Turbulence

Jacey Bici’s Turbulence is a romance novel that follows a woman who's forced to make hard choices to overcome difficult financial circumstances. It captures the feeling of entrapment in one place, the slow erosion of what makes life worth living, and true romance that happens to those who truly deserve it. It’s premised on a stolen purse that becomes the protagonist’s most humiliating moment and a door through which she rediscovers herself. In its in-depth exploration of Candy’s predicaments, Turbulence reveals a chain of unfortunate events as they unfold, from which something good emerges. Candy is pressed to pay the debt she owes her employer, and while this plunges her into more problems, Henry enters her life. Short and infused with life, this book engages the reader throughout. Candy is already neck-deep in financial constraints, relying on the goodwill of her best friend, Sally, and considering selling her deceased mother’s jewellery to keep afloat. This makes the reader empathise with her situation and long to know more. The middle draws the reader to the edge of their seats as Candy does everything she can to be financially liberated. On the other hand, Henry loves Candy and wants them to make something out of their relationship, a move that opposes Candy’s quest to leave Port Charlotte. The ending also satisfies; a sentimental tribute to romance readers. Overall, Turbulence captures the cruelty of life and the romance that happens to a woman convinced love has overtaken her already. It’s sad, hilarious, clever, and heartfelt. There are scenes to remember forever. Such as when a police officer enters a pawn shop looking for a suspect who allegedly stole a purse; Earl giving words of wisdom to Candy in the car; and Henry finally unveiling his dream to Candy.