CYNTHIA TYLER

Author of Descanso and Shadow Work

Descanso

“This novel has a compelling premise: a psychotherapist in her early forties, having lost faith that the therapy she offers others can help her out of her own 'emotional deep freeze' after the murder of her lover, looks for alternative ways to open her heart again--to lovers, to clients, and to the difficult world--a world in which, as she describes it, 'the simple act of feeling seems like the most dangerous business in the world.' Chris is charming, responsible, well-balanced and well loved, by friends as well as former lovers--a smart, competent, and likable hero I always trusted to find her way back to life."
--Diane M. McPherson, PhD, MFA, Associate Professor of Writing and Coordinator of Women's Studies, Ithaca College

“A suspenseful love story with comic riffs on topics ranging from Faith Hill to Wal-Mart. The novel gently satirizes the inner workings of a mental health clinic and offers insights about love and healing that are wide-open and fascinating like its southern California landscape.”
--Mary Vermillion, Author of Death by Discount and Murder by Mascot

BOOKS TO WATCH OUT FOR: Nan Cinnater calls Shadow Work "...a wonderful slice of daily life in Southern California in the 21st century, with political bloggers, right-wing Christians, and credit card-addicted lesbians...reads like a long, realistic installment of Dykes to Watch Out For, with all the sharp observation and political acumen, only fewer jokes. And that's high praise."