Redemption

This is a sweet story of Ivorie, a 30-yr-old "old maid," who lives in the Tennessee hills in the 1940's. Her parents have recently passed away and now, for the first time, she is feeling lonely and in need of companionship. George comes along to court her and she thinks she is head-over-heels in love -- until something starts raiding her garden & takes her mind off of George. It turns out to be a little boy who is in need of help -- lots of help. No one in this small community thinks that Ivorie can raise this little boy alone. There is also the mystery of his parentage which includes some danger for Ivorie. Needless to say, George is not happy, so now Ivorie has several life decisions to make. However, this spunky young woman doesn't let anyone get in the way of her doing what she thinks is right, and as she follows her heart, she will also steal yours! This is a very well-written, sweet story of love and survival. And I highly recommend it! ( )

Excellent book, met author at a Patsy Clairmont event, heard author read first chapter

Wow is all I can say to this book. It was a fast and interesting read (I listened to it). I liked the way the book flipped between characters for it kept it all interesting. The little boy did seem more resilient than I may have been in the same circumstances, but children can overcome a lot. I thought it was an interesting premise and handled well. ( )

THE GOOD DREAM by Donna Van Liere
This was a quick read that held my attention to the end. The story has two problems that occur to me. Although the action takes place only over a summer, the relationships that developed would likely take much longer to develop in “real life.” Also, the boy’s disability (cleft palate) is unrealistically presented.
Setting aside the believability factor, the tale is well told, the characters are well developed and the place and time of the story are realistic and well described. The conversation and actions of the characters are correct for the time and place.
Van Liere is described as a “Christian” writer but this tale is only briefly and peripherally “Christian”, rather the people and actions are those of well-meaning and moral people of any, or no, faith. I was pleased that not all the situations and persons get a happy ending in this charming tale of life in small town 1950’s era Tennessee.
3 ½ stars of 5 ( )