The opening scene of this book shows that Katherine Dolan is going to be no shrinking violet. While 2 carjackers are robbing her, Katherine waves for help while defending herself. Of course, the man who rescues her is Johnny Henry, a man we have seen before.
Rawlings, Oklahoma, is the scene of this book. Kathleen has bought into a small newspaper, hoping to ensure her future. It doesn't take long to see that there are secrets aplenty in this tiny town.
Katherine has no fear of the secrets and shady events in her adopted home. Fortunately, Johnny sees the danger she is attracting and decides to keep 2 eyes on her. He thinks he's doing it because his relatives asked him to keep an eye on Katherine; only reluctantly does he admit he's lying to himself.
Johnny sees a serious inequality in any possible relationship with Katherine; he knows she is out of his reach. He spends a great deal of emotional energy agonizing over this. It makes Johnny seem very human and realistic in his expectations in life. There's a side issue of Johnny's paternity that is very interesting.
This is definitely a `feel good' book; Katherine and Johnny are likeable and sincere. Secondary characters are clearly defined and add much to this story. Dorothy Garlock has done a wonderful job of explaining the Depression and years between the world wars - and how these times affected common folk.
Katherine and Johnny continue their story in the final book in this series: AFTER THE PARADE. 5 stars
The Dolan Brothers
1. Ribbon in the Sky (1991)
2. With Hope (1998)
3. With Song (1999)
4. With Heart (1999)
5. After the Parade (2000)
Rawlings, Oklahoma, is the scene of this book. Kathleen has bought into a small newspaper, hoping to ensure her future. It doesn't take long to see that there are secrets aplenty in this tiny town.
Katherine has no fear of the secrets and shady events in her adopted home. Fortunately, Johnny sees the danger she is attracting and decides to keep 2 eyes on her. He thinks he's doing it because his relatives asked him to keep an eye on Katherine; only reluctantly does he admit he's lying to himself.
Johnny sees a serious inequality in any possible relationship with Katherine; he knows she is out of his reach. He spends a great deal of emotional energy agonizing over this. It makes Johnny seem very human and realistic in his expectations in life. There's a side issue of Johnny's paternity that is very interesting.
This is definitely a `feel good' book; Katherine and Johnny are likeable and sincere. Secondary characters are clearly defined and add much to this story. Dorothy Garlock has done a wonderful job of explaining the Depression and years between the world wars - and how these times affected common folk.
Katherine and Johnny continue their story in the final book in this series: AFTER THE PARADE. 5 stars
The Dolan Brothers
1. Ribbon in the Sky (1991)
2. With Hope (1998)
3. With Song (1999)
4. With Heart (1999)
5. After the Parade (2000)
