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 See dreams come true
Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (5/07)
With four separate stories in this book, the reader soon finds that each of these stories has one thing in common with the others -- God's love in their lives, which helps each characters find true happiness and love.
In the first story, we learn that Laurel is burdened with the memory of her father killed while robbing a bank. In the same town, as she tries to make her way in the world alone, we see what true strength of character can be. Laurel faces daily the disdain of her employer's wife, yet she continues to hold fast her strong faith in God. Somewhere within all of this, she believes, there must be happiness for her. And there is happiness. Though we see Laurel is not ready for love, so she pushes it aside as if to punish herself with lonely moments and a life alone, finding solace in her piano playing and the music she finds bit by bit. The ending of this story is both heartwarming and strong. To tell the ending would not be fair for this reviewer to reveal, but I will share that Laurel finds the happiness she thought was elusive and she finds it in a place she never dreamed possible.
In the second story, the reader meets Prudie, a headstrong woman of the 50's, who is bound and determined to gain equality within the strict society of the 1950's. Convinced that the only way he can gain Prudie's attention is Alex who dreams up a fantastical idea to place within fortune cookies special notes to win her to him and thus arrange a life for them together. At first Prudie seems to stand in her own way to happiness, but the reader sees how through miscommunication and separation the couple comes to an understanding that their love was meant to be from the beginning. The surprise that Alex arranges for Trudie is truly one that will make readers smile and soften the hardest heart. It is a surprise that is brilliant in both its symbolism and its love. And it is a surprise that must be left unsaid here for the reader to truly experience Trudie and her life and how love and God work in mysterious ways.
We meet Bethany in the third story in this book and we find out early on about her difficult life. Thrust into the position of taking care of her mother, the strain of such a job takes its toll of Bethany's young heart. To soothe her soul and perhaps help heal the wounds of being placed in a position so far above her years, she begins to leave little notes, poems, quotes and even thoughts on post it notes anonymously throughout town. One individual is intrigued with the notes to the point of wanting to help this young woman and more. The ending here is again one that must be read to be appreciated, but this reviewer can honestly say that it fits the story quite well and is an uplifting experience all its own.
The fourth and final story in this book is that of Jonica who finds herself becoming an EBAY buyer to help fill her store with wares. Her antique store is her love and she searches EBAY closely as she finds bit after bit to add to her eclectic, antique collection. But she gathers more than mere antiques. She also gathers a friendship in another EBAY buyer who shows her the ropes on EBAY and offers advice as to how to get what she wants. Another story that must be fully read to appreciate, this one became my favorite of the four in this book. And that is simply because I saw in Jonica, so many women in this world, antique store owner or not, who need someone to befriend them and show them the ropes.
"Love Letters," with its four separate stories, is not only entertaining but insightful as well. These stories show how belief in God and His word can truly change ones life for the better, though sometimes in ways we might not imagine. I recommend this book for readers who wish a bit of spirituality within their stories and who like to see dreams come true as well. For this book has both of those aspects, as well as many more within its pages.
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