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Reviewed by Haley Blanchard for Readers' Favorite
Scattered Light by Martha Engber follows Mary Donahue, a smart but cautious lawyer in Chicago who has just won a big case on her 36th birthday. To celebrate, she decides to treat herself to lunch at Herzl's. This is where she meets Damba Rugundi, a law professor and human rights activist from Uganda. Damba is charming and graceful, and what starts as a playful chat grows into something deeper. So, together they share meals, stories, and long walks, and as their love grows, Mary shares her past traumas, while Damba opens up about escaping danger in his home country. But trouble comes when Damba is kidnapped. Now Mary must step up to face her past, fight to protect him, and decide whether she is brave enough to risk her heart again.
What I liked most about Scattered Light by Martha Engber was how the story felt so real from start to finish. The way the plot grew from a playful conversation in a sandwich shop into something deeper drew me in. The themes of love, trust, healing, and hope came through clearly and gave the story weight that stayed with me even after I finished. Mary's court cases and heartfelt talks with Damba gave the plot a touch of action and kept it going. I liked how their bond showed both laughter and pain, and how they balanced each other naturally. The author built up the main characters in such a realistic way, which made it easier for me to connect with them. The story flowed at a steady pace, helping me feel the characters' emotions without getting confused. I recommend Scattered Light to anyone who wants a love story that is touching, simple, honest, and full of meaning.
