrees in English and education from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada.