Out of all the books I have posted this one is the hardest to give up. I actually wanted it to be a part of my permanent library. I don't know why I like it so much. It isn't very exciting or suspenseful, but I love Dorothy Garlock's style of writing and this book was such a sweet easy read. I loved the characters and the sweet romance!!

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Set in northern Iowa farm country in the 1950s, Garlock's retro romance (following With Heart) details the fitful relationship of high-school sweethearts Nelda Hansen and Lute Hanson. As teenagers, the two were hurried into a shotgun marriage by Nelda's Marine Corps officer father because she was pregnant; five days later, the marriage was dissolved. During the ensuing nine years, Lute enlisted in the Navy, the baby died and Nelda became a successful interior decorator. Now Nelda has inherited the family farm, and Lute is working his family's acres. They meet across the grave of their baby girl, and it's clear that the passion of their youth has not faded. The moment is poignant, but Lute's subsequent behavior displays an obvious lack of maturity. Even though career women were a rarity in the '50s, Lute's nasty attitude toward Nelda's profession is severe. That Nelda endures his insults is even more aggravating, and readers may find it difficult to identify with such a subdued heroine. Exacerbating an already off-putting storyline, Garlock's prose is stilted and her dialogue hampered by constant "I'll not's." Those who like the dominant hero, fragile heroine duo may appreciate this breezy read, but readers who prefer mature, intelligent protagonists should look elsewhere.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW

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four stars...combines murder and corruption with a sweet tender love story.

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Another good read from Garlock. I enjoyed the era she wrote about inthis book.

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Wonderful wonderful book. I could not put it down. Garlock is amazing!!!

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This is a rich and accurate portrayal of life in the 1950s; moral restrictions were very important and it rings true that Nelda Hansen had to marry the man who made her pregnant. The icing on the cake was the dictates by her father that Lute Hanson would get out of Neldas life. Oh, and the divorce papers would be in the mail sign them.

Shocked by the marriage and Mr. Hansens threats, Lute promptly joined the Navy. Nelda takes her baby to her grandparents home in Iowa, but in 6 months Becky was dead. Lute never saw his daughter. Neldas grandparents helped her get a college degree and she moved to Chicago. Before long, Nelda was developing a fine reputation as a commercial interior designer.

Now her grandparents have died and Nelda returns the scene (Clear Lake, Iowa) to decide what to do with their farm. She also wants to take a 6 month break to evaluate where she is going with her life. Shes been away for 8 years. She never dreams of running into Lute.

All of Neldas legal affairs have been handled by a local attorney, so she does not know Lute is out of the service and has returned to farming in Iowa. In fact, he has been leasing the farmland of her grandparents property.

This is a beautifully told tale of second chances. Not a lot of action takes place but emotions run high throughout this book. Some of the details are surprising; I hadnt thought about them in years. However, Dorothy Garlock accurately portrays the mindset of folks at that time. This book grows on the reader.

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A novel of true love found, lost and found again after 8 years. Very quick read.

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This book is a fast read! It is Chick-Lit to the max! It is a great romance book, but the author can actually create a great plot to keep your attention.

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