Free Fall

At 55, Rae Padilla Francoeur had no idea that the most deeply fulfilling sexual relationship she'd ever encounter was still to come. In her memoir, Free Fall , Francoeur discloses her discovery of a new love after nearly two decades in a relationship that won't end, despite her need and desire to move on. Francoeur succumbs entirely to the intensely physical and stimulating relationship she finds with this new man- allowing her body and mind to truly embrace pleasure and sexual desire- and shares intimate details of a love affair that changes everything, leading her to celebrate her sexuality and rediscover herself. Free fall, Francoeur says, is a choice: Let go. Be here now. Open up to the possibilities. Choosing to let go is a tall order for a woman who's lived her life as a single parent, a loving and attentive mate to a man with bipolar disorder, and a creative director in a busy museum- but when she finally succeeds in choosing herself, she views life anew, sensitized by sexual desire and dramatic change. Her new lover says, " Everything is foreplay." With him, Francoeur learns to embrace her sexuality and the profound pleasure bodies bring, even as they age.