Helpful Score: 1
This book is 5th and last of the Dolan Brothers series. I generally pass on stories taking place during the years between the two World Wars; I just cannot muster much interest. However, this series as a whole and this book -- are absolutely wonderful.
AFTER THE PARADE is a continuation of Johnny and Katherine Henrys story (WITH HEART). During the span of time between these two books, Johnny and Katherine have had a baby girl. She was born with no hope of living and Johnny blamed himself (he was Mud Creek trash).
Katherine was devastated by Johnnys coldness and his insistence that she get a divorce while he went to war. The story opens as Johnny is returning to Oklahoma as a hero. He learns rather quickly that Katherine has not gotten the divorce.
It is perfectly obvious that these 2 people are still in love but both are too proud to apologize to the other. Things continue to go downhill until Katherine finally finds herself at the lawyers office.
This book is a tour de force because many of the characters in the previous 4 installments either reappear or are mentioned in this story. The author did a lovely job of updating readers of the changes the families experienced.
I cant find anything to complain about this book other than I wish there were another one coming. Beautifully written with distinct characterizations are two things a reader can expect from this author. Ms. Garlock outdid herself; shes also captured a bygone era.
AFTER THE PARADE is a continuation of Johnny and Katherine Henrys story (WITH HEART). During the span of time between these two books, Johnny and Katherine have had a baby girl. She was born with no hope of living and Johnny blamed himself (he was Mud Creek trash).
Katherine was devastated by Johnnys coldness and his insistence that she get a divorce while he went to war. The story opens as Johnny is returning to Oklahoma as a hero. He learns rather quickly that Katherine has not gotten the divorce.
It is perfectly obvious that these 2 people are still in love but both are too proud to apologize to the other. Things continue to go downhill until Katherine finally finds herself at the lawyers office.
This book is a tour de force because many of the characters in the previous 4 installments either reappear or are mentioned in this story. The author did a lovely job of updating readers of the changes the families experienced.
I cant find anything to complain about this book other than I wish there were another one coming. Beautifully written with distinct characterizations are two things a reader can expect from this author. Ms. Garlock outdid herself; shes also captured a bygone era.
Helpful Score: 1
A very good book. It has many themes in it, many subplots but I like how she weaves them all together through out the story and how they all come together at end of the story.
Set in 1945 Rawlings Oklahoma, return of a war hero. Will he and his wife be able to overcome their estrangement? Dorothy Garlock writes Great Books.
Johnny Henry returns from World War II to a boisterous hero's welcome, but the only face he really wants to see is that of his estranged wife, Kathleen. Craving assurance that he is alive and well, Kathleen watches him from afar, never realizing that he searches the crowd for her. After the parade is over, Johnny struggles to rebuild his life and deal with his love for Kathleen--a love that he is convinced is now forbidden. For her part, Kathleen's heart is breaking as she's often thrown into Johnny's company in the small ranching community of Rawlings, Oklahoma. The tragedy that tore the couple apart before Johnny shipped out for the Pacific still haunts them both. And the depth of misunderstanding that lies between them seems insurmountable until Kathleen's life is threatened and Johnny is forced to confront his fears.
Garlock offers a keen insight into the mores and character of 1940s middle America in this post- World War II novel. Blue-collar workers and the rural atmosphere blend well with the hint of deranged obsession that threatens the heroine in this fourth and final of Garlock's books set in Oklahoma.
Garlock offers a keen insight into the mores and character of 1940s middle America in this post- World War II novel. Blue-collar workers and the rural atmosphere blend well with the hint of deranged obsession that threatens the heroine in this fourth and final of Garlock's books set in Oklahoma.
One of Garlocks best!!!!
This is a novel that takes place in 1945. It is a romance about a man coming home from war and how his estranged wife is dealing with seeing him again. There is a little suspense thrown in the middle.
A romance novel set after World War II
A WORLD WAR 2 HERO RETURNS HOME .MISUNDERSTAND ADD TRAGEDY HAD CAUSED A BREAKDOWN OF HIS MARRIAGE. CAN THIS MARRIAGE BE SAVED? VERY GOOD BOOK . I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN UNTIL I FINISHED
Great book!
Be sure to read "With Hope" to see how Johnny and Kathleen meet
Be sure to read "With Hope" to see how Johnny and Kathleen meet
Very Good
Rawlings, Oklahoma, 1945. Johnny Henry is coming home from the Pacific, and his estranged wife, Kathleen, secretly watches him step off the train to a hero's welcome. Her heart races when she sees him; his breaks when he doesn't spot her. Misunderstanding and tragedy had destroyed their marriage right before he shipped out. Now Johnny's pride will keep him from confessing how wrong he had been; now Kathleen's hurt will stop her from running into his arms. But when a disturbed stalker plunges Kathleen into a real-life nightmare, her only hope is Johnny--and a love that can bring two hearts through every battle, especially the one within.
Wonderful book. I didn't want to part from it.
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Perfect read. I love stories that take place in this time era, 1945, after the war. This book offers so much more than a love story (that is not mushy). There is wonderful family friendship, murder, the crazy guy waiting to kidnap the heroine, the "honky tonk half sister that is a lady of the evening, to put it lightly. The new doctor that comes to town, his brother who found him after the ship he was on sunk. The man who beat his wife that finally gets whats coming to him. Death of a baby that drives a young husband and wife apart and love found at every corner. I so much enjoyed this read. Everyone is so likeable and i find myself wanting more--i'm going to hunt for more from this author in a new series now.
The end to a great series!!!
Sherri H. (mamadoodle) -
Terrific!
