In the Context of Love
by Linda K. Sienkiewicz
In In the Context of Love, Angelica Schirrick wonders how her life could have gone so far off-track. She remembers her forbidden high school romance with Joe Vadas, the son of Hungarian immigrants. Scandal tore them apart, Joe disappeared, and she’s spent years trying to recover from the split. Shortly after, a devastating family secret shattered her sense of self, leading to a multitude of bad choices that include marrying a man with a missing finger and secrets of his own. She leaves her husband and, with two children in tow, begins a journey of self-discovery that leads her back home to Ohio. She must find a way to put the past to rest before she can be open to life and a second chance at love. And what if Joe returns? Will he help her or tear her family further apart?
Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of #1 NYTimes Bestseller, DEEP END OF THE OCEAN, says: “With humor and tenderness, but without blinking, Linda K. Sienkiewicz turns her eye on the predator-prey savannah of the young and still somehow hopeful.”
Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of Michigan Notable Book MOTHERS TELL YOUR DAUGHTERS, says “Sienkiewicz’s powerful and richly detailed debut novel is at once a love story, a cautionary tale, and an inspirational journey. It should be required reading for all wayward daughters, and their mothers, too.”
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Eggcerpt
The word prey rose from my stomach and lodged in my throat. My mother’s face flashed in front of me as I turned to look at him. Everything inside urged me to keep walking. He could easily outrun me and pull me down from behind, like a yellow-eyed cat on a gazelle. I read in a magazine that meeting your attacker’s eyes is the key to survival, so I pulled my jacket around myself and stayed focused, ready to push all my energy into hitting back or knocking him off balance, even though I could hardly stand straight. Headlights illuminated the street, throwing shadows; three teenage boys inside a car looked menacingly at me as it passed, exhaust spewing a noxious smell.
“I say something wrong?” Gavin asked. Teeth clenched; I held steady, giving him nothing. He tipped his head to the side. “Hey, I’m not the bad guy. The bad guy’s the one hiding between the buildings, circling you in a low-rider. You shouldn’t be alone on the streets this late.”
I straightened up, trying to look taller as he closed the space between us. My nipples pulled tight. “You can’t hurt me.”
“Hurt you? Why would I do that?” He put his hand under my chin and asked me my name. I wondered if he could tell I was shaking when I told him. He said, “Pleased to meet you, Angelica. I’m Gavin Schirrick, protector of lost women and stray cats. Or is it lost cats and stray woman? You make me forget. You make me forget everything.”
I saw the flash of his teeth as his lips caught mine before I could turn my head. Maybe I didn’t want to turn away. He was 80 proof—smooth, clean, and potent with a peppery bite. His hand went to the back of my neck as he teased his tongue inside my mouth.
I didn’t think to ask what he wanted to forget.
Character interview with Angelica Schirrick, the narrator of In the Context of Love:
1. What is your birthdate?
I came screaming into this world on June 30, 1958, weighing a mere 6 pounds and 5 ounces.
I came screaming into this world on June 30, 1958, weighing a mere 6 pounds and 5 ounces.
2. Where were you born?
I was delivered by midwife Rose Rumble at my great aunt’s farm in Wisconsin.
I was delivered by midwife Rose Rumble at my great aunt’s farm in Wisconsin.
3. What’s your favorite type of pet?
I grew up with a gorgeous fluffy collie named Cookie, so I’m awfully fond of dogs, but at this point in my life, I’d rather have something low maintenance. I’m thinking goldfish, canary, or a rock. Yes, a pet rock would be swell.
I grew up with a gorgeous fluffy collie named Cookie, so I’m awfully fond of dogs, but at this point in my life, I’d rather have something low maintenance. I’m thinking goldfish, canary, or a rock. Yes, a pet rock would be swell.
4. Who is your significant other?
The “Gypsy King” or Hungarian heartthrob Joe (Jozsef) Vadas will always be my first and only love.
The “Gypsy King” or Hungarian heartthrob Joe (Jozsef) Vadas will always be my first and only love.
5. What is your secret desire?
Believe it or not, I would love to surprise Joe with a trip to France to visit Jim Morrison’s gravesite in Pere Lachaise. He’s such a Doors fan. I’m not (please don’t tell) but a whole week in Paris with Joe would be heavenly.
Believe it or not, I would love to surprise Joe with a trip to France to visit Jim Morrison’s gravesite in Pere Lachaise. He’s such a Doors fan. I’m not (please don’t tell) but a whole week in Paris with Joe would be heavenly.
About the author
Author Linda K. Sienkiewicz attributes her creative drive to her artistic mother, who taught her to sew, and her father, who let her monkey around with the gadgets in his workshop. Her poetry, short stories and art have been published in more than fifty literary journals. She has a poetry chapbook award from Bottom Dog Press and an MFA from The University of Southern Maine. Blog
