Melissa M. (MemoRandom) reviewed Central Park Rendezvous (Romancing America: New York) on + 78 more book reviews
The problem with a collection of novellas is that it can be spotty. This collection traces the history of a golden coin/love memento from 'the present day' to the Civil War era. Novella #1 - 'the present day' - I give it a 2, just OK, rather circuitous, as the lovers finally connect. Novella #2 - Vietnam War era was somewhat more interesting, with redeeming themes of a young man preparing to be shipped out and his concern for those he leaves behind, 3 stars. Novella #3 - WW II era traces a family struggling with diminished circumstances and a pawn shop owner who rescues them anonymously. Well written, explores themes of faith in times of want and trial, I found it charming. Solid 4 stars. Novella #4 - Just ridiculous. Written in the style of the Perils of Pauline. The heroine was not tied to the railroad tracks, but it was headed in that direction. 1 dismal little star. Perhaps your opinion will be different. To each, her own.
Read this four-in-one collection novel to see how a family heirloom gold coin with a inscription on the back has been passed down through the generations of the Wolfe family based around Central Park in New York!
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM by Ronie Kendig [Afghanistan War, present day]
Returning from his stint in Afghanistan, Sean Wolfe is defeated in life an discouraged in love. Will old letters and an ancient coin delivered by wanna-be ballerina Jamie Russo give him the courage to "Dream a little Dream"? Jamie tries to see through Sean's anger and pain to love him the way God does.
A LOVE MEANT TO BE by Dineen Miller [Vietnam War, 1973] Before he ships out to Vietnam, Alan James meets Gail Gibson, who blazes a fire across his heart. They plan to reunite after Alan returns from Vietnam but lies and deceit keep them apart for 38 years until Alan's niece, Jamie makes her own plans to bring the couple back together.
TO SING ANOTHER DAY by Kim Vogel Sawyer [World War II, 1941]
When Helen Wolfe's fiance abandons her, she is forced to relinquish her dreams of becoming a singer and seeks employment to provide for her siblings. Desperately in need of money, she pawns a family heirloom - an inscribed gold piece dating back to the Civil War. This results in sympathy by the pawnshop owner Bernie O'Day who wants to become her champion.
BEAUTY FROM ASHES by MaryLu Tyndall [Civil War, 1865]
When the Civil War leaves William Wolfe disfigured in body and soul, he rests his hopes in returning to the arms of his fiancee, Annie. Does her rejection of him keep him from seeing the "Beauty from Ashes" and risking his heart again? Standing in the shadows, is Annie's sister, Permelia, who not only had been carrying the coin William gave Annie but also had been writing the letters of encouragement to William when Annie had given up all hope and stopped sending letters. Love had also blinded Permelia to any disfigurement war caused to William face.
These four authors did an amazing job bringing each of their sections together to create a wonderful tale.
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM by Ronie Kendig [Afghanistan War, present day]
Returning from his stint in Afghanistan, Sean Wolfe is defeated in life an discouraged in love. Will old letters and an ancient coin delivered by wanna-be ballerina Jamie Russo give him the courage to "Dream a little Dream"? Jamie tries to see through Sean's anger and pain to love him the way God does.
A LOVE MEANT TO BE by Dineen Miller [Vietnam War, 1973] Before he ships out to Vietnam, Alan James meets Gail Gibson, who blazes a fire across his heart. They plan to reunite after Alan returns from Vietnam but lies and deceit keep them apart for 38 years until Alan's niece, Jamie makes her own plans to bring the couple back together.
TO SING ANOTHER DAY by Kim Vogel Sawyer [World War II, 1941]
When Helen Wolfe's fiance abandons her, she is forced to relinquish her dreams of becoming a singer and seeks employment to provide for her siblings. Desperately in need of money, she pawns a family heirloom - an inscribed gold piece dating back to the Civil War. This results in sympathy by the pawnshop owner Bernie O'Day who wants to become her champion.
BEAUTY FROM ASHES by MaryLu Tyndall [Civil War, 1865]
When the Civil War leaves William Wolfe disfigured in body and soul, he rests his hopes in returning to the arms of his fiancee, Annie. Does her rejection of him keep him from seeing the "Beauty from Ashes" and risking his heart again? Standing in the shadows, is Annie's sister, Permelia, who not only had been carrying the coin William gave Annie but also had been writing the letters of encouragement to William when Annie had given up all hope and stopped sending letters. Love had also blinded Permelia to any disfigurement war caused to William face.
These four authors did an amazing job bringing each of their sections together to create a wonderful tale.
